12/04/2024
What an amazing 34 years it has been with this company. Close to My Heart has certainly provided a path of personal development for me that I never expected. I was simply madly in love with the designs!!
Then, just a year in, Jeanette asked me to take over the role of Newsletter Editor. What a dream! The company was growing so quickly, she needed help. Going on intuition, she offered me the job. That forged a relationship that forever changed me. I served in that role for 10 years, at the same time as growing my personal business and eventually a team.
More opportunities came along when I was asked to be a contributing editor of a wonderful publication (and one of Jeanettes dreams), “I Love Remembering…” This was an innovative magazine pictorial. Absolutely beautiful. The next invitation was to be a National Trainer traveling the country to meet with Demonstrators (or were we called Consultants by then?) and offer training outlined by home office. It was wonderful meeting so many for the first time and seeing beautiful community.
Of course, a young Monica Monica Zarate Wihongi joined the company and made such a difference. I fondly recall her engagement to handsome Jody. I knew they would make beautiful babies and told her so, to which she blushed. ❤
I really loved being an integral part of a growing, evolving movement, if you will. Stamping and paper crafting were relatively unknown in the early 90’s. Our eager demonstrators shared and shared and the company grew so fast that eventually we had to “freeze” recruiting.
Close to My Heart provided lots of events including the fan-favorite CONVENTION!! I never missed one convention in 34 years. In fact, I was asked to MC Conventions from 1995-2000. Such a highlight of the year. So much fun even if it WAS a lot of work. LOL.
I’ve loved building confident consultants in my team and many leaders through the years. “Team Memories” could be an entire novel! LOL. (My Dream Team had some pretty epic parties at convention.)
As a Top Team Leader I was all in 110% for the team.
Served on Advisory boards (3-terms!), was Launch presenter, National Tour trainer, Leadership Conference presenter (“Developing Capable Downline”), multiple Incentive Trips. There were loads of Awards: “Spirit of CTMH,” Presidential Award, Service Award and recognition of longevity and team sales.
Incentive trips were magical. Friendships forged not only with team members but their spouses, too. So MANY memories.
I’ve probably forgotten something… My point is how blessed my life has been by Jeanette Lynton and her confidence in me. Tears roll down my cheeks at the thought of closing the doors at Close to My Heart. Ringing in my ears is a version of Celine Dion’s, “Where Does My Heart Beat Now.” I love you, Jeanette. I love CTMH, Monica and all the staff I’ve been lucky to know and work with. I love My Dream Team. Now to look forward to the next chapter with SU!