Kelly Wenzel is a Texas-based mom of two. Her daytime duties consist of working from home full-time as a Director of Professional Services at Cornerstone. But on the side, she works as an independent Stylist for the direct sales company Stella & Dot.
Find out how her side hustle has helped her become more confident in her Corporate Career.
Over the years, you’ve jumped in and out of Corporate America, how has Stella & Dot accommodated your career and personal life?
This summer, I celebrated ten years with Stella & Dot! Throughout my career as a stylist, I have continued to build my career in Corporate America and currently run the Professional Services team for a software company. Stella & Dot has always been a compliment to my full-time job and allows me the opportunity to flex around my travel, work, and family schedule. Being a stylist gives me the fun, girl time that I love while sharing the amazing Stella & Dot style.
What do you love about the Stella & Dot opportunity?
Hands down that the opportunity can be whatever you want it to be! If you’re looking for a few girls’ nights out, some extra income to pay for club soccer or dance lessons for the kiddos, or a full-time career, you get to decide. As women, we have full plates regardless of the chapter of our life, and the Stella & Dot opportunity provides the chance to style your life on your own terms.
How has Stella & Dot improved your life?
Stella & Dot has definitely allowed me to “up” my accessories game, but more importantly, it has allowed me to step out of my comfort zone. Prior to being a stylist, I would have never spoken on stage in front of thousands of women, had the time mastery skills or business mindset that carries over to my Corporate Career. Lastly, the best gift that Stella & Dot has provided is the amazing friendships across my team, our stylist community, and my wonderful customers and hostesses!
How does it cost to get involved with Stella & Dot, and what are typical earnings like?
Starting your Stella & Dot Business is cheaper than a trip to Costco! For $99, you can launch your own business with over $350 in free product and all of the tools you need to succeed with in-person and virtual style sessions. You earn up to 40% in commissions plus an amazing discount of up to 70% of our products.
Update: Since the time of this interview, Stella & Dot has changed their business model to include all three of their family brands (Stella & Dot, EVER, and Keep Collective) into one simple program. When you join as a Stella & Dot Ambassador, you can sell products across all three brands, as well as earn products and discounts for all three too. You can learn more about it HERE.
What tips do you have for other direct sellers?
These two quotes sum it up perfectly:
“Comparison is the thief of joy!” – Theodore Roosevelt
“Do not compare your beginning to someone else’s middle.” – Jon Acuff
Being in social selling or direct selling is a marathon, not a sprint. All good things take time and give yourself that opportunity to build your business around your life!
As a mom of two, how do you manage all of your personal and business activities?
It’s all about time mastery and balance in my life. I am a huge believer in buying back your time and putting things through a dollars per hour filter. Ask yourself is paying $10 to allow Whole Foods to do my grocery shopping for me worth an hour of my time that can be spent elsewhere?
Also, you have to say “NO.” As women, we struggle with not wanting to disappoint anyone and in the end, over-commit ourselves. It is okay to say, “I don’t choose this,” and not think twice.
Lastly, I believe in taking time for you. If you don’t fill your own cup, you won’t be able to help others. Whether that is quiet time and waking up early before the rest of the house to read a book over a cup of coffee, date nights with your hubby or a much-needed massage – be selfish and take care of YOU!
On those “don’t feel like it days,” what motivates you to keep going?
Honestly, I let myself have that day. I may not change out of my pajamas; I may catch up for a little while on my recent Netflix binge, or get out and do some shopping. We are all human, and sometimes we just need a break. It’s always amazing how much better I feel the next day when I do this.
Lastly, I think the biggest motivator in my life is my kiddos and especially having a little girl in today’s world. I want her to know that even when life gives you a run for your money, you have to keep trying. Nothing worth having comes easy – I want to set that example for both my son and daughter that they can do anything, but they can never give up!
Thanks to Kelly Wenzel for sharing her story!
Originally published October 27, 2014. Content updated August 29, 2019.
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