Article for Local Papers

I wrote this artile and pitched it to the editor of our local paper ~ the Eden Prairie News ~ today, telling her that the NY Times, Today Show, and the St. Paul Pioneer Press have done articles on the boom in direct sales as a result of the economic downturn ~ all referencing lia sophia. I checked with lia sophia headquarters and they are o.k. with preparing articles for publication as long as we reference ourselves as independent advisors. Here goes:

Jewelry Business Sparkles as Recession Fallback
No stranger to corporate downsizing and restructuring, Eden Prairie’s Diane Welter decided to “recession-proof” herself after being laid off in January by becoming an independent advisor for lia sophia, the world’s largest direct seller of fashion jewelry. “Interestingly,” said Welter, “in recessionary years, direct selling organizations such as lia sophia experience growth as people seek to earn money to pay bills or bring in extra cash as they or their spouses look for work after a layoff. lia sophia, for example, saw its number of new independent advisors swell by 26% from February 2008 to February 2009, and is on track for its most successful year ever as consumers cut back on expensive items and treat themselves to affordable luxuries.”

Welter’s interest in lia sophia was piqued three years ago when a co-worker hosted a “catalog” show at the office. Intrigued with the beautiful styles and affordable prices, she purchased several items and has been passionate about lia sophia ever since. “What I found so amazing was that it opened a whole new world for me in looking and feeling great about myself. One piece of jewelry can sparkle up an otherwise ordinary outfit!” said Welter. “The company offers amazing value with its buy two, get a third more expensive item for half price Customer Save Plan and monthly half-price specials. What’s more, hostesses can earn hundreds ~ if not thousands ~ of dollars in free and significantly discounted jewelry by simply getting a group of friends together for an afternoon or evening of fun! lia sophia is a ‘win-win’ for customers, hostesses, and independent advisors alike, and is a company I am proud to represent.”

With beautiful display jewelry and catalogs in hand, Welter has been successful in establishing her business in Eden Prairie with her casual, no-pressure approach, and is now expanding to other Twin Cities suburbs as additional bookings result from current shows. “The jewelry is so beautiful and affordable it really sells itself, and once I show women what they can earn in free jewelry by hosting a show in their home, they are eager to book,” she explained.

Welter is now developing a team of independent advisors to work with her, having signed on one new advisor and seeking to add at least two more in the second quarter. “This is a great opportunity with lots of flexibility and potential,” said Welter, “and the start-up cost for new advisors is just $149 for over $1,000 worth of display jewelry and supplies to get started. Advisors can earn, on average, $200 or more for 3-4 hours work. Multiply that by two to three shows per week, and the earnings can really add up.”

Anyone interested in hosting a show or joining lia sophia can visit Welter’s website at www.liasophia.com/dianewelter or call 952.941.6872. She offers hostesses any item up to $100 in value for only $20 when they book a show.