One day Lisa Marrow was sitting on her bed wondering what happened to her. She was no longer happy being a teacher and was tired of working a second job to make ends meet. She was scrolling through Instagram and came across a distributor who promoted a company called ItWorks that sold body wraps. She connected with the distributor, fell in love with the wraps and four weeks later signed up as a distributor. Read our interview with the lovely Lisa below…
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
I was at a bad point in my life. My life was not going the way I had planned or imagined as a little girl. I was still single, had no children and was unhappy at work. I wanted something different for my life. I loved teaching but I was burnt out and I was not making enough money so I had to work a second job to make ends meet. I was miserable and tired and falling in a deeper depression. I was gaining weight and isolated myself from friends and family because I was unhappy with my life. I wanted something different for myself. I was scrolling through Instagram and saw a distributor post before and after pics of these body wraps… I was skeptical at first but decided to give it a shot plus I was gaining weight and didn’t have time to go to the gym. To make a long story short, I loved the product and was impressed how my belly shrunk after using two wraps. I loved my results. I showed my friends my before and after pics and they were impressed. At that point I had an epiphany that I probably could become a distributor and sell these wraps to quit my second job and have more time for myself and family. Plus I knew the products worked because I was a living testimony. It took me four weeks to finally take the jump to become a distributor. It was the best decision I made. It brings me joy seeing people get excited over their results after I wrap them. I joined this business just to make extra money but this business has given so much more. It has motivated me to be the best I came be, get out of my comfort zone and serve others.
Tell us about your business.
I have been a distributor for ItWorks for about six months. ItWorks is a direct sales company that markets all natural plant based beauty, wellness and weight loss products. We are best know for that “That Crazy Wrap Thing Body Applicator” that tightens, tones and firms your trouble spots. The company was founded by Mark and Cindy Pentecost in 2001 who wanted to give families the opportunity to live life on their own terms. ItWorks is one of the fastest growing companies in its category. ItWorks has thousands of distributors and loyal customers across three continents, 19 countries and multiple territories.
Are you currently running any promos/contests/giveaways that you would like our readers to know about?
Yes, sign up as a loyal customer and pay whole sale price which is 40% of the retail price.
Where is your business based?
ItWorks is located in Palmetto, Florida.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
I only had to invest $99 for a start up kit which included catalogues, a box of wraps, blitz cards to promote my business and training materials to help me sign up loyal customers. The best part of this business is that I don’t have to worry about inventory. I place orders and it goes straight to the customers address. I also had to get out of my comfort zone and talk to people about my business and started branding myself on social media by being a product of my product. I would post myself using my products on a daily basis and share how my products have improved my health, wellness and beauty needs. I also post pictures of before and after results of my loyal customers on social media. In addition, I have Wrap Parties which are a lot of fun and is great for networking. In return I will give the host a free body wrap.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
I would say social media and word of mouth has worked best for me.
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
Not getting discouraged when I don’t meet my goals.
How did you overcome these challenges?
I overcome being discouraged by telling myself that just because you didn’t meet your goals this month doesn’t mean you will never get there. I continue to work on my business and don’t worry about the outcome. When I relax and don’t worry, I usually get the results I desire.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
I pray to God and leave my worries with him. I used to worry all the time and get stressed out, but now I leave everything to God. I also meditate first thing in the morning and at night. When I feel doubt, I affirm myself that I am a child of God and there is no room for fear or doubt.
How do you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
I don’t compete. I just be myself and stay true to myself. I don’t claim to be a top seller and take all these fancy trips. When I post on social media, I am pretty relatable. I still teach, pay student loans and spend time with my family, I don’t pretend to live this glamorous life style or brag about the latest bag I purchased for $1,000. I try to be relatable to my potential customers.
What is the best advice you have received recently?
Never tell anyone your next move. Keep your business to yourself. Let your success be your revenge.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
Be yourself, don’t get distracted and don’t let anyone discourage you from your dreams.
What is your favorite business tool or resource?
Word of mouth.
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
Instagram @lm_diamond
Facebook www.facebook.com/LisaMarrow
Website transformationbodywraps.myitworks.com
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
- “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill
- “Jump” by Steve Harvey
- “Jesus Is Calling” by Sarah Young
What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?
I am a very shy person almost an introvert. I am learning to be more social and be more confident in myself.
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
My goals for the next few months is to expand my business outside of my home state of Massachusetts and get promoted to the diamond level of my business and help others pursue their dreams of entrepreneurship.