I reached a very big milestone on Friday – One Million Dollars in Career Sales! Crazy to think about that – when really I became a demonstrator just because I wanted to stamp and send cards!
About 20 years ago, I was invited to my friend Peggy’s house for a Stampin’ Up! workshop – I had never heard of Stampin’ Up! but thought it sounded fun!
At the workshop, I met an adorable lady named Nellie the Nest Lady – she was in a stamp set – and I fell in love with her and all things Stampin’ Up! Nellie was my first purchase as a customer – ha! Little did I know that Nellie was the start of something that would change my life and become a wonderful blessing!! I came home from Peggy’s knowing that this was something I wanted to do!
Anyone else remember the adorable Nellie?
Fast forward 20 years and here I am!
This achievement isn’t about me at all – it’s about some very special people that helped me reach this goal!
First my husband, Rich – kindest man I know! He has supported my Stampin’ Up! endeavors since Day One! He’s always encouraging, is a technical geek, and has been a great help with my lack of technical skills! Smartest thing I ever did was marry him! Thank you, Rich! XXOO
My girls! Rachel, Sarah, Anna and Faith – my heart! They truly are THE BEST thing that has ever happened to me and I couldn’t be more proud of them! I lovingly refer to us as “team dimples!”
Many of my customers have watched them grow up! My youngest daughter Faith was two when I became a demonstrator – she’s now a senior in college! They have all pitched in over the years – stamping, cutting paper, packaging kits and more! Thank you, girls! XXOO
My “BEE” Team as I fondly refer to them! Rene’ and Sandra – my dear friends! They do all the behind the scenes work in my business – and as I always say – “make me look good!” They were a huge part of this achievement! I get some crazy ideas and they help make them a reality!
Beyond grateful for these two! We laugh a lot and are a pretty special team! Blessings in my life!
Rene’
The kindest, sweetest person I know. Also the most talented – she is over the top creative! She has more talent in her little finger than most of us have in our entire bodies! Love you, dear Rene’!
Next – Sandra – or as I lovingly refer to her as “Saint” Sandra. Also one of the kindest, most giving people I know. Always thinking about others, helping others, doing for others. She is also the “Queen of Organization” and keeps my studio in tip top shape – and that is not easy! Love you, Sandra!
And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention my dear friend, and assistant, Lucy!
I love this young woman so much! Before the pandemic hit, she and I were doing weekly Facebook Lives – we had fun making some pretty cute projects – she loves bling and her project always had a bit of extra sparkle! She especially loves our rhinestones – and as she says, “after all, diamonds are a girls’ best friend!” Couldn’t agree more, Miss Lucy! Can’t wait til this pandemic is over and we can get back to our Facebook Lives! Love you!
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention my dear friends, Kim Cook, Janice Weightman and Ronda Wade.
Janice has been my mentor – and I’m grateful for her and all I have learned from her.
Kim and I met years ago at Founder’s Circle – we’ve become really good friends and I look forward to our weekly- sometimes daily chats!
Ronda Wade has also taught me countless things throughout my demonstratorship! Thank you so much!
And then there is Charlie! My dear boy!
He is the greeter at every class I hold in my studio – he takes his job very seriously! And of course, he thinks everyone is coming here to see him – and they assure me that is true!
If you have watched any of my videos, or Facebook Lives, you have probably heard Charlie – he is either barking – on alert for the mail carrier or the UPS truck, or is snoring away! He has also been known to sneak things out of people’s purses when they are here – he’s a pickpocket! Gotta love this cute boy!
Next I need to thank my amazing customers and team! Some of you have been part of my customer base since I began! You are more than customers to me – you have become my dearest friends! Thank you for ordering through me, hosting, purchasing classes, etc – I would have never reached this milestone without each and every one of you!
Wow – you are The BEST and each of you are a blessing to me!
My team is called “We’d Rather Bee Stampin'” – many of you started out as my customers – and are now a part of my team of demonstrators! I cherish each and every one of you! Here is a photo of some of my team at a conference in Orlando –
I am so blessed! My heartfelt thanks to all!!!
Now, how about some blog candy!!! All you have to do to be entered is to leave a comment telling me what your all time favorite stamp set is! Comment by Thursday, and then I’ll randomly pick two names to receive one of these prizes:
A Large Adhesive Kit: I just had to use the retired Honey Bee Bundle and DSP:
Here’s the inside view: It holds a Stampin’ Seal, Dimensionals, Glue Dots and a Bone Folder:
The second Blog Candy will be a small Adhesive Kit:
Here’s the inside view: It contains a Stampin’ Seal and a pair of Paper Snips:
I’ll announce the winner of the Blog Candy on Friday, Nov. 6th, so be sure to check back!
Need stamping supplies? I would bee GRATEFUL for your orders! You can order in my online store or email me if you need my help.
So many favorites. I'm going to pick a new set, that I can't get enough of… Celebrating Sunflowers!
Love that one too!
Congratulations, laura!!!
Thank you Sherrie!
Picking one is next to impossible! I do like Colorful Seasons because it’s timeless.
Yes that is a great set!
I also have many favorites, but I'll pick Gather Together since I'm using it for my Thanksgiving cards this year.
Love Gather Together!
Congratulations 🎊!!favorite stamp
Set… if I had to choose one I’d say hand knit! And oldie bus as a knitter it’s one I cherish!
I remember that set- super cute!
Congratulations, Rooted in Nature
Yes that is a great set!
What a wonderful achievement, Laura! Congratulations and best wishes! My favorite stamp set is: Sheltering Tree. Thanks for being a great Stampin' Up demonstrator!
Awe yes, also a favorite of mine!
Congratulations! Just looked at your page and love your thank you to so many people (and Charlie). My favorites change with each new catalog. I love gnomes, so I’d choose Gnome for the Holidays.
Love the gnomes too!!
Congratulations! I have 2 favorites right now, Celebrate Sunflowers, & Autumn Goodness.
Hi Joan- yes those are both great sets!
Wow, Congratulations, My all time favorite stamp set is "Girl Power" because my daughter was in Girls Scouts for years, so it holds a special place in my heart.
Love that one and as a mom of four girls I’m all about girl power!! I was a brownie leader many years ago!
congratulations!
it is hard to pick a favorite. maybe the poppy flowers and dies. also the autumn goodness and autumn essential dies.my favorite color of stamping up is the peacock so far. just thought I'd add that in. lol
Awe the poppies are gorgeous! And I love Pretty Peacock!
Laura I love your story. I remember meeting you in Canton at one of your special events at the hotel. My SIL MaryAnn invited me. Ever since then I’ve been lucky to have a contact for Stamp’n Up. My favorite stamp set right now is, Forever Fern. Love the stamps and dies. Congrats again.
So glad MaryAnn introduced us! Forever Fern is at the top of many people’s favorites list!
Pick a favorite stamp set….Just one are you kidding. Currently my favorite is the Forever Fern Bundle. Recently I had to made a Wedding and Sympathy card and I was so surprised that this set was perfect for both. I have since made birthday and thinking of you cards with this set…Add the Forever Greenery DSP and use the embossing folder for some texture and you are set. I have made Thanksgiving cards using the gold hoops and gold metallic trim. This weekend I am going to try some Christmas cards with this wonderful set. But ask me in a month and I will have changed my mind on my favorite. Here's to your nest million. Congrats!!
Hi Chris- I know this is you!! I’m sure your card creations are gorgeous!! And yes Forever Ferns is so versatile!
Pick a favorite stamp set….Just one are you kidding. Currently my favorite is the Forever Fern Bundle. Recently I had to made a Wedding and Sympathy card and I was so surprised that this set was perfect for both. I have since made birthday and thinking of you cards with this set…Add the Forever Greenery DSP and use the embossing folder for some texture and you are set. I have made Thanksgiving cards using the gold hoops and gold metallic trim. This weekend I am going to try some Christmas cards with this wonderful set. But ask me in a month and I will have changed my mind on my favorite. Here's to your nest million. Congrats!!
Oh Laura So happy for your great achievement! I love being a part of your team. My favorite stamp set is retired – Very Vintage
Yes you know I love all things Vintage as well!
Congratulations Laura it’s a huge achievement!!
Thanks Sandy!
Congratulations Laura!!! I have been to many of your classes and have enjoyed making cards. The class I remember being super fun is the Skeleton stamp set were you had to stamp the body parts. Many fun laughs. I love all the classes.
Oh my – that skeleton was crazy- we laughed so hard!!
Congratulations Laura.
Thank you!
My favorite stamp set is Country Home.
Also a good set!! So many great sets!!
Congratulations Laura on such a significant achievement! My favorite stamp set is Painted Poppies, but I also love Christmas Gleaming. Cheers to you on your next million!!!
Thanks so much Denise! Love the poppies!
Congratulations! You have inspired me so much over the years… my favorite stamp set is hard to pick because I have a basket of those I will never give up. Father Christmas is my favorite holiday, A Nice Cuppa my personal favorite, and Lovey as a Tree/Rooted in Nature for masculine cards.
Love all the sets you mentioned!!
3rd times a charm… Congratulations Laura! What an achievement for you. I’m thankful of all the classes I’ve been able to enjoy of yours but more your sweet, creative and helpful self. I have to say my favorite currently because of the memories, is the Honey Bee bundle. That’s how I found you because of your bee theme and that’s when my daughter announced her engagement. Her future husband is a bee advocate and so her bridal shower was bee themed and this set made it a beautiful event. Invitations, thank you cards, programs, treats and more all bee themed. I’m a big fan of outdoor stamps, trees and such also. Thanks laura
Glad your comment finally came through! And I’m so glad our paths crossed- and you know I Love that honey bee bundle!
Congratulations! I am so very happy for you! Your hard work and passion has paid off! So thankful to be a very small part of this very big journey in your life. My favorite stamp sets change with the catalogs…my current favorite it Gnome fo the Holidays!
You my dear are a gem! So thankful for you and your amazing skills! Also so grateful our paths crossed and we became friends! XO
Congratulations Laura! You are wonderful! I have a huge amount of Stampin Up products no favorite. I love it all. Thank you for all you do!��
Thanks Cindy! I love it all too! Haha- we are in trouble!
Congratulations Laura that is so exciting! It's hard to pick just one favorite! One of my first stamp sets and still one of my favorites is Loads of Love, I just love that old truck! I'm also a sucker for tree stamps and two of my favorites are an older set Season of Friendship and a new set I recently got and can't wait to try out Life is Beautiful.
Loads is love is awesome!
🥳CONGRATULATIONS LAURA!🥳
So happy for you! I’m still a “newbie” but my grandkids think I’m great! So, thank YOU so much for that!
My favorite set is absolutely The Sunflowers- EVERYONE in my family has gotten sunflower cards! Lol
Again- congratulations On this wonderful achievement! And….I look forward to coffee together at the Cafe!
Thanks Sharon/ can’t wait to share a cup with you!! And I agree/ I love the sunflowers too!
Congratulations Laura!!! My all time favorite is Flourishing Phrases. Love the swirly flowers.
Great set and thanks!
Picking a favorite is difficult as I have so many depending on the season. I think Celebrate Sunflowers is my current favorite because of my love of flowers and gardening.
Love this set as do many!
Congratulations on your monumental accomplishment!
Congrats Laura, You deserve it All..My favorite stamp set so far is my last purchase The Snowflake Wishes Bundle..Cant wait to send out My Christmas Cards this year..Again Congratulations!!!
Thank you! Beautiful set!
Congratulations on such an awesome achievement for you and your support staff.
My favorite stamp set would be watercolor wings cuz I love butterflies and layering with stamps.
Daisy delight is my favorite!
Oh yes that’s a darling set!
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I absolutely love love love….. Loads of love, it's retired but was cool before the whole red truck thing took off!
Agree!!! There's nothing better than those red trucks!