Younique - The Company

I joined Younique on October 20, 2012, before they had product.  I am proud to be Founding presenter #83. At that time the presenter kit included business cards and product cards, but no product at all!  It also included only 3 months of Free website, after that it was going up to $10 a month.

I have been involved with several Direct Sells companies in my life and can honestly say that I have never spoken to my sponsors or been trained by them or had the opportunity to meet and interact with the founders of the company.  

Younique is truly unique is the way they interact with the presenters.  The co-founders each send out weekly emails to all the presenters that include statistics on our company sales and incentives.

They have committed themselves to the company mission statement wholeheartedly and will do whatever is necessary to ensure that we all succeed!  

The perks of being a presenter with Younique are ever changing.  After less than a year in business they decided that the gap between status advancements was to large. To remedy that they reduced the requirements to reach each status and added a status! 

The newest change they made is to the website fee.  Since most direct sales companies pay for website design services they must charge a fee for the maintenance or they would never make any money! Younique does not have that problem!

Derek is a software designer and is the man that created the software used by companies like Scentsy and several others.  He and his team have designed the Younique websites and handle all the changes and repairs as needed, no outside company is needed.  Therefore they alone can offer a FREE website to all presenters forever!!  That is roughly a $120 yearly value!! 

There will never be a charge associated with being a presenter one the initial kit is purchased. There are no auto shipments requirements and there never will be. 

I LOVE YOUNIQUE because they care about the success of their presenters! 

I LOVE YOUNIQUE because they are continually rewarding their presenters and our customers with special gifts!  

I LOVE YOUNIQUE because they believe in transparency and they do their best to keep their presenters informed on what is happening at Corporate headquarters.

Mostly I LOVE YOUNIQUE because of the family feeling, the co-founders are amazing people, and their mother and sisters, who are part of my up line, are the kindest most amazing women!

This company has made me change who I am for the better! I have always been a little shy, but I am now doing events and talking to strangers, and I owe it all to Younique!! 

Their confidence in me makes me believe that I can succeed! The success I have seen my sponsor and others in the company reach shows me that it is possible and I am determined to succeed! 

I WILL SUCCEED! 

Join my team and you can succeed as well!  www.youniquebypamela.com

Uplift! Empower! Motivate!

I have told you on several occasions that I joined Younique after I read the mission statement:

Feel beautiful.  Look beautiful.  Be beautiful.  Inside and out!

Younique's mission is to uplift, empower, validate and ultimately help build the self-esteem of women around the world. Through high-quality products that encourage these core values - along with spiritual enlightenment - we're enabling opportunities for personal growth and financial reward to women everywhere.

As a plus size woman I have struggled with self esteem issues my entire life! I have heard the whispered and even loudly stated comments from men and woman about my size and internalized them and even agreed with them throughout the years.  When I hit my mid 30's I had a long talk with myself and in the end decided that I was NOT going to live like that any longer! I have mentioned before my morning ritual, well in my 30's that ritual changed a little.

Prior to that I would tell myself every morning that I was capable of speaking to people that I did not know, that I was capable of answering the phone and doing the job I was paid to do.  During most of this time I was a secretary in a planning department of a local government, and I hated every minute of every day that I worked with the public, however, I kept a smile on my face and did my job, because it was how I was raised! I had agreed to take the job and no matter how miserable I was I would do it to the best of my ability.

During this same time I would regularly go home and drink a bottle of wine with my dinner, yes the whole bottle!  I also found that I really liked rum, and vodka, and a great number of other alcoholic beverages.  I know it sounds like I was becoming an alcoholic, but truthfully I was not and am not, I have never had a problem with not drinking and in fact have had less than a dozen of drinks in the last couple of years, but, at that time in my life I was single, fat, and in my mind I was alone and pretty worthless.  I had a lot of people that I considered friends, some of them really were and others not so much. 

I made the decision in 2000 to move back to Alaska, and financially it was probably the worst mistake of my life for about 2 years; I was unemployed until March of 2001 and then landed my full time job, once again as a secretary in a planning department in my local government.  At that time I was about 32, and terrified! 

I have made some amazing friends since then and it was one of them that unknowingly helped me see that I am not fat, alone and worthless.  I have tried every diet ever made and nothing seems to work, I do not generally overeat, and in fact I eat healthier and less than my skinny friend.  Getting to know her through the years and seeing the way she eats vs. the way I eat made me realize that my weight was more that just bad eating habits; my friend is at the most a size 14, she looks great and lives on crap!  Seeing and comprehending that was truly life changing for me. 

I added to my morning ritual and now I tell myself on a daily basis "I am NOT worthless! I have a purpose and I will succeed in the purpose! I DO NOT CARE what anyone thinks about me and my size! I am comfortable being me no matter what size I may be! It is FUN to be me and others wish they were me! and I am capable of speaking to people that I did not know; and I am capable of answering the phone and doing the job I am paid to do."

Shortly after I made that change I was promoted and am no longer a secretary I am the Grants and Projects Coordinator and I work on a daily basis with roughly 220 million dollars in grants and contracts.  I love it! 

When I read Younique's Mission Statement I realized that this company was the one I had been looking for; their belief in Feel Beautiful. Look Beautiful. Be Beautiful. Inside and Out! speaks to me and makes me want to live up to those words! They make me want to help other women feel that way!  Thanks to Younique over the last year I have spoken to more strangers, and gotten to know some amazing women and men and as terrified as I am through it all I am determined that I will do it I will share Younique with everyone I meet!

My self esteem goes up a little more every day and I have Younique to thank for that!

My 1st Event - The Holiday Market Place

Was awake all night with a horrible headache, the meds are really not working much so I decided not to go to work today; and since I cant sleep I decided it was time to tell you all about my first event for Younique, so here goes.

November 9th and 10th was the Mat-Su Holiday Market Place, the first time I have ever had a booth at an event!  I was completely terrified! LOL  I managed to speak with just about everyone that stopped in, which if you knew me you would know is a big deal!

The space was 10 X 8 and cost $300 so at the suggestion of my sponsor, the amazing Nichole, I divided the 2 days into 2 shifts each and then put out the call on our Team Diva Facebook group for anyone that would like to take a shift.  The response was amazing and we ended up with 2 or 3 presenters per shift and split the cost between us all!

The event theme was "Owl be Home for Christmas" and we were supposed to decorate in keeping with that theme, so the incredible Haley, a team member and friend, took it upon herself to help me figure out the decorations.  Our booth was amazing and looked absolutely beautiful!

Our booth without our products set up, they were added the next morning at the start of the event!

I did not get any photos, never even thought about it! However, Haley got several, including the one above, taken the night before the event, and the one below showing me, the plus size one and Amanda, a friend and fellow presenter.

I was way to broke to take a lot of product with me for sale, but I had one of everything on display with brushes so people could feel the quality of them and see how the pigments and concealers applied.  I also had sponges so they could try out the BB Flawless if they wanted to, and of course had the little spoon there so if they wanted to feel the Brilliant Moisturizer they could.

I took 50 catalogs with me and gave out most of them! The event had a lot of people in attendance and we had a steady flow through our booth.  I had decided that since it was my first event and I really wanted to draw people in the door prize would be a complete collection, the Eyes Have it Collection:

Everyone that stopped in loved the products and I sold what little I had on hand.  I ended up with over 50 contacts and 4 of those wanted information on the business opportunity and possibly having a party!

Of those that stopped in I have had a couple of orders and some emailed questions, so I am hoping that more turn into orders!

I have made contact with those that were interested in the opportunity and am giving them a few days to review the information I sent them and then I will phone them to follow up and answer any questions they have.

I am hoping that they all decide to join my team!

All in all I thoroughly enjoyed my first event, and have already registered for next years event.  There are several things I would do differently next time, they include: get a bigger spot if possible, Take a chair for when I really need a break!; try and have samples available (as soon as corporate gets more in I will be purchasing them) and try to have flyers with a summery of the opportunity, just in case someone wants to take one with them, and pick up one of those gel mats that Chef's stand on, so that I am not so sore by the end of my shifts!

My next event is this coming Saturday, and is a one day small bazaar at a the Finger Lake Elementary School. This time I will either be on my own, or with my sister, who just recently signed up under me, and my brother is coming along to do a fund raiser for my nephews baseball team, so he can get a jump on next season! 

I have purchased a tiny little Christmas tree and have taken my tester size products and made them into little ornaments, I have a purple table cloth and 4 winter white cloth napkins that I will use to lay out some of the products on.  I am also taking some tall purple votive holders that I have that will work great to hold the brush sets next to the cases that my pigments will be setting on.   This time I have a lot more product on hand to sell!

I am excited and hope that this will generate even more interest and hopefully more team members!

I learned that I will not succeed unless I get outside of my comfort zone on a daily basis and that as scared as I am I can do it and it will be so good for me! Just like this blog has been outside my comfort zone, but something I am learning that I do enjoy and is good for me! Everything I can do to grow and succeed it worth doing!

As always Thanks for reading! I hope you day is full of new adventures outside your comfort zone!

My Emotional "Why"

Over the last couple of week I have been reading and listening to self improvement books on building a direct sales business, and tonight Younique held a Corporate conference call, and the one thing they all stressed was the need to determine your Emotional Why.

Why did I join Younique:  My first response is, the mission statement spoke to me in such a way that I had to be a part of this company.  My second was, I want to live debt free and have the financial ability to run away to a beach with my entire family or all my friends any time I want to!

The I read and listened to all of these direct sales professional ask over and over if I knew my Emotional Why!  I have given it a lot of thought and tried over and over again to get away from the financial aspect of it. 

I found out in 2005 at 36 that I would never have children of my own, it was devastating! I went into surgery to have simple cysts removed, and woke up to find out that due to severe endometriosis they had to do a complete hysterectomy and I would never be able to have children. 

I know you are asking yourself why is she telling me this? Well I wanted you to understand my feelings for my nieces and nephews.  Having lost the ability to have children of my own, they are the children I will never have.   I have done my best to attend every sports event, concert, birthday party, or anything else they have thought to tell me about, ever since then.  If they wanted Auntie Pam to be there then I would be come hell or high water!

I now have nieces and nephews, that range in age from the oldest who is 32 to the youngest who is about 2 months old now; I actually had to write them all down so I could remember just how many there were.

I was visiting with them last week and several of them, the younger ones and teenagers, and I, were talking about school and their grades and their plans for after high school, they are all mostly straight A students, and they were discussing how they all really wanted to go to college and how if they did not get the scholarships they needed from sports or their grades, and save money from their part time jobs, then they would probably do like the rest of the family and just go to work, and not go to college. 

Other than one brother and his wife that have attended college, there is no one else in my immediately family that has, so to hear my nieces and nephews talk about how much they want to go to college and how financially they may not be able to, made me so sad!

My Emotional Why:  My Nieces and Nephews!
It hit me at that my moment that my Emotional Why was indeed tied to finances! I want my Younique business to be a success so that not only can I live debt free, but so I can help my nieces and nephews pay for college if that is their wish.  I want to have the ability to help them succeed in their goals, no matter what they are!

I believe that Younique is the solution to that need!  I see my sponsor, who in the last 2 months, has brought home more than I make in 5 months at my current job, and is up for a bonus this month and I know that it can happen!

I have written down my Emotional Why, and my Short Term and Long Term Goals for my business, and I know that I WILL SUCCEED! I will not accept failure!!

On another note - Thank You for not only shopping on my site and helping me to succeed but for reading my blog and helping me to come out of my shell a little more.  I am growing and becoming more confident in my abilities every day - because of all of you! Thank you!!

Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes

One of the best selling products from Younique is our Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes. This is what Younique says about them "Packaged in two separate bottles, the Transplanting Gel and Natural Fibers are used together to enhance and magnify your OWN lashes. Watch your lashes transform into something you only dreamed of! A 300% increase in thickness and volume to your lashes while still looking completely real and natural. Potentially "mood-altering" 3D Fiber lashes will quickly become your favorite makeup accessory!  Water resistant, yet easily washes off with warm water and facial cleanser." 

 

 

I generally do not wear them everyday, I am lazy and the 2 part process takes longer than I want; however, I LOVE them for special occasions or if my photo will be taken! I have sold more of them than any other product and apparently the more you use them the faster it is to apply!

 

The ingredients are:

Transplanting Gel Ingredients: collagen, water, natural Propolis, Brazilian palm glue, Black iron oxide, Acrylic Copolymer, Nylon 12, Stearic acid, propylene glycol/emulsifier. Net: 12ml
Natural fibers Ingredients: 100% natural fibers taken from the campanulaceae of green tea. Net: 3g

 

If you want more information on the ingredients my website includes the details of what each ingredient is and what it is used for.

 

The results are truly AMAZING! They really do increase your lashes and when compared to false lashes they are a snap to apply!  Several of my fellow presenters have posted comparison photos on Facebook, I unfortunately am not talented enough to take my own photo yet, but I am working on it! Someday I promise I will include a self photo but until then I am extremely grateful to all my fellow presenters that willingly share theirs.



As stated this photo shows the difference between Natural Lashes, Mascara & Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes!

The photo below was provided by Amber Voight, a fellow Younique Presenter, and is one of my favorites! The photo is the eyes of her 16 year old Sister; She has such beautiful eyes and I am sure that plain old mascara makes her look even more beautiful, but the 3D Lashes make her eyes look absolutely stunning!

 

Another fellow presenter commented that Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes were like a push up bra for your Eyelashes, and posted this collage! LOL I loved that comment and the comparison! 

 



The directions state: "To prepare your eyelashes for optimal results, first apply one thin coat of your own regular favorite mascara and let it dry. Then apply Moodstruck Transplanting Gel (containing conditioning collagen) to your lashes. Immediately following and while the gel is still wet, apply the Moodstruck Natural Fibers. Reapply the Transplanting Gel a second time to secure the natural fibers onto your lashes."

Following the directions works great, for some people! Others have found that they like them better without applying the mascara first, some feel that using a simple fan brush and lightly pressing on the fibers after application, and then sealing them, works best.  One thing for sure is that you must only do 1 eye at a time and keep the lid open on each tube, do not let the transplanting gel dry before you apply the fibers, and be sure to apply either the gel or mascara to seal the fiber or they may fall on your face throughout the day.

Results vary from person to person, and are based on the way they are applied, how many coats are used and how patient you are during the application process.  It takes time to perfect how you apply them to suit your own desired look.  But if you take the time I know you will LOVE them also!

 Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes are available on my site HERE for only $29.00US/$35Canadian. They are also available in several of the money saving collections Younique offers. 

During the month of November Younique is partnering with Kids Against Hunger and a portion of the purchase price from every collection sold will be donated to Kids Against Hunger.  Each collection will provide 12 meals to starving children around the world.  So please consider Younique Collections as gifts for all the women in your life this Holiday Season!!

I am Thankful for?

As we enter November I have been thinking about everything I am thankful for in my life and it is a very long list!  Above all I am thankful for my family! They are such a huge part of my life and without them I would truly be lost. I know that if I ever have problems they will be there to assist me in whatever way they can and I am truly thankful for that. 

This may sound funny but I believe that my nieces, and nephews, from the oldest ones the youngest, are my greatest treasure and I am so thankful for them all! They have taken the place of the children I am unable to have and are such amazing people that I feel truly blessed. My eldest niece has 3 children of her own and she is such an incredible mom and I am so thankful that she got to know my mom and takes after her in so many ways.  My eldest nephew just became a father and I look forward to watching his son grow into an incredible man just like his daddy is!  There are so many in between that are each so special in their own way that I am amazed everyday by each of them and their talents. 

I am thankful for the friends I have made in my life, from my very best friend, whom I have known since I was 7, to my newest friends that I met only recently.  They each bring joy to my life in their own way and I am thankful for the time I spend with them, I am a better person because of  them.

As silly as it sounds I am thankful for my pets, my dogs may have no manners at all but I know they love me unconditionally and I am thankful for the daily greeting I get when returning home, they bring joy, frustration, and disaster to my life and home and for that I am thankful!

There are so many things I am thankful for, and one of them is Younique!  I have said before that I joined Younique on a whim the moment I read their mission statement.  I have also told you about being shy and how joining Younique and attending the convention were outside my comfort zone.

As I was thinking about those things in my life that I am thankful for Younique jumped to the top for so many reasons.  I am thankful for Younique for being a company that I can be proud to say I represent, for having products that I can stand behind and that I love to use so much so that sharing them with everyone is a pleasure.  I am thankful for Younique for showing me that I am capable of doing so much more with my life than I have in the past, and for showing me what my future can be!

I am Thankful for Younique introducing me to such a wide variety of people that share the same goal as I do! My Younique sisters and brothers are all such amazing people and I am thankful to be there to witness their success with Younique as I work towards my own!  I am thankful for the support, and encouragement that they all provide to me and to all our fellow presenters.  Younique is truly a family and I am thankful that I got in at the very beginning and have watched them grow and blossom into such a successful one!

I am also thankful for what Younique has taught me, I have learned that I am capable of selling makeup, and writing a blog and posting on various social media sites, that being open and honest about my feelings and love of the products will not kill me! LOL 

I have learned that I have so much to learn about direct sales, social media, advertising, and makeup! I have also learned that I am capable of learning and that I enjoy helping other people to learn! 

I have a life that I love, with a job that I love and now a business as an Independent Founding Presenter for Younique that I love! I have a lot to be Thankful for in my life and even though it may not be perfect and I am in debt up to my eyelids I am still Thankful for it all!!

My First In-Home Makeup Party!!

My sister joined my team a week ago and yesterday we did a launch party in the home of one of her best friends since childhood. It was so much fun!!

My sister, Trish, is not a sells person, she joined so that she would have the complete set of testers to take with her on her upcoming Mexican Cruise.  I on the other hand think she would be great and could actually supplement her husbands retirement income with Younique!

I have never done an in home party and since Trish is so new to the product, even though she was the Presenter for this party I took on that roll and let her be a guest. It was great for both of us!  I was able to talk about all our amazing products, and everyone including Trish learned a little bit about them. 

I took with me my entire tester set, as well as all the full size pigments, 4 sets of fiber lashes, my 3 complete sets of brushes, along with disposable mascara brushes, disposable spatulas for the brilliant, disposable eye shadow applicators and disposable lip gloss wands.  I also brought makeup remove wipes. mirrors and little painters pallets.

At each place at the table I set: A pallet, and a mirror, I then put the disposable items in the center of the table, along with all 3 sets of the brushes, the Glorious Primer, and the Refreshed Rose Water.  Trish brought her brushes so she used those.  In addition to the Hostess, there were 4 guests, and Trish, so a total of 6 spots. 

The guests were given the opportunity to test out Awake first, and then we moved on to Brilliant.  From there some tried the BB Flawless, while others went straight to the Concealers.  Those that started with the concealers decided quickly to wash their faces again and try out the BB Flawless. One guest even tried out highlighting and contouring and did an amazing job for the first time! From there we went on to the Blushers; and a little goes a long way!  These were all placed in the pallets for easy access and mixing or blending of colors.

Through-out the afternoon I told them of the different ways the products could be used and using my own pallet I demonstrated mixing them with the Rose water, and blending with other colors to get a custom one.

Then the fun really began, and we started with the Moodstruck Mineral Pigments.  I started it off by giving each of them a catalog, opened to the Moodstruck Pigments, and asking them to select the colors they wanted to play with.  Each quests picked the colors they wanted and we placed small amounts in the painters pallets.

While they were choosing the colors, using the back of my hand and Regal, I showed them the different ways to apply the pigments, in one spot I applied Regal dry, then I applied it over primer, and then wet.  They were able to see how light the pigment went on when dry, the little bit darker tone when used with primer and the deep dark tone when wet with the rose water. 

As they played with the pigments, I showed them how they could use the pigments as Hair Chalk by applying Regal to some of my curls.

They all applied, removed, applied, removed and applied again, playing with several different looks and colors. Then they tried the lashes! 4 of them fell in love immediately, and purchased them along with other products.

Finally we moved on to the lip gloss - I put all the lip glosses on top of my black Younique Case so they could see them and gave them each several disposable wands to play with.  During this I also took my Heartbroken  pigment and showed them how the Pigments could also be used as a lip gloss, I applied Heartbroken to my wet lips and let it dry, I then applied Loyal clear lip gloss over the top.

In the end everyone had a great time, Barbara earned some great Hostess rewards, Trish earned her first Younique Commissions, I was able to share a product I love with 5 ladies they were not familiar with Younique, and have a couple of potential recruits!

I had so much fun!! If there is anyone in the Palmer or Wasilla area that sees my blog and would like to schedule and in-home makeup party, contact me!! I can be reached by email at youniquebypamela@gci.net or through the "Contact Me" link on my website at www.youniquebypamela.com

My Younique Adventure!

On October 19, 2012, I saw a post on the Good Deal Divas Facebook page talking about a ground floor opportunity to get in on a new direct sales company before they had even launched.  I requested information and received a message from Nichole Smith, Younique Founding Presenter #36. 

I read that message on October 20, 2012 and followed the link included to the Younique Products website, once there I read about the founders of Younique, Derek Maxfield and Melanie Maxfield Huscroft, a brother and sister team.  Younique's philosophy is centered around the core values of simplicity, spiritual enlightenment, positive influence and the celebration of inner and outer beauty.  Derek and Melanie firmly believe that all women should feel valued, smart, and empowered through opportunities of personal growth and financial reward! Joining the Younique family provides opportunities for women to belong to a company that truly believes that the sky is the limit!

 

I also read the company Mission Statement "Feel beautiful.  Look beautiful.  Be beautiful.  Inside and out!  Younique's mission is to uplift, empower, validate and ultimately help build the self-esteem of women around the world. Through high-quality products that encourage these core values - along with spiritual enlightenment - we're enabling opportunities for personal growth and financial reward to women everywhere".

 

As I stated in an earlier post I was sold and immediately signed up, I am presenter #83.  At that time the kit contained business cards, some product cards, a fancy pen and a wonderful black case.  There was not product since at that time the company did not have any products available.

 

We launched on November 1, 2012, and the excitement of our websites "going live" was amazing! at that time we had 2 products, and a couple of others came available in January, 2013. By February,  corporate eliminate 3 products, and changed the focus of the company to cosmetics; and in March, 2013 launched additional products.   The excitement every time the site is improved and new products are released continues!

 

In early 2013 corporate announce the Younique Inaugural Convention, at the time I knew that as broke as I was, all the time, that the $500, plus airfare, was not something I could afford.  Then corporate offered a payment plan.  By this time I was still so excited about the company that I had decided that no matter how long it took I would make this a successful business for myself so that I would have a comfortable income in my retirement, so I have until 2029 to make a success of it!

 

I determined that not only could I write the entire trip off on my taxes, but the chance to attend the first ever convention for a company I loved, was something that I had to do, not matter what it cost!  I started making payments on the convention, and then used ALL my Alaska Airline miles to get a ticket to Utah.  This was way outside my comfort zone - I did not know anyone that was going to be there - and I do not like to interact with people I do not know - but I did it, and it was an AMAZING weekend!

 

My sponsor, Nichole, is such an inspiration.  This photo is of those members of Team Diva, and all from ALASKA, that attended convention, along with Younique Founder Derek Maxfield.  Team Diva made up 1/3 of the convention attendees.  I shared a 2 bedroom suite with Nichole, and we had a team meeting our first night there, it was so much fun getting to know so many talented woman.  I am proud to be a member of Team Diva, and can't wait until the next convention!

 

I am not the type of person that like to talk with people I do not know, I am a little shy and extremely self-conscious, so becoming a presenter for a makeup company and deciding that no matter what my family and friends thought about my decision I was going to succeed, was a HUGE step for me.  I have never before found a company or a line of products that I love as much as Younique, so for me this is not only a business but a blessing!

 

Younique is bringing me out of my shell! It is helping me to feel confident in myself, to feel empowered by the knowledge I have about the company and the products, and my self esteem is building everyday!

 

I have been approaching people about Younique and getting a great response! I am not advancing as fast as others in the company, but I have 16 years to get there, so I am taking it slow and steady.  My adventure continues everyday that I talk to someone new about Younique.  Someday one of those people will decide that Younique is right for them, and my team will continue to grow. Until that time I will keep sharing the joy that is Younique with anyone and everyone that will listen. 

 

The next step in my adventure is my first ever event, I have secured a booth at a local holiday market place, I am terrified, but excited at the same time. For those of you in Alaska, stop by booth 1-3 at the Mat-Su Holiday Market Place, located in the Menard Spots Center in Wasilla Alaska, on November 9 or 10,  2013.

 

Younique has truly changed my life! I am proud to call myself a Founding Presenter with a company that treats all of its presenters like family, a company where the founders interact on a daily basis with its presenters and actually cares about our success! 

 

 

Younique Virtual Parties!

I do not like to be the center of attention, so standing in front of a lot of people trying to talk is like having a tooth pulled without numbing it first. I am sure this is the primary reason that my past adventures in direct sales did not amount to much at all. 

I join Younique on a whim after reading the company mission statement; and then I learned that they intended to market primarily through social media! I was so excited to learn that they would be pioneering the concept of "Virtual Parties" instead of in home parties!  

How many of you know what a Virtual Party is?   I  truthfully had no clue what it really was, I have since learned that it means you can invite friends from all over the US and Canada to attend and you do not have to clean the house or prepare snacks and drinks!

The Younique Virtual Parties and an ever evolving concept.  When the company launched no direct sales companies were doing an entirely virtual party, so most people still do not understand just what it is.  The platform for the Virtual Party started out as a Facebook event, several presenters are experimenting with using Facebook groups and Google Hangouts. The biggest obstacle is getting the guests engaged. 

A Younique virtual party can last up to 10 days, and since it is virtual getting the guests to participate can be challenging. 

My fellow presenters have created numerous virtual party games to encourage participation, these include: Pigment Bingo; Earning points for participation or ordering, etc.; guess the lip gloss; and guess the 3D lashes, and a few others.

The key is to have a very active Hostess! If your hostess is posting photos and videos of herself using the products, and tagging her friends in pigments, lip gloss, or other product photos, then her friends will comment and join in the party more often. 

I have also found that if you talk it up and post a lot of information and set a specific date and time for the "Party" then the guests get a little more involved.  If they all know that everyone should be online at 7pm on Saturday night for the party, you can then use the group chat feature, or even go as far as using Skype or video conferencing to hold you party. 

One of my favorite things about the Younique Virtual Party is that if you have a guest that places an order on day 1 or even day 3 of a party, their order will ship usually within 48 hours, so she will receive her products before the 10 day party is over, she can then post photos and comments about the products she order to help get the other guests excited.

Younique has amazing Hostess rewards (in the form of Younique Cash and 1/2 priced items) based on party points, that allow guests from the US and Canada (and next year the UK and Australia) to shop from the same party.  The amount of the free product, (Younique Cash) earned goes up based on the total party points.  The hostess has 1 year from the date her party closes to use her Younique Cash and 1/2 priced items.

You can schedule your party by contacting me at youniquebypamela@gci.net or on my site and www.youniquebypamela.com

Highlighting and Contouring

I must admit that I had heard of highlighting and contouring but had no idea what it was and how it could improve a persons appearance. 

Melanie, Younique Co-founder, did a conference call and talked about highlighting and contouring and had these photos:

She described each photo and talked about how you contour and highlight using the Younique products.

I was TOTALLY LOST! LOL

I had no clue what she was saying, so I listen again and again.

Previous to this conference call Corporate has announced that we would be having our first ever convention!

It was a tough decision, financially the convention was reasonable, but, I live paycheck to paycheck, so the decision to go cost me greatly! I am so glad that I took that step, however, more of the convention will come in a later post, this is about Highlighting and Contouring.

At convention, Corporate had arranged to have a wonderful makeup artist, Cherise Weymann, at the convention to teach a couple of classes, one of which was on Highlighting and Contouring.

Cherise Weymann
Professional Makeup Artist, Cherise Weymann, received her certification and formal accreditation in Makeup Artistry from the Acadia School of Aesthetics in 2010.
In 2009, Cherise had the opportunity to work as the Head Makeup Artist on the music video, "I'll Love You Anyway." In addition to makeup artistry, Cherise possesses many other remarkable artistic talents and abilities including drawing, painting, interior decorating and design. Her dedicated desire and passion in makeup artistry is rooted in her love of helping woman look and feel beautiful.
Cherise has a thriving business and a large clientele base based solely on word of mouth and she is booked out weeks in advance with a majority of her work in film, on-set model photography projects, and special events. She enjoys working with professional actors and singers on film and music videos, but her real joy comes from working one-on-one with everyday people teaching them how to bring out their own beauty through makeup artistry.


The class was amazing! I learned so much! This link Highlighting & Contouring is a compilation of the three classes showing the process on 3 Younique Presenters.  The before and after looks were wonderful in person!

This photo is one example of how this technique and great makeup can do wonders!  The photo was from facebook, I do not know who the model is or what products are being used but the results are simple outstanding.

So Highlighting and Contouring is the secret we all should know!  Visit www.youniquebypamela.com and pickup the products you need to try this yourself! You can also find looks in our one of a kind "look book" or upload your own looks!

Awake & Brilliant - A product review

In September Younique released several new products, two of them from a new line of skin care. This post will be my first ever product review, please remember that I not only sell Younique products but LOVE all of them and this review reflects that view!

One of the things I love about Younique is that not only do they list the ingredients of each product but they describe what the ingredient is!

First up is Awake Facial Cleanser:         

Details

Awake contains a range of beneficial ingredients that awaken and cleanse the skin. Its thick texture transforms into an effective lather to dissolve oil and makeup, rinsing away pore-clogging surface debris, impurities, and excess oil. It refines the skin texture, brightens skin clarity, and minimizes the look of pores over time.

Details

Gently massage Awake Facial Cleanser onto dampened face to create lather. Use soft circular motions all over face for 60 seconds, then rinse clean with warm water. For optimal results, use morning and night.                

From the first use my face has felt incredibly clean! I have used a lot of different cleansers in my life and when I receive Awake I actually forgot I had it, so I washed my face with my normal cleaner and then I remember the Awake, so I washed my face again. A note - A little goes a LONG way! I used way to much that first time.  I looked up at my reflection, without my glasses so I cant see a thing, and all I saw was this Bright White face, I was shocked! My face had never looked or felt so clean before.

Ingredients:

Aqua, or highly purified, de-ionized water, is the liquid of life! Hydrates, cleanses, and nourishes the skin and works as a natural spreading component, helping to distribute other ingredients evenly over the skin.

Glycerin, derived from natural plant oil, is a non-toxic and non-irritating plant-based humectant, or moisture-preserver.

Stearic Acid (also known as Palmitic Acid) is an organic nutrient derived from palm trees that soothes and softens the skin by nourishing the skin deep within.

Carbon is a natural black colorant in cosmetics.

Garden Chrysanthemum is an herb that functions as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Also used to impart fragrance.

Allantoin is an organic compound extracted from herbs (comfrey and bearberry) that protects skin from potential reactions to any ingredients. Also helps to stimulate tissue growth.

Lauric Acid, derived from coconut oil, is great for its moisturizing properties, and treats acne with its microbial properties.

Potassium Hydroxide, also known as lye, is an alkaline ingredient used in small amounts to modulate the pH of a product and cleanse the skin.

Palmitic Acid is both a cleaning agent and an emollient (skin softener). Helps reinforce skin's healthy barrier function for a smoother surface.

Myristic Acid is a cleansing agent that creates foam.

Lauryl Glucoside is a surface-cleansing agent that degreases and emulsifies oils and fats, allowing them to be washed away.

Glycol Stearate softens and smoothens the skin while also acting as a thickening agent.

Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate is a conditioning surfactant.

Cocamidopropyl Betaine degreases and emulsifies oils and fats, allowing them to be washed away.

PEG-100 Stearate (PEG is short for Polyethylene Glycol) acts as a surfactant, binding agent (to keep ingredients blended), stabilizer, and skin softener.

Aloe Vera has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial qualities, as well as a cool, refreshing sensation.

Licorice Root Extract contains anti-inflammatory properties, as well as activates melanin production as to be effective for improving dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

Methylhydroxybenzoate contains wide antibacterial properties, inertness, and chemical stability, as well as low toxicity.

Propyl Hydroxybenzoate is a preservative typically found in many water-based cosmetics, such as creams, lotions, shampoos and bath products.

Butylated Hydroxytoluene is an antioxidant additive

Next up is Brilliant Moisturizing Gel:

This product is one of those that are almost to pretty to use! I used this the first time immediately after I used Awake that first time and I also fell in love with it! Brilliant is a "Brilliant" combination of gel and little moisturizer beads that look like pearls.  Using the little spoon that is included in the package, scoop out a little bead and an equal amount of gel, blend and apply; it has this amazing smell of bell peppers in the jar but once blended the smell dissipates, my face love this stuff.  I have even been using it on my feet, my hands and my elbows!

Ingredients:

Ginseng, a plant extract, is used to tone and revitalize skin, balance the oil gland production, and smooth fine lines and wrinkles.

Pearl Powder stimulates new skin growth by regenerating collagen, improving skin tone and creating more youthful-looking skin.

Glycerin, derived from natural plant oil, is a non-toxic and non-irritating plant-based humectant, or moisture-preserver.

Propylene Glycol is a humidifying and delivery ingredient that helps active ingredients penetrate in the skin.

Carbopol Ultrez 21 Polymer is designed to thicken and stabilize personal care products.

Natural Silver is a natural metallic element used in cosmetics for its disinfecting properties and is known to destroy viruses and eliminate fungal infections.

Polyoxyethylene(40)Hydrogenated Castor Oil is a blend of polyethylene glycol and vegetable oil derived from the castor bean. Castor oil is used in cosmetics as an emollient (or skin softening agent), but also has water-binding properties. Also acts as a vehicle to deliver other ingredients deeper into the skin.

Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate is derived from amino acids and used as a skin-conditioning agent and preservative

 

It is my belief that these products combined have not only reduced the dark circles under my eyes, but improved the overall feel and appearance of my skin.  I highly recommend these products!

 

Please visit my page, www.youniqueproducts.com/pamelagraham for these and other great products; and do not hesitate to contact me for more information on any Younique product or on the company and the Younique Opportunity!!



 

 

Me and Makeup!

I have never been that into makeup - I like it, I just never really wore much of it, unless I had a meeting to attend or a job interview, then I would attempt to "paint" my face to cover any flaws. 

When I was around 19 I went for my first Glamor shot, the woman who did my makeup told me how I should apply eye shadows that would compliment my eye color and shape, that was in the 80's! I have done my makeup the EXACT same way ever since!  I have worn Browns and Creams every time I put on eye makeup from the age of 19 until I was 43!

When I joined Younique there was no products, at that time they were planning on selling beauty and fashion items.  Since that time the company has switched focus for fashion to strictly high end mineral cosmetics.  They launched on November 1, 2012 with 10 Moodstruck Mineral Pigments that all shimmered, 3D Fiber Lashes, Eye Brushes, and a couple of fashion items that went away rather quickly.

The vibrant colors of the pigment TERRIFIED me; I had no clue how I was going to sell some of these colors to people if they scared me so much that I had not even worn them!  I of course started with my "Safe" Colors and immediately loved Daring, Confident, and Curious; then I started to play and started using Dignified instead of Confident. Then one Saturday morning, I was playing with the colors and decided to match the shirt I was wearing to dinner that night and I used Devious, Regal, and Feisty!

In spring 2013 they added the Matte finish pigments, along with blushes and concealers.  I have now started playing with all of them, and LOVE the combination of Infatuated with Sexy, Gorgeous and Heartbroken!

I now play with all the colors and today I actually wore Awestruck - a BLUE for only the 2nd time since I was in high school, and I loved it! 

These pigment go on so nicely and can be applied wet, or dry; they can be used for hair chalk; or they can be mixed with clear polish or clear lip gloss for custom colors.  They can also be blended together for that custom color to you want to match whatever you are wearing. 

I have totally become a makeup snob and will not wear anything else! What's more is that I actually wear it almost every day!

Check them out for your self and I know you will love them all as much as I do! contact me if you would like a sample, I would be happy to provide you a couple of colors to try!

My First Blog - A little bit about me!

For my first blog I thought I would tell you all a little bit about me! 

I am a 44 (almost 45) year old, single, plus size, woman.  I have been an Independent Founding Presenter with Younique since October, 2012. 

I have always been on the shy and quiet side with a pretty low self esteem, which has improved drastically over the last 10 years.  Because of my size, and I am no longer ashamed to admit to you all that I am currently at 355 pounds, I have always been a little self conscious and hate to be the center of attention.

Throughout my life I have battled with my weight, and have tried diet after diet with no success, until 10 years ago when it hit me that I was not causing this problem, I did not live on junk and eat a lot, I was a normal person and actually ate better than my skinny friends, but my metabolism is very slow so if I ate chocolate it stayed - forever!  I finally decided that I was happy the way I am and if those around me did not like it then I just did not care! The best thing I ever did for my self esteem, was to stop listening to myself be negative and remind myself to be positive.

Those that work with me have a hard time believing that I am shy, I put on another personality when I am at the office, it helps me get through the day, and that has also helped me to realize just how much I like myself and my life!  I start everyday with basically the same words:  I can do this! I CAN talk to strangers and do my job to the best of my ability! I am as good as or better then anyone else and I WILL have a great day! It is GREAT to be ME!

I know it sound strange but this has helped me to come out of my shell and secure a great position with my local government, and what's more with Younique!

For those of you not familiar with Younique, we are a new direct sales company specializing in Naturally Based Mineral Cosmetics.  I was introduced to Younique through a blog and after asking for more information, I visited the Younique Corporate website and found this:
Feel beautiful.  Look beautiful.  Be beautiful.  Inside and out!
Younique's mission is to uplift, empower, validate and ultimately help build the self-esteem of women around the world. Through high-quality products that encourage these core values - along with spiritual enlightenment - we're enabling opportunities for personal growth and financial reward to women everywhere.

I read this mission statement and signed up IMMEDIATELY! The best decision I have ever made!!

My self-esteem is growing everyday thanks to Younique, and I am so proud to be a part of such and amazing company! Not even a full year in business and company sales were over $600,000 in September!

I still repeat my chant every morning, and I am believing it more each day!

Welcome to my Younique by Pamela blog - I will share here my Younique adventures most of which are out-side my comfort zone.  I am going to do this because Younique has become my savior and I hope this blog will help me to continue to grow as a person and as a successful business owner.

Please visit my Younique site and check out the products and even more so, check out the information about the company and the founders, I believe you will be as sold on this company as I am!