Inspirational Person of the Month

Introducing Paulette Borgess

We received an email from Paulette’s husband, Larry, nominating her for Inspirational Woman of the Month. After hearing their story, we had to agree. Read on to find out why Paulette’s passion and unique home based business truly makes her an inspiration to us all.

What types of challenges have you had to face?
There have been many challenges throughout my years my home based business. My first challenge was telling my children and in-laws about the products I was selling.  I struggled with what my friends and coworkers would think of me. I quickly moved past those insecurities. If I dwelled on what others thought it would prevent me from moving towards my dream.

There have been corporate challenges. New headquarters brought about a huge move, a new computer and shipping system, change of leadership, and the growing pains of a new, small company becoming a well established, large company. Throughout these changes, there have been challenges, and many people chose not to stay and weather those challenges.  However, the consultants who stayed have definitely reaped the benefits of being patient!

There were also personal challenges as well; I have always worked as a teacher’s assistant to autistic children, and still do. Working a full-time job while growing a business that required personal one-on-one contact with new team members while juggling a family has always been a balancing act.

From 2003 to 2004 I became my mother’s caregiver as she was battling cancer. In January 2005 my mother passed. One year later in January 2006, my husband was diagnosed with Stage Four Colon Cancer that had matecized to his liver!  The advice from his doctors was “Go on that dream vacation, spend as much time together as you can, and get things in order!”

I knew what that meant and I was not ready to accept it. I have faced many roadblocks before and this was another roadblock that we needed to learn to maneuver around.  The blessing is my business allowed my husband to retire early, and focus on becoming healthy.

What has been your biggest challenge?
My biggest challenge was believing that I had the ability to make this business work while juggling all the responsibilities of a mother, wife and teacher.  I could do the parties. I loved that part of the business, and still do. It is what releases my stress and is my fun time, but I was challenged in the area of team building that I could build a  team, be there for them, and be a good source of support for them.

Today my biggest challenge is to prove to the doctors that dreams and miracles do come true!  I have built my dream, and I am living with my Miracle Man!

Was there a turning point that helped you overcome those challenges?
I saw other women having success, and realized that the only difference between us is that they were not giving up. They were having struggles but were choosing to plough ahead and work their business every single day, a little bit at a time.  I decided if they could do this and be successful, then so could I. 

Where do you draw your inspiration to succeed?
My mother has been a huge inspiration all of my life. At the age of 39 my father was struck with MS, and my mother became the sole provider for our home. She never complained and took such pride in caring for my father. She taught me how to be compassionate, and at the same time, how to be strong.

My faith has always played a big role in everything I do.  Over the last few years, I have suffered some heartbreaking losses, but I know that God will never give me more than I can bear. And while my shoulders sometimes sag, I remember how blessed I am, and with my team and my family pulling for me, and alongside me, we will survive!

Everyday I wake up and thank the Lord for all of the blessings in my life!  I am truly blessed!

Do you have a strong support system?
Absolutely. First and foremost my husband. I remember the day I came home from the party I attended and asked him what he thought about my idea of starting this crazy business. His reaction to me was  “If anyone can do this it is you!”  He has been my cheerleader and motivation to keep going and never give up.

Passion Parties itself has a wonderful support system also. From the corporate office and their staff, literature and trainings to my awesome team members and uplink, which are always there to support me, guide me, laugh and cry with me!

What advice can you give to other women who have struggled as you have?
I would say to anyone starting out in any business make sure you love what you do. Find something to love about it, be passionate about it, and if you really want it, never, never, never give up!  We can all find fault with any company or business. Nothing will ever be perfect, but take responsibility for your successes as well as your failures. Have an open mind and always be willing to listen and learn.

What is the best advice you have been given?
Say it! (What you want.) See it! (As though it is yours.) Believe it! (Visualize it has happened.)  Then it happens!

Positive thinking, positive thoughts, and vision boards are key! 

Do you have any advice for other women going through a difficult time?
Talk to someone about what you are going through.  No matter how alone you may feel, someone else has been through what you are going through and knows exactly how you feel.  Don’t isolate yourself. It may be difficult, but put yourself out there, network with other people, share your joys and frustrations, and with the support of other consultants, you will find that nothing is so bad that you cannot get through it.

Passion Parties has changed my life.  I never would have thought I could do what I do, love what I’m doing, and be able to support my family while doing it.   The lifelong friends I have made, the love, support, and personal growth that has come my way, and the realization that there is nothing I cannot achieve has been a wonderful, empowering experience.   

www.passionpartiesbypaulette.com