My 10 Year Anniversary

Happy 10th Anniversary to me!  It might not be diamonds but I still shine bright like one!  

If someone had told me 10 years ago what my journey with Stampin' Up! would look like, I would have shook my head in disbelief and thought they were joking!  My journey has been amazing!  Absolutely amazing!   I had always dreamed of making a living from my crafting hobby and had never thought it was possible! Dreams do come true!

Ten years ago, as a busy mom of 4 wonderful children, ranging in age from 2 to 10, and running my own bookkeeping business, my world was extremely hectic and busy!  To find some "down" time, I attended a few classes and joined Stampin' Up! in August of 2012, to escape for "me time", enjoy a new hobby and meet other crafters.  I have crafted with family and friends my entire life, so a new craft sounded new and exciting. And let's be entirely honest, I signed up, like so many do, to get the free product and the discount!  

At that time, my goal was to acquire my wish list of supplies for my new crafting adventure, as I did not own a single Stampin' Up! product!  Well that changed quickly when I joined teams with my upline teaching a monthly club, again in my mind, to acquire my wish list faster!  Much to my surprise, I enjoyed teaching and so did those attending!  They loved my projects!  This energy quickly progressed to more and more classes, and then a phone call from Stampin' Up!.   That phone call was pivotal! 

Stampin' Up! called and told me that I was on track to achieve Rising Star!  I have to admit, I was in dumbfounded, as I had no idea that I was doing well nor did I have any idea what a Rising Star was!  And for those who are not familiar, I describe it as Rookie of the Year!  Well, challenge accepted!  

Shortly after, I achieved that goal, along with two other amazing women in the US!  What a feeling!  Being the only Canadian and one of three to accomplish this goal in a year!   Shining bright, Stampin' Up! spoiled us with an exclusive retreat just for us!  It was amazing!  Absolutely incredible!  I felt like a Star and on top of the world!

To say the least, this kicked started my journey and I had found my shine! 

To be frank, I had no idea how much fun this would be and how enriching it is!  I have met so many incredible people, made so many marvelous friends, experienced so much, challenged myself and grown in so many ways.  It is hard to condense 10 years into such a short version, as I have experienced so much in this time.  I have learned so much about myself and can't wait for what the future holds!  

To say, I love what I do, is a total understatement!  Stampin' Up! has filled a void that I didn't know existed and has unleashed a creative passion that I love, and truly fulfilled my "me" time!  Thank you Stampin' Up!

There is so much more that I could share, and do share, of my story whenever someone asks and is interested in listening!  I wanted to share a glimpse at my journey, as I know others can benefit from crafting and joining Stampin' Up! too!  If you are considering it, my advice is "Go for it"! Join my team and find your sparkle!  Be you!  Be your own boss and make your journey yours!  It is powerful!  Shine bright like the diamond you are!

Dream, sparkle & shine!