Hi my stamping friends! I don’t often share personal things on my blog, and well, this is probably not totally personal, but I thought I would share today about something that I never EVER dreamed would happen 24 years ago when I joined Stampin’ Up!
Below I am holding my very first Stampin’ Up! catalog from 1995, and the current one!
24 years + ONE DAY after joining Stampin’ Up! I hit a ginormous milestone…. ONE MILLION DOLLARS in “career sales.” That is how much paper, ink and stamps I have sold over these years. Crazy??? Who would have ever thought??? Certainly not me!!!!
Here is the story that Stampin’ Up! published on their website…..I thought it would be fun to share here since YOU are all part of my story!
Jackie doesn’t remember much about the day of her first workshop 24 years ago, but she does recall how she felt: “It was at my sister’s house and I was a nervous wreck! I even went the day before to set up.” She never would have imagined all those years ago that this would become her full-time career. “I never dreamed that I would accomplish what I have and built a full-time profitable business.”
Jackie has loved being a demonstrator from the very beginning. After borrowing the money from her sister for her starter kit, Jackie thought she would just hold a few parties to pay her sister back and then start a stamp collection for her own use. Back then, she had no idea where those few parties would lead her, and how much it would change not only her life, but her family’s.
Jackie’s children have truly grown up as a part of the business, and today, they are her biggest fans. Over the years they put many stickers on catalogs, stuffed many envelopes and loaded and unloaded the card more times than they can count. Jackie’s two daughters often helped to run booths at large trade shows by doing demonstrations and helping to teach classes.
One of Jackie’s biggest memories of her children being involved is when at a training event of over 450 Stampin’ Up! demonstrators, they surprised her with their own presentation—“Growing Up As a Stampin’ Up! Kid.”
“They completely took me off guard,” she says. “They took over the stage and did a very professional PowerPoint presentation.” Fast forward to almost 15 years later, Jackie’s oldest daughter Jami attended OnStage with her and together, they did a team training presentation about how to involve your kids in your business and all the benefits they gain when they “grow up as Stampin’ Up! kids!”
Jami is now her business virtual assistant. Even though she lives in Missouri and Jackie lives in Michigan, Jami manages a lot of her social media content, team recognition, as well as sends out all her customer thank you cards, and anything else Jami can do to help her mother in her business.
Jackie’s husband Dave has also been a big part of her business. He would help cutting cardstock, stuffing packets, or remodeling her craft room. He has truly embraced the fact that Jackie is running a “real business” and it’s a “real job.”
When asked about what has changed her business the most, Jackie replied with two things. One was making a serious commitment to consistently making videos. The other was partnering with a group of demonstrator friends and leaders to “help and support each other, as well as provide training, and creative inspiration to all of our teams. These women are my rock in this business.”
As she reaches this milestone, she says, “My memories are many, and this business changed the path of our family. It allowed us to do so many things we would have never done. It’s made me who I am today, and who my family is today, and I will never regret taking the risk and giving it a try so many years ago.”
We’re glad you did, Jackie. Thank you for all your hard work, and congratulations!
Another part of my story…
The above picture is some of the super fun Klompen Stampers demonstrators that attended the last big convention in Orlando. We are now almost 300 strong and one of my biggest passions and joys is helping my demonstrators achieve whatever it is they want. Whether they just need help placing orders and getting the 20% discount, they want stamping tips and ideas, or they are working towards making stamping their “job” or business–I am here for them and absolutely LOVE what I do!
The rest of my story…
Certainly not least by any means, but each and every one of you are part of my 24 year long journey. I could never do what I do if it were not for you! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your loyalty and trust in me to be your Stampin’ Up! demonstrator.
I look forward to many more years….
My story certainly doesn’t end here! There is a lot more stamping and sharing to do. I look forward to continuing to share “quick & easy” stamping projects, videos and tutorials with you.
Again, thank you, from the bottom of heart, for all that you do to allow me to do what I love to do!
Congratulations Jackie, you are a delight to watch, please may you have many more years stamping, and keep the videos coming.
I TOTALLY agree with your comments, Betty. SO “down to earth” and SO many creative and practical ideas are shared.
Congratulations!!! The “one million” is a really great Milestone!! Many many more crafting years to you and yours???
CONGRATULATIONS,???? ???❗️What a wonder achievement?Thank you for sharing your story.
Congratulations!!! I found your blog only a short while ago and so happy I did. May you have more years og great sharing.
CONGRATULATIONS on your one million milestone!!!!!! I enjoy watching and learning from your videos.
Congratulations! Love your videos, and easy card ideas. Great for beginners!
I have had many demonstrators in my years of stamping and you are by far the best. Thanks for all you do for us!
Congratulations, Jackie!! I look forward to watching your videos every day and love your great ideas and beautiful cards. I often bookmark them so I can go back and refer to them when I’m making cards.
Wow, wow, and wow! What an amazing accomplishment. Congratulations.
Wow!! CONGRATULATIONS to you Jackie on your wonderful milestone with Stampin’Up! I love the enthusiasm you share on your videos and I appreciate all the training you share with such a friendly, easygoing style.
God bless you with many more years of Stamp Happy Days!
Congratulations Jackie!! What an accomplishment! I truly appreciate all that you share. I’ve learned so much from you. Can’t thank you enough for all you do!!
Wow, what a wonderful achievement, Jackie, and I loved reading your story. I have never met you but feel as though I know you well. Your videos are so informative and easy to follow…you are really great at what you do. Wishing you continued success in your stamping business as you work toward your “second million.” Congratulations and thanks so much for sharing!
Congratulations Jackie. You are an inspiration. I enjoy your videos so much. You encourage me to keep growing, to keep trying.
Congratulations! Happy for you!
Congratulations ??
That is great to be a part of something you ❤️ LOVE
Their products are wonderful
I am Happy for you and your group. it’s always a pleasant visit when I visit your time of sharing. God bless
Congratulations, Jackie, on this wonderful achievement. Your hard work shows in your prep and videos. It has to be a labor of love to blog every day with new, exciting and inspiring card designs. Thanks for all you do. Here’s to many more years of stamping. Time to celebrate this milestone. Enjoy your weekend.
Congratulations, Jackie! I enjoy following you and love your work!
CONGRATULATIONS! I am so happy for you and look forward to many more years of your great videos.
WOW…CONGRATULATIONS!!
Congratulations Jackie it’s so awesome.
Congratulations on this fantastic accomplishment!
Congratulations Jackie on an outstanding accomplishment! I enjoy following you and have learned much watching your videos. You are a wonderful inspiration!
Congratulations! What an accomplishment!
Jackie I am very proud of you for you million dollar sales. Keep up all your hard work and of course the fun you have. I love your videos.
Barb
Congratulations, Jackie! What a wonderful, inspiring story!
I have just discovered you and Klompen Stampers within the last few months but I want you to know how much I’ve enjoyed and learned from all your terrific video’s and ideas. Many congratulations on your tremendous achievements. Thank you for sharing with others. May God continue to richly bless you in all ways.
Love your videos & all you do for the stamping world. I feel like I know you although we’ve never met. Thanks again & Congratulations on such a well deserved milestone.
Linda expresses my thoughts completely , Jackie!
YOU are one in a MILLION
Congratulations on reaching this milestone!
Congratulations Jackie on hitting your milestone. I have yet to meet you in person but we’ve messaged online. As a demonstrator I’m very proud to be part of your story. I pray for your continued success and enjoy your videos very much.
Congratulations Jackie on such an amazing milestone! What a wonderful story. Wishing you continued happiness.
Wow, what a legacy, so happy for you. Congratulations.
Congratulations Jackie on such an amazing milestone! What a wonderful story. Wishing you continued success and happiness.
Congratulations Jackie!!! I sure picked a good demonstrator didn’t I 🙂
I look forward to more inspiration and ideas from you..
Congratulations! I look forward to your videos and blog. They are filled with inspiration and tips. Thank you and good job!
Congratulations for hitting this amazing milestone!! I loved reading your story. I read your blog all the time and look forward to seeing more videos and inspiration from you.
Congratulations, Jackie. Even though I am a relatively new customer of yours I am so glad I found you. I love your ideas and tips.
Congratulations Jackie,and thank you so much for sharing your story with us. It’s wonderful to have a family that is so dedicated to your stamping story. A lot love and hard work but this is a well deserved accomplishment.
Congratulations!! You deserve this honor. You are so giving of yourself to each and one of us and we are so proud of you. You have the energy and ideas that give me the passion to do this.
Jackie,
Congratulations!!!! Loved your story! And also love your videos!
Gloria
Congrats! Quite an honor! I enjoy your blog and all the great ideas.
Congratulations Jackie! I wish I were still a clump and Stamp are but I do the next best thing and that is see you on Facebook. Good luck on raising your next million dollars.
Congratulations Jackie. I love getting your videos they have helped me to grow in my stamping expierence. Thank you so much.
Congrats Jackie, I truly enjoy your videos and as a demonstrator you give me inspiration all the time. I have shared many of your cards and projects with my club and team. Thank you for all your hard work and keep those enjoyable videos and cards coming.
How wonderful that you have such a terrific support group of your family, Jackie! Congratulations, again. Hard work should pay off, and it really did.
I’m so thrilled for you. I have been following your blog, watching your videos, and CASE-ing your cards for YEARS! Glad this has happened for you! Can’t wait to see your stamp set!
YOU DID IT! Way to go Jackie…..what a reward for all that you have done and shared with us..well deserved…
Oh, my goodness, Jackie, one million dollars of merchandise sold. That is just mind blowing. I started doing your cards in the mail a lot of years ago, and loved every one. My daughter and I crafted together, and we loved getting together to craft. Just wanted to thank you for all of your tips, tricks, videos and all around helpfulness. i always learn so much from you each time you post. Congratulations, and now you are off for the second million.
Best wishes,
Karren Olaveson
Congratulations, ?? Jackie! Love watching your videos.
Congratulations! I have enjoyed your videos and have received many neat ideas..\
Congratulations!! So happy for you. What an accomplishment. Love your cards. Keep up the great ideas.
Congrats!!! What an accomplishment. keep up the great ideas for cards.
Congratulations and many blessings.
I love your videos and thank you for sharing
your so creative ideas for your beautiful cards.
Hope to see you in Salt Lake?
Congratulations. Enjoy all of the well deserved celebrations around your million dollar achievement.
I’m very happy for you achieving this great accomplishment!!
Thanks Laurie!
Congratulations Jackie on your tremendous achievement. It was wonderful hearing the personal side of your business success and seeing pictures of some of the photos of your supportive family and friends. I have loved your videos and thank you for the fast and easy card ideas. As a senior citizen on a modest income, I love that I can make beautiful cards without spending more than I can afford. Thanks for your help and also for your sunny disposition!
I’m so thrilled that you get affordable ideas you can make here Rita! Happy Stamping!!
Congrats on your achievement. I’m not a customer but I love your site and recommend it to many of my friends. You always have great tips. Keep up the great job.
Thanks Kaye!
Congratulations!!! That is an awesome achievement!!! I enjoy your blog and your cards- I love the ease of them and happy you create cards that don’t take hours to make!! Thank you for all the inspiration and creativity you have shared with all of us!!
I’m so glad you like the projects I share Angie! Thanks for watching!!
Congratulations Jackie! I am so glad you’ve hit this milestone. I enjoy your blog and videos so much. I’ve cased many of your cards and appreciate your hard work.
Thanks so much!!
Congratulations! I enjoy your blog and video’s. I have learned a lot from you.
Helen, I’m so glad you’ve learned a lot here! Keep watching 🙂
Bravo Jackie. Je suis votre blog et suis très admirative.
Salutations
Thanks so much Evelyne!!
So, it’s the 30th of May and I’m just reading your March 16th email. Congratulations on your 1,000,000. Did I get enough 0’s? So then I had to go to SoShelli and saw your wonderful pictures from going to corporate. I love your video’s…. and hubby’s.
Thanks so much Bette! I wouldn’t be where I am today without wonderful viewers and customers so THANK YOU!!