I’m a Big Baller Jewelry Lady and I’m Not Ashamed.

A curious thing has happened during the last several weeks. I’ve started a new job. One that I didn’t intend to begin (until a talented aunt encouraged and mentored me), but one that I’m growing more and more excited about as time passes by. I’m one of THOSE ladies. You know, the ones who go about flaunting their wares, looking for the next customer, unafraid to enter the homes of strange people and take payment in the form of cash, check or credit card after putting on a show. The money can be good, if you know how to work it.

I’m an independent sales rep for a high-end jewelry company. Geez, what were you thinking?

So there you have it. The cat’s out of the bag, so to speak. My first few weeks have gone tremendously well, my February calendar is booking up with shows, and yet, part of me hesitates to shout the news from the mountain tops. Why? Well, if you’ve ever done any kind of sales, you’ll probably be able to relate. When you hit it hard and start generating sales leads, people have one of three reactions:

1. Oh really? Tell me more! (10% of the population)
2. No, thank you. I’m not interested right now. (20% of the population)
3. …………..crickets. (The rest of the population)

I knew I would encounter many “Nos” along the way, but I didn’t expect for people, especially friends and family, to either ignore my calls or emails, or to run the other way as if I was approaching them with a flaming bag of poo. It’s jewelry, people. Either you’re interested or you’re not. I don’t take it personally if you say no, but if you just try and avoid me, it’s a little offensive.

But, I’m not letting that get me down. This job works perfectly with my schedule, as most commitments are evenings and weekends, meaning daddy gets some more bonding time with the girls (and childcare cost isn’t a hindrance). The financial return is a reflection of the work you put in, something I’m highly motivated by. (And I’ve done a few successful fundraising shows for causes I care about.) And you know what else? I love jewelry. I love helping people get free jewelry. I like the way long, dangly earrings sway on the ends of my lobes, I like the way bangles jingle when I’m typing at the keyboard, and I like the way a pretty ring makes my hands look decidedly more feminine. And here’s the best part. That passion is paying my mortgage, putting money into my kids’ college fund, filling my car up with gas. Just like any other job. (Okay, I haven’t made THAT much yet, but I will by golly!)

Only, others don’t always perceive it like any other job. It can seem not-quite-legit, annoying or somehow untrustworthy when you do direct sales. Sell items in a retail store? Now that’s a real job! Sell items by word-of-mouth to friends, family, and new acquaintances? Sounds a little shady…(even though it’s an exceptional product with a lifetime warranty…geesh).

But a cool thing happened to me the other night that gave me a boost of self-assurance. After leaving a show at a friend’s house this week, I stopped at a gas station for a cup of hot chocolate (it was super cold, y’all). I was the only one in the store, and the young clerk was blaring some type of hippity-hop rap stuff. It’s funny how old my years are getting. As I was paying for my cup of steaming deliciousness, he asked with a borderline-flirtatious tone, “So what are you doing out on this cold night?” I paused for a moment before revealing, “I just came from a jewelry show.” His face drew up into a quizzical look. “A what?!” I explained, “I do in-home jewelry shows. I set up a display of items, and help ladies choose some nice pieces to fit with their lifestyle.” Rather than stare at me like I was from Mars, his reply surprised me. “So are you like a Big Baller Jewelry Lady? That’s awesome!”

You’re dang right. I’m a Big Baller Jewelry Lady and I’m not ashamed.