An Interview With Avon Representative, Debbie Schooler

Debbie Schooler, Camarillo, CA

As you know from my previous post, Avon is a company that has helped women earn income for over 125 years. For generations, women have turned to Avon to buy cosmetics, skin care, scents, and more - and for that same amount of time women have turned to Avon to help them earn money that has supplemented a main source of income, sometimes doing so well that it becomes their sole or largest source of income. Single moms often look for ways to make more money without compromising the amount of time we spend with our children, and selling Avon can be a great way to do just that. I had the opportunity to speak with single mom and Avon Representative, Debbie Schooler, about what it is like to have her own Avon business so that I could share it with you here.
Debbie Schooler, a single mother needing to financially support her family while still having time to spend with her four kids, decided to join Avon when her local Avon woman moved away.  Despite having a full-time job, Debbie still needed extra income to help provide for her children in this difficult economy.  With her Avon earnings she has been able to supplement her living expenses, her son’s surgery, and still have income left over that helped make the holidays extra special.  Debbie loves being an Avon Representative because of the flexibility and high earning potential, but also because gaining new customers has become a family affair.  Her son brings in new customers from his office, and her granddaughter helps her pack her orders.  Together they have helped Debbie reach President’s Club within her first year of joining Avon.

Issa: What made you become an Avon rep?
Debbie: I had been trying to find a part-time job but couldn't find one that wouldn't involve me being away from my kids all day long.  I had sold Avon products 15 years ago and stopped when having 4 children took up all of my time, but I decided to go back to it because it was only a $10 investment. Also, I love their products (especially their Glimmer Sticks eyeliner).

Issa: How has your Avon business helped your family?
Debbie: The extra money has helped me to make all of my ends meet, which can sometimes be difficult for single moms.  When you have childrens, things are always coming up (trips, birthdays, etc.), and my Avon income helps me to to provide for them.

Issa: What do you think some of the fears or misconceptions are that may keep some women from choosing to become Avon Reps?
Debbie:  I think people are afraid that they are bad at "selling", but Avon products sell themselves.  Avon has been around for 125 years and they have built a very good reputation.  I find that with the older generation especially, all you have to do is mention that you sell Avon and they will be interested in taking a catalog. 

Issa: What are some things women should know about starting their own Avon business?
Debbie: Avon is a wonderful company to work for. They give you tools to help you be successful and are always finding ways to help you run your business well. They offer great website tools, and have an amazing training component called the Beauty of Knowledge, that helps you to set up invoices, sign up new trainees, and keeps you updated on new products.

Issa: How do you find customers?
Debbie: I find customers through my friends, family, the members of a dance club that I am in, and my son passes out catalogs for me at his job.  You can always begin by branching out from the people that you already know, as well as places you frequent, like the bank, doctor's office, etc.

Issa: What is the biggest benefit of having your own Avon business?
Debbie: The biggest benefit of having my own Avon business is that I make extra money, of course.  I also really enjoy what I'm doing, and that I can do it around my schedule in a way that works for me and my family.  I really enjoy providing personal touches by dropping off my customer's orders to them so they feel that they have been given quality customer service.  Doing what you enjoy while earning an income has been really great for me!

Thank you, Debbie, for sharing your time and insight with us!



*I have been hired by Avon to share their business, and the representatives that make the business possible, with my readers.