“Are you sure you want to do that?”

“Oh no, don’t do that. You have to buy all this inventory that you’ll never sell.”

“Interesting. I never envisioned you wanting to do something like that.”

“Is it worth it? When will you actually start to make real money?”

These are a few of the comments I received from a few of friends and family when I shared I was considering starting a Beautycounter business. I knew these comments were out of love and they did perpetuate my worries about direct selling. I am so glad I didn’t let my fear stop me.

Considering the opportunity was a culmination of things. At the time I had been working for six months after my maternity leave, I had just finished prenatal yoga teacher training, and I had recently accepted an amazing opportunity at lululemon, my full time gig. I was slowly giving myself the space and courage to create my BHAG (big, hairy, audacious goal); to launch Settle Up and support women and mothers during the most transformative moments of their lives.

I had been a client of Beautycounter’s for over four years and I was a huge fan of the mission and social impact. The products were high-performing and safe to use at any age and any season of life, especially in the child-bearing years when so many ingredients are unsafe to use. What an incredible asset to my greater business goals and resource to women that visit my website and take my pre/postnatal yoga classes. Plus who doesn’t want to make more money? A passive income can contribute to my family’s financial goals, too.

So I said yes. Even then I was still a little skeptical but I believed in my big picture goals and I was committed to giving this opportunity my all.

I have been surprised by so much in my first year of business. I know that I am not the only one who’s ever hesitated or been uncertain about a direct selling opportunity. Too many women have had to leave the workforce this past year and those who are still working have had to pivot their jobs and roles in ways they never imagined.

If you’ve ever been curious, considered a new business opportunity, wanted something to call your own, or just want to make some extra money right now, I dedicate this post to you.

MYTH 1: You have to buy the inventory you sell and then it’s impossible to sell it.

TRUTH: You don’t have to buy anything. All the inventory is housed in warehouses and distributed through their website like a Nordstrom or Sephora. I only buy products for me and gifts for clients.

MYTH 2: I will have to be one of those people who hit up friends they haven’t talked to since high school or college. I don’t want to be that person to make money.

TRUTH: I have never had an inauthentic conversation and I never hit up anyone who hasn’t been interested in the products. I don’t drop into the Instagram DM’s with a “Hey, Girl!” message to sell products. I share the products and promos on my social media, blog, monthly newsletter, yoga classes, and with friends and family who are interested. I have always operated out of service and how I can help.

MYTH 3: I don’t have time to dedicate to it so I won’t make any real money.

TRUTH: I made about $300-$500 when I spent 10 hours per month (~2 hours per week) and the first month I spent 20 hours a month on my business (~5 hours per week) is when I made my first four-figure paycheck. That was 9 months after into my business. So much is possible! I create the time to work this gig because the output is engaging and rewarding and the return is high. The more I put in, the more I get back. You make it what you want.

MYTH 4: A multi-level marketing job just isn’t for me. My mentor will pressure me and is only interested in making more money.

TRUTH: Technically, yes it is a multi-level marketing format. The biggest surprise to me this year was how supportive and collaborative working on a team is. My friend, Jenny, is technically my mentor and she is heavily invested in my success…but only as much as I want her to be. She supports me as much or as little as I want. If I want to hit that four-figure paycheck she is encouraging and motivating me every step of the way. If I can’t dedicate time to it that month, she supports from a distance when I reach out and never pressures me ever. The team of women and men I work with are highly motivated, creative, and bold. They inspire me!

MYTH 5: I’m not a salesperson. I will be awkward and uncomfortable.

TRUTH: I haven’t had to “sell” ever. I share what I love about these products and what I’ve learned from using them myself. I share promotions and sales to get people the best deal possible. I support women in making choices that will help achieve their goals. The greatest reward has been hearing from friends and family about what an impact the products have made and how good it feels to have a new, daily routine to take care of themselves.

If you’re reading this and seeing possibility for yourself, let’s chat more. I would love to share more about my experience and how this opportunity has impacted my life and gotten me closer to my goals. I’d be honored to pay it forward and help you create something for yourself!