WHEN AVON CAME CALLING
Determined to make ends meet and boost her income, busy mum Carly White decided to try her hand at becoming an Avon rep. And now Carly, 42, from St Ives, Cornwall, is able to pay for a first family summer holiday in years.
What made you choose to join Avon?
I decided to start my Avon business back in December as I needed the flexibility to take care of Harry, nine, and Finley, three.
My husband Jay works full-time as a heating engineer and with one child at school and the other in nursery, I needed something that worked with me and my schedule, so I could prioritise my boys without the added stress of having to take time off work.
I’d worked at a local leisure centre before the boys were born but I couldn’t go back to that.
How did you go about joining Avon?
I’d always known about Avon as my mum used to be a representative, so I searched online back in December and saw the multitude of benefits that Avon currently offers. It was a no brainer.
You can earn from the first sales of any product and I was able to hit the ground running immediately. I felt I could create something for myself, work hard and see the results in real time.
How do you juggle it around your life?
I sort my pick-ups and drop offs whenever Finley is at nursery. I usually focus on my Avon business when the boys are occupied so I can be present when they need me.
As you work to your own schedule and set your own goals, it’s as simple as stopping and starting when it best suits you.
I’ve found that the flexibility has completely transformed my day-to-day, as it quite literally comes down to working around your life instead of fitting my life around my work.
What have been the challenges?
The only challenge I’ve faced is going outside to deliver orders when it’s pouring down with rain. Even then, the social aspect completely outweighs this.
For my family and friends that don’t live locally, I’m able to share my personal link to my online store with them so they can buy products that way and they are still supporting me to build my business digitally.
It means I can connect with my customers regardless of their location. Also, Avon’s variety of training tools really helped with overcoming these hurdles. After having children, I think it’s easy to fall into a routine of life passing you by and my Avon business keeps me motivated and enthused. Instead of coming home and doing housework, I get to go outside and speak to my friendly neighbours.
I’ve already built relationships with a couple of ladies around the corner from me who love to chat, and it feels rewarding to have made local connections with like-minded people.
How has the income helped improve life?
We haven’t been able to afford a holiday for a long time and we’ve just managed to book our first break away in four years – completely paid for with my Avon earnings.
We’re going to Butlins in which the kids absolutely love.
Avon’s pointsbased rewards have also been extremely helpful in purchasing those little things that would otherwise add up and eat into my disposable income.
Whether it’s paying
July, will a phone bill or redeeming Amazon vouchers, there’s over 450 brands to spend your points on, which keeps me feeling motivated too.
As well as the financial rewards, my Avon business has helped my mental health. Since having kids I could feel my lifestyle changing and naturally you want to spend every moment with them.
The flexible nature of my Avon business means I don’t have to miss out on any opportunities which you sometimes have to sacrifice when working a traditional 9-5. Especially after Covid, working on my own terms and being socially active at the same time has felt like a new beginning.
How much are you earning a month?
The flexibility of the job has completely transformed my day-to-day existence
It varies depending on how much time I choose to spend on my business, but typically between £100 and £150.
I now have 50 customers in my area and it’s been a great way of meeting new people.
It’s money which I wouldn’t have otherwise, and especially with the cost-of-living crisis, not having to be under financial stress all the time is a weight off my shoulders.
The beauty company, which has five million reps globally, is always keen to welcome new reps. Learn more at