A few weeks back I posted a review of Avon that gave a good overview of the company, today I want to dig a little deeper into what it means to work with Avon. Last week I connected with an Avon sales rep who blogs about her Avon business. My Avon Selling Journey chronicles the trials and tribulations of Maria, an Avon entrepreneur that turned her love for the products into a business. When visit her blog it’s immediately plain to see how passionate she is about her business. But as I read her posts I was impressed by her ability to make the reader feel as though they are a part of her journey. This lady can write! I’m so pleased that Maria agreed to share her insights and experiences with Avon. Hopefully, this insight will help you to determine if Avon is the right business opportunity for you. I would also suggest that read Maria’s blog for further perspective.
What do you like most about working with Avon? Least?
I like the fact that I am my own boss. I can set my own hours and dedicate as much, or as little, time to the success of my business. There really isn’t anything that I like least about Avon because I am impressed with every facet of the business.
What was your initial investment? How long did it take you to become profitable?
My initial investment was only 10 dollars. I received a start-up kit which included campaign brochures for two campaigns, an Avon tote bag, some product samples, and basically everything that I needed to jump-start my business. My Avon business started to become profitable when I started to dedicate time to advertising and getting the word out about it.
How did you discover your passion {What led you to Avon}?
I have used and loved Avon products for years. I started selling just to have access to their products and to be able to purchase them at a discount.
What skills do you believe someone would need to be successful with this product?
You definitely have to have people skills to be successful at selling Avon. It is important to provide personal service to your customers and to show them that you appreciate their business.
How do you maintain your drive/motivation?
I maintain my drive/motivation by attending monthly sales meetings at my District office and engaging in networking with my fellow Representatives as well as sharing ideas of best practices.
What advice would you give others who want to start their own business?
Don’t be discouraged by others or by your own lack of confidence. You have to believe in your own ability to be successful. Also, if you want to become an independent Avon Representative, contact me and I can point you in the right direction.
What’s a typical day like? If there is such a thing.
It is important to maintain contact with your customers to keep them up to date on current product offers and promotions. Additionally, the goal of every single day is to share Avon with at least three other people.
What steps do you recommend someone who is currently working for a company but wants to start their own business take before leaving their job?
I wouldn’t recommend that anyone leave their job unless their business is established and turning enough of a profit to address all of their financial needs. This kind of financial freedom requires a lot of time, work, and dedication.
What has surprised you the most about working for yourself? What’s the biggest challenge? How did you overcome the challenge?
The thing that has surprised me the most about working for myself is that I am really good at it. I think we can be our own worst critics sometimes and tend to stand in our own way of being successful. The biggest challenge is managing having a career and dedicating enough time to running your business. The way that I have overcome that challenge is by scheduling time to devote to my business daily.
If you could go back in time, what would you do differently to prepare for being an entrepreneur?
I would have started sooner.
Who or what inspires you?
My children inspire me to be the very best that I could be at everything that I do in my life. They also encourage me to be successful so that I may provide them with the best possible life.
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My name is Dakim, I am the creator of the Home Business Private-Eye.com. I want to help you discover your true passion and then, help you to turn that passion into profit! 
Hi, Dakim. I think you did a wonderful job with this post. You were very professional throughout the whole interview process. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share my experiences as an Avon Independent Sales Representative with your readers. I look forward to networking and collaborating with you in the future.
Maria