Oftentimes as I scroll through my Pinterest or newsfeed, I see many of my friends are either looking for ways to start their own work-from-home business, or they’re already involved with some sort of venture. It seems this is the modern way for a woman, especially if she is a mom, to find her financial independence without sacrificing the comforts of life she already enjoys. Everyone wants to have it all: be with our kids, contribute to the family, and have a purpose outside of the home. I know one such woman, Lori Goldblatt, who seems to have it all while running one of these businesses, and decided to hear directly from her what it’s REALLY like. She also just so happens to be the wife of former San Antonio news anchor Jeff Goldblatt, so I knew she would give me the honest truth, no matter what. Read on to hear her story:
Haute in Texas: Hi Lori! Thanks for chatting with us today. What were some of your misconceptions about having your own direct sales business before you started?
Lori Goldblatt: Many people hear the words “network marketing” and immediately ignore you. I was guilty of this myself. The misconception is that you have to host parties or ask your friends to host them for you, that you have to stock inventory which can be pricey and that you have to become a consultant in order to even get your hands on the product. These misconceptions exist because this is how things used to be done. But this channel has evolved!
Direct sales was a foreign concept to me. I didn’t understand the strengths of this business model and how you could leverage an established brand to reach more people. Rodan + Fields doesn’t view itself as direct sales — We are actually a new model for shopping for skincare, which can best be described as “community commerce.” We combine high tech with the “high touch,” personalized service of a department store by fostering one-on-one relationships between customers and consultants. I had no idea what owning my own business would look like. But I was open to learning more because I trusted my friend.
HIT: What would you say to women who have some of those misconceptions now?
LG: It’s ok to be skeptical, you’re not alone. My misconceptions were based on my ignorance and fear. But the more research I did, the more this made sense because Rodan + Fields was doing something new. We live in a world where we spend more and more time online and the reality is fewer people want to get in their cars to shop for anything. You want reliability and convenience and you trust and value the referrals of your friends and family.
HIT: We all hear that this type of business model allows for more flexibility, but give us an idea of your day-to-day routine. When do you squeeze in time for work? How do you juggle the kids?
LG: I work Rodan + Fields about 5 – 10 hours a week and easily get the bulk of that done while the kiddos are in school. Occasionally, I take a business call in the evening on the sideline of the soccer field or work alongside my kids at the homework table. I work this business because I want more out of life and I deserve it. With so much to be grateful for, I felt trapped by the financial burden of a 4-kid budget. It was time to free myself from the burden of guilt and start living to live and empower my soul and family. This opportunity has already gone beyond me. My kids now see I’m able to be available as their mama while also working a successful career.
HIT: If there’s one thing you could do differently since starting your business, what would it be?
LG: I would have jumped in sooner!
HIT: What’s been the biggest surprise about working with Rodan + Fields?
LG: The biggest surprise is how rewarding this business has been for me, and the wide and supportive network with whom I am working. We discover the leader within and that we all have a voice waiting to be heard. I have a group of new friends and business partners who support my fears, challenges and passions. I’m in this business for myself, but I am certainly not by myself. My team mentored me, and continues to do so, to get me where I am today. It is my joy and privilege to pay it forward.
HIT: With all the options out there right now, how did you decide on R+F?
LG: This was an opportunity to partner with 2 of Forbes Top 50 Successful Self-Made Women. Rodan + Fields was initially in high-end retail before Dr. Rodan and Dr. Fields chose the business model of direct sales to give more people access to dermatological products and to offer empowerment through entrepreneurship to its valued consumers. I was particularly impressed with the consistent coverage Rodan + Fields gets from media outlets. It was just announced that we are now the #2 Premium Skincare Brand and the #1 Premium Anti-Agers/Anti-Aging Brand in the U.S.! We are also the fastest growing premium skincare brand for the last 5 years in a row which is incredible. The momentum we are experiencing is just astounding.
“Source: Euromonitor International Limited; rsp terms; all channels, USA, 2015; research conducted in 2015”
HIT: What’s your sales strategy? What do you tell people when they say they can’t do this because their selling techniques are lacking?
LG: I have no sales strategy. Zero. I simply share a brand I love and a business I believe in. That’s it.
HIT: How has your skincare routine changed since starting R+F, and what is your absolute favorite product in the line?
LG: My skin is the best it’s ever been. It’s balanced and glowing. Even on mornings of sleepless nights, my skin looks great. The compliments from my hubby, friends and kids are constant. My routine is far more simplified, and I’ve tossed out my product graveyard of half used creams and serums that didn’t live up to their promise. I’m currently using our Redefine Regimen for the appearance of lines, pores and loss of firmness which comes with aging, coupled with our Redefine Amp MD system in the evenings and the Redefine Macro Exfoliator once a week for 5 minutes. And the eye cream. According to my daughter, my skin under my eyes is no longer purple! If I had to pick a favorite, I would say our Redefine Amp MD system. I’m obsessed with the delicate needle rolling and the retinol peptide serum.
Lori also gave me a few products to try and I’ve been loving them! I have to say it’s always encouraging when you are able to witness women you admire take on such exciting challenges and rise to meet them. Lori is 
warm, hilarious, and the type of person who makes you feel at ease the instant you meet them. If she’s willing to take a chance on this business model, and specifically on Rodan + Fields, that’s all the endorsement I need. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram, and check out her personal site by searching the Rodan + Fields site here. You can also receive a gift with purchase if you make a preferred customer purchase with her, AND a signing bonus if you’d like to dive into this business with her!
If you’re not ready for a commitment quite yet, but you want to see what all the buzz is about with this skincare line, enter to win a Redefine Multi-Function Eye Cream (Retail Value $60!) in the Rafflecopter below!
XO,
A
