RING THE CHANGES
MUM-OF-TWO Natalie Watkins had been working flat out as a teaching assistant but when she had her second child and was unwell, she decided it was time to go it alone. Today, Natalie, 37, from Kidwelly, South Wales, is earning more than £1,000 a month direct selling jewellery. What are you selling?
I sell high-quality, affordable jewellery from Tocara. I can’t believe I get to sell such lovely jewellery and call it a job and earn around £1,075 a month.
I first started in direct selling after my son was born (he is now 10 years old) and I thought I would give it a try to earn a bit of extra income on top of my income as a teaching assistant.
Then, after having my daughter, I was ill and unable to return to work. I still suffer from fibromyalgia – a chronic pain condition.
We couldn’t survive on just one income so I had to find something. I chose to go back to direct selling and make it my sole income.
I chose Tocara because I love the products. I was determined to make it a success and earn enough for me and my family to be comfortable. I wanted to earn an amount that would allow me to take my children for treats and days out.
I had found my passion and with my determination to succeed and live a comfortable life with my children, the work became really beneficial to my recovery too.
Does the family help out?
My children love helping me. They get involved with my online parties, they love to announce competition winners and help me to draw prizes, that sort of thing.
They also like to come and see me and help when I have stalls too.
They know quite a lot about jewellery now and my daughter is really interested in it.
How do you fit it around your life?
I use a colour-coded weekly planner and I am very organised.
I fill in any appointments and activities with the children and then add in anything relating to the business such as parties, training calls, stalls and so on.
And I block out non-negotiables such as the school run, swimming lessons and anything else needed for the children. I don’t let it compromise family life.
How do you actually make sales?
I have a few ways. I am a member of two virtual markets on social media where we have themed days and allocated slots to share our products, and I have stalls at events such as wedding fairs, fashion shows, Christmas markets.
There are also parties which can be in person if local to me, or virtual if not.
What have been the challenges?
One of the biggest challenges when I returned to direct selling was finding the right company to work with.
The Direct Selling Association (DSA) is a great first step as the
DSA is the only recognised trade body for direct selling companies in the UK.
So choosing to work with a company that is a member of the association assures sellers that the company abides by industry codes of conduct.
It was really straightforward starting with Tocara.
You can start with as little as a £1 investment, or £59. You get training and full support.
What difference has it made to your life?
It has made such a huge difference. It has been such a positive influence. It has helped me gain my independence, it’s given me confidence and a sense of purpose.
With my direct selling work it means we are comfortable financially which has taken away the stress of worrying about money.
It also means I have been able to put my health first and look after myself properly.
So, listening to my body and resting when I need to rest, laying down or sitting as comfortably as I’m able to, when I have a flare of fibromyalgia. Even on my bad days, I can still work on my business from my phone.
Selling jewellery gave me a sense of purpose and I can put my health first