A couple months ago, I joined Origami Owl as an independent designer. I initially did it to add to my income (which was zero!) and give myself something to focus on outside of my Mom job. The time was right for me, and after attending a party myself, I loved the jewelry! It's fun, different, high quality and reasonably priced. I thought to myself 'Hey! I can do this' and I dove right in. This was a big leap for me as I consider myself fairly shy when it comes to getting myself out there, but it's been a fun challenge for me to overcome this!
Anyway, this weekend I attended the Origami Owl (O2) national convention, and I came away from it inspired with a new motivation for my business. O2 proudly states their motto is to 'Be a Force for Good'. They encourage their designers to focus on PEOPLE - building relationships, helping others and throwing out lots of positive energy - rather than making the main focus selling product.
The convention was filled with motivational speakers, dancing, new friends, lots of learning, and above all, a feeling that the entire company really cares about their employees and designers. They provided free massage stations, giveaways to ALL 5000 attendees, and amazing detail was included in all aspects of the conference. Just when I thought they had pretty much wrapped things up after the Saturday night awards gala, they open up a curtain to a huge dance party featuring amazing dessert tables, a dj and performances by Elekrolyte - former champions from MTV's America's Best Dance Crew!
The biggest thing they have done for their company is to offer health insurance to ALL designers! It is affordable, and allows many women to empower themselves and their families. They are also partnering with Grand Canyon University to offer amazing online trainings AND opportunities to take classes for college credit!!
I met A LOT of amazing women this weekend, and I did quite a bit of people watching as well (since it's probably impossible to meet 5000 people in a 3 day period). Anyway, I noticed that there isn't a 'look' to Origami Owl. There was every kind of woman (and a few men!) you can imagine. Older, younger (Owlettes agest 12-17, boy or girl- can join with their mom, tattoed, pierced, teachers, stay at home Moms, country girls, city girls, and the list goes on. And, together it is a beautiful picture of what the company is and stands for.
I met a woman who sells O2 simply to raise money for children's cancer research because her child is a survivor. I met women who are supporting their families on this business. And I met many women like me - women who want to have an income but who also want to maintain their position as full time Mom and household CEO! Everyone I met was amazing, inspiring, and kind, and I felt like we were all friends who just hadn't been introduced yet.
O2 also partners with ChildHelp, an organization whose mission it is to end child abuse by providing education to children so they know what to do when they are in danger. And, soon, they will be providing all designers with an opportunity to be trained in the curriculum so we can all go out into the schools and educate our children.
As I have come away from this convention, I realize the potential within this company. Their message is genuine because they live and breathe their mission to Be a Force for Good, and their actions reflect that. And, it motivates me to be a better person. And for all those reasons, I realize that my impulsive action that day in April to sign up with this company was truly meant to be in a way I couldn't have foreseen. I'm looking forward to seeing what's ahead!
p.s. - follow me on twitter @nilesowl or facebook at https://www.facebook.com/origamiowlandrianilesindependentdesigner
*if you want more info on what it's like to be a part of this, please email me at andrianiles@gmail.com. I love to chat :-). If not, please just continue enjoying my crazy life through this blog!*
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