Starting a Younique Business Q&A

If you've found your way to this article, you're probably thinking a little about Younique and the possibility of starting your own business.  I know for a fact, because I've been there, that there are a boat load of questions that go along with that.  No worries, I'm here for you.  Ask away.

So, let me tell you about Younique.

Oh my goodness, so many amazing things to say here.  This is not just your grandma's makeup company.  For starters, we have the world's greatest mascara (for real, I'm a lash junky, I know this).  Our 3D fiber lashes are our best seller and the very first product that most people try.  It's actually the product that most people assocciate with the name "Younique."  But trust me, there is so much more than that.  We have a complete line of cosmetics and skin care that are naturally based.  Many of our products are even gluten free, soy free, and/or vegan.  Plus, nothing is tested on animals and the majority of our products are now made in the USA.

What about Younique as a company?  You want to make a good business decision, here.

Well, we were founded by a brother and sister team, Derek Maxfield and Melanie Huscroft.  Their vision, which seriously resonates throughout the organization, is to uplift, empower, and validate.  And they seriously do.  Having just recently celebrated their second anniversary, Younique is the fasted growing network marketing company.  They are debt free, so no investors and banks controlling things.  There is still no market saturations at this point, meaning plenty of room for your own business to grow.  Younique just expanded to Australia, New Zealand, and The United Kindom, and we're working on further expansion as we speak.  Growing, growing, growing!

How do you sell the products?

We are a social media based network marketing company.  That means you can use your existing network of friends and followers in Facebook, Google+, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest - the possibilities are endless here -  to help market the products.  You also get a free - yep, free... forever - website where you can sell the products and run your business.  At it's very simplest, all you have to do is give people the link to your website and let them order.  How easy is that? 

Of course, you can also market to people in person, whether you want to do in home parties, vendor events, or just share with your friends.

Parties... how does that work?

We have a virtual party system on our websites, so all you have to do is start a party for your hostess (or even for yourself, because we like to party, too) on the site.  Then, whether you do a party at your house, your hostess's house, on the internet, or just with a catalog, your hostess can give the link to her party to all of her friends and they can order from her party.  The party link will track the hostess's points, and put her hostess rewards (it only takes $200 in sales for her to earn half price items and cash to spend on products) in her name when the party is over.  And, of course, Younique provides the hostess rewards... you don't have to worry about that.  For real, can it get much easier?

Do you have to do parties?  Are you not really sure that's your thing?

Wait, you're not a party animal?  It's cool.  This is your business, you get to build it however you want.  The possibilities are endless, all you have to do is talk to people.  You choose how.  Of course, I recommend you take advantage of the hostess rewards for yourself, at least.  You can get your own makeup for free!

Ok, so how much money can you make?

This question is a toughy, because it's all about how you work your business.  You start off earning 20-25% commission, plus you can earn even more as you help others start their own businesses.  We're ranked by color in our compensation plan and we get paid at those different levels as we achieve them, and a good business plan will help you max out the compensation plan.  It's all about what you want to do.  You can earn great residual income, from diaper money to vacation money to dream home money.  We have people who earn in all of those ranges on our team. 

How would you get paid?

Oh, I love this part.  We get paid 3-4 hours after every sale on our websites (that's right, pretty much immediately) onto a cute little purple debit card.  You can take that card to the store with you, out on your date, or to your favorite shop on the internet.  Plus, if you build a team, you get paid monthly royalties as well.

What does it cost to get started?

The kit is $99 for over $200 worth of fabulousness.  It's all full sized products that you can use, sample out, or sell.  There are literally no other fees.  Of course, I recommend that you try the other products that don't come in the presenter's kit, because their amazing, but $99 is all you need to start your business.  Do you want to see the current kit?  Here it is... isn't it beautiful?  Oh, and that black faux leather box is exclusive to new presenters. You are seriously the only people who can get that right now.

Will you have to keep an inventory or make deliveries?

Nope.  Not if you don't want to.  Like I said, you can do all your sales through your website, it's that simple.  There is no required purchase on your part after the starter kit, and you can sit at home and do this business on your computer (or tablet, or phone).  But there is an option to have inventory or place orders for your customers if you prefer to do that.  Remember, it's your business to run how you want.

What happens if you don't sell anything?

Well, nothing.  Of course, you won't make an money if you don't sell product, but it's ok if you don't sell anything.  There is a requirement of $125 in personal sales every 3 months to stay active as a Younique presenter.  You could seriously do that with yourself, your mom, and maybe your grandma.  If for some reason you do not have that $125 in sales in 3 months, you'll simply go inactive as a presenter.  That's all that happens.

So, will there be anyone to help you get your business started?

Yes!  We have great support from Younique to help train us, but the best part is the support of your team.  My team is the Pirate Princesses (I named it that because we are Fierce and Fabulous).  Once you start your Younique business by joining the Pirate Princesses, you will be added to our training group, where you can find information and graphics, ask questions of our crew of presenters and leaders, and take advantage of team emails and webinars.  Our greatest wish is to help you build your business and become the leader you are meant to be, and you will have accesses to the resources you need for your business growth and personal development.  If you want to be successful, we can help you build a business plan that will help you achieve your personal long term goals.  Plus, I cannot tell you how valuable the friendships I've gained on the team have been to me.

Why should you start a business with Younique?

Like I said, this is not your grandma's makeup company.  We have a full range of very high quality products with a marketing plan for today's business builders and consumers.  There are so many reason's people start a business with Younique.  There may be a stay at home mom out there who sees a post on Facebook and wants something for herself and to help with her family finances.  Or, someone who's working a 9-5 job and is tired of it and sees the amazing mascara on a co-worker.  Some start because they saw the presenter's kit and loved it and thought they might as well get a discount on their own products, then ended up building a business out of it.  Or maybe they needed diaper money and loved the fact that you get paid onto your own little purple card 3-4 hours after a sale.  Some started because they wanted to earn a couple hundred extra dollars per month, and others because they wanted to go all the way to the top.  And guess what.  Any of those people can do this with some hard work and dedication.

Did you try network marketing before and it didn't work?  Why would this be different?

Because this is a proven company with a good, simple setup.  We already have our first Millionaire after 2 years in business.  And we have training in place to help you succeed.

I'm Nicole Dupont, and I'm an orange level presenter.

Now, let me tell you a bit about my story.  I'm a mom of 2, ages 3 and 5.  I'm a wife.  Oh, and I'm one of the most shy and self conscious people you will ever meet.  I had done a little with direct sales before, but not much really happened for me.  I found Younique because of the mascara (like I said, I'm a lash junky).  I really wanted to share the products, so I started by hosting my own party, then deciding to go ahead and sign up for the presenter's kit and the discount.  I didn't really understand the business side of network marketing at the time.  I got into my sponsor's team group and started exploring (and having fun, I didn't imagine it would be this fun!).  I found info on Younique and Network Marketing, and I began to branch out and learn from other network marketing leaders like Sarah Robbins and Eric Worre.  Before I knew it, I had built this great knowledge base, I was selling the products, I was building a team, and I was having so much fun doing it all.  I was coming out of my shy little shell, so much so that I even started doing makeup tutorials on YouTube and training webinars for my team.  The tutorials and trainings, I've discovered, are where my personal passion lies in this business.  We all find our own way, and sometimes it's surprising!

How can you find out more? 

Simple.  Let's get in touch.  You can email me at teampirateprincess@gmail.com.  You can find me on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.  You can even check out my website at www.piratelashes.com.  I would love to hear from you, answer your questions, and help you build your business.

How to Make S'more Kits for Christmas Gifts

I'm always on the hunt for Christmas gifts for my favorite families, and treats can be a cute and inexpensive option.  This year we settled on S'more Kits, something that would provide a little family activity and be yummy at the same time.

Here's what you'll need:
Graham Crackers
Marshmallows
Chocolate Bars
Food Packaging (cellophane bags, bakery boxes, etc.)
Closures (ribbon, twist ties, or adhesive)
Scissors
A Hole Punch
A Pen (for curling the twist ties)

I listed the families I needed gifts for, along with the number of family members.  I then put into piles 1 large chocolate bar, and enough graham cracker squares and marshmallows to make 1-2 s'mores per member of each family, depending on the size of the family (1 each for large families, 2 each for smaller families).

Then all I had to do was slip them into some cute packaging and seal it all up.  I also put together a few extras, because, if you're like me, there's always going to be someone you forgot to get a gift for.

tsū, the newest social network!

Have you seen this?  I'm giving it a try, so you'll see a review soon, but this is tsū, a social network that apparently shares the revenues with us. I'm playing with it right now and I'm excited to see what it can do. 
First impression: I kinda like the clean look of it!  It's refreshing!

Check it out: www.tsu.co/NicoleDupont

How to get Huge Lashes!

We all want long lashes, right?  It's like the new boobs.  Everyone wants a bigger pair. I am not into lash extensions, and I don't love taking the time to put on false lashes every morning (plus I usually tend to mess it up somehow).  With that in mind, this is how I do my lashes when I want them BIG BIG BIG (and not spidery). 

You need:

• 3D Fiber Lashes (no worries, it's just the worlds greatest mascara, not extensions or falsies)
• Lash Comb
• Blowdryer (you read right, no lash curler for me)

The basics... there are 2 tubes in the 3D Fiber Lashes, Gel and Green Tea Fiber.  You start by coating your lashes with gel, brushing fibers onto the tips, and then coating again with gel (that way the fibers don't flake off).  You can do this for as many coats as you want to get the results you want.  You can use the comb to get rid of any clumps as needed.  Then, when I'm done, I use my blowdryer on high heat, low speed to blow my lashes from below for about 15 seconds (this curls them, I swear), then I give them a blast of cool air to set the mascara.

You know what, just go watch this... it will make so much more sense.  Seeing is believing.

To see more, please subscribe to my YouTube channel, follow me on Facebook, or visit my website. Or, you can email me at teampirateprincess@gmail.com with any questions. :-)

Warning... a potty training post

My Tiny Princess has been using the potty. Finally. No, she's not perfect. Yes, we have accidents. But she's, like, majorly proud of herself. And we celebrate that like crazy in this house.
Now, since I know there will be flames from some out there, here's my philosophy on potty training: it doesn't need to be a fight. True, she's 3, and I would have loved to have her trained at 2. But she just didn't care.  And to me, I would so much rather not have the experience be traumatic for both of us. Yes, you know it's traumatic for you to have to beg your child to use the potty, force then to wear big kid undies, then throw those undies that you paid good money for into the trash because they were pooped in anyway.  And I'm not a fan of washing out poopy undies.  So we waited until she was confident that she could hold it and tell me when she had to go.  That's when we broke out the big girl panties (she flat out refused to give up her pull ups when I offered panties to get before). Sure, she pooped in them once (so far), but this is her choice now to wear them, which, I think, makes her want to do good at this way more than if I had forced it.  And of course, I diligently inspect every bit of poop and pee that goes in the potty, then we high five, fist bump, hug, and sometimes even call daddy.  Oh, and her brother celebrates with her, too.
So, for us, we're way proud!  And way less stressed about it, too.

Moms Cry, Too

I spend so much time trying to help my children learn and grow, and hoping they'll catch on to life soon, that sometimes I forget to just watch them. And then I run into a day like today where I can't help but cry a little and wonder when my babies grew up.
Two weeks ago, Davin started Kindergarten. He's been doing fabulous, by the way. Here's hoping it stays that way, but I think his teacher is a much better fit for him (and all around teacher) than his preschool teacher was.
I've been hanging out with Charis a lot more since her brother is in school, and let me tell you, she's a pretty cool little chick. Her personality just shines and she really has matured a bit even in just her two weeks of exclusive mommy time.
Yesterday, Davin had the first practice of his second (SECOND!) season of soccer, while Charis went to her very first dance class. They both did great. Amazing. Conducted themselves well.
What the heck happened here? When did they decide to grow up on me?  When did they turn into the coolest kids ever?
So, that's why this mom had to shed a few tears today. Hormones? Maybe. I don't know. But I know I'll be paying much closer attention from now on.

Summer summer summer summer!

I know some of you are finally getting to enjoy your summers... and that's fabulous for you.  I'm pleased to announce we've been doing summer here in AZ for quite a while already this year, and I LOVE it!  And before you call me crazy, up until the last week it was a dry heat (I know, so cliche, but it's true).  It only became a little unbearable when we hit our humid season... you peeps who live back east can keep that business. 
But summer... I love it because I love flip flops, BBQs, Independence Day, birthdays (both my babies), sunglasses, pedicures, water, sun tans, the smell of coconuts and sunscreen, and even our rain storms...

Have you heard...?

In case you missed it (and if you follow me on Facebook, I don't know how you did, LOL), I started my own business with Younique, a naturally-based skin care and cosmetic company.  I have been with Younique for 5 months now, and wow has this been bigger than I ever thought... like seriously!
I found Younique through a Facebook party I was invited to, they really convinced me I needed this 3D mascara stuff. Mascara, by the way, is my one "don't-leave-home-without-it cosmetic item. No really, I received a call from my husband once telling me he had rolled his truck (that story is in a previous post here) and I ran into my bathroom to put my mascara on super fast before I left the house. I know... that's bad, right?
Once I tried my 3D Fiber Lashes, I debated, and finally decided I could at least get the presenter's kit and purchase my own mascara if I signed up... I mean, that was still a pretty amazing deal (30 eye pigments, 5 blushers, and then some... like are you kidding me?  Play time!). Then I got my kit and some other products and started to play, and wow! Makeup rut, over! I fell in love with the other products, too.
Then I "met" my upline on Facebook and found out how seriously supportive they are. Really, phone calls, info, inspiration, incentives, everything... and such cool girls, too. Now, you may or may not know that I can be pretty socially awkward at times, but they even helped me work through that. And, oh my exciting! I really started to get into the rush of sharing Younique with others! I never thought that would happen, but these are seriously products I wanted everyone to not have to live without!
Now, a mere 5 months in with this new company (yeah, it's only a little over a year old... and growing exponentially... now, that's exciting), I've promoted four times, earned a $250 bonus, and even built my own team of amazing girls who see what this opportunity can mean for them and their families!
I am so ridiculously in love with what I have achieved with Younique, not only income wise but also in improved self image and social outgoing-ness (pretty sure that's not even a word), and I feel so blessed to have found this opportunity... oh, and the perfect mascara!                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
I started because I love the 3D Lashes, and I thought it was a good opportunity to get a discount for myself and sell to my family and friends. My initial goal was... not really to make money, I actually wasn't expecting that or any of the rest, LOL! I now see the potential to earn enough money to pay for our summer vacation this year, and then some, hopefully!
Now that I see the potential, my goal is to be able to work as a nurse purely because I want to help people, not because I need the income!
What would you do with your future and to help others if you could?
www.piratelashes.com

Eye Tutorial Using Cranberry Pigment

This is one of my favorite eye looks lately, I think the cranberry color brings out the green in my hazel eyes really well.  Plus I just love red!

Products used are:

• Younique Eye Pigements in Heartbroken, Provoked, Sexy, and Corrupted (liner)
• Younique 3D Fiber Lashes (it's just mascara, the best one ever)

For this I like to use Heartbroken (the cranberry color) all over my lid up to my crease, then Provoked (a redish brown) in the crease and on the outer V, and finally Sexy (a shimmery nude) on my brow bone, at the inner corner  of the eye, and a little to blend.  I then use Corrupted ( flat black powder) with a liner brush to line my eyes.  That gives me a bit of a smokier liner look.  Then I finish with my mascara of choice, Younique's 3D Fiber Lashes (no, not falsies).

Check out the tutorial here:

Happy Father's Day!

I know, it's after midnight, so technically I'm a day late... what can I say, I worked at the hospital today.  But I really wanted to honor a few amazing dads in my life... because dads are pretty amazing guys, right? 

I have been blessed with two dads - one biological, one step,both very instrumental in raising me.  I had them both walk me down the isle at my wedding... how cool is that?  Only the luckiest girls get two daddies!

I also want to give a shout out to the hubs... I remember when we were dating we had a conversation about what we dream of doing with our lives.  His answer was not career oriented as most people's tend to be.  He told me "I want to be a good dad."  Having grown up without a dad, I can totally see why that's so important to him... and guess what!  Success!  Thomas, you are an amazing dad to our two beautiful children!

Happy (slightly belated) Fathers Day to all the amazing dads out there!

I'm so spurty...

I owe everyone (and my lonely blog) an apology... I seem to go in spurts with my posting and really good things fail to get passed on to the world... like ridiculously good, because life is awesome!
So, kids are bigger, and super fun, but I'm sure you expected that!  We both have the same jobs, however I did start my own business with Younique, a naturally based skin care and cosmetic company... seriously such a good decision, but more on that later.  Davin went to preschool this year.... And played soccer... And tee ball.  Charis is just a little princess who loves to sing and dance.  We continue to do CrossFit, although we admittedly need to get out butts to the gym more often... life is crazy and good, all at the same time!

CrossFit and Friendships

It's been a long while since I've posted here, but tonight I have a lot on my mind, and wanted to share some thoughts.  In 2012, Thomas and I decided it was time that we start to take better care of ourselves and decided signing up at a gym would be a good start.  Mind you, we have a really bad track record when it comes to actually getting to the gym when we sign up, but this time it's been different.  Thomas started CrossFit and quickly convinced me to join him (I had started with spinning).  I know half of you really don't want to hear about CrossFit, but for the other half, let me just say, this has been life changing for us.  We have seen so much progress, in both appearance, and physical ability.  It wasn't long before we figured out that nutrition plays a key roll in this endeavor and we have been paying much more attention to what we put into our bodies.  We have a new "hobby" in common; one we participate in 4-5 times per week.  It has been such a bonding experience for us, and I feel like it has been great for our marriage.  We've also bonded with several new friends whom I already cherish.  Thomas has found a new love in Olympic Lifting and Strongman.  He says he just likes to lift heavy stuff!  I have to say, I'm a little partial to Strongman, too; it's so fun!  I also think it has been a bit of an inspiration to our kids, who come to the gym with us and often imitate what they see us do.
None of these benefits, however, would have come to fruition had it not been for the fact that we actually stuck with the program.  And, while there are many factors involved, two very special people played a big roll in keeping us there.  The knowledge and experience of our coaches, Aaron and Gabby, has been priceless.  On top of that, they genuinely care about each of us and take the time to work with and help us.  We have learned so much from them, and I'm proud to call them friends.
The inspiration for this post tonight stems from the fact that our beloved coaches will no longer be involved with the gym we signed up for, spawning a large movement to cancel memberships.  The events of the evening have made me reflect on the benefits of the past several months.  So, while I'm not sure where I will do my WOD tomorrow or the next day, I am so very happy I have found this thing called CrossFit and have some amazing friends to share it with.

Getting Ready for Christmas

This past weekend we went to see Zoo Lights at Reid Park Zoo.  Very cool, and Davin loved it because he loves Christmas lights no matter where he sees them.  He also loves his Grandma, and insisted that she hold his hand, even when he was in the stroller.  Charis enjoyed looking around at the twinkly lights, but was a little tired by this time of night.  So, she needed a pick-me-up, which came in the form of cotton candy.  Her first time trying it, and she was taking huge bites (go figure, she likes sugar).  I found one of the hot chocolate tables and decided that just felt right for the occasion, but then was a little bummed when I found out that Mom and Mariah had found their own pick-me-up at the table that would add liqueurs to your hot chocolate.  Where was that table when I was buying my hot chocolate???
The next day we got up early (mostly because Davin was wide awake in a strange place and not because we were determined to get up early) and braved the mall to go see Santa.  Being their early had its perks, though, because we were second in line as soon as we walked in.  The mall was much more packed by the time we finished shopping and left.  Charis sat with Santa quietly, no fuss, like she knew it was just something that had to be done.  Davin was hesitent, and, after much conversation and coaxing from Santa, would only sit beside him, not on his lap.  When asked what he wanted Santa to bring him for Christmas, Davin's response was a whispered "I want bring presents."

Did I tell you how cute my kids are?

I'm really behind on going through my pictures on my camera.  I have this routine (stop reading here if you don't want to listen to OCD Nicole) where I take pictures from my camera and organize by year-month-day in folders.  Then I go through each date, pick out the best of the best, move them to the print folder, and edit as needed from there.  I edit the copies so that I still have the original to work with if I ever learn some amazing trick for editing and MUST re-edit.  And, because I just can't make myself get rid of the original.  I actually keep the original of all the picures, even the really horrible ones...
Anyway...

As I was going through pictures, found some I really like and thought I would share.  You know, because of how cute my kids are... (that's jerkey that Charis is eating in the last picture, by the way. Charis loves it!)

The Babies are Baptized!

At long last, on Saturday, our babies received the Sacrament of Baptism!  I have been stressing about this for so long, and for reasons that are too numerous to list and comepletely silly, because it was awesome!  The kiddos didn't even cry when they had the Holy Water poured over their heads.  Charis cried a little in the beginning when she got hungry, but that was it.  Davin, Mr. Independent, really wanted to hold his own candle, so I was pretty relieved when Father Ed said we could blow them out.Their little white outfits, by the way, were amazing!  Charis' dress had such gorgeous embroidery on it, I couldn't stop staring at it, and I couldn't stop staring at my beautiful girl once Veta and I got her clothed.  Davin looked so cute and handsome in his tux, even though he wouldn't let Thomas and Adam put the vest and tie on him.  We joked that he looked like John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever.
I loved having our family and friends out with us, that makes the day even more special.  Mom was so kind as to hostess a little reception at her house afterward (thank you, Mom, I know that was a lot of work), so we all got to visit and Davin got to play with the grandchildren of his new Godparents.  Veta and Adam, you have some awesome grandbabies!
I have to say a huge thank you to everyone:  Thank you to Veta and Adam for accepting our request to be Godparents to our babies, and for all the work you put into the baptism (and to your grandchildren who were amazingly helpful as well).  Thank you, Mom, for hostessing the reception, I know it was a lot of work!  Thank you to Grammy for the salads.  Thank you to Father Ed for performing the baptism and helping everyone relate to the process.  And thank you to everyone who came out to help us bless and celebrate our children.
Now for pictures (of course)!  I will probably add other pictures when I receive them from others who were photographing the day as well  (thank you to Mom, Dad, and Grandma Dupont for that, I love people who bring cameras!).  Also, you can see their baptism portraits here.