direct sales

6 Reasons I Became a Direct Sales Rep Twice and Don’t Regret It

by: Danielle Ternyila, Zyia Active Independent Rep | Former Pampered Chef Consultant

Direct sales, or otherwise known as multi-level marketing, offers unique opportunities that we all want to question from the very beginning. Is anyone really making money on it? Are those trips ever earned? Are the rewards that good?

It wasn’t something I ever thought about, and I perhaps believed into the rumors about “pyramid schemes” even. Nevertheless, I came across the opportunity in a Pampered Chef virtual party I was invited to by a friend. Having grown up in the kitchen cooking with my dad, I was familiar with the brand, despite being a recent college graduate with no kitchen of her own yet. I was intrigued, however, by the whole virtual party and how the sales rep posted throughout the day on social media from the comfort of her home and pocketing commission along the way. That seemed like something any one could do, so I looked into it.

I decided to start with my source, and I asked the rep all the questions I was thinking. Is it hard to find the time? How do you know the products so well? How much money do you make? How do you post so regularly? Is it hard? What if i don’t do well?

There were probably 70 different questions I asked, then I jumped to the internet to compare this company with others popular in the direct sales industry. I explored different commission plans, different representative benefits, different requirements, and different products. There were a lot of options out there, and I started to veer toward another brand (which I would switch over to in a few years any way after this initial experience) but ultimately came back to Pampered Chef after considering the things that were most important to me at the time.

It’s important to think through your decision and make sure it’s the right choice for you. Here are the reasons I decided to take the leap and become a consultant for Pampered Chef and later a proud Zyia Active rep!

Reason #1

Extra income was the primary driver behind my interest in a multi-level marketing opportunity. I was comfortable enough to get by with my current income, but my student loans took up a big chunk of change. Meanwhile, my heart yearned for a life of travel and moving out of my parents’ house. Making extra money could help me stay financially responsible and enjoy the pay off for my hard work too.

Reason #2

I didn’t have a set of regular hours of free time to hold another job, despite liking the idea of having some extra income on a regular basis. My full time job had me traveling the country more often, which made me a very unreliable job candidate for a local waitress or babysitting part-time gig in between. With a schedule as constantly-changing as mine, I just didn’t have the time to dedicate to another employer. I did, however, have a free hour now and then and could usually find some time to work most weekends when I was home.

The multi-level marketing opportunity gave me that flexibility. I could put in 2 scattered hours work one week, or do 10+ another when I had more time. The best part: doing it all from the convenience of my phone.

Reason #3

My work ethic and drive were never in question, but I really didn’t want to report to someone else. I didn’t want to feel guilty when I didn’t prioritize it, and I didn’t want to feel like I was letting anyone down if I didn’t perform the best.

Becoming an independent consultant allowed me all of that!

Reason #4

Despite reason #3, I was still of course new to sales outside of my short time as a Starbucks barista in college and my high school days behind the desk of a tanning salon. “Running my own business” didn’t seem tangible when I had no idea what I was doing or how to do it.

While it is up to you how you run your business, there is still so much support for you behind the scenes with a direct sales business. Today I’m an independent representative for Zyia Active, and our reps are blessed with the most incredible community, customer service, and supportive corporate team. There is always someone there to answer my question, offer advice and guidance, or otherwise motivate me when I need it.

No matter what company you join, you aren’t the only one, so even in running your own business your way, there’s someone else out there to help.

Reason #6

Don’t we all dream of an employee discount to our favorite shops and boutiques? Another enticing incentive that had me considering the opportunity was the guarantee of a discount on high-quality products. I thoughtfully considered this in making my decision on which company to join, and the Pampered Chef business I ran for 3 years helped to stock my first kitchen without breaking the bank and while still gaining commission along the way.

As a clothing shopaholic, I now get my dose of new style on a discount or more often free through my hard work and efforts monthly. I make commission while stocking my family’s closets with quality clothes at minimal costs.

All Your Burning Questions About Direct Sales Answered

I’m an open book, and I just want to help others succeed, so follow me on Instagram or contact me here to ask me anything. If you’re particularly interested in becoming an Independent Rep with Zyia Active, I would love to help coach you through your journey as part of my team.

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Mirror, Mirror on the Wall: Let’s Not Compare To Them All

by: Danielle Ternyila

Why don’t I have her body? How does she stay so fit? Why do they get to travel so much? How do I get my home be that clean?

Social media can be the devil, especially when we start making comparisons as if we are looking in a mirror. From the outside looking in through an old friend’s social media, for example, it’s easy to assume things are just easier for them when things look good. They don’t post their bad days for you to see, which makes you start thinking worse about yourself.

Nothing looks good on me. I wish I could love the gym. I don’t get to go on vacations. I don’t have the time to clean and make my house look that nice. That’s just not me, I’ll never be like them.

There is no reason you should be doubting yourself by comparing yourself to your friends and influencers. The only real thing you can compare yourself to is the old version of yourself. Look at where you were before: that’s your competition.

Whether I am looking back at my teenage self, college self, or myself 1 year ago, that is where I am making my comparisons. How much have I achieved since then? Am I happier today than I was then? Have I surrounded myself with the right people? Do I take better care of myself? Have I learned from my mistakes and made myself better?

This is the most accurate and only way to measure your growth and the success of your life, through looking at yourself then and now, and of course staying motivated to make “future you” the best version of yourself, not backtracking or staying in place. We all get scared to try new things, which leads to us settling in our comfort zones, be it your job that’s easier to stay at than leave or how you spend your time.

Everyone has a dream of their own: to lose weight or get in shape, make more money, raise a great family, have the best job, own a business, or live in the dream home, for a few examples. None of those can be achieved if you don’t start believing that you can achieve all of these things. The only thing stopping you is yourself when you don’t apply, you don’t show up, and just give up.

Start with a plan and understand what your goals are. Take time to consider how you can get there. I honestly hated the gym when I was up 60 lbs a few years ago, so I prioritized eating healthier and tried new ways to be active so that I could achieve my goal. Every day since, I continue to compare myself to my “past self” and how far I have come. It makes me feel a lot more proud than comparing myself to someone else who has led a completely different life than me.

If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to looking in the mirror and comparing yourself to the fairest of them all (that’s you!), I have a few questions below to get you thinking positive and living the life you have been lusting after. You deserve it, that’s what you need to believe! You can live your best life, as long as you do your best to achieve that!

You get what you work for, not what you wish for.

  • What is your dream for your future?
  • Why is this important to you? What would it mean to you to achieve this goal?
  • What is holding you back?
    • Time, funds, commitment, knowledge, motivation, support, etc
  • What steps can you take to overcome those challenges?
    • Time management, finance planning or finding free programs, build a support system, join a team, make an inspiration/vision board, educate yourself, ask for help, etc
  • How will you hold yourself accountable?
  • In what way can you measure your success?
    • Monthly or weekly check-in’s, weigh-in’s, goal tracker, etc.

A support system is an important part to any journey! Join our group on Facebook for more inspiration and a positive group of people all doing their best!

Gift Ideas to Support Small Business Friends

We’ve spoken before on the blog about the growth and opportunity in direct sales and all your friends who have begun their own business in some way over the recent years in this digital era of multi-level marketing. Now that the holidays are approaching, it’s a great time for you to support those friends or other local small businesses for thoughtful, unique gifts.

Explore a collection of gift ideas on this list of small businesses, so you can find something just right for everyone on your list! Shop small this year, or check out how can even save more money on these gifts by contacting your representative or local consultant. Despite another rough year of quarantines and pandemics, many small businesses are still standing strong, including your friends on Facebook.

There is no reason to get stuck out in long lines this year when you can support local and small businesses run by hardworking people you may even know.
In collaboration with as many small businesses I know, we have compiled our [almost] complete list of gift ideas! Who are you shopping for? There is something for every one on your list here.

For the Chefs & Bakers, New Home Owners, and Your Favorite In-Laws

Whether they’re always hosting, always cooking, or just opening gifts, treat someone to Pampered Chef goodies because who doesn’t love some Pampered Chef? Quality and unique kitchen products anyone can appreciate, and it’s only a click away!

There are some incredible tools for quick dishes, the most reliable cookware, seasonings, and even monthly recipe subscription services to keep up with meal prep goals. Pair a bottle of wine with an entertaining piece, or a jar of hot fudge with the famous Pampered Chef ice cream scoop for a simple and thoughtful gift.

For Your Friends with Style, the Ladies In Need of Pampering, and Secret Santa

One all-time hit Christmas gift in years past for me has been these convenient, simple, DIY manicured nails by Color Street! Don’t waste any more time considering the perfect gift and snag some sets of hassle-free press-on nail art designs.

Snag a few sets and combine with a nail file for a unique and fun gift she will absolutely love! For more tips on how to apply, I recommend you pop over to Jillian’s Nail Bar on Facebook and explore the styles and reviews, too!

For Fit Friends, Busy Moms, or the Whole Family

I am a proud Zyia Active Independent Rep and truly love the mission of this active lifestyle brand: to inspire and uplift by making activity a fun and essential part of life. There is a wide variety of quality items that your fit friends would love, as well as incredible versatile pieces that can be worn in the office, on the go, to sporting events, or the typical workout, and I’m sure you’d get bonus points for picking out something truly unique and one-of-a-kind through my online boutique, where we have new releases coming out every single Wednesday and inventory is always changing.

You can’t go wrong with a pair of classic light n tights from your favorite Zyia Active Independent Rep, that’s me! Runners, ladies who lift, or even those who dance, do yoga, or just “mom” it up will love the compression of these leggings that some call the magic tummy-tuck leggings, and they’ll always stay put! Fit true to size from XXS to XXXXL! The real secret here, though, is that these leggings provide an on-the-spot tummy tuck, too! These are just one of the many incredible things this boutique active lifestyle brand flaunts.

Join my royalty club on Facebook to explore our women’s, children’s, and men’s clothing; we have everything from leggings to office chinos, shorts to winter jackets, and sports bras that double as swim tops!

For the World Traveler and College Students

For the loved ones always on the go, and perhaps giving you a little anxiety traveling the world on their own, Damsel in Defense is the perfect holiday gift for peace of mind! This company offers a variety of self protection tools for travel or just the everyday. I don’t ever want to be a damsel in distress, so I’m prepared with shielded pepper spray when I walk my dog, a tactical pen when I fly off toward my next adventure, or my roadside kit always handy in my car.

For Those in Need of Pampering, Grandparents, and Hardworking Teachers

Consider a self-care kit for those who have been by your side, virtually or not, over the past year and deserve a little treat! Find Kerry, an independent rep for Perfectly Posh, on Facebook to help you craft the perfect gift set. Pair a refreshing body scrub with a handful of bath bombs, lip balm for the cold weather, and be sure to add in any of their delicious hand and body lotions!

For Your Aunt, Uncle, and the Coworkers

Have you smelt the delightful fragrant wax melts by Scentsy? If not, Tiffany’s VIP group is the best place to start! Reach out to Tiffany to learn more and get her expert help in picking the perfect scents! They have a variety of different options beyond just wax melts to give your home or a friend’s sweet smells; there is a scent for everybody!

Shop Small and Save

Now that you have found some gift ideas, we can talk about how you can save even more. Have you ever considered a virtual shop event? With the help of company representatives, like myself (Zyia Active Independent Rep), you could receive half-priced, discounted, and even free items! We can set up a virtual party for you and your friends, which is where you can earn all these rewards for your Christmas shopping?

Never heard of this before? I can walk you through it. As your Zyia Active Independent Rep, you would start by simply reaching out to me and choosing a date for your event. I’ll create the party on Facebook, then you invite your friends and family. From there, you won’t have to do anything else because I take care of it all for you! When all is said and done, you and I can touch base so I can help you use your host rewards in the most optimal way.

For example, when your party orders total $600 or more, you would receive 3 half-priced items of your choice and an additional $65 to spend on more goodies. With this, you could snag 2 high-quality leggings and a jacket at the lowest price you can get with those 50%-off coupons, and then you can use the $65 credits towards 2 bras to match those leggings, plus some accessories like our crossbody bags, backpacks, head bands, or even a set of resistance bands!

With my company, host rewards kick in with at least 3 orders and $200 total, and these rewards continue to increase; with a $2,000 total, you can actually earn a $300 gift card to use, along with the 8 half-priced items you’d get too. Now that is a great way to get your holiday shopping done on a budget! And the best part is you’ll have me as your rep, and I will be your personal (virtual!) shopping buddy and style guru. I can help you find the right sizes, right style for you, and get your order entered for you, so you can just relax, enjoy your virtual gathering, and save!

Contact me to book your own party with your favorite new Zyia Active Independent Rep, or I can also direct you to consultants for the companies discussed above!

Why All Your Facebook Friends Are In Direct Sales

by: Danielle Ternyila

Among many awesome and sometimes unusual things that have derived from the internet, direct sales companies and multi-level marketing (MLM) opportunities have grown fast and for good reasom! It is rare anyone can scroll Facebook anymore without seeing a cousin selling this, an old colleague selling that, and your best friend even “starting her own business”.

First off, let’s talk about that phrase: start your own business. That’s actually what direct sales is all about and one of the reasons they are growing more popular every year. One of the most attractive qualities of an MLM opportunity is the chance to be your own boss. And trust me, a new monthly deposit in your bank account is never a bad thing!

Benefit 1: Your Own Second Income

I have worked full-time in my industry since I graduated college, but the thought of added income didn’t sound half bad, a back-up source of funds “just in case.” So why didn’t I get a second job nearby? That was just out of the question. I loved my job already, and with it came a lot of travel, which meant minimal free time for a bartending gig or something on the side. I couldn’t sacrifice the small free time I did have left for that extra income.

Introduce: Pampered Chef, my first MLM experience! I got invited to a party (a Facebook party, that is!). I had never been in one, but it was fun to break up my week with some fun online with friends, and I started asking the consultant questions. She too worked full time and joined the business for the extra cash for her family. What intrigued me the most, though, was her schedule. She got to make it! She put in 2 hours some weeks or 10-20 others. She was her own boss!

Benefit 2: Make Your Own Schedule

There’s no arguing that the internet is changing everything, including the customer experience. Remember all the old in-home tuper ware and Pampered Chef parties your mom went to? Yeah, the internet got them too! Now you can really run your own business at your own speed, in your own time, and with scheduled posts (but keep that secret to yourself!)

The MLM business is booming, and you’re crazy not to take advantage. What attracted me most to these companies was the flexibility to work anywhere and anytime I wanted. My fulltime career has given me the opportunity and fortune to travel the world, which leaves minimal evenings and weekends available for extra shifts.

Benefit #3: You Work Anywhere You Want

A huge benefit for any direct sales business is the flexibility. Work anywhere, anytime, and anyway you are comfortable. With this, I’m able to focus on my small business in my down time and put it on the back burner when I need to. I can put in 3 hours a week, or 10. I can work every weekend, or take every weekend off. It is my business, and I can run it however I want. And because this is just  a side hustle, I don’t have any pressure to sell when I want. I am my own boss, and I fully support myself no matter how I run my business!

More times than not, I’m getting my business done in the gym on my phone! It’s that easy. I can tune in anywhere now, and there’s no reason you couldn’t either!

Benefit #4: Be Your Own Boss But Not Alone

Like I said, I am my own boss! I am not reporting to someone else, I don’t have to abide by a manager’s rules, and I can take off at a moment’s notice! You may be scared to run your own business and become your own boss, but most of these companies actually provide you so many resources and leadership contacts that you will never truly feel alone, even if you’re running the show all yourself!

When I worked with Pampered Chef, I had a huge support system online, and I received tons of marketing materials from the company that made managing my business that much easier. Now that I am a Zyia Active Independent Rep, I have a whole new community of fellow reps to help me too, as well as my upline and team leader. Although we are each running our own businesses, we still have team groups on Facebook and talk regularly.

Benefit #5: Meet New & Like-Minded Friends

Lifelong friends come with the job! When you are using the communities your company has in place for you, you are sure to meet new friends. I have met some incredible ladies that I continue to stay in contact with strictly because we’re friends, not because we work together and have to play nice. Especially in a company that you are passionate for, you are sure to meet plenty of others who feel the same way.

Your small business could just connect you to someone else who shares similar values, desires, and passions as you! Who doesn’t want to meet more people and make more friends? That can be a real daunting task as an adult, but this is a great way to make new friends that encourage and support you!

Benefit #6: Discounts and Free Procucts

There’s a lot of ways to save money for yourself by becoming a rep for your favorite MLM. I was able to stock my entire kitchen with 50%‐, 60%‐off deals, and free items! Not mention they really like spoiling their reps, so I got a free Deluxe Air Dryer as a PC consultant!

Becoming a Zyia Active Independent Rep was an easy decision for me, just based on the company’s mission and 4 pillars: Light, Uplift, Activity, and Community. The best part,, though, has been the free and super discounted items I get. I’ve scored myself 20% off for life by becoming a rep, so my closet is stocked with quality comfortable items.

We walk around all the time wearing designer and brand names written all over it, basically promoting to the world that they should wear Nike, Nautica, or what have you. We do this, but do we actually pay much attention to the company though and what they are doing for the greater good? For me, I’ve never liked that, wearing any clothes with a brand written all over it, but as a rep now, I’m actually getting paid and given discounts to promote the company, which is making impactful changes; they’ve provided 10s of thousands of jobs to reps around the country, they have a recycled line and use recyclable options whenever possible, fundraising campaigns for local communities, and more.

How Do I Choose the Right MLM for me?

When I first started Pampered Chef, I decided it was the best choice for me since I was familiar with the product line, I loved baking and cooking, and I was sure I could find customers, considering everyone needs to eat, then requiring some Pampered Chef!

Fast forward to my next direct sales venture that I started in early 2021. This active lifestyle brand hits home with me. I enjoyed Pampered Chef and was able to put a small dent in my student loans (which is actually a big accomplishment), but I decided to part ways with my apron and focus on my real passions: motivating and inspiring others to live healthier and more fulfilling lives, so I love being a part of a company with these same passions.

I love helping others feel their best and most confident, and so this side hustlez which truly markets to all body shapes and sizes with the high-quality cute clothes we deserve at the price points we’d rather compared with other name brand activewear. As an independent representative, I serve as your personal shopping buddy who has all the answers to your questions, size charts and comparisons, and

Although I have lost more than 60 lbs by now, I still hate seeing so many clothing companies not considering all body shapes. Plus size never has cute bras, flattering leggings, or designs made for these real body types. That’s what makes me love being a representative now for Zyia Active, a company that truly  caters to all body types.

There are many different ways to join me here. You can take on the business fulltime and hit the ground running to give you more time with your family at home. You can go part-time and make it an important part of your finances, or work it as a side hustle like me!

Finally I will tell you, we are always looking for brand ambassadors, so score some great deals and on your new favorite active and athliesure wear brand!