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Melody Wilson – The Gift of Change
Posted by Rodan + Fields on Wednesday, July 30th, 2014
Sometimes gifts work in peculiar ways. When we receive a present, we usually feel grateful and humbled that someone took the time to think of us. But, the act of giving is often a gift to ourselves: seeing the smile on someone’s face as they tear off the wrapping or sensing how we’ve helped lighten a burden by offering up a gesture of encouragement. Whether tangible or not, and no matter the size, a gift not only lifts up the receiver, it also liberates the giver and, upon experiencing the contagious results, inspires them to continue giving. Melody Wilson knows the power in receiving the gift of change and, overcome with gratitude, strives to give that same gift to as many people as she can.
As a nonconformist, Melody has always refrained from working for an employer. As a stylist for 25 years and the owner of a small hair salon for the past 21 years, Melody has found that her cosmetology job provides her with the flexibility she needs. “I’ve always marched to the beat of my own drum and I love being in control of my hours. I am able to clear my schedule or move my clients around, if necessary.” Being available for emergencies is a major priority for Melody who is very busy with her four children, two stepchildren, and grandchildren. “Two of my girls have chronic illnesses, so having the freedom to be there for them when they need me, without the fear of being fired or losing clients, is imperative.”
Melody was completely happy with her job and not looking for anything else when her aunt introduced her to Rodan + Fields®. Hearing about the products and recognizing the Doctors, Melody was immediately interested. She had suffered from rosacea for years and had endured many painful surgeries and tried countless medicines that didn’t work and resulted in unpleasant side effects. She had nearly given up on her skin ever getting better when she heard from her aunt and decided to try the SOOTHE Regimen. “Within three weeks, the redness on my face was gone and my skin has stayed clear ever since. The change in my face was incredible. So, I told my aunt, ‘I don’t care what it is, sign me up. I’m in. I want to be with these people, they are my personal heroes.’”
It really wasn’t about the money for Melody. “I wasn’t even sure how the business worked at first. I just wanted to help others with their skin care issues because I knew I could relate to them after what I’d gone through. I actually achieved Executive Consultant status in my first month and I didn’t even know it until three months later. Being paid was just a bonus for doing what I already wanted to do, which was to spread the good word about these products and help others. It was a win win for me.”
A few months into her business, Melody’s father was hit head on by a drunk driver and seriously injured. After his release from the hospital, he went to live with Melody in Florida. “For four months, I cared for him full time throughout his recovery. The ability to be there for my father meant a great deal to me and that’s when a light bulb went off for me as I discovered the value and power of residual income. I was extremely limited in the amount of hours I could work and very new to R+F, yet I was still getting paid! And each month was bigger than the last.”
Then, in 2012, things changed drastically for Melody and her family. Her husband was laid off from his job. “The impact was enormous and we weren’t expecting it to be so big. We were unprepared because we had felt that we were safe. My husband was in the one percent that would be retained, but then it quickly turned into a situation where we needed money. We were scared that we would be without insurance to cover the cost of our daughter’s medical treatments. It was not only a hard time economically, but emotionally too. I felt so blessed and humbled that, during such a dark time, I was able to build a business that was strong enough to maintain our lifestyle. It provided us the means to keep our one daughter in a private college, another in costly guitar lessons, and afford braces for two of our children as well. Knowing that gave me the drive to reach out and share the opportunity with others, not just for skin care purposes now, but also to potentially help them financially.”
Deciding to really work her business to help her family was challenging during a time when everyone was facing such uncertainty. “We live in a tiny island community on the Space Coast and we were all affected by the layoffs occurring in the corporate world. Everyone went into panic mode and scaled back on discretionary spending. I had Preferred Customers who gave up using the products because they had to cut back on their expenditures. It really hurt my volume and I struggled, wondering if I should throw in the towel. It was truly heartbreaking, but something kicked in and I reflected back to meeting the Doctors and seeing how genuine and real they were. It was so inspiring to see how much heart they have and to know that they care about the people’s lives they are changing. They didn’t give up, so I knew that I couldn’t give up either. And that kept me going. I wanted to show my team that we could still work this business despite the economics of the area.”
In working her business, Melody has found that one of the most important perks is that you are encouraged to be yourself. “Personal growth is my number one focus with R+F. Everyone is striving to become a better version of themselves and learn how to give more to others. Being in a supportive environment where people are focused on being their best helps you to be more successful, so you are rewarded for being yourself. When I first met the Doctors in 2010 at a book signing in Orlando, I was overcome with emotion for the way they had helped to change my life. I suddenly felt the gift of joy they must experience in sharing this opportunity with others, the same gift they were giving to me to share this experience and change lives and better skin through this opportunity. I was moved by that. I have found that R+F has helped me grow and understand people better. I am a better listener and this business gives me that joy of being.”
Over the past four years, Melody’s why has evolved. From sharing a product she loves to contributing to her family’s income, Melody now finds that she is driven by the opportunity to have freedom. “Even with the flexibility at the salon, I am still somewhat tied down. With R+F, there is even more freedom. I love the security of knowing I can take off and be there for my family when they need me. I can take the time to be emotional and not have to go in to a job and pretend to be happy when there has just been a crisis. I can be in the moment and go through the experience and then go back to work without asking anyone’s permission to take time off or use vacation days. I’d love for my husband to not have to be concerned about that either.”
Melody’s journey has surprised her in many ways. “I’ve found things out about myself that I didn’t know. I discovered fears I didn’t realize I had and there was such excitement in conquering those. I also discovered strengths I didn’t know I had. The ability to make friends with people I never would have dreamt, in other circumstances, I’d be friends with has been incredible too. Connecting with such a huge variety of people from so many different backgrounds makes the world seem smaller and creates a real sense of belonging.” Hearing people’s stories and sharing in their joys inspires Melody to continue on. “There are always times when you don’t feel like doing things, but I push myself to always do it anyway because I am committed to my own personal mission, which is to help people. And it’s so empowering to be a part of that change.”
The information, materials and views provided by a Rodan + Fields Independent Consultant during this presentation are her or his own and do not necessarily represent the views of Rodan + Fields. Rodan + Fields makes no representations about the accuracy of the information. The stories shared may be atypical experiences among Consultants who join the business. Actual earnings vary significantly, and no income is promised or guaranteed. Potential Consultants are urged to perform their own due diligence prior to making any decision to participate.
For information regarding earnings under the U.S. R+F Compensation Plan, see the Income Disclosure Statement.
For information regarding earnings under the Canada R+F Compensation Plan, see the Income Disclosure Statement. We estimate that in Canada the typical plan participant will earn between $1,700 and $2,000 CAD per year.
9 Responses to “Melody Wilson – The Gift of Change”
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says:July 30, 2014 at 4:04 pm
Love your story and your “WHY”, Melody!! So Inspiring!
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says:July 30, 2014 at 4:05 pm
Melody and I became friends through Rodan + Fields via Facebook – we not only share a common thread of friendship through Rodan + Fields, but both of us having natural curly hair sealed the deal! Melody has always reached out to me when I’ve asked for help and guidance – she sparkles her enthusiasm for Rodan + Fields to all she meets and I’m proud to call her my friend.
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says:July 30, 2014 at 5:26 pm
Beautiful article, Melody! Congrats
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says:July 30, 2014 at 5:48 pm
Melody, this is so inspiring. You are truly a wonderful person and I am blessed to know you. xo
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says:July 30, 2014 at 7:20 pm
Amazing Story, Melody! You are such an inspiration to Richard and I! So glad we met and locked arms as buddies in business! Congratulations on your success! XOXO
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says:July 30, 2014 at 11:44 pm
Every day with you is a gift, Melody. You are an amazing leader and friend.
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says:July 31, 2014 at 2:10 pm
I met Melody at an R+F event and she left a mark on me. Hope, I guess….she is also pretty and smart. An awesome example of businesses and motherhood.
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says:August 1, 2014 at 2:18 pm
Every time I get together with Miss Melody, I feel like I am at the most fun party ever! She is sequin confetti through and through with her sparkly personality and great compassion and love for others. Melody is a success because she is Melody and because she never does anything she is not passionate about. She lives R+F because she believes in it so much. Glad to know her and call her my friendy. smiles, Yvette Gioia
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says:August 4, 2014 at 1:15 am
Melody, Your story is amazing! I love that you were transparent. Building a business is hardwork and we all experience setbacks. You persevered and have set an example for your team to follow! I look forward to meeting you. Do you know my sister Elizabeth Haynes in Sarasota? Blessings!