I can't live without _______!!!!!!!

What is your FAVORITE product? Your iPhone? Your Mac Cosmetics? Your designer purse? Your soda of choice? What is that one thing that you just absolutely LOVE and cannot live without? 

Now, imagine that the creators of that product decided to discontinue offering it at the store where you've always purchased it. Gone. Poof! But then they called you (because they know how much you love it!) to see if YOU want to have access to their inventory to sell it to all of your friends, and that they would give it to you for a great discount and a 20-35% commission override on each one that you sold? Would you do it? You'd be CRAZY not to!!! You LOVE this product, and you KNOW that everyone else will love it too and experience the same excitement that you have!! And what would you do to tell as many of your friends about this product that you're offering? You'd shout it from the mountain tops of every social media platform out there...because you're smart and know that it is the strongest and FASTEST way to communicate to the maximum amount of people. 

This is exactly what happened with Rodan + Fields. Originally sold in high end department stores, where it became the #1 selling clinical skincare brand, then pulled off the shelves to be redistributed through lovers of the products by telling their friends about it. Not only is this genius (because we now do 4x the amount of sales in ONE MONTH that we did in an entire year in retail...and remember, we were already #1 back then, AND we are STILL just getting started!), but this is also extremely GENEROUS!! How freakin lucky am I to be able to be a part of this opportunity? Sometimes I just have to pinch myself!! 

Think about that for a minute. No...think about it for a split SECOND and then message me to be a part of this exciting opportunity! It's never been done like this before, and very likely we will NEVER see an opportunity like this again in our lifetime.  ‪#‎dontwait‬ ‪#‎yourRFexpert‬

Put a little PEPtide in your Step!

Imagine a glass vase.  Layered within the vase, from the bottom to the top, are the following:  a thick layer of plump, juicy grapes at the bottom, followed by a layer of sticky raisins, tightly compressed, and finally, a thin layer of dry, flaky, cornflakes.  The vase represents the structure of our skin, from the inside out.  This is a pictorial of what happens during the lifecycle of our skin’s cells. They start out plump like grapes, then change to a withered state like a raisin, and then end up dry and flaky like cornflakes.

The grapes represent healthy cells which are born in the basal cell layer, or bottom of your epidermis, every 28 – 30 days.  Once we hit age 30 this process begins to slow down, cycling to around 40 – 60 days in mature skin.  In a normal cycle, the plump, healthy skin cell (grape) pushes up to the surface as part of its natural life cycle.  In the process it becomes flat and sticky ( like the raisin) and eventually reaches the surface, dying (dry, flaky, cornflakes) and flakes off.  As we get older this natural exfoliation process slows down and both the raisin and cornflakes layers get thicker, making it harder for the grapes to move up.  As a result, we see an increase in the layer of sticky cells (raisins) and a large accumulation of dead skin on the surface (cornflakes), leaving less room for healthy, plump cells (grapes).  I don’t know about you, but the mental picture of this is NOT ideal to me.  This is where collagen and peptides come into play!  Collagen works to keep your skin plump like the grapes.

Skin is made up mostly of collagen. It is the foundation that gives your skin its support and thickness. Young people have a large amount of collagen which leaves them with taut, smooth skin. In contrast, older people have much less collagen and have thin, wrinkled skin.  Personally, I prefer the former.

Collagen is a protein and is made up of long chains of amino acids strung together, like chains of linked building blocks. When collagen is broken down, short segments of 3-5 amino acids form, called peptides.  Peptides are active molecules and referred to as “mini proteins."   So, a peptide is a portion, or a building block, of a protein.  Got it?

All peptides influence or direct the cells of the body in some way. Different types of peptides influence different types of cells.  What is a Peptide used for in skin care? The peptides used in skin care are ones that communicate with and direct the skin cells to behave in a certain way, such as producing more collagen or to thicken the skin. Because peptides are small, they can penetrate the skin’s protective barriers to get to the deeper layers for an effective anti-aging treatment.

Moral of the story here is that in order to find effective anti-aging skin care, make sure there are peptides in your products that focus on boosting collagen production!   Wouldn’t you rather have the plump grape look than the withered raisin look?  I sure would.

Check out the peptides in the Rodan + Fields REDEFINE line.  This daily system, which incorporates anti-aging peptides, works on multiple skin levels to address the key causes of skin aging: decreased cell turnover, diminished collagen production, dryness, and the cumulative effects of environmental damage.  The result: skin is rejuvenated, elasticity is restored, the appearance of wrinkles is reduced.

An exclusive cocktail of peptide technology, anti-oxidants and UVA/UVB protectants firm and protect as they replenish and repair.  The REDEFINE products boost cell energy and brighten skin for a younger, smoother, more vibrant complexion.  They also help protect against trans-epidermal moisture loss and environmental damage.  The science behind the REDEFINE Regimen is dermatologist proven, the ingredients are tried-and-true and the formulations deliver optimal results.

Doctors’ Rodan and Fields research is cutting edge and the reason behind the smooth, firm faces of the users of R+F products.

Even JESUS uses Rodan + Fields!!

You think Rodan + Fields is just for women??  Think again!  Women, men, children, and yes...even Jesus uses Rodan + Fields.  Well, maybe Jesus doesn't use the products on His face...after all, He is without flaws.  But He does USE the products and business to expand His Kingdom! Can I get an AMEN?!?  

As you may know, I have committed a portion of all of my sales to give back to Justice Ministries, a non-profit, Christian organization created to combat sex trafficking and sexual exploitation of women in Charlotte, NC with a focus on rescue and housing.  After learning that human trafficking is not just a problem in other countries, but rather in our own backyard (and all over the US), I knew I couldn't just sit back and continue to watch the headlines roll in.  Contributing financially to this organization is just a small example of how Rodan + Fields is impacting the Kingdom of God for His glory!  

Check out all of these other Consultants and how THEY are also using their financial blessings from their Rodan + Fields business to pour out onto others in the name of Jesus!  

Sarah Robbins - Gives to children in need through organizations like Angel House, World Vision, Compassion, and to individual causes that align with her mission of providing children with love and loving homes.
Mallory Hope - Funds and participates in Dental mission trips. 
Laura Bangar - Started a local ministry in Mississippi, and now has the recourses and time to take full mission trips.  
Kristin Tracey - Started a camp that hosts abused or neglected foster children. 
Uilani Cordeiro - Gives to the ministries of her husband's church plant. 
Letisha Pittman - Developing an activity center for underprivileged youth in their community.  

My husband and I fully believe in being a river with our resources and not a reservoir.  Maybe you feel like your financial situation is great, and that you do not need any more money.  But what if working this business wasn't about you...but rather you being an open river of resources to flow out onto others?  What if God wants to use you as that river for His Kingdom?  

This is my daily prayer over my business - that God humbles me and uses me as an instrument to do His work.  Helping people love their skin is just the beginning; watching God work through this business is the true blessing in it all.   I would be honored to talk to you about this business and how it has impacted our lives and the lives of others.  

*WARNING! This post might make you sick!*

This weekend my amazing husband presented me with the best Mother's Day present! No...we don't have children. No...I'm not pregnant. And no...it wasn't for how I'm a "mother" to my cat. 

The gift was for what I am doing NOW to prepare myself and our house for the hopeful role of becoming a mother down the road. The sacrifice we both made to leave my corporate job and embrace my Rodan + Fields business full time was something we fervently prayed through before taking action. The commitment I have made to this decision is my driving force every day, knowing that one day when we are blessed with a child, I won't have to worry about maternity leave, or the pressure of finding a day care within those time constraints, or the pinch that having children puts on household finances. 

Being a Mother is something I deeply desire. And being a wife to someone that appreciates everything I am presently doing to fulfill that future role and contribute to our family is truly a blessing from God! 

Single ladies...(meaning not married. If you haven't married him, you are still single) find a Godly man who celebrates you, not only for who you ARE, but also for who you will become! Having someone who sees the great work still to be done in you and celebrates that before it is brought to light is a gift from God. 

So thankful for my gift - both the present and my amazing husband!

Excuses, Excuses, Excuses....

People say to me: I don't have the time.
I hear: Carla, I don't want an opportunity that gives me more flexibility with my time. 

People say to me: I don't have the money. 
I hear: Carla, I don't want the chance to make more money. 

People say to me: I don't know anything about skincare. 
I hear: Carla, I am un-coachable, and I don't want to learn about something that has the power to change my life. 

People say to me: I don't know anyone who would buy this. 
I hear: Carla, I don't know anyone with skin. All of my friends are fish. 

People say to me: I don't need to make anymore money. My (or my husband's) income is enough. 
I hear: Carla, I only live in my world, and I am not aware of other needs outside of my own to which extra income could support. (Ouch...)

People say to me: I don't want to quit my job. I like what I do. 
I hear: Carla, I didn't listen to a word you just said, b/c if I did I would know that I can keep my job that I truly love and also do this in just 10-15 minute pockets throughout my day all from the convenience of my cellphone. 

People say to me: I don't want to sign up for a pyramid scheme.
I hear: Carla, I haven't done my research to really understand exactly what Direct Sales is and the legitimate business model that is being presented to me. 

Here are some legitimate excuses I will entertain:  
- Carla, I recently moved to a cave where I will live off the land around me and remove myself from cellular or internet connections. (However, if you are reading this, then, well...there goes that excuse.)
- Carla, I hate all people. Including you. Leave me alone to live in solitude. (Again, you are on Facebook, a social media website...soooo.......
- Carla, I was recently enrolled in the witness protection program and will be living under an alias for an indefinite amount of time. (And now you just told me this secret, soooooooo.....)

People say to me:  I wish I would have joined you sooner.  

I hear:  Carla, I'm READY!  Let's DO THIS!!  

Stop with the excuses! Just call the number (live on Sundays, or the replay anytime during the week) and MESSAGE ME! I'm on a rocket ship to the moon, and I'm ready to take you with me!

I'm PREGNANT!!

CRAZY!!  Totally did not expect this so SOON, but it's happening!  Seems like just yesterday that my husband and I would just joke about the idea.   Are we ready for this kind of responsibility??  Such a change in our lives?!  Am I equipped to take on this role?  I mean…to hold someone's future in my hands!!  That's insane!  I have heard how challenging it can be at first, but that the reward is simply worth every bit!  And now, here I am...4 months in and I am watching my little baby grow!  

So there it is folks…I'm pregnant!!  Pregnant with excitement, that is, that my little Rodan + Fields family is growing!  (Ohh…ohhh….you thought I meant like reeeeeally pregnant!!  Like with a human and stuff… Heck no!  I JUST got married, people!  Calm down.)  

Anyway…back to my baby.  

I jumped in head first to my Rodan + Fields business - immediately posting away on Facebook every single day!  I saw a great opportunity with this company, and I did not want to waste one single second in building my own business!  My first goal was to get these amazing products into as many hands as possible!  In my first month, I had 10 customers, in my second month, another 12.  I now have over 50 customers!!!  FIFTY+ people that I have the true honor of serving and helping them find the best skincare available to them!  And as of today, just 4 months in,  I have FIVE business partners that are ready to run with me in this exciting opportunity!  I cannot begin to explain how exciting this is!  

I recently used the analogy of Motherhood to describe my experience with Rodan + Fields.  (Bear with me here…HA!).  I am not a Mom (we have established this), but I have been told by my friends that are Mothers that it is an indescribable feeling/connection that you have with your child.  Try as I might to wrap my head around that kind of love, I just can't.  All I'm hearing is "sleepless nights, dirty diapers,  and baby food in my hair."  And they are all like "OMG - do it!  Have a baby!  It's the best thing ever!"  Ugh - get your positive energy away from my uterus!   One day, Lord willing, I will have children of my own and hopefully then I will understand this sacrificial, unbelievable love.  

But…this is kind of how I feel about direct sales.  When other people use to describe it to me, I just couldn't wrap my head around it.  It didn't sound appealing to me at all.  But once I took the leap to the other side, I NOW get it.  And just like my Mother friends, I want to tell everyone, "OMG - do it!  It's the best thing EVER!"  

You may not know this about me, but I actually have a Master's in Education.  While my career as a school teacher did not last very long (one year, to be exact), I find it a blessing that I am now able to use my background to educate and lead my team of Consultants.  (See, Mom and Dad…I told you that degree wasn't a waste!)   It's been an exciting 4 months…and I have loved every single minute of it!  Having the freedom to brand myself along side of the already established and well respected brand of Rodan + Fields has been  beyond fun!  I get to be creative again…I get to have FUN while working…I get to play on Facebook for a living!  Dreams really do come true!  Ha!  

Are you ready to jump in like I did!?  Just like having a baby…I can't promise you that it will be easy, but I can tell you that it will be sooooooooooo worth it!  

My incredible weight gain story...

When I got married, I gained about 150 pounds!  At first, the weight was an adjustment.  It completely changed my lifestyle as I once knew it.  Now, I have learned to embrace it, cherish it, and find irreplaceable value in it.  

I'm talking about my husband.  Gotcha!  :)  The addition of his presence to my life has brought about undeniable change in every facet.  Having him as a partner in my life is truly a gift!  His faith in God is so admirable, and he is constantly leading me in my own journey by pointing everything back to the cross.  I am so blessed that God would place such a man in my care, and I am constantly giving thanks for His provisions over my life.  

One of my husband's many gifts is the gift of business acumen.  He is so wise in his investments and in how he conducts his business.  It's no wonder that he is in the top 1% of ALL mortgage originators in the country!  So when I came to him with this idea of going into direct sales with Rodan + Fields, I knew that he would give me an honest, wise opinion of what would be best for our future.  (After all, my interest was in getting great skincare at an amazing discount as a Consultant. Ha!  But I knew THAT approach would not fly with my husband, so I had to come at it from a different angle of the "business opportunity."  Which, btw, I didn't really understand at that time.)  So I approached him with the general facts:

• Dr. Rodan & Dr. Fields are the 2 doctors that created ProActiv and are now expanding their brand with anti-age regimens.  
• The brand started in high-end retail stores, where it was the #1 selling anti-age line, when the Doctors decided to pull out of retail and go into direct sales.
• There are less than 100,000 consultants right now, and the business has been around for about 7 years.  
• Everything is virtual (no parties/no inventory).

That's about all that I knew…well, that and the fact that I had to have ALL of this stuff!!  My husband took a few days of looking into the company and the business model, presenting many questions for me to ask my friend as well as scenarios for me to ponder.  After just a few days of research, he came back to me with a resounding "We HAVE to do this!"  

I pretty much already had my finger on the "submit" button, just waiting on the hubby's support - and just like that…BAM - my world flipped upside-down!  Within hours of me announcing my partnership with Rodan + Fields, messages starting flowing in!  I wasn't even 100% sure what I was doing yet - shoot, I wasn't even 10% sure what I was doing!!  But, thankfully, I joined the BEST team in the company who was ready to support me and provide me with everything I needed to know right away.  "Learn as you earn!!..." is what we say!  And that's exactly what I did!  I quickly grew my understanding of the products and the business, and now just a few months into it and 50 customers later, my business is ON FIRE!  I absolutely LOVE what I do!  And I think my customers will vouch for that.  It's my honor to serve them and to help them find the best skincare products out there for them.  In addition, they are all playing a part in my efforts to combat human trafficking in Charlotte, as I donate a portion of all of my sales to Justice Ministries, a non-profit organization committed to fighting human trafficking with an emphasis on rescue and housing.  

Now, did I need my husband's support before doing this?  Technically, no.  He's not my master.  Ha!   But fully respecting his business mind, it gave me the confidence to move boldly into this new adventure!  And now, that 150 pounds is actually the weight that motivates and inspires me daily!  

So blessed to have him!  So blessed to be a part of this company!  I would be honored to partner with YOU in this business!  Message me below, and let's get started!