The Mom Entrepreneur Co-op Shop Blog

Lisa D'Astuto, a Brand Ambassador for Votre Vu, a high-quality skincare line, has built a successful, lucrative direct sales business from home. The New Jersey based mother encourages other moms to consider entrepreneurial sales opportunities as well.

D'Astuto’s tips for becoming a successful entrepreneur include: hold monthly team meetings, attend industry conferences and stay connected with your customers. Make it a goal to connect with at least one person per day to promote your business, and spend 10 minutes a day reading motivational books by inspirational authors like Michael Clouse and Karen Phelps.

“Networking is the key to success in any business,” she explained. “Building relationships leads to referrals and new business opportunities.”

Therefore, D'Astuto participates in women’s networking events, in person and online. She recently started a local women’s group to network, socialize and learn.

She emphasizes that people should work for a company they believe in. She has great faith in Votre Vu, which incorporates the five key principles of growth: solid funding, management, products, field leadership and a solid compensation plan.

Many Votre Vu Brand Ambassadors have found great success and appreciate the freedom and flexibility, allowing them to earn a good income while being able to work from home – around their family’s schedule.

Votre Vu representatives have marketing flexibility, and can build their business on selling at shows – designed to be chic, effortless and successful – and/or through one-on-one appointments.

Working for Votre Vu has a variety of benefits, including a minimal start up cost and a free website for a year. Representatives are paid weekly, and can participate in the lucrative Binary Compensation Plan, which allows employees to get paid based on volume.

Votre Vu representatives take great pride in the high-quality products they sell. There are no quotas to meet, and no sales or meeting requirements, which means no pressure for sales reps. Additionally, there’s no inventory or deliveries – orders are sent directly to customers from the company, streamlining the process and minimizing hassles for the sales team.

D’Astuto also praises the company’s cutting-edge, state-of-the-art website, which includes music, video tutorials and training.

D'Astuto is passionate about her job, and enjoys the strong relationships she’s built with her sales team, clients and the Corporate Office.

For more information, please visit VotreVu.com/JoinOurTeam. You can also "like" Lisa's Page on Facebook or follow her on Twitter @TheNetworkInsider. And be sure to visit her page at The Mom Entrepreneur Co-op Shop.

Artists and crafters are the heart and soul of Artful Vision's Purchase with a Purpose Gallery. This unique company is committed to making a difference by donating 20% of each purchase to a participating worthy cause.

“As an artist, parent, and volunteer, I’ve participated in fundraising programs for over 30 years. Every time I purchased cookie dough, a magazine subscription or gift wrap to support a worthy cause, I grumbled about why didn't someone come up with a better fundraising idea,” said Maxine Gardner, founder of Artful Vision. “That someone ended up being me.”

Gardner’s concept is an innovative approach in fundraising. “Since Artful Vision launched in August 2010, each customer’s purchase supports worthy causes in the U.S. and contributes to the economic recovery of the United States. When you can buy products made in the U.S.A. that also support worthy causes, that is something everyone can feel good about,” Gardner explained.

Artful Vision's mission is to support organizations that fundraise in order to meet the needs of their community, including schools, religious institutions, health or social service organizations. A sample of current non-profit partners includes ALS Therapy Alliance, Operation Gratitude and the Ronald McDonald House of Detroit.

On Artful Vision, customers will find visual, decorative and functional items, including glass, greeting cards, home décor, jewelry, metal, mixed media, painting and prints, photography, pottery, wood; as well as children's art, music and books. Some of the company’s most unique items are wine bottles recycled into cheese platters, birch bark transformed into fabulous jewelry; and purses, bowls and mirrors created from recycled records. The wide selection of products – starting under $10 – suit a variety of tastes and make lovely, thoughtful gifts.

Gardner, a mosaic artist and photographer, offers her instructional videos, which teach others how to create mosaic art, in addition to her photography and photographic note cards. Gardner's popular photographic note cards were included in 700 gift bags at the News and Documentary Emmy Awards last year in New York City.

Interested artists, crafters, musicians and authors can forward samples of their work, or a web link to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . 

And for more information – or to shop the unique selection of items – please visit www.artfulvision.com. Or check them out at The Mom Entrepreneur Co-op Shop.

Many of us fantasize about taking a cruise and enjoying great weather, gourmet food and spectacular activities.  And many of us dream of starting our own successful business, with flexible hours, ongoing support, educational opportunities and huge profit potential. Cruise Planners/American Express combines these concepts – offering amazing franchise opportunities for entrepreneurs who want to “dive into” the travel and cruise industry.

There are many franchise businesses for women to choose from, but Cruise Planners/American Express provides a variety of benefits, including training, support and networking opportunities. The company was founded – and is still chaired – by a woman, who had a vision to help people get into business for themselves.

The company, which started 17 years ago, has grown to more than 750 franchisees nationwide.  

Through the years, the Cruise Planners team has done exceptional work, becoming one of the top travel producers in the world. Their extensive growth and impressive sales numbers attracted corporate giant American Express, and for the past eight years, they’ve been named an American Express preferred travel partner.  In addition to building their own credibility, they also have the trusted American Express name behind their business.

Being a home-based business model in one of the most profitable industries attracts much attention from “stay at home” moms. The company’s inexpensive franchise fee, flexibility, training and support allow women of all backgrounds to become entrepreneurs in the travel industry. 

The company’s franchise owners receive significant training, both online and through an all-inclusive 6-day training program in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida – the cruise capital of the world. Team members receive training on a wide range of topics, including social networking, relationship building, sales, setting up a home office and more. Their extensive on-demand video modules offer an impressive curriculum on industry subjects, as well as motivational and sales topics.

No experience is necessary, and the company provides ongoing education and support to ensure success. Cruise Planners/American Express has a dedicated support department, staffed with travel industry experts, to provide telephone, online and in-person assistance. The company’s leadership recognizes that their overall success depends on the success of the franchises, so training and support are critical to profitability. Franchise owners have plenty of opportunities to network, learn and share best practices.

And, if things get too hectic, franchise owners can always plan their own cruise get-away.

For more information, please visit www.cruiseplanners.com/. Or check them out at The Mom Entrepreneur Co-op Shop.

What a busy year for all members at The Mom Entrepreneur Co-op Shop.

The last few months, members offered amazing deals on Cyber Monday, during our 6-week Holiday Blitz promotion and shoppers were also able to find unique Stocking Stuffer gift ideas under $15.

The New Year will bring even more special offers and savings events for shoppers. Watch for what is coming over the next few weeks.

Make sure to subscribe to our blog to be notified of unique discount codes and to learn more about our featured members.

Happy New Year!