Country Focus
January 2010
My Story Kathy Arias
Family: Married with two teenage children
Background: Studied interior design although I haven’t really made use of it as I have travelled widely with my husband. Having an entrepreneurial spirit, running my own business suits me best and in the past I have run my own boutique, two restaurants, a real estate office – and now VIE at Home.
What attracted you to vie at home?
Initially I was attracted to the brand by the quality of the products and the really professional catalogue. The big appeal however has been the career opportunity and the chance it offers to be my own boss and choose my own working pattern.
Describe a typical day:
After preparing breakfast for the family, dropping the kids to school and putting a little order in the house I start my work. First I go online and check out the Consultants’ intranet to see what’s new, any promotions or offers – this is such a fantastic and immediate business tool.
Then I review the day’s appointments, make sure I have the relevant products for beauty demonstrations and the necessary information about joining our team. I never know when I might meet a like-minded entrepreneurial woman looking for extra income, just like me!
At each appointment I try to fi nd out a little about the customer, her beauty needs and any concerns so I can choose the most relevant products. This can range from a new make-up ‘look’ and teaching her how to care for her skin, to an introductory session to aromatherapy or interior styling with our beautiful homeware collection.
Customer satisfaction is very important to me. Every day is different and sometimes I spend time on customer service calls or just checking they are happy with their most recent purchase. I also make time to go through any training notes and attend team meetings so I am always learning and adding to my skills which is an important part of working with VIE at Home.
What motivates you?
The satisfaction of achieving goals I set for myself. I love reaching each milestone and of course VIE at Home recognises us every time we do this. I have just won a place on the VIE at Home incentive trip to a spa in a gorgeous wine region in Spain in recognition of my success with recruiting.
Has VIE at Home helped you achieve your ambitions?
Without doubt yes, and one of the things I love most about the business is being able to pass on such a fabulous opportunity to others. VIE at Home really can change lives – it has changed mine and I can see how it is starting to change the lives of people in my team also.
What is your proudest vie at home moment?
Going to meetings or events and receiving acknowledgement and recognition for my work and results.
What do you like most about working with vie at home?
All the people I meet day to day, the support and guidance I receive from attending head offi ce meetings and the way VIE at Home spoils us with fabulous incentives such as the spa trip to Can Bonastre.
What do you like least?
Something that doesn’t happen too often but fills me with dread when a product has been really popular – seeing the words ‘out of stock’.
if you were Chief executive offi cer for the day, what would you change?
Deliveries to Spain are generally quick but if I could, I would fi nd a way of delivering to customers the very next day.
If you could go back, would you make the same choices:
Yes, of course!
