It was during the 2002 Sale-A-Bration event that I had the opportunity to embrace life! I was a work-a-holic and my whole life evolved around work, work, work. I would get up in the morning and dial-in to the office to monitor how the day was progressing... I'd get ready for the day, drive to the office and put in another 8-10 hours. Once I arrived home I quickly dialed back into the office so I could monitor what was happening in our 24x7 contact center and of course, this was before making or eating dinner. I'd check the computer one last time before going to bed and then start the whole routine over the next morning.

As you can imagine this didn't leave much quality time for me or my family. Life was pretty much headed in a downhill spiral and that was not good. The ultimatum came when my loving husband reminded me life should be enjoyed and it was time to enjoy it -- this included balancing my time between work with other important people and activities. Looking back now, I am so grateful he brought this to my attention...

As luck would have it, I met my upline around this time. As we chatted I found out she was a Stampin' Up! demonstrator and I was so envious! I had been introduced to Stampin' Up! several years earlier -- I understood what Stampin' Up! was! Not to mention, when I went home and pulled out my Stampin' Up! catalogs I came across a completed Starter Kit Form and Independent Demonstrator Agreement dated five years earlier. I really don't know why I never submitted the paperwork, but I knew I wasn't going to make that mistake again!

My husband was very supportive in this decision and we both knew Stampin' Up! was a company I could find Fun, Creativity, Enjoyment and Balance in! As the years progressed, he joined me as a Supporting Demonstrator and most recently signed up as one of my newest club members! (my existing club members love having him there -- this business isn't just for women!)

Joining Stampin' Up! was a turning point for me. It not only broke me of my work-a-holic behavior as I had to prep for my workshops at some point and prepping was a lot more fun than working! It also helped me realize what was truly important in life - my family, my well being and the wonderful friends I have met through my Stampin' Up! business!

Being a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator is so rewarding. Not only do I get to be creative every day, I also get to be a creative coach, offering fresh project ideas and encouragement to my customers and friends.

For me, helping someone create that perfect project for a special occasion is the best feeling in the entire world. After all, creating cards, scrapbook pages, and gift items is about more than just stamps and ink—it’s about sharing a part of yourself with the people you love.