In September 2015, I made the decision to join the cosmetics company ‘Younique’. I was put in contact with a presenter through my university freshers page, and at first I declined the opportunity as I felt that people wouldn’t listen to me when I told them what I thought about the products so wouldn’t make any money (why would I want to pay £69 for a kit that might not even get me anywhere?!). After coming to my senses, I realised that even if I didn’t get any sales or grow my team I would still have saved over £100 on all of the products in the kit. I tried out the products in my kit as soon as it arrived, and I posted my genuine excitement on Facebook with no intentions of selling anything. Turns out someone on my friends list had been looking to try the 3D Fiber Lashes mascara, and wanted to order one from me! I couldn’t believe that I got my first sale within 7 days of joining, especially as I was only what presenters call a ‘kitnapper’.

I continued to post about the different products on Facebook, as I tried them. From a traditional network marketing perspective, they would not have been seen as good post but somehow they worked for me. I had two girls message me within my first few weeks about joining my team! This was really scary for me as I was never even keen to be a presenter, but as I posted more and had girls messaging me I built a lot of confidence and decided to go for it! I told the girls they could join my team and we built some really good friendships.

Before long, I had hit my first promotion (white status) and continued to progress right through to pink status! I also managed to build a team of 13 people which to some may seem like a very small number, but for me that was a great achievement! It made it even better that they were ladies from all over the world!

In September 2016, I had the opportunity to attend an MMC event in Bolton which was such an overwhelming experience. I had never travelled that distance on my own before and I had never met anyone that was going to be there. I was so unbelievably nervous! Although I had always been made to feel welcome and part of a team, it really opened my eyes as to what being in the Mascara Millionaire club meant. When I finally got to meet my sponsor and fellow team members, all of my nerves and worries melted away and I actually felt at home! The atmosphere in the stadium was incredible, hundreds of inspirational women all in the same room uplifting each other. I met the founders of the MMC Katie Hamer and Claire Cowan (the butterflies in my tummy were going crazy!) and received training from the beasts of the network marketing industry. They were no longer just faces on my Facebook news feed, they were training ME! It was when I was listening to all of these amazing people, I had a strong sense of belonging and knew that was were I wanted to be.

As soon as I got home I continued to pursue my business and I knew that I needed to take it to the next level. I upped my game! I started researching more, spending more time on personal development, and sharing my experiences with everyone that I spoke too. And here we are today!

I am still a presenter for Younique, I love the products and everything that they stand for and really do admire everyone in the business, whether they are doing it on the side to pay for their child’s nappies and support their family or climbing the ladder straight to the top (there’s space for everyone there!). However, my brand has grown tremendously! I have built the Glam It Up Network based on my on values and progress, I want to help others gain that newfound confidence just like I did and say “do you know what, I am great and I can do this!”. My focus is now on helping others instead of simply helping myself, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for the Glam It Up Network!

You must learn to wear your hurts and your heartbreaks like a shimmering string of diamonds delicately draped around your neck. And so awash with beauty and brightness that you’d never know they were birthed in the dirt. Cara Alwill Leyba, @thechampagnediet