15256690_RVP Merle Howard.indd - Arbonne

E Y E O N A R B O N N EPRESS ONOver the past 10 years, the constant in my life has been radical change.In 1999, with no warning signs and in apparent great health, I suffered amassive stroke during a tennis match. Fortunately, my friends were thereand quickly called an ambulance.One night in ICU, my neurologist informed my husband and childrento tell me goodbye. I was not expected to live through the night. ByGod’s grace, I woke up the next morning — and every morning since.The weeks following in rehab were grueling. I began to relearn mosteverything. Again, by God’s grace, though scheduled to return home ina wheelchair, I walked out of rehab and never needed that wheelchair.I was told I would never drive again. Now, I drive anywhere and everywherein a white Mercedes-Benz, courtesy of Arbonne!In 2001, my recovery continued. I was never more aware that each dayis a gift. I wanted to do something challenging and new. I asked mydaughter Sheila, who was being offered a job with a large pharmaceuticalcompany, to go into business with me instead. We would be theperfect team—I was an interior decorator with an eye for antiques, shewas conversational in French and had business experience. That year,we took our fi rst trip to France, the UK and Belgium to scout for antiquesand build an inventory.Our business was growing, but traveling overseas four times a year— though exciting — was also exhausting. While not overseas, weworked long hours and managed a huge warehouse and inventory.Every month, we loaded a 24-foot truck with antiques and drove 300miles roundtrip to sell to designers, antique dealers and individuals at ahuge antique event in Atlanta.In April 2005, Sheila announced she discovered a wonderful business.Skeptical, my husband encouraged her to stay focused on our familymerle howardIndependent Consultant, Regional Vice PresidentMerle Howard Region; Birmingham, ALbusiness. Like him, I could not see an exit from our antique importingbusiness that made sense. We had so much inventory!But Sheila began building her new Arbonne business alongside ourantique business. This is one of many strengths of Arbonne—the chanceto start a business you enjoy, one with great potential—without giving upyour day job. The more Sheila built her Arbonne business, the more sheshared the vision with me. This time, instead of her joining me in business,she invited me to join her and build my own Arbonne business.continued ...Doug and Merle with their daughter, ENVP Sheila Howard.Merle with her husband, DM Doug Howard.Merle with her precious granddaughters, Julianneand Katie Howard.

success strategy:Facing challenges makesdreams become reality.I had already fallen in love with Arbonne’s pure, safe and benefi cialproducts! I saw and felt the difference on my skin. I learned more aboutArbonne the products, the business and the company, and I becameintrigued and impressed. I did not need the money as much as I personallyneeded the challenge. Arbonne was the perfect fi t!Before my stroke, I played tennis and golf, was a real estate broker, aninterior designer, sang in our church choir and traveled extensively. Iwas so busy, and yet there was more I wanted to do. All this was takenaway when I had the stroke. I longed to be challenged again. Not yetready to close our antique operation, I wanted to get started buildingan Arbonne business with my daughter. I started in May 2005. Wewere back in business together again!Arbonne became my personal Why! It gave me what I needed — andmore — to press on with my recovery! I had lots of friends and couldnot wait to share Arbonne’s amazing products with them. Several joinedme and caught the vision of building their own Arbonne business. WithArbonne, you are in business “for yourself, but not by yourself!” As I builtmy team, constant activity and follow-up were key components. In July,I reached my fi rst goal and became District Manager. In August, I wasthrilled to reach Area Manager. My team grew steadily, and in January2006, I reached RVP!It has been nine years since my stroke. I had no idea my recovery wouldbe so extensive. I am determined to win, achieve and to give back, butstill have many daily challenges. Arbonne is such a blessing to me andmy entire family—my husband, daughter, son, wonderful daughter-in-lawwho loves Arbonne products and precious grandchildren, Julianne andKatie. I have goals to work toward, a chance to work with my daughterand the opportunity to contribute to ministries and individuals in waysI never could before.I knew Arbonne would work out for me. I thank God for giving me thisgift and for the faith to believe great things would happen. If you arelooking at Arbonne, believe that Arbonne can happen for you when youset your mind toward pressing on to reach your goals!Thank you to my daughter, Sheila, for being there when my brain was ablur and for sharing Arbonne with me. I love this journey together!ENVP Sheila Howard, RVP Elaine Papajohn, Chairman & CEO Bob Henry, Merleand RVP Lisa Smith at NTC 2006 St. Louis.ENVP Sheila and DM Doug with DM Julie Howard and Merle’s granddaughters,Julianne and Katie.Thank you to my upline ENVPs: Sheila Howard, Alison Henson, NinaMcCallie, Sibley Gammon, Andrew Inman, Shannon Johnson andSusan Hutton. Your leadership and example have led the way! To theentire Arbonne family at the home offi ce who supports us in so manyways—thank you for all you do!Thank you to dear friends, RVPs Lisa Smith and Elaine Papajohn. You aretruly incredible leaders. You caught the vision for Arbonne and neverwavered. I will always be grateful to you and love you both!Thank you to my amazing DMs: Susie Gannett, Kim Beaman, Gina Alfi eri,Rhonda Bell, Shelley Brown, Doug Howard, Elizabeth Dampier and AmyHorrie. Thank you to all the AMs in my SuccessLine, to NVP MeredithKynerd and to all my wonderful crossline team members in Birmingham.Thank you, thank you to my husband, Doug. I could never have done itwithout you by my side and all of your support. You are amazing andhave stood beside me all the way. I love you!Merle with President RitaDavenport and RVP Lisa Smithat NTC 2006 St. Louis.Merle’s downline: DM GinaAlfi eri, and DM Susie Gannettand Susie’s daughter, DMKimberly Beaman of Toronto.REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENTThe testimonials in this story refl ect the actual experience of an individual, are anecdotal only, and may be atypical.EYE ON ARBONNE | MARCH 2008