Co-Founder Shawn Maxwell Goes Cruisin’ with Our Diamond Designer of the Year

by Stacey Harmon | Sep 16, 2019 | Latest News, O2 News, Recognition

Congratulations to our OWL-mazing Designers on their incredible achievements in August! From rank advancements, top achievers, myO2 rewards earners and more, we’re thrilled to recognize you for all your hard work!

Watch as Origami Owl Co-Founder Shawn Maxwell takes a joyride with our 2019 Diamond Designer of the Year Karen Alaniz and another special guest.

August Designer Spotlight: Chelsea Louvier

• Started O2 Journey: July 2019
• Home State: Texas
• O2 Business: Works her O2 business full time and is a stay-at-home mom for her 3-year-old son
• August Achievements: Promoted to Team Leader; sponsored 10 Designers and has already earned 3,000 Adventure Points toward Costa Rica!
• Tips for Success:
  • Always ask questions and don’t be afraid to ask for help. We are a family and we are always willing to help each other through our amazing support system.
  • Set up a launch Jewelry Bar® right away. Show pictures of your favorite jewelry and share it with your friends, family, co-workers and anyone you meet. I started my launch Jewelry Bar within 24 hours of joining.
  • Wear your jewelry every day. I created my first Locket that I wear every day to represent and support my nephew with Down Syndrome and Autism.

“My upline, Executive Team Leader Dawn Firstenberg, gives me amazing support. She has inspired me to support and encourage others to join this amazing company and share their stories. I’m grateful and proud of the hard work and effort my team puts into reaching outside their comfort zone and sharing all that Origami Owl has to offer!”

Whooo Promoted Up in August

Check out the Designers who promoted up to a new, {sparkly} title in August.

Senior Designer: 166

Executive Designer: 49

Team Leader: 57

Senior Team Leader: 37

Executive Team Leader: 20

Team Manager: 2

Senior Team Manager: 4

Director: 2

August Top Achievers + Rank Advancers

Top 3 in Personal Sales

1. Karla + Sara Hemingway, Senior Team Leader – 8,753 PV
2. Patty Raley + Bridget Cory, Senior Team Leader – 8,718 PV
3. Linda Peterson, Senior Team Leader – 7,345 PV

Top 3 in Personal Sponsoring*

1. Alba Saenz, Director –  13 Personally Sponsored Designers – 2,582 PV
2. Breanna Johnson, Senior Director – 11 Personally Sponsored Designers – 3,442 PV
3. Frances Brunner, Senior Team Leader – 9 Personally Sponsored Designers – 3,013 PV

Top 3 in Developing Team Leaders

1. Mamie Miller, Director – 3 Team Leaders – 1,511 PV
2. Robyn Lozier, Senior Team Manager – 2 Team Leaders  – 1,381 PV
3. Julissa Schuster + Jada Cantu, Director – 2 Team Leaders – 762 PV

See everyone who soared to the top in personal sales, personal sponsoring and developing team leaders in August.

August MyO2 Reward Earners**

• Ready, Set, SOAR! — 579
  
• Charm of the Month Club — 6,922
• Storybuilders — 3,162
• Dreambuilders — 1,197
• Businessbuilders — 165
• Successbuilders — 55

Get all the details on our MyO2 Rewards Program here.

*Please note, these Personally Sponsored Designers were Active and earned at least 75 PV or more in August. Annies are not counted toward this number. An Annie is an Independent Designer who enrolls without a Sponsor or Mentor.

**These numbers are cumulative and include all the levels each Designer earned. 

You can also find the Hoot recognition rank advancements, top achievers and Ready, Set, SOAR! earners in your Back Office O2 Training Academy under Incentives + Recognition > Hoot Recognition.

Moving on Up: Meet Our Two, New Directors!

by Stacey Harmon | Sep 16, 2019 | Latest News, O2 News, Recognition

With more than 330 Designers promoting up in August, you proved you were truly “limitless” last month!

And, two of these Designers – Alba Saenz and Julissa Schuster – promoted to Director!

Congratulations to Alba and Julissa who earned the incredible perks listed below! (Keep reading for more details.)

Alba Saenz – Started O2 Journey October 2017

“I started my O2 journey in April 2014, but after a bad Customer experience, I gave up. My Mentor saw my potential and never gave up on me, so I had a change of heart and re-enrolled in October 2017.”

Earning Director

“I honestly never imagined I would be able to reach Director. It’s been an amazing and humbling achievement. Earning Director means that through my own journey, I have been able to help my team reach their own accomplishments and goals.”

Tips for Success

• “Never give up. We all experience rough times and moments when we feel we can’t keep moving forward, but if I’ve learned something this past year, it is that nothing is impossible and our rough times help us appreciate the good moments and achievements even more.
• Work alongside your team; never above them. This business is really about team work. Having a good relationship with your team is key.
• Set your goals, your team’s goals and then work together to reach them.”

Future Goals

“My goals change monthly and evolve as my team does. Currently, my goal is to help as many of my team members as possible reach Senior Team Leader, so they can earn the Holiday Collection and a spot on the Costa Rica incentive trip. For myself, my goal is to continue to help my team and start working on more Force For Good® projects within my community.”

Julissa Schuster + Jada Cantu – Started O2 Journey June 2018

Earning Director

“Earning Director means that my team and I accomplished something amazing together in such a short period of time. We’re ready for more; together, we can do anything we pour our hearts into!”

Tips for Success

“The best tip I can give other Designers is to get to know your team. Know who they are and what they want out of this amazing company.

• Do they have kids? If yes, then send their kids a birthday card.
• Do they have pets? If yes, then comment on their fur baby’s photos and let them know you’re watching.
• Are they expecting a baby? If yes, then get together with your team and send them a gift card!

I also send gifts to all of our Owlettes and BROs on their birthdays because they are important and part of our team!

When you’re scrolling through Facebook, don’t just scroll. Take the time to stop and read and see what your Designers are going through. People love to know they are not alone. My team and I have created a special bond with one another. That helps us all love what we do even more with Origami Owl.”

Future Goals

“Senior Director, of course! No, in reality, I really want to enjoy being a Director. My next goal is to have at least two more Directors on our team by the end of the year. The sky is the limit for us!”

5 Perks of Being a Director

1. Advancement Bonus + Director Generation Bonus

Not only do new Directors get a $500 cash Advancement Bonus after they earn Director for the first time, but they also have the opportunity to earn a Director Generation Bonus. The Director Generation Bonus is a bonus paid to Directors and above on volume produced by Directors on their Team (even those below Levels 1-4). For details regarding Director Generation Bonus amounts and qualifications, please refer to the Career Plan located in your Back Office “Designer Resources” section.

2. Invitation to Attend the New Director Academy

The New Director Academy is an exclusive event full of inspiration, motivation and education for new Directors in their first year of achieving the title. Our next New Director Academy is on January 23, 2020 at The Scott Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona for those who promote to Director between September 2018 and December 2019. After a full day of leadership training, the event concludes with our iconic New Director Heart/Lock ceremony. Origami Owl covers the airfare for one, hotel accommodations, which the New Director shares with another inductee, and some meals. The New Director Academy is a wonderful opportunity to connect with other leaders and share the O2 love!

3. Exclusive Convention Hoot Loot Hour, Training + Luncheon

During The O2 Experience – our annual convention – Directors and above, as well as Parliament members, are invited to attend an exclusive leadership training and luncheon. They also get their very own Hoot Loot Hour! That means you get to shop in the O2 Store before everyone else!

4. A Special Surprise in the Mail from The Nest

The month after you earn Director for the first time, you’ll receive a special gift in the mail from the Founders and your family at The Nest! This is our “thank you” for working so hard at building your team!

5. Elite O2 Directors and Above Facebook Group

Once you’re a Director, you’ll have the opportunity to join our O2 Directors, VPs and Parliament Facebook group where you can connect with other top leaders and ask any questions you may have about your business.

Thank You to Our Advisory Board and Welcome New Board Members!

by Stacey Harmon | Aug 29, 2019 | Latest News, O2 News, Recognition

Thank you to our OWL-mazing Field Advisory Board Members who went above and beyond to support our Designers for the past year.

Thank you to our 2018-2019 Field Advisory Board Members:

Tami Butcher
Robyn Torres
Maggie Stephens
Jessica Lopez
Nova Goforth

New Field Advisory Board

As we shared earlier this year, our 2019-2020 Field Advisory Board Members are based on Parliament qualifications from July 2018 – June 2019.

Members will include: 1 Field Vice President, 2 Directors, 1 Team Manager, 2019 Diamond Designer of the Year, 3 Members at Large

Criteria: Highest achieved Parliament Points (except Members at Large). Members will serve two-year terms with a maximum of two consecutive terms. Members can hold any recognition level within the category of titles to qualify.

Congratulations and welcome to our new Field Advisory Board members:

Karen Alaniz:              Diamond Designer of the Year
Kristine Stevens:         Executive Field Vice President
Kate McKenzie:           Senior Director
Aimee Johnson:           Senior Director
Melissa Taylor:             Senior Director – Member at Large
Paulina Alcaraz:           Director – Member at Large

2019-2020 Advisory Board

Level

Field Vice President+: Kristine Stevens

Director+: Aimee Johnson + Kate McKenzie

Team Manager+: Breanna Johnson

Diamond Designer of the Year: Karen Alaniz

Members at Large: Monika Mavec, Melissa Taylor + Paulina Alcaraz

From “Kitnapper” to 2019 Diamond Designer of the Year: Karen Alaniz’s Story

by Stacey Harmon | Aug 15, 2019 | Latest News, O2 News, Recognition

En Español

Six years ago, Karen Alaniz purchased jewelry from a friend’s Origami Owl® Jewelry Bar® as a favor.

She’d never seen the jewelry in person. She just wanted to support her friend.

But, when the package arrived in the mail, she was blown away by how beautiful it was.

“The jewelry and the packaging were amazing,” shares Karen of Texas. “I started asking my friend questions about how I could get Christmas presents for my family and that lead into me joining as a ‘kitnapper’ in February 2013 after being on the waitlist since November.”

Already a busy nurse who spent the majority of her time at the hospital, Karen had zero intention of running a business.

“I didn’t know anything about direct sales or how to run a home-based business; basically, I didn’t know what I was doing,” admits Karen.

After two or three successful launch Jewelry Bars, and the support of her friends and family, Karen quickly realized she could get more out of this business than just a discount.

“I realized I could supplement my income pretty well with this ‘side’ gig,” says Karen. “Shortly after I started, someone joined my team, which was scary since I didn’t feel like I knew what I was doing.”

So, with the help of her Mentor, Field Vice President Robyn Torres, Karen started thinking about a role in leadership.

“I set a goal of working my O2 business enough to support myself so I could leave my full-time job and make O2 my full-time career,” says Karen. “I wanted to spend more time with my family and my daughter, who was helping with my O2 business.”

The Path to Leadership

Two years later (2015), that’s exactly what Karen did.

“I exceeded my financial goals and told my boss I was leaving,” recalls Karen. “He looked at me and said, ‘You’re leaving a college-degree career to go sell jewelry? You’ll succeed when pigs fly.’ That comment gave me fuel for the fire. At that point, I was all in!”

While Karen started this journey for the discount and extra money, somewhere along the way, she started to see and feel the importance of empowering other women.

“I want to change women’s lives and help them hit their goals and grow their own teams,” says Karen. “At the time I left my nursing career, I was seriously considering going into the teaching field. When I left my career for O2, I knew that wouldn’t be on the table anymore, but little did I know how much training and opportunity there is as a leader.”

In 2016, Karen ran into her first major struggle as a leader.

“I kept comparing myself to what other leaders were doing,” shares Karen. “With a goal to promote up, I talked to Robyn and said, ‘I can’t be a Director. I need to set other goals.’ She asked, ‘Why not?’ and I remember this was my first big experience about having a preconceived idea that wasn’t true.”

So, Karen set that goal. And, not only did she earn Director, she also promoted up to Senior Director that same year.

In addition to earning Director, Karen also had other goals for her O2 business.

The Road to Diamond Parliament

“Years ago, I remember seeing photos of the Paris Parliament Trip,” shares Karen. “So, I checked my numbers and made a goal of earning the next trip. That next year, 2017, I earned the trip and placed second behind Robyn – who was Diamond Designer of the Year.”

The following year was a learning and growth year for Karen’s team. But, following the 2018 Convention, Karen talked to her team about going for Parliament again in 2019.

“I said, ‘Let’s go for the Top 10 again this year,’” she recalls. “But, they weren’t content with Top 10. They wanted No. 1.”

After working together for a well-rounded business, Karen’s team found themselves in the Top 10 at 2019 The O2 Experience, Origami Owl’s annual convention.

Earning Diamond Designer of the Year

“Standing up on that stage at Convention was very exciting, but also very nerve-wracking,” shares Karen. “Literally, standing there in that moment, I was looking at my team, praying to God to give me grace and the strength to lead them through. When they announced we were first, I locked eyes with my daughter, Meghan (Herrick, Senior Team Leader), in disbelief.”

Karen thought she had heard wrong.

“Bella turned to me and said, ‘You did it!’” says Karen. “I was stunned. I started crying. Then, my daughter jumped on the stage and hugged me. It was the coolest experience to have her there for that moment. When Chrissy announced we had been in the No. 1 spot for seven months, I literally was shocked. I’m insanely proud of my entire team.”

Karen has even given her jeep a name – Savannah Luz! (“Luz” meaning “light.” Her team name is Team Light. She wants to be a light to her local El Paso community.)

Future Goals + Tips for Other Leaders and New Designers

“Before I left for Convention, I had already made my goal for the next year,” shares Karen. “This year, our goal is to help our teams grow through sponsoring and promotions. We want everyone on the Parliament trip next year. I’m excited for what’s ahead this year for our team.”

Karen also has some advice to share with other leaders and new Designers.

“Four years ago, a top leader said to me, ‘Everything you want in this company you can get by sponsoring. Every goal you have, is going to come from sponsoring. An incentive trip, Parliament, monthly incentives, etc. I teach that to all of my new Designers,” she says.

In addition to sponsoring, Karen also recommends:

1. Stay in your own lane. There’s a difference between learning from other leaders versus comparing yourself to them. Don’t let that learning opportunity make you feel inadequate.
2. Take every bit of training you can get your hands on. New Designers: Take the opportunity to learn everything you can. Every ounce of training helps.
3. Stop looking at other leader’s highlight reels. Work on your own journey. Don’t worry about what others are doing – especially at the end of the month. Stay focused on your team’s goals.

“If there’s anything I’ve learned through this journey, it’s how to be a servant leader,” shares Karen. “Learn to empower your team, and through that, everyone rises together.”

When thinking about her overall journey with Origami Owl, Karen reflects, “There are a million other companies I could have joined. It’s a blessing that Origami Owl is my first experience with social selling. It’s never been about the money and the jewelry. Every time I look at someone who’s emotional building a Locket with me, it makes me realize that this is what it’s all about. When I see my team succeeding, our youth growing, and when our Force For Good projects make an impact, I realize you truly can change the world with this business. You can give back. Help your family. Have a better relationship with your child. It’s the real deal. I feel lucky I landed here!”

2019 Parliament Earners + 2020 Locations Revealed

See whooo our Top 10 Diamond Parliament members are and get more details on the 2020 Parliament Incentive Trip here.