Don't Quit Your Daydream

Thank goodness for social media. Exposure is key. Facebook continues to spread the word to a wide range of fascinating women. Without these resources, I wouldn't have made so many connections and had all these amazing opportunities thus far. It's very rewarding when other women recommend your services on mom groups or private message you with some fashion advice. I am so humbled and honored to be forging these new and exciting relationships.

Melissa Gade is my most recent client. She, like Dolly, saw my business through the "Bergen Moms Group" and decided to reach out. She was not looking for a fashion makeover or a closet purge, but rather a special occasion outfit. Melissa, a Rodan and Fields consultant, has been making tremendous strides with her business. The epitome of "girl boss," she has gone on to sell above and beyond the average consultant. Her hard work, diligence, commitment, and perseverance has most certainly been recognized too. At the end of the month, she will be rewarded with the coveted "Lexus" truck! I can only imagine how many faces are glowing right now because of Melissa's efforts.

I have been approached numerous times to become apart of the Rodan and Fields family. I have seen the undeniable results and have listened to the endless opportunities, but I have to be honest, I have always been a bit skeptical. The notion of quitting your full time job and making a living off of selling beauty products seems a bit drastic and hasty. It seemed unfathomable to ever sell enough eye cream to be handed a new Lexus. Boy was I wrong. After speaking with Melissa, I was amazed and inspired by her journey. She has two young kids, works a full time job in the city, and still manages to make Rodan and Fields a priority.

We bonded over being a mother of two and our new businesses. Most importantly, we shared the same passion for women empowerment and teaching our children to always follow their dreams. I am not lying when I say we hit it off immediately!

I learned that she would be honored at a cocktail party and she explained that the honorees in the past have almost always worn white. Melissa, bold and unique, wanted a red jumpsuit! She was determined to stand out and be remembered. In 5 minutes, I could see how Melissa was so successful. She was witty, relatable, real, and obviously has never followed the crowd. It was evident that she thought outside of the box. I am certain that's why so many clients have connected and felt comfortable with her. She instantly won me over!

I asked about her body type and fashion likes/ dislikes. I learned she was less bohemian and girly, yet more edgy and statement making. We discussed the stores she frequented as well. After I had all my pertinent information, I gave her my feedback. We finally agreed that limiting ourselves to one color or style might be problematic and it was best to include a few more options to the mix. We added white, metallic, and pink to our color option list. We even slipped in the notion of a possible dress or tulle skirt as well. Melissa was completely open to ordering and returning as much as possible, so I got right to work. Initially, my goal was to send her a variety of links and have her narrow down her favorites. Then the ordering process would begin. She ended up ordering so many things, I was convinced the UPS driver was going to assume she won the lottery!

I came to her house and she put on a mini fashion show for me. We immediately saw what styles didn't flatter her body and the ones that did. This vision of standing out tortured Melissa. She was having a hard time settling on some of the more flattering pieces because they just weren't bold enough. We decided to put our top choices aside for now. It was time for: Project Red Jumpsuit Round 2 !!

Our last round consisted of a few more white dresses, a red jumpsuit (yes, somehow we managed to find this very bold but almost obscure style), and, along with her two adorable kids bouncing off the couch, we made our final decision. So much personality and gregariousness in one family. It was so refreshing and enjoyable to be apart of. Her kids, Alexa and Austin, are sure to be following in their momma's footsteps real soon!

Melissa's vision was finally coming to life. The "red" jumpsuit was perfect. Trendy, flattering, and chic, it was everything we searched for over the past few weeks. I just loved the way it fit her body. A few alterations and she was on her way. We finalized shoes and accessories next, and discussed hair and makeup options. As all the details were being arranged, our excitement and anticipation heightened. Finally, we had the look we were searching for. All the discouragement and worries were laid to rest. Let the celebration commence.

I walk away from this experience with a new friend and a better understanding of these life changing products. I look forward to a continued relationship with Melissa as we tackle beauty, fashion, and motherhood along the way! Preferably while riding around in her new Lexus!

The great thing about new friends is that they bring new energy to your soul- Shanna Rodriguez

About Melissa:

Growing up Melissa always assumed the way to be successful is to graduate from a 4 year college, get a job in NYC and retire at 75.....that is until Rodan + Fields was introduced to her by a friend of her husband.

At the time Melissa had (and still has) a successful program management career working for the best company and wasn't looking to add anything to her already full plate. From 9-5, Monday - Friday, Melissa wears her corporate hat and every other waking moment she carries the title of mommy to Alexa, 7 and Austin 4.

Always wanting more for her family, Melissa jumped at the chance to partner with the now #1 premium skincare brands in the U.S. utilizing her commute as "working hours." In the next few years she came to see that this opportunity is the modern movement and completely changes the way people go to work.

In the past three years what she realized is that this company and this business is built to compliment our crazy, busy everyday lives, not add to the plate. This Rodan + Fields opportunity has allowed Melissa to be present throughout her kids activities and her family obligations. It has rewarded her and her family more vacations, activities, and a strong belief that dreams really do come true if you believe them to be a reality.

With the recent expansion into Canada, soon to be Australia and hundreds of countries following, this company is poised to continue their fastest growing title in years to come. Melissa is more proud of the business and team she built in three years with Rodan + Fields than her 15 years in corporate America. This is her unique story.

For more information or inquiries please contact her via email : melissagade@gmail.com

Lady in Red and her ultimate prize. Hardwork certainly pays off.

Her smile says it all. "Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life."

Entrepreneurs reaping the benefits of their hard work.