Party plan makes lots of Scents for work at home mum

This week we hear from Scentsy consultant Jennifer Hudson. Jennifer shares her story and tips on how to run a successful side-line party plan business while juggling your family and a full time job.

Tell us a little about the person behind the business?

I have a wonderful husband who I have been married to for nine years. We met back when I was attending college. We welcomed home our son six years after being married and a daughter three years later. I work full time at a newspaper as a web designer and have been there for nine years too. I enjoy regularly attending a yoga class in my tiny little town. I like to think of it as my “me” time to unwind after a busy day.

And now a little about the business itself?

Scentsy Family currently has three brands. Scentsy Fragrance has a range of wickless candles, warmers, and bath & body products. Grace Adele is a style system which includes handbags, jewellery and accessories. Velata is delicious chocolate and cheeses fondue for those that really enjoy food and entertaining.

Scentsy Family will be launching the business opportunity in Scentsy Fragrance and Grace Adele to Australia, Mexico, and Poland on September 1, 2013. Then October 1, 2013 will launch Scentsy Fragrance and Grace Adele in Spain and France. This was great opportunity for those looking for a new adventure, so I snapped up the opportunity.

What made you want to begin a work at home business and how did you get started?

After having some money trouble I wanted to find something I could do that I would enjoy. Something that allowed me to work my own hours. After all, I was already working full-time and had two kids to take care of.

I had looked at other direct sales companies and at the time Scentsy was a company I had heard of after being invited to parties. The strange thing is that I never once attended a party. I read the consultant guidelines and wanted to be sure I wasn’t going to be stuck in a company where I was going to be required to sell a ton of product to stay active. I wanted to pick a company that was not supersaturated in my area.

I found my sponsor from the yoga studio I go to.

What inspires you to keep your business going?

I love the product! It is safe for my home, my kids, and pets. I enjoy the social time I get with people at the parties that I book and the company gives back in so many different ways.

Do you have a current best-selling product or service? If yes, tell us about it.

For me the best selling products are with Scentsy Fragrance with the warmers and wax. Different regions launch with different products but currently in the United States we have over 80 scents to choose from.

How do you advertise your business and what methods have proven more successful?

The best advertisement I get is my customers recommending me to someone else. I do a lot of social networking and attend many craft and vendor shows.

How do you juggle your family and your work at home business? Any tips for other WAHPs?

My family is the most important part of each day. I work in my business when I find time. If the kids are busy with a movie or playing in there room I take that time to work. My husband is amazing at helping me find the time to schedule parties. The best part is each order that arrives at my home. The kids get really excited. They want to see what was ordered and want to smell the wax. They are like little Scentsy assistants! I let them be involved in my business by placing stickers on my products or placing my business cards in with each order.