Welcome to the blog of Jane Hignite, Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator


Happy Anniversary!

greeting-card-kids-shaving-cream-emb

This card uses Greeting Card Kids and features heat embossing and the shaving cream technique (an all-time favorite technique of my customers).  I love those new glitter brads!  This is a simple design, but I didn't want to hide too much of the shaving cream technique.

Today I am celebrating my official ten-year anniversary as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator.  I still remember how it all happened:

I went to my first local stamping convention with my husband’s Aunt Marilyn, her daughter Betsy, and daughter-in-law Lori (all so much more crafty than me). Towards the end of the afternoon, Lori and I were already making plans for next year. During the next few weeks, at the urging of my sisters and some of my dearest friends, I decided to look into becoming a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator. When I finally made my decision, I called Lori and was stunned to find out she had just signed up herself. We truly hooted and howled! She had been talking of her recruiter and the first meeting she went to that week. My recruiter was a friend from my book club, and I attended her next meeting. While talking to my friend at the first meeting, in walks Lori. We both did not know we had the same recruiter. It truly was a sight to see – I am laughing so hard I am crying, and Lori just has this look of disbelief on her face. 
 
Thanks goes out to Aunt Marilyn, Betsy, and Lori for being part of that fateful day.  Also, thanks to Janel Dahm-Tegtmeier, my upline, who provided inspiration and business basics during my first few years as a demonstrator.
 
Who else do I need to thank?  Well, I am not watching a clock tick down or a production assistant pushing me off the stage like an awards show, so here is a list of people/groups I am grateful for:
 
  • Marnie Komp – my dear friend from grade school who hosted the first Stampin' Up! workshop I ever attended as a guest
  • St. Mary's School – where I volunteered to showcase my business at a Fish Fry vendor event a day after I received my starter kit
  • Lori Olson, Nancy Brundidge, Marlene Machovec, Anne Hanek, and Lisa Mosier – my sideline group who were and are supportive and generous with business ideas and creative inspiration and who were fabulous convention buddies (W-O-W)
  • Jody Stack – a friend from my sister's quilting group who hosted my first Stampin' Up! workshop as a demonstrator
  • Johanna Zuehls – my first recruit
  • Sara Bintzler, Jennifer Cassellius, Mari Leninger, and Nancy Windorff – my current downline who inspire me with their creativity
  • SUDSOL Group – my favorite demonstrator business online group where I go to get any business question answered
  • Michelle Laycock and Amy Celona – my computer gurus who keep my blog website beautiful and up to date
  • Pat Huntoon – a technique junkie who teaches and shares new techniques to stamping enthusiasts all over the world
  • Ellen Kemper – this punch art queen's creativity never ceases to amaze me
  • Stampin' Up! Staff
    • Shelli Gardner (Stampin' Up! Co-Founder and CEO) – She is one of those people who walks into a room and lightens and brightens it!  She is not only the head of Stampin' Up!, she is the heart of Stampin' Up!
    • Demonstrator Training – They provide wonderful new business ideas, new training methods, and new business resources
    • Demonstrator Support – Whenever I have to call in with a problem or concern, they happily assist me and fix any issue
    • Stampin' Up! Design Team – Your gorgeous stamp designs keep my customers coming back every year
    • Stampin' Up! Manufacturing and Shipping Employees – I STILL squeal with delight when my packages arrive
  • My UPS Man – Stampin' Up! Demonstrators have mad crushes on our UPS delivery men (they bring us presents filled with things we love)
  • My Mom – She is my biggest cheerleader and has made many desserts to feed my customers over the years
  • MY CUSTOMERS – I love, love, love my customers!!!!  They not only come to my events, make purchases, host workshops, and bring new customers to me, they inspire me to create new projects and try new techniques.  They also laugh at my lame jokes and don't even complain when I make mistakes.  Thank you for your support!

Finally, I am eternally grateful to my family as I celebrate this anniversary.  I started as a demonstrator when my three young boys were very young.  Now, they assist in cleaning the house prior to events, critique my projects, cut out project materials, and resist the urge to eat the food I make for my events (well, at least they try).  Thank you to David, Steven, Mike, and Joe for all of your love and support as I follow my passion as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator.  I love you with all of my heart.

To each and every one of you who have touched my life as a Stampin' Up! demonstrator, thank you so very much. 

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Posted on : Oct 14 2010
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Posted under Cards, Fall Holiday Cards, Religious and Graduation Cards, Stampin' Up! Events, Techniques, Uncategorized |

3 People have left comments on this post

Oct 14, 2010 - 04:10:26
Erika Martin said:

Congrats on 10 years! I'm coming up on my 10th in June. 🙂 Beautiful card and how wonderful of you to thank all of those that have been a part of your business all these years. 

Oct 14, 2010 - 05:10:04

Congratulations on 10 years!!!

Oct 15, 2010 - 04:10:15

CONGRATULATIONS JANE!  You have a better memory that I do, but I'll take your word for it that we four went to a Stamping show,  I'm glad you stuck with it and are still enjoying the it.
                  Auntie Mermilyn ( Mary or Marilyn)

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