Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)

I DISCOVERED MY CALLING AT AVON

SALES MONEY HELPS OUT STUDENT KIRA

- Edited by TRICIA PHILLIPS

Students across the country are facing rising debts and uncertaint­y like never before, but Kira Scales, 21, has found the perfect solution. Kira, from Goffs Oak in Hertfordsh­ire, is an Avon rep who is earning up to £800 a month to make ends meet and save for whatever the future holds.

Why did you start?

I am in my final year studying criminal law at London South Bank University but living at home with my family and boyfriend.

I commute in to lectures which is expensive. I worked part-time at a pharmacy throughout my first year but one day, last year, I was helping my nan clean her house when I stumbled upon an old Avon brochure.

Intrigued, I started asking her questions about the Avon rep she used to buy products from. I did some research and decided to sign up to become a rep myself.

How did you make it happen?

I started canvassing with each month’s brochures and asking my customers to place orders through them. I’ve always enjoyed meeting new customers face-to-face but during these times I’ve tried to reach out to new people through social media. I love any excuse for interactin­g with my existing and new customers.

What does a typical day involve?

There is never a repetitive day. At the start of the month I usually distribute the brochures to my wide customer base, and when they are ready, they either call me or Whatsapp me to place an order.

There are set days in which I’ll place my orders, and as soon as they arrive I distribute them to my customers. As I have some that live quite far away, they’ve been using the new online brochure – a lifesaver throughout the pandemic and beyond – which means their items get delivered to them direct, but I still get commission.

Where do you store everything?

I’m lucky enough to have a spare room at home where I can store my stock and use as my home office. I get to check and pack my Avon orders without any distractio­ns. I’m yet to learn to drive, so my boyfriend George helps me deliver products to my clients.

I have been using my Avon income to pay for driving lessons and George is quite excited for me to finally pass so he doesn’t have to keep chauffeuri­ng me around.

What do you earn?

It really varies, but on average I earn between £500-£800 through product sales a month. It makes such a difference to my way of life – allowing me to afford luxuries that I wouldn’t have been able to otherwise, such as having spare money for socialisin­g and meeting my friends for lunch on campus.

As I have to commute into London every day for university, the train tickets started adding up and this has been a lifeline.

As I went back to university, I realised that this could be a great flexible way to generate income while I focused on studying.

At most jobs you are stuck in an office from 9am to 5pm but having my own business means I have the flexibilit­y of working when it suits me.

What does your nan make of it all?

My nan, Shirley, was ecstatic to hear I was joining Avon – she loves getting to see the new brochures and really enjoys trying the new products. We have quite similar tastes and when we are looking at the brochures we often pick the same products.

Avon has something for all ages. In truth, nan likes to buy everything – from make-up and toiletries to jewellery and clothes.

What is next for you?

I’m graduating soon and I plan on starting my bar practice course straight away to train to become a barrister. But I certainly don’t plan to give up Avon any time soon. It will continue to give me the financial freedom I need and help fund day-to-day costs.

What would you recommend to people looking to join Avon?

On average I earn between £500-£800 a month which makes such a difference

Definitely get yourself out there. It’s so easy to stay in your own safe bubble but with Avon you get to meet so many people while doing an incredible job. On top of the money there are countless benefits, such as exclusive discounts, product of fers and free gifts. Perfect all round for students.

FIND OUT MORE

The beauty company, which has five million reps globally, is always keen to welcome new staff. Learn more at avonworldw­ide.com.

 ??  ?? JOB J IDEA Kira was in i inspired by h her nan to join Avon
JOB J IDEA Kira was in i inspired by h her nan to join Avon

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