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Laura Cotton was in search of a new place in life – personally and professionally. “For twelve years I had a fulfilling career as a Social Worker, “says Laura, “it was heartfelt, challenging work which suited me perfectly.”
During her teenage years, Laura’s family went through some difficult times. Laura found herself independent at an early age and coped by excelling in school, extra-curriculars, and employment.
“I felt a huge sense of responsibility to protect children, heal families, and be a positive force in our world”, Laura explains. Following the birth of her third child she realized that it was time for a shift. “My own family needed me to give them my emotional best – three young kids generate heaps of excitement and drama – it was time to refocus on them”, says Laura.
Industrious and dynamic by nature, Laura believed her skills and gregarious personality would serve her well as an entrepreneur.
She was regularly told by members of the business community that she had great business skills. But taking the risk of starting her own business did not come easily to Laura.
She carefully searched for the perfect opportunity to take the step into the business world – “I wanted to find a company or a product that were worthy of my risk-taking…it had to be something that I fully believed in,” Laura explains.
The critical turning point came when Laura met a refugee from Sudan. She was compelled to help his family through the hardships they were facing in their new life in Canada.
Laura knew that she could provide compassion, contact the right people, and steer the family to community supports but could do nothing to ease their financial struggles.
“In that moment I realized that I wanted to be in the financial position to write that man a cheque,” says Laura. She also knew that in order to do that she would have to be in control of her own future.
Inspired by her encounter, Laura realized that she wanted to be able to lend her financial support to people in need. Longing to be self employed she began to search for a way to create income in a business of her own.
She came across a company that met her high ethical standards and that combined her love for herbs and plants with her passion to help and care – Arbonne International.
All research for their skin and health care products is conducted in Switzerland where there are superior standards of quality. Laura emphasizes the conscious decision of the company to avoid animal testing and any kind of animal products, and their commitment to the environment and charity work.
“I would describe myself as an ‘earthy diva’”, she says with a smile. Inspired by nature and beauty, Laura enjoys earthy pursuits and a bit of glamour. “I may be covered in mud but I’ll be wearing mascara and lip gloss”, jokes Laura. “I have tried every type of skin care & cosmetic from the luxury brands, heath food store offerings, spa lines, and Arbonne’s products blew me away – they really deliver what they promise!”
“The combination of natural, ethical, and effective sealed the deal; Arbonne International would provide me with the business opportunity I had been searching for”, explains Laura.
By starting her own business in December 2004, a new chapter in Laura’s life began. She beams with excitement when she speaks about the many rewards of owning her own business - flexibility and freedom; financial benefits and the potential to grow as a person.
Additionally, one of Laura’s greatest concerns was well taken care of by running her Arbonne business from home – “I can give more of my emotional best to my family and provide more financial stability,” says Laura.
Laura’s Arbonne business has been a roaring success on many levels. “Business is fabulous; my family is enjoying income & travel that makes life very nice indeed”. “Ethics, heart, & profit definitely DO go together”, she says with a wide smile. She recently earned a promotion to the Regional Vice President level with Arbonne International and was gifted with a white Mercedes Benz.
Laura’s role in business is evolving - she continues to look after her clients and shares, “I love it when clients tell me that this is the best skin care they have ever used & they are really seeing results”. She is also providing training for the company and is now helping others launch their successful Arbonne businesses.
Laura believes in the connection between a healthy body and a healthy mind and enjoys being able to provide the balance of health and beauty to people. She is helping her business partners with their financial health as well.
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