(warning – picture heavy post with sentimental ramblings) I’m now in my 16th year as a Stampin’ Up! Canada Demonstrator! I bought the Starter Kit back when there was a set kit (no picking and choosing your own product like the youngsters these days…), and I totally anticipated buying products for myself at a discount (reason #1 why I love being a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator – the products / discount) and maybe selling to a few already crafty friends. Fast forward 16 years and here I am….ahem. These days I’m lucky enough to be able to work my day job on a part time basis, and part time at my Stampin’ Up! business. I am anticipating that when I retire from my day job, I will continue as a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator – because it’s fun, and it’s a fun way to boost my income (reason #2 why I love being a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator – the income), so why not?!
I joined Stampin’ Up! for the product and discount, and have stayed for the friendships (reason #3 why I love being a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator). This past week, I attended the On Stage Live event in Salt Lake City. Six members of my demonstrator group (The “Eh” Team!) also travelled to Utah for the event! It’s always fun to have a group there, though I wasn’t able to spend the whole time with them….but here’s proof we were there (even if Kim is hiding): L to R – me, Mary, Gail, Kim, Anne, Leanne, Karen.
This was a busy event for me, as I was asked to be part of the Stampin’ Up! Global Events Council a little while back – and was honoured and thrilled to participate. Seven demonstrators in North America are part of the current council, and we take part in teleconferences, but we met in person for the first time at last week’s On Stage Event in Salt Lake City. The day before registration started, we were busy behind the scenes helping get ready – packaging gifts, prizes, and setting up the room where the leadership event would happen later in the week. We had SUCH a good time together though, that it hardly seemed like work at times! Here’s a group shot along with Shelli Gardner, co-founder of the company (left) and Sara Douglass, CEO (right). (also – L to R Laura, Sherry, Robyn, me, Bonnie, Susan, Rhonda)
I can’t express how glad I am to have gotten to know these wonderful ladies better during our time together. We were amazed at how we all “clicked” so quickly! (reason #4 I love being a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator – new friends!) I think a shared sense of humour helped – we laughed A LOT. Besides helping out behind the scenes and during the event (running to give out prizes during General Sessions kept my activity levels high LOL), members of the Council also presented during the event. (that also kept my heart rate high for a while LOL). Here I am on stage presenting the Tutti Frutti suite – coming in the Occasions catalogue. (really, I was happy to do this, even if I looked a little stunned in this shot). (Reason #5 why I love being a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator – it gives me new challenges)
During one of the general sessions, I walked the stage with other friends, celebrating 15 years as a demonstrator, so here I am with some fellow Canadians….photo courtesy of my friend Lydia…can you pick me out?
No? (see the mitt?! LOL). Good thing Leanne, one of the “Eh” Team members was able to grab a photo…
On the very right is Karen Duke, the first Canadian Demonstrator to reach 1 million in CSV sales (over 1 million Canadian dollars!). I came home feeling energized, supported and motivated…and then discovered that I actually made the Top 50 Canadian Demonstrators for last year! That was the icing on the cake. So here’s to ranking 32nd in the nation, and reaching higher in the next year. Thank you to all the “Eh” Team members, thank you to all my customers, thank you to YamStamps readers and social media followers. (Bonus reason I love being a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator – you! – too cheesy? sorry!). I look forward to being around for the next 16 years or more!
