Karen Esposito holds the title of Executive Director with PinkZebra and leads a team of 13,000 consultants. Pink Zebra is a direct sales company offering a line of home fragrance and home décor products featuring unique scented Sprinkles™, warmers and simmer pots. The company offers income opportunities for independent consultants throughout the U.S. and Canada.
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
Becoming a mom.
I had gotten laid off while on maternity leave and vowed then to never go back to corporate life. I was a creative director at a successful pharmaceutical marketing company. The company had gotten bought out by a large firm and they decided to let the top management go.
Before they let me go, however, they had me train 3 others to cover my position. They later hired a man do my job at a much larger salary than I had been making. I had been with the company 14 years so, as you can imagine, I was devastated, especially with a new born baby to take care of. I wanted more control over my life and my income and decided that starting my own business was the way to do it.
Tell us about your business.
I entered the Direct Sales industry after that and tried every company imaginable to get by. I loved being a work at home mom and cherished my time with my daughter, Jenna. It was through her that I found Pink Zebra. Another mom at Jenna’s school had come to me for marketing advice about this new startup company. After helping her for a bit, I decided to try it myself.
Pink Zebra is a direct sales company specializing in home fragrance and décor that is unique and customizable. When I decided to become a consultant, I hit the ground running and quickly moved up through the ranks. I am currently at one of the top positions in the company, Executive Director, and hold the title for most awarded in company out of over 40,000 consultants nationwide.
I get to work with so many amazing men and women and help them build their businesses! I sell a product I love and help others gain control of their lives and feel better about themselves.
Are you currently running any promos/contests/giveaways that you would like our readers to know about?
We currently are offering discount coupon codes of either enrollment kit. Private message me on Facebook for details www.facebook.com/Yourcandleconsultant.
I am also offering a contest exclusive to Lady Boss Blogger readers of your choice of Simmer Pot, and 2 jars of sprinkles.
List awards/certifications/accomplishments.
I’ve won lots of awards! I’ve won an iPad and trips for 2 to places like Punta Cana, Jamaica, Costa Rica and Panama. I’ve also already won a trip for 2 to Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic next year!
Where is your business based?
Sugarland, Texas.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
I made a list of friends, family members and even acquaintances who might have an honest interest in this product. I started making a list of the places I visited frequently where I could leave a catalog, a business card or even a sample.
I paid careful attention to all the training Pink Zebra offered and took advantage of all the great advice other consultants were willing to share. I created a plan and then I worked it every single day.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
Social media.
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
Having enough hours in the day to implement everything I want to do to grow my business.
How did you overcome these challenges?
I create a plan and focus on the things I can realistically do. I don’t get overwhelmed or bogged down with what everyone else is doing. I know my strengths, I know what I’m capable of and I just keep plugging away no matter what each day brings.
Some days I get everything done. Some days I get very little done. I just keep trying and I don’t lose sight of my goal.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
I have a wonderful husband and family who support me. My husband is actually a Director at Pink Zebra.
How do you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
I have an honest desire to make people happy. For me, it isn’t about the money. I love selling this amazing product and I love helping others with this amazing business opportunity. I’m very focused on the people I work with each day. For me, it’s all about an honest product and an honest opportunity to succeed.
What is the best advice you have received recently?
I heard a quote very recently that I really liked. “Life is scary. Get used to it. There are no magical fixes. It’s all up to you. So get up off your keister, get out of here, and go start doin’ the work. Nothing in this world that’s worth having comes easy.” – Bob Kelso
I think that’s the best piece of advice I’ve seen lately.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
You’ll always regret the things you didn’t do far more than the things you did. Take a chance on yourself.
Invest in yourself. Above all, never stop believing in yourself.
What are your favorite business tools/resources and why?
Facebook is my favorite tool! Pink Zebra also offers some amazing tools to help their consultants. I take full advantage of all of those. Other than that, I’d say a simple pen and paper to create a plan with.
Success is all about having a great plan and sticking with it.
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
I’m in the process of reading “So Good They Can’t Ignore You: Why Skills Trump Passion in the Quest for Work You Love” It’s excellent! You can’t simply want to succeed. You really do have to get up every day and work hard at it.
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What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?
I hope I’ll always be learning and growing in my business. If you really stay on top of current trends, markets and marketing techniques, there’s always something new to learn. Growing my business and meeting new people is my #1 priority and the area I spend the most time educating myself on.
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
I am working on reaching the top level in the company, Presidential Director, and am very close to achieving the title. I’ve got a plan and I work each and every day to ensure I’m taking the right steps to achieve this goal.
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
Facebook www.facebook.com/
Twitter @
Instagram @
Pinterest @
YouTube www.youtube.com/
Business Opportunity www.pinkzebrahome.com/pinkpassion/join.asp