Tell us a little bit about yourself and your entrepreneurial journey.

Since this interview, Biltmore Inspirations has closed their doors.

I started out 12 years ago when I was invited to a home party of a friend. I was going to the event to support my friend in her new home based business, and I never dreamed that I would get bitten by the bug to start my own business. But that’s how it all got started.  I had been searching for an opportunity that would allow me to stay home with my children, but also be a fulfilling career – - when I learned about direct sales, it was like having my cake and eating it too.

What did you do before launching your own business?

I graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in psychology.  After graduation, I married my college sweetheart who joined the Army, and we were moved to Fort Riley in Kansas.  I volunteered often as an Army wife, but my career didn’t get started until we moved to Houston.  In 1999, I dabbled in several direct sales businesses, but in 2001, I found a company that was the best fit for my interests and our family goals.  It was a great opportunity to become the first sales rep in Texas for a sterling silver jewelry company.  I was able to truly develop a career, including upward growth and professional development.  After 10 years with that particular company, I was ready to stretch myself and try something new.  I learned of the start-up of a new direct sales business, reached out to them, and was subsequently selected to be one of 12 sales directors to get the company off the ground.

How many hours do you work a week and how much is spent is your home office?

Because I am working to help launch the company, my current work schedule is not typical.  Right now, my hours are more typical of someone working a full-time office job.  However, based on my experience with prior direct sales companies, I would usually spend 20-25 hours per week on my business with roughly 60% of that time working in my home office and 40% working home shows and with my hostesses.

How would you rate your success?

I would say my business has been a big success on many, many levels.  Direct sales has enabled me to provide financially toward our household, as well as to have a little “mad money” for myself.  It is also a success for my family because I have flexibility to be available for my children when they come home from school or for volunteer opportunities at their school.  I have also had the chance to meet some amazing women through my home shows and sales conferences, which is fulfilling on a personal level.  I have worked hard to grow and nurture my business, and I am proud of what I have achieved and the sales awards and trips I have received.  That feels great. Direct sales has been a holistic success in my life – - for me personally, as a professional, and as a wife & mother.

What has been your biggest business struggle as an entrepreneur?

I love the flexibility of working at home, but there are days when it is difficult to turn “off” being in work-mode since your work is in the next room.  I have had to set boundaries for my time.  Having a general routine and the discipline to follow it has been very helpful in ensuring a healthy work-life balance.

What advice would you give to a new direct sales consultant?

Pick a product you’re passionate about.  And make your schedule work around your life, not the other way around.

Connect with Lisa Kinzel and Biltmore Inspirations…

Website: Biltmore Inspirations

Blog: Always Celebrate Style

Twitter: @LisaKinzel

Facebook Fan Page: Celebrate Style

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Tags: Biltmore Inspirations, Business, Direct Sales, Entrepreneur, Home Party, Interviews, Lisa Kinzel, The Work at Home Woman