A Tantalizing Success Story

At Convention my best moments included seeing the success of some of my team.  Yolande was a runner up in the Demonstrator Design Competition set by Stampin' Up! There was a winner and two runners up from each european country and Yolande based in The Netherlands made this fabulous treasure box all with Stampin' Up! products!

Annette not only achieved the prestigious title of Rising Star which is only achieved by demonstrators who in their first full year as a demonstrator meet recruiting and sales targets that I have to say are a challenge, but she also was fifth in personal sales for the whole of The Netherlands.  She got to walk the stage several times and was presented with a silver star necklace and cash bonus and also gets to choose a yummy prize from a range of items including designer handbags, IPAD minis, Tiffany jewellery to name but a few.  Marrigje also walked the stage for her leadership award and I 'walked' for sales and recruiting.  I'm so lucky to have such talented ladies in my team!  

The sights of Brussels in the sunshine even in October just made it a perfect weekend.

Getting my prize!!!

Well as I said previously I was shocked and not just a little surprised to find myself in the line up of Demonstrator of the Year. At registration we were given badges, a bag full of stamps and info and a letter. I knew I had achieved sales to be awarded a special pin, but had overlooked the top 25. I put all my pins in my bag and walked away. It was only when someone else asked me about the silver 'Demonstrator of the year' pin that I realised I had one too! Excitement ensued. I think it was more exciting for those of us who had not realised we could ever be in this list than those who knew they were up there in the top spots. It was a complete surprise and really made the weekend.I received my certificate and a beautiful rose from Shelli Gardner, the CEO and co-founder of Stampin'Up! She must be one of the most photographed women in the world!

It didn't occur to me at the time, but I 'walked' the stage twice. Once to be acknowledged for meeting a sales target and once for being in the top 25. It was only after going the first time, that lovely Bekka pointed out that I was the first person ever to walk the stage at a Stampin'Up! European Convention! Not much of a claim to fame, but right now it's the only one I've got so I'll take it. I hope that next year I might be nearer the end of the list of walkers as that will mean I've achieved even more! I now need to aspire to be the last person to walk the stage at a European Convention and any convention would do!!!!! You never know I might even be slimmer! Oooooo I think those pigs have just flown past my window!

My crazy, but adorable roomie Monica below with moi and above opening one of her Burberry prizes! Lucky girl!

Here's the full-time Stampin'Up! team. This pic includes Shelli and her husband Sterling along with our UK manager Paula, Demo Support Eileen & Chris and sparkly Charlotte on the front in gorgeous green top who is responsible for coming up with designs to show us all.