Posts Tagged ‘demonstrator story’
Why Did I Become a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator?
I joined the Stampin’ Up! family in October 2000. It is hard to believe almost ten years have gone by. Throughout the years, I have been asked many times why or how I became a demonstrator. Here is my story:
I began stamping when I was still in grade school. I remember buying two stamps from a small kiosk in the Grand Avenue Mall called InkaDinkaDoo. I never did much with them except stamped in my school yearbooks or sent cards or notes to friends. Throughout the next decade and a half, I continued along with a few more stamps (mostly hearts and Winnie the Pooh) and three or four colors of ink. Again, I never did much with them other than sending cards to friends.
In 1996, I was invited to my first Stampin’ Up! workshop at my friend Marnie’s house. The demonstrator introduced the catalog, did a short presentation, and then gave us time to look over products. I was overwhelmed, but I also sensed this was going to be the start of something fun. After that first workshop, I went to another, then hosted a few of my own in between having my three boys.
In September of 2000, 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.
The commitment seemed easy enough. (Did you know the commitment has not even changed since then?) My recruiter was honest and supportive and knew I really loved the craft of rubber stamping. She gave me information, but no pressure (thanks, Janel!). My husband supported me too (and still does). He knew I would need a creative outlet after having three boys in four years. I never thought I would put on workshops, but I just wanted to get the discount and maybe learn some new techniques or ways to use the products I already owned.
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 had planned on attending her next meeting. While talking to my book club friend/recruiter 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.
In the nine and a half years, I have learned so much more about my stamping craft from those in my group, Stampin’ Up! events such as Convention/Leadership/Regionals, my stamping email groups, and my customers. My creativity has blossomed, and for someone who could not even draw stick people (really), I have a confidence in arts and crafts that I never imagined. At times it feels like an obsession, but stamping is still something that lifts me up and redirects me when my spirits are low or I need to relax.
I love being a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator…if you would like to join and start your own demonstrator journey, contact me today. Sale-A-Bration is the perfect time to take that first step! The Starter Kit is 15% off – you can join with the customizable Starter Kit for only $169 (regularly $199). Plus you will receive your choice of an additional stamp set (with a value of $47.95 or less) from Stampin’ Up! Check out more information here…
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