Many of you know that until recently, I’ve taken some time off from my blog to run my LuLaRoe business. Over that time there has been a lot of changes to the company and a lot of news – some of it not so flattering. There are a few things about LuLaRoe that I’d like you to know.

1. LuLaRoe is not a pyramid scheme.

Wait, what? It’s true that LuLaRoe has a downline structure, and it’s true that sponsors make commissions off of their downline sales, but that’s not the whole story. To collect a commission, a mentor, coach, trainer or sponsor must sell a certain amount of pieces per month, and his/her team must also sell a certain amount of pieces per month. In other words, everyone needs to sell the clothes, and those in leadership must demonstrate their prowess by meeting a certain standard. In my opinion, it’s best to think of LuLaRoe as a franchise. I have a small business. I buy clothes at wholesale and sell them at retail.

2. I am a big girl, and I wasn’t duped by anyone.

I knew joining LuLaRoe was a business risk. And here’s a little secret. I signed up for LuLaRoe before I even tried on a stitch of the clothing. I was looking for a business opportunity, and I kept seeing friends in my newsfeed actively looking for retailers. No one pressured me into become a retailer. I actively sought out my sponsor and asked about her experience. After a lot of calculation, I decided to take the plunge.

3. I am not trying to recruit you.

I heard a statistic several months ago that over 70% of LuLaRoe retailers do not have a downline. In fact, if you’d like to become a LuLaRoe retailer, I can direct you to some wonderful sponsors, but it’s just not on my list right now. I’m a mom. I have a full-time job on top of my LuLaRoe business. My sponsor pours so much time and attention into my business, I don’t know if I could offer the same to someone else.

4. I would rather you bring me a new customer than buy something you don’t love.

LuLaRoe clothing has the power to make women feel beautiful. When you buy something from me that you love and wear it around town, you are the best marketing I could ask for. Just be sure to tell everyone who compliments you who you bought it from.

5. I don’t love every print either.

You guys, I have actually opened a box and cried because I didn’t like what I got. There was one specific piece that I thought was the ugliest thing I had ever seen. That weekend, I went to a pop-up and the hostess picked up that item and fell in love. And you know what? It looked great on her. Not all prints are for everyone, but all prints are for someone.

6. Adding a new style or capsule is a huge investment.

Retailers curate their inventory based on what sells. To add a style means buying (and paying for, up front) at least 5 items in 7 different sizes, and I don’t want that inventory to sit around – it needs to move! Same goes for capsules and the like. I spend a lot of time calculating the risk of taking on something new, as does any retailer. That said, if there is something specific you are looking for in a style I don’t carry, I would love to help you find it!

7. I don’t understand why you shop the supersized groups.

I recently watched a live sale with over a thousand viewers. The retailer wasn’t even wearing LuLaRoe, and it was the most chaotic scene. So many people competing to claim items I had just sitting here in my house. There was nothing about the live video or the retailer that was any different than my lives, she just has a lot of customers. Good for her! But seriously, there are so many retailers who are going to offer a better, less stressful shopping experience.

8. If I don’t have what you want in stock, I can probably find it for you.

LuLaRoe retailers are connected, especially when it comes to swapping inventory. I have access to hundreds of thousands of pieces each week. I love going the extra mile for my loyal customers. Tell me what you’re looking for and the size, and unless it’s a truly sought-after unicorn (tie-dye pink dipped Amelia anyone?) or solid black, I can probably get it for you.

9. I’m my own best customer.

I’m not kidding when I say that LuLaRoe changed my life. When I had my son, I was so lost about who I was supposed to be, except I needed to be comfortable. I literally thought to myself “I guess I’m giving up on ever looking good again.” Today, I not only dress up, I do my hair and makeup. I wear jewelry! I’m feeling more fabulous than I ever have in my life, and it’s as simple as clothes that are comfortable and flatter my real mom-bod.

10. It’s a full-time job, and not everyone is cut out for it.

As with anything, there are good retailers and not so good retailers. There are people who were ready to own a small business and people who weren’t. Some people have been wildly successful, but most people are hustling for every sale. And that’s ok! Retail is a long-game business. It takes time to curate your inventory, learn your customers and then evolve as fashion and social media and customers change. But make no mistake, you gotta WERK.

I love this business. I love my customers. It would honor me to serve you this holiday season with your LuLaRoe wishlist. To join my group, click this link!