Hawaii to D.C.

If you would have told me 10 months ago that I'd be embarking on a trip to our nation's Capitol to lobby for safer health protective laws, I would have probably rolled my eyes at you and laughed.  Me? A work from home mom with a Bachelor's in Liberal Studies and a major in being shy.  Yeah right.  I began this venture mostly wanting to be able to earn a paycheck to cover my son's tuition, but the mission has become one match lighting many small fires.  Being able to help so many women and families to either find safer products, or start building businesses of their own, has become a driving force in my life.  ​

Beautycounter has become a teacher and an opportunity that is changing everything for myself and my family.  I am constantly educated about the personal care products industry, as well as how Beautycounter is creating high performing products with safer ingredients.  The company has also allowed me to be a partner as they work extremely hard to change the tide of health issues for our county.  This is so much more than giving women beautiful skin, this is about leading the movement for a safer, healthier future for all Americans.  I am so inspired to keep up with the vision and pace of this company as I look for ways to be healthier at home and be as eco-conscious as possible.

The network of women that have chosen to be consultants with Beautycounter were all offered an opportunity to earn a trip to Washington D.C. to join our corporate team in meeting with members of Congress to have conversations that will help lead to passing the Personal Care Products Safety Act.  The path to earning this trip involved consultants' personal sales as well as recruiting efforts during December 2017 and January 2018.  The top two consultants from each state would be invited to this 3-day trip to make their voices heard.  

As a mentor to a team of my own and some time under my belt, I felt I had a chance at earning this trip.  Throughout December and January we were able to track our progress through a Leaderboard that would show our standing with points earned by each consultant.  Coming into the 3rd week of January I was at a firm 3rd place for the state of Hawaii.  What motivated me besides having the amazing opportunity of being a tangible part of this movement, was the fact that as a Hawaiian, and a mother with Hawaiian children, I felt I needed to be there.  I have a strong sense of pride having Native Hawaiian Ancestry, and it was important to me that whoever represented our state, be someone with roots and a deep connection to this special place.  I believe Hawaiian people have a voice that has been quieted too often in history,  and a  unique story.  To be a spokesperson for Hawaii for good is a tremendous milestone for me.  Anything that will move our people to better health and a brighter future is worth my best effort.  

The last week of January was a whirlwind.  I pushed and pushed and brainstormed and drove, I chatted, I did videos, I put myself out there for this cause and on the last day of the month, I managed to double the points I had earned the entire past two months.  I went to bed January 31st with a peace knowing I had given my best to try be in that top two and if I didn't, I would still share my voice and this message from home. 

When my mentor sent me the message that I was number 1, I had a major OMG moment and I cried.  The feeling of reaching a goal you worked hard for is like no other.  I guess I never really imagined myself actually being in Washington and here it is, time to pack and travel across the country to share my voice and message with the people who shape our nation's policies.  My heart is full of gratitude and I know our time has come.  We will see safer health regulations, my boys will grow up with safer products, and I am so overwhelmed I get to have a hand in it all.