This photo was taken by Stampin' Pretty Pal Nicole Watt (AKA, Pals Stamp-A-Razzi).
If you have been following my posts and Stampin' Pretty Facebook conversation, you know that I was at the Stampin' Up! demonstrator convention in Salt Lake City through this past Sunday. The final conclusion? It was an experience of a lifetime on many levels.
A hug from Shelli Gardner.
For starters, Stampin' Up! Awards Night was filled with accolades and surprises as we all waited to see how top demonstrators were rewarded for overall business achievements in three main categories during the year (July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012).
Of the approximately 40,000 Stampin' Up! demonstrators, I landed in the top 10 (#5) for sales, #1 in promotions to Senior Associate (those in my Stampin' Pretty Pals group who promoted to Senior Associate) and #1 in promotions to Supervisor and up (those in my Pals who promoted to Supervisor or greater). I work very hard (there's an overachiever gene in my family) but absolutely love what I do. The on-stage recognition is both terrifying (my comfort zone is at the computer--LOL) and exciting. A big "thank you" goes out to my customers, fellow demonstrators and blog readers for your support and kindness throughout the year.
Also awarded from my Stampin' Pretty Pals: (clockwise from top) Ginger Toivonen (Hilton Head Getaway), Liz Hughes (Fiji Grand Vacation, Achiever's Bonus), Ann Schach (Hilton Head Getaway), Sandie Conner (Artisan Award Finalist). Not shown, Jessica Ying (Stampin' Start)
My niece, dearest friend and administrative assistant, Kris Kilcoyne. I could never keep up this pace without her brains, patience and organizational skills. Love you, Kris!
New Stampin' Up! Advisory Board. Left to Right: Patsy Waggoner, Heather Summers, Desirée Spenst, Amy Storrie, Ronda Wade, ME, Shelli Gardner (Stampin' Up! CEO and Co-Founder).
Photo credit Stampin' Up!
The night culminated with the announcement that I was selected to be on the Stampin' Up! Advisory Board, a coveted position and huge honor. I can't wait to brainstorm with my five fellow board members (a really positive and business-minded group) and Stampin' Up!, who has been so good to me and has shown me their confidence and support.
Friend Heather Summers (Canada) and I are thrilled to be working together.
The greatest thrill of all at Convention was hanging out with my Stampin' Pretty Pals, my Stampin' Up! downline members. The Pals are, without question, the core of my success and the heart of what keeps me motivated. There were 50 Pals who traveled across the United States to attend Convention--many of us meeting face to face for the first time.
The Pals wore black t-shirts sporting this fun slogan and my Stampin' Pretty tulip. Design by Stampin' Pretty Pal, Kris Kilcoyne.
Waiting in line on Day 1 in our "Keep Calm" T-Shirts!
ME--waiting for the "games" to begin!
Pals dinner at Tucano's Brazilian Grill. Marivic Lebardo, Susan Lankford, ME, Jessica Ying.
40 Pals had dinner together in a private room at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building with food from the Nauvoo Cafe. Beautiful place and the best turkey pot pie ever! Sue Bendinsky, Tricia Chuba, Kindra Delaney, Ann Schach, Mike Funke, Ginger Toivonen.
Sandie Conner, Kris Kilcoyne, Pam Jangor, Lori Martin, Linda Foster, Windy Ellard, Joyce Page, Tracy Casil
Wendy Vander Molen, Liz Hughes, Pam Dotts, Patti Carbonell, Susan Bohlen, Joanne Duff, Susan Lankford
Emily M., Cathy Warhank, Jessica Ying, Mary Lou Glick, Pam Morris, Katy McGloin, Angela Curry, Marivic Lebardo, Cindy Hall
Rae Harper, Barbara Chatzkel, Pam Jassel
An evening stroll. The weather was perfect. Emily M., Kris Kilcoyne, Windy Ellard, ME, Nicole Watt, Jessica Ying, Lori Martin, Marivic Lebardo, Katy McGloin
The Stampin' Pretty Pals stay virtually connected daily with ideas, tips and support. Their energy and kindness are phenomenal. However, meeting in person at Convention transformed us from dear friends into family. I miss them already. SNIFF!
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BECOMING A MEMBER OF MY STAMPIN' PRETTY PALS, CLICK HERE. I welcome both those who simply enjoy the hobby of stamping and those who want to develop a business (large or small).
