Love Those Leaders!

Wow! What can I say but that our Convention theme hit the mark exceptionally well this year! "Stars Shine Bright" was more than a great tagline, it was the rule of the day, every day, during the amazing week we recently concluded. I've never seen so much bling, so many shining faces, or so many incredible business and creative superstars.

I know that many of you have been devouring the updates on Facebook, tweeting like crazy, or even reading the Consultant-only summaries on our website, but I wanted to provide my take on the whirlwind, too. As the CEO of this great company, I've been privileged to be a part of every single Convention, and I love the behind-the-scenes craziness as much as the front-row fun.

Everything kicked off this year at our annual Leadership Day. I love this day because it gives our leaders a chance to reunite, reconnect, and rejuvenate before some of the skit madness and new product reveals set in. This year, I participated in many of our sessions a little differently—as a listening ear! That's right, I participated in all of our general sessions a little differently than in the past (more on that in an upcoming post!), but I was very much present. Even though I wasn't always at the podium, I was always in the room. For Leadership Day we listened to our fabulous keynote presenter, Dana Wilde. She really confirmed what I know to be true about the conscious and unconscious mind and how to create meaningful mindsets and mantras to help us get what we need and want most!

I also loved the cheering I heard when our vice presidents announced several great new enhancements—that Studio J will no longer require membership fees, but that all content will be available to all users, and all layout purchases will include free JPGs. For more than five years, I have been passionate about the future of online scrapbooking and that's what led us to invest in designing Studio J. There just isn't ANYTHING else that compares to it! I find that my constant companions are my iPhone, iPad, and laptop, and I want to be able to preserve my memories right as I'm taking the photos and sharing the stories. Studio J really is my dream come true, and I'm as thrilled as you are that now even more people will have access to this incredible software!

We also announced our new lower priced new Consultant Kit. It's just $49! Can you imagine, starting a business—or a new hobby—for just $49? And yes, it gets better: in August, new Consultants also may receive our incredible Convention bag absolutely free! The bag is awesome—big thanks to Monica Wihongi and our design team for its roomy center pocket, backpack-style straps, and funky teal damask designs. Whether you're toting paper crafting products or a picnic lunch or gym clothes, I have a feeling this bag will be your best friend. I loved seeing so many of them in the hallways of the Hilton and even at the airport as I was flying home. It's fun to see a design you've loved and nurtured "go out into the world"!

Wednesday also marked our Presidential Reception, which gave us a chance to honor Karen, Tina, Naomi, and Michelle, our first ever Presidential Directors! I couldn't be happier for the four of you! You inspire me so much. I am grateful for your friendship, your tireless example of leadership and handwork, and of course, your loyalty to Close To My Heart. You are beautiful, inside and out! And yes, I can't wait to take the four of you, along with your guest and our executive team, on a special promotion trip to the Mayan Riviera this November. Just one more reason to strive for the stars and shine bright!