It’s amazing what one simply phone call can do. Rhonda Anderson, a Montana homemaker was teaching a mother’s group about how she preserved her families stories in keepsake albums. She was shocked when she learned that all the mother’s just kept their photos stuffed in drawers and boxes and some even under the bed!
She became obsessed with helping them capture and tell their stories. Rhonda called a Minnesota based album manufacturer and placed an order for 40 albums. Since it was after hours when Rhonda placed her call to the company, the company executive, Cheryl Lightle picked up the phone to take a message.
Rhonda and Cheryl got to chatting and Rhonda explained to Cheryl what was going on. Together they began to explore the possibilities. From that one single phone call came their vision – Creative Memories.
It was in July of 1987 that Creative Memories had their first consultant sign on. But now, almost twenty years later, the company has tens of thousands of consultants worldwide who make a different in preserving memories.
The Creative Memories World Headquarters and Technology Center is nestled in the Mississippi River town of St. Cloud, in the heart of Central Minnesota. St. Cloud is also home to the company’s 316,000-square-foot manufacturing plant and distribution center. Other Creative Memories facilities are located in Sparks, Nevada and Richmond, Virginia. Creative Memories’ parent company, The Antioch Company, is based in Yellow Springs, Ohio.
Creative Memories has more than 90,000 independent sales Consultants worldwide.
I had the opportunity to interview one of them. Here is what Lorraine (Lori) Smith has to say about Creative Memories and how much fun she is having as a consultant.
Nicole: What types of products does Creative Memories offer?
Lori: Photo album / scrapbooking products including tools, albums, stickers, papers, adhesives, album kits, digital photo albums, photo management software, album imprinting, layout ideas, etc.
Nicole: Lately, I have heard that Creative Memories has grown in the past year or so, and new products have been offered and incentives have been made available. Can you tell us a little more about that?
Lori: I’ve only been with Creative Memories for a short time, I know that the cost of the startup kit was lowered. Several new products have been introduced for those that prefer more variety.
Nicole: And how much does it cost to become a Creative Memories Consultant?
Lori: It’s $145 for the start up kit. That’s the only official cost. After that, you can order business cards and extras, but they are not required. In order to remain an ‘active’ consultant, you must sell $500 in retail value every 3 months.
The second part of this article and interview will be posted later today.
For more information on Creative Memories, visit the Creative Memories Website.
More articles and information on home based scrapbook business’ coming soon. Watch the scrapbooking blog or for more detailed information on home businesses check out the home business blog.