Robyn Stephenson
This new Representative proves it’s never too late for a fresh start.
As a wife, a busy mother of two and a proud owner of three rescue dogs in Zeeland, Michigan, Robyn Stephenson has a lot on her plate. The Australian native remembers growing up with Avon as a young child, just as many Representatives do. Years later and 11,000 miles away, in the face of uncertain times and with a family of her own, she would choose Avon as her surefire plan for success.
Due to the economic downturn, Robyn’s husband—who’d spent 15 years in the auto industry—had been let go from his job. As the weeks passed without any sign of work, Robyn began to think of ways she could help support her family. “After my husband was laid off late last year, I knew I had to do something to try and help balance an uncontrollable financial situation,” she says. Robyn’s extensive background in retail and sales led to her decision to become a Representative. “I chose Avon because I grew up with the products and knew the company had a really good heart,” she says. “I also love helping others and giving back to my community, which made Avon the perfect fit.” In just nine months, she’s become a seasoned Avon Representative who offers her tips, insight into and love for her newfound profession.
Behind every great Representative is a solid support team. As a new member of the Avon family, Robyn cites her relationships as the source of her success. “I truly value the amazing network of women Avon has created in my life,” says Robyn. “I have drawn a lot of motivation to sell from the other ladies on my Sales Leadership Team, and I just love my Customers!”
For Robyn, the key to success has been developing relationships of trust and honesty with her Customers. “I always ask for feedback on every product and follow up with my Customers after they’ve made a purchase,” Robyn stresses. “If I sell a skin care regimen, I remember to contact that Customer a couple months later when their products are almost finished. I ask if they like their kit and recommend other products they might also like to try,” she explains. With less than a year under her belt, she’s seeing her Customer base quickly expand. “The results have been great, and the positive word-of-mouth has brought me many referrals.”
Working as an Avon Representative has been a rewarding experience for Robyn, bringing her financial stability and the opportunity to give back. “Not only have I been able to support my family as a Representative, but I’m also able to donate a portion of my earnings to a cause dear to my heart,” she explains. Both she and her husband have been diagnosed with cervical dystonia, a neurological disorder that affects the body’s nerve and muscle tissues. In her new role as a Representative, she’s able to make regular donations to a foundation for the disease.
Being a Representative also affords Robyn flexibility: She’s able to maintain speaking engagements for dystonia, and also to volunteer with an organization that serves underprivileged Australian women. “I love helping people,” she says. “I’ve always had a love for service and Avon provides a great way for me to help others while earning extra income.” While she enjoys her work and its many benefits, she also cites another relationship as a vital source of support and motivation—her family.
At the heart of her new career choice, it’s the Stephenson family that keeps this Representative positive and proactive. Robyn’s 15-year marriage to husband Brian is full of mutual love and support. The couple has been through very difficult times together. Over the years, Brian has undergone six different brain surgeries to help treat his dystonia. Despite such stressful hardships, Robyn, Brian and their two young children stick together and work as a team. “My husband is my greatest asset,” she says. “He is my financial manager, making sure I don’t overinvest,” she says, chuckling.
She even gets help from her daughters, ages five and seven. “One day at the beach, my little one asked for a brochure to hand to a woman nearby,” according to Robyn. “She’s a natural when it comes to sales!” The Stephensons make Robyn’s work a family affair. “We form an assembly line and everyone helps with stamping, stapling, preparing samples and orders,” she says. “As busy as we already are, it seems like the more we have going on, the better we do. We are Team Stephenson!”
With a strong support system at home, Robyn hopes to sell enough Avon to achieve a special goal. “Our biggest dream is to be able to make a trip back to Australia to visit family,” she says.
Robyn’s work with Avon has only just begun, but she knows she has found the right career. “Avon fits so well with our lives. Like Avon, I live by example, supporting my family and the issues that matter most to me.” Thanks to Avon, what started out as uncertainty and apprehension has become stability and happiness for Robyn and those she loves most.
