We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jamii Stock. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jamii below.
Alright, Jamii thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?
I was a single mom who had just had a stillborn baby born at 18 weeks, delivered exactly one week before Christmas. My children were 4, 3,and 17 months, and I had no money, was devastated, and had no idea how I was going to pay for Christmas. I had $20 to my name, so I figured I would go to the local Goodwill and buy the biggest bag of toys I could find and wrap each toy individually to make it seem like more.
Upon getting home from the hospital with all 3 children in tow, a lady stepped out into the snow to ask my name. The local bishop found out my name and didn’t know why, but felt the need to help me. I work up the next morning to people in the neighborhood bringing us food to fill our cupboards and freezer ( I had very little food, as well), and $300 in gift cards so I could purchase Christmas for my children.
Jamii, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
As a special education teacher trying to make it in one of the lowest-paying states in the country, I have studied education for 16 years and specialized as a behavior therapist to children with Autism with two master’s degrees. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, I learned that my career would not be enough to sustain my family’s needs, nor would it allow us to live in a space big enough to accommodate six people, as a two-bedroom apartment is not enough with growing teenagers and a five-year-old with severe disabilities. My youngest child was diagnosed with a rare and terminal disease that would only get worse with time and eventually lead to the end of her early life. I knew that with these circumstances, I had to find something that would support and lift us up both monetarily and spiritually.
I had a friend of several years reach out to me to share an opportunity to learn and grow with the business Mary Kay as an Independent Beauty Consultant. I was hesitant at first because I knew that my time and resources were valuable and thin, and I was not sure I would be able to give the amount of time and attention necessary to the company to make it valuable. Rather than being brought into a multi-level marketing scheme, I was welcomed into a friendly and supportive family of caring members who truly root for my success each and every day. I have met a sisterhood of women who share their love and desire to bring high-quality skincare and cosmetic products to women all over the country.
Although relatively still new to the company and brand, I have learned to fight Imposter Syndrome by not allowing myself to become intimidated by the success of others. As an introverted person, I was terrified of branching out of my comfort zone by speaking to strangers and initiating conversations as an everyday friend. I have come to find out that most people are genuinely kind and will politely tell you when they are not interested in what I have to offer. However, because I am trying to meet the needs of others rather than trying to make a sale, I have met many wonderful people who want to support me in my cause. I love what I do with the brand because I am able to offer samples and care packages to overwhelmed, overworked mothers trying to support their own families and causes.
At this point in time, I am gradually earning enough supplemental income to put aside money to save as a first-time homebuyer and will be able to provide my youngest child with a sensory room to assist her with her loss of eyesight and hearing, as she continues to degenerate. I am also sharing my opportunity and sisterhood with other women who believe in giving back to the community, whether it be with charities, products, or simply by sharing a warm and welcoming smile and conversation at the grocery store. This opportunity means so much to me, because it is the start of something great!
Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?
In my field, I believe that the number one trait that is most helpful in becoming successful is being teachable. Theodore Roosevelt once said, “People won’t care how much you know until they know how much you care”; to me, this epitomizes the value of what I do daily in trying to share an amazing opportunity with other women, namely mothers, who are trying to better themselves and their conditions and show their children and families what it means to succeed.
Success does not always come in the form of a paycheck, nor does it come easily. But, to those who are humble, grateful, and ready to learn from other successful professionals who learned hard lessons along the way and are trying to assist you by not reinventing the wheel, I truly believe that is a better measure of success than any dollar amount on the table.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
I believe that one of the core traits that have helped me build a positive reputation within my market is sincerity and humility. By realizing that I cannot do what I do without clients, I am humbled on a daily basis by the love and support of family, friends, and even strangers who want to support me in my cause. Knowing that I am working to support five children, one of whom is losing vision and hearing at a rapid rate, I have come across amazingly genuine and kind people that truly want me to succeed.
There are often days when defeat is right around the corner and I begin to feel hopeless and helpless in my cause; it is at that moment that God sends me the perfect angel to lighten my load and help me finish the race of that day. By knowing that my customers and clients are first and foremost the most important people in my field, I do all that I can to build genuine rapport with those I meet. And rather than worrying about the sale, I try my best to gain a greater understanding of THEIR story and cause and try to meet them at the crossroads where opportunity and friendship meet.
Although I know that not every encounter will result in a sale, I also know that I am fortunate enough to meet people who are meant to cross my path and help me find my way in this journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.marykay.com/jstock1
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamiistock/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamii.l.stock
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSkDCoAzj0g
- Other: –https://issuu.com/mycityjournals/docs/taylorsville_se_dec_web_1a9be627b5b7ef