Christine

How did you decide to join Etcetera?

By trade, I am a Certified Public Accountant, although I have always had a love for clothing and fashion. After the birth of my second child, I was in transition - I wanted to work part-time within a flexible schedule, I always had had an interest in fashion, and I wanted to try something new.

I had been an Etcetera customer for years, and I found myself reaching for Etcetera every time I opened my closet. I had fallen in love with the clothes and wanted to share them with my friends. In fall of 2003, I joined the company and had my first trunk show. My good friend Mary joined my team in 2005, and we added another client, Crystal, to our team in 2006. All of us have different networks of friends, colleagues and business connections in our community so our business continues to grow year after year, plus our clients have become good friends.

How was it to get started?

My Area Development Manager was very helpful with the practical part of having a show. For my first show, she was there to help me check in the sample set, set up the grids, and display the merchandise to truly showcase the way the collection works so well together. To promote my new business she even helped me organize and host a preview cocktail party for potential clients. Most importantly, she taught me how to fit the clothes from the sample set to my clients from size 0 to size 16.

What's the secret to your success?

In addition to the fantastic clothes, customer service has been key to our success. We always go the extra mile in helping clients look their best by offering suggestions for shoes and undergarments as well as extra services such as closet organization and wardrobe coordination services. Mixing the Etcetera collection to create a wide variety of looks - casual to dressy - using a few pieces, creates a great value for the client and keeps them coming back season after season.

The flexibility has also been a key to our success. With all of us having children, we are able to divide the responsibilities and duties among each other and work together to get everything accomplished on our own schedules.

What would you say to someone considering becoming a consultant?

Etcetera is a fantastic opportunity for any woman who loves style and fashion and wants to introduce unique and chic clothing to their area. It's definitely hard work - it takes a good two years to establish your business - but if you stay focused, offer good customer service and have a superior product like Etcetera to sell, success will follow.

The personal and professional success I have achieved has been extremely rewarding. I have developed satisfying and rewarding relationships with my colleagues and with clients. Plus, I have a great wardrobe that I love!

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