By Michael Kohn
Who can make your skin silky and shiny, get you ready for that big night on the town, energize your body and be pet-friendly? Arbonne International– that’s who. Arbonne International is a 31 year old company offering an array of Swiss-formulated, botanically based, vegan-certified, pure, safe and beneficial products. Although I haven’t used any makeup since my college theater days, I sat down with Jill Kay of Chappaqua, who was recently promoted to the position of Regional Vice-President with Arbonne, and learned a little about skin care products and cosmetics which together with vitamins, supplements and nutrition products, comprise the core of the product line.
Once a broadcast producer, Jill was a stay-at-home mom for 12 years until circumstances thrust her back into the workforce. She needed a job which would still allow her to tend to her two children and happened upon Arbonne, a network marketing company which lets her work from home or even the beach. Because the products are P.E.T.A.-approved (no animal products or by-products or testing) and Arbonne is a “green” company, Jill can earn money guilt-free, promoting products that are pure and safe without harsh chemicals.
Anti-aging skin care is their flagship product line. And who doesn’t want to look younger? In addition, Arbonne markets baby products, aromatherapy, sun care products, a spa line, acne treatments, cosmetics and Arbonne Essentials– a gluten-free nutrition line with vitamins, supplements and protein shakes. I had one– it was delicious.
I have three daughters who all use makeup and skin care products. I have no idea what’s in them or what side- effects extended use might cause. Jill filled me in that mineral oil is illegal in Switzerland (it is produced by crude oil). An array of chemicals and carcinogenic ingredients, such as parabens, are used as preservatives in many skin care and cosmetic products. On the other hand, Arbonne emphasizes that its lines are all-natural–free of parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, and PABA, with no artificial dyes or artificial fragrances. Maybe I should have a few father-daughter conversations.
For Jill, the business model, network marketing, was especially appealing. It was easy to get started and she didn’t have to reinvent the wheel. “You are in business for yourself but not by yourself,” she said describing her positive relationship with other Arbonne consultants. She claims that people are so happy with the products that they “sell themselves.” “I’m not a salesperson and don’t want to be.” People can order the products online too which enhances her own bottom line without too much effort.
Jill received her promotion while vacationing in Paris! Nowadays, you might see her driving around town in her new white Mercedes Benz, thanks to a stipend she receives from Arbonne, which has the largest corporate fleet of Mercedes in the country.
Each month, Jill holds a business opportunity luncheon at Le Jardin du Roi for people who might be interested in becoming consultants themselves. According to Jill, people are interested for different reasons- maybe it’s freedom and flexibility, a “Plan B” in today’s economy, or simply an opportunity for additional income.
“You get out of it what you put into it,” she explains, noting that most people do it part-time for extra income, alongside their full time jobs. Since she started, her team has grown to 43 consultants across the country and they are always looking for new people. As for Jill, she says she has never been happier. “I love, love, love it!” To reach Jill, visit www.jillkay.myarbonne.com.
Michael Kohn is a long time contributor to Inside Chappaqua.
