The first couple of weeks in September, I was out of town working in Chicago. Then, I flew home and had 2 short days to prepare for one of my most anticipated trips, Stampin’ Up! Founder’s Circle!!
What is Founder’s Circle? It is an award that is presented to the top 100 demonstrators who have shown leadership and a balanced, successful approach in developing their businesses. When you win this award, the corporate staff at Stampin’ Up! plan a wonderful retreat in St. George, Utah. They pamper us, give us lots of prizes, great fun, make & takes, parties, and more. I feel so blessed to have earned this achievement.
Founder’s Circle Retreat 2013 Highlights
This was my beautiful information packet that arrived before I left. Inside was a list of the week/weekend events, times, and locations. I was organized and ready to go!!
Check out my name tag!! Everyone’s name tag has the name of a candy or treat on it… in order to win a prize you had to find the rest of the ladies on your team. I was on team Jawbreakers!!
Seeing my picture in the Founder’s Circle Yearbook was so exciting!! Wow, I felt so honored to be among the many demonstrators who have inspired me throughout the years.
The corporate team planned a lovely dinner for us where you had to sit with your team members. Getting to know the rest of my team was really a lot of fun. What a great looking bunch… Team Jawbreakers!! YAY!! Standing from left to right – Glenda, Connie, LeAnn, Denise. Sitting – Myself, Brenda, and Jennifer.
After dinner, all the first timers were invited to attend the first timers meeting with Bonnie Thurber and Sarah Douglas. It was so much fun to see and meet the other ladies who were also new.
We played a few silly games and shared with the corporate team, our successes and what we were most proud of. It seemed like most of us were still in shock that we made it to Founder’s Circle. Like me, many were still very tearful and so honored to be there.
If you’ve ever won a Stampin’ Up! Incentive Trip or Retreat, then you are fully aware of the wonderful pillow gifts.This was our first gift of the weekend. It was a gorgeous burlap bag with product from the Spring catalog. Woo Hoo!!
One of the highlights of the trip was meeting so many amazing and talented women. I was so blessed and excited to meet Cindy Baugham. Cindy is from Hawaii and she was so kind to bring me these yummy cookies from Honolulu. I loved them and I love her beautiful card!! Little did I know that Cindy and I would spend a lot more time together and become great friends.
Pajama Night was so fun!! All the ladies got comfy in PJ’s and slippers and met in the gathering place for fellowship and a business share opportunity. We all missed Shelli so much and were delighted when the staff played a video from her. Talk about needing a tissue?! She is such an amazing lady and loves life!! You can see and feel it when she speaks. I felt so honored to be at Founder’s Circle Retreat.
Imagine 130 women in line through the hallways of the hotel standing and waiting for their turn to swap. It was so much fun giving and receiving cards from the other ladies!! I’m excited to look through them!!
It was so much fun seeing 130 women racing toward the playground that Shelli and Sterling sponsored. Check out all the recycled rubber pieces. I had to jump right in and make a rubber angel. LOL!! It was awesome!!
On the bus ride back we visited Denny’s WigWam and Curio. It was awesome!! I was so excited to have found my first very first pair of real cowgirl boots. Oh… I LOVE THEM!!
Then the perfect ending to a perfect day!! We visited the Tuacahn Theatre and enjoyed Mary Poppins. It was fantastic!!
On Friday, September 20th, the ladies and I visited Kanab. Upon arrival, we were so warmly greeted by the Stampin’ Up! staff. This trip was by far one of the most exciting and eye opening experiences. It was amazing to see how stamps are made, baked, cut, and packed. Wow!!
We broke up into small groups and were given a personal tour of the facility. The first stop was the paper cutter, fluffer, and then onto packaging. Let me tell you… It was serious eye candy seeing all that paper and the beautiful colors.
We also had the wonderful opportunity to make Stamps and Ink Pads!! It was so cool to not only see but actually jump in and give it a try. Thank you to all the employees for kindly showing us the ropes and for giving me a chance to jump in and try it!!
Hi Brandy, it seems everyone is having so much fun! Thank you so much for your inspiration and for sharing so many
things with us. I love your videos. I am so happy for you and the accomplishments you are making. Keep up the
good work!! Stampin hugs, Margie
Brandy, Congratulations. From the video and pictures, it looks as if a fun time was had by all. You and the other ladies are so deserving of this honor. Keep inspiring, creating and achieving.
CONGRATULATIONS you are so kind to us. I get so excited when I get a card from you it means so much to me that you take the time to make me a card.
Hi Teresa,
Thank you for your kind comment. Thank you for your friendship and support of my business. I feel so blessed and its the least I can do. I love sending them to my dear crafting friends who appreciate them too 😉 Sending Hugs! Have a good night. Brandy
CONGRATULATIONS you are so kind to us. I get so excited when I get a card from you it means so mich to me that you take the timeto make me a card.
Brandy ~
CONGRATULATIONS for winning this awesome award! That is quite an accomplishment! Can’t wait to hear all about the fun things you did. I really enjoy your videos and seeing the beautiful cards you share. One of these days maybe I can see you again in person!! So happy for you!
Love ya bunches 🙂
Congratulations 🙂 I don’t know you personally but I love your videos, you truly deserve this, you are an inspiration to others, just in watching your videos you really seem to love what you are doing. I am so glad you share your ideas with us.
Thanks again,
Debbie
Yay, Brandy! I’m so proud of your accomplishments!! You so totally deserve this honor! You have always been an inspiration to me. Miss you!
Hi Brandy,
such a great way for you to be honored at being such a great demonstrator. I was sure happy when I found you. You are so nice and have certainly been patient.
Thank You
Diana
Hi Diana,
Good Morning! I miss you. I will email you later today. I have LOVED getting to know you too! You have always believed in me and supported me and I am so grateful for that. I’ve also really enjoyed getting to know you. Your a gem! Love Ya! Brandy
Brandy, I absolutely love your daily posts! You are a truly talented lady! And you are also an amazing speaker, and a kind hearted soul! Thank you so much for sharing your trip with us. I can only hope that one day, I make it there! Loving your cards…
Hi Lisa,
Thank you so much for your kind email. I really appreciate it! Thank you. Ya know Lisa… you CAN make it one day. I too was in your shoes and was hoping to achieve this honor. I didn’t know how to do it or where to start. You start by sharing what you love and jumping in with both feet. Set some goals and work towards them. You’ll see… it will all start to come together. If I can help you in anyway let me know! Thank you for your friendship and support. Blessings, Brandy
Looks like fun! I truly enjoy your blog and videos – – and what a small world we live in – – Connie is my local demonstrator in Central Wisconsin 🙂 Congrats on your first Founders Circle . . .
Hi Mary,
Yay!!! I loved Connie!!! She is a Gem. I had so much fun getting to know her. You guys are lucky to have her but ya know she is lucky to have such great friends and customers too. Tell Connie I said “Howdy”! Thank you for stopping by. Hugs, Brandy
Hi Brandy,
I am so pleased for you, CONGRATULATIONS!!
You put so much effort into helping others with your tutorials etc, that it is about time you got something in return for all your hard work. I loved looking through the start of your journey and can’t wait to see what happens next.
As I have watched all your tutorials now 4 times I can’t wait to see what else you have lined up for us. I hope I get as much enjoyment out of being a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator as you do.
Take care and WELL DONE!!
Love and Hugs ~ Jawbreaker x x
Hi Rachel,
Thank you kindly. Thank you for your comment and for your support. I sincerely appreciate it!!! Thank you.
I’m so glad to know that you’ve enjoyed my videos and that your are learning from them. I am also thrilled to know that you can see I wear my heart on my sleeve and my passion is for sharing and crafting. If I have done that and done it in a positive way then I have made a difference.
Oh Yes, you will LOVE being a Stampin Up demonstrator! I promise you that if you lead with your heart and the rest will fall into place. Share your love of crafting with others every chance you get. You’ll find that spiritually you’ll be come more fulfilled and that you’ll grow in friendships and fellowship. Stampin Up has brought so much Joy to my life and I know it will you too. Enjoy it!!!
Thanks again for stopping by and Please stay in touch.
Many Blessings,
Brandy
Great pictures Brandy. You look beautiful and so happy. Glad you had such a great time. You deserve it for all you do to help all of us with you great website. I’ve learned so much from you. Thanks especially for the personal emails recently.
Hi Debbie,
Thank you so much for your email. I am so excited to know that you’ve enjoyed my tutorials and projects. That’s what its all about… the love of creating and sharing. Thank you for your friendship and support and please stay in touch. Hugs, Brandy
Way to go! I know you have worked hard and are well deserved. Hope to see you soon!
Hi Frankie,
I Miss You!!! How’s it going on your side of the neighborhood? Hope you and your family are doing well! I think of you often. Thank you Frankie for all your love and support. I couldn’t have done these things without the support of my friends and family. Thank You!!! Hope to see you at Card Making and More in October. Have a great day! Brandy
Congrats, well deserved for a hard working gal and a busy Mom. When do you sleep? Thanks for sharing the pictures, looks like you had a fun time.
Hi Virgina,
Lol!!!! Ya know… that’s a great questions. To funny!!! Sleep who has time for that… actually one of these days I know I will fall a sleep at my craft table. That’s a sight to behold. Lol!!! Thank you Virgina for your friendship and support. Love Ya, Brandy
Looks like so much fun….can’t wait for convention next year!
Hi Dawn,
Woo Hoo!!! I’m SO EXCITED that you are planning to join me next year. YAY!!!! I will book a hotel as soon as I find out the dates. That’s super duper exciting!!! You will love it!!! Ok, have a great day 😉 Brandy
. . . and it looks like a GREAT time was had by all. I love the card you made to share with the others!!! I copied it in to my archives for case’ing when I saw it on your site a while back.
Congratulations Brandy ! ! !
Mary
Awesome! Thank you Mary. Have a great day! Happy Stampin’! Brandy
Brandy: Its great to see you being pampered, you are so deserving of this achievement! You are truly an inspiration to me too! Thank you for all you do!
Hi Beverly,
Thank you so much for your kind comment. I sincerely appreciate it! I feel so lucky and blessed to have amazingly talented and strong ladies like yourself on my team. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to guide you and share what I love so much! Thank you. Have a great day! Brandy
Congratulations from Jeannette, South Africa, !!
Thank You Jeanette!!!! Sending Hugs to South Africa!!! Brandy
Thank you for sharing your ideas and cards, Brandy. I share them with our stamping group.
Hi Susan,
Thank you for stopping by and Thank you for the kind comment. I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed my projects and are sharing them with others. That’s what its all about. To Love What we do and Share What We Love! Awesome! Have a great day. Brandy
Wow im happy for you Congratulations Brandy…You deserve this….You are so blessed and amazingly talented…..I wish I was a better demonstrator but I’m not that is why I love learning from you….watching your video tutorials….please don’t stop doing what we love…. 0k..thanks and enjoy your goodies!!!
Hi Cookie,
Thank you so much for your kind comment. Thank You!
Ya know… just keep doing what your doing and remember its about creating and sharing what you love. Your color and design will come with practice. Its your passion and drive for crafting that you fill your heart and give you the courage and the strength to reach others. Your doing GREAT! Thank you for your kind note as I always look forward to hearing from you. Please stay in touch. Hugs, Brandy
I am so happy for you. Congrats. 🙂
Thank you Laura!!! I appreciate your friendship and support. Thank you!!! Hugs, Brandy
Congratulations on such an accomplishment!! I love watching and learning from your videos. You are always so upbeat and professional to watch. You deserve to be recognized by your peers.
Brandy,
Congratulations on making Founder’s Circle!!!! I’m enjoying the photos you are providing. Thanks for sharing!!!
Congrats! Looks like you had a great time thanks for sharing.
Kudos! Brandy hard working girl you deserve it. Blessings.
Congratulations!!
Hi Phyllis,
Thank you so much!!!! Thank you for your friendship and support. I’m so blessed to have you and so many other amazing women on my team. Thank you for trusting in me and giving me the opportunity to guide you. Be sure to let me know if you have any questions or if you need something. Hugs, Brandy
Thank You Esveyde!!!! You are one talented lady yourself and I often stop to admire your card. Thank you for sending it to me and for letting me share it with others. Big Hugs, Brandy
Movin’ on Up to the BIG times….It is TIME girl!! So happy for you—-Congrats 🙂
Hi Merrianne,
Thank you SO MUCH!!!! Thank you for your love, support and friendship. You’ve seen me grow over the past couple of years and you’ve supported me all the way. I can’t thank you enough for that. Thank you for all your encouragement and for your business. Your friendship is dear to me and well… I’m sending a hug your way! Love Ya, Brandy PS. You gettin’ your “Big SHot On?” Lol!!!
Congrats to you Brandy! I just found your site a couple months ago, and I have learned a lot from you! Keep up the good work! I really enjoy seeing what you come up with next! 🙂
Sounds and looks like a trip of a lifetime!! So glad to have you back on NC soil though and look forward to hearing more about this amazing adventure! We have missed you!!
Brandy I’m so proud for you!
Hi Elizabeth,
Thank you so much for your email. I think of you often. How are things in your neck of the woods? Thank you for your friendship and support and for staying in touch. I so appreciate you. I will miss you this year in Pinehurst! Enjoy the Wedding and safe travels to you all. Big Hugs! Brandy
CONGRATULATIONS Brandy!!! You deserve it.
Thank You so much Gale!!! Thank you kindly for stopping by and for your support. I appreciate you. Have a blessed day! Brandy
Congratulations, Brandy! Good to have you back!
Hi Kris,
Thank you so much for your comment. You are such a gem!!! I LOVE the card that you sent me and would love to feature it soon. I know the ladies will also enjoy it! You are incredibly talented and I feel so blessed to have you apart of my Blooms and Butterflies. Stay in touch and let me know if you need something. Sending Love and Support your way! BRandy
OH, that looks great! You deserve it !!
Hope some day also Dutch (and European) demonstrators have a change for such retreat.
CONGRATS TO YOU BRANDY!! Looks like a wonderful time.Can’t wait to see some of your swap cards.You work so very hard and truely deserve to be one of the top 100 demonstrators. You always seem so happy in what you our doing and your job seems so rewarding in so many ways. HAPPY HAPPY FOR YOU!
Brandy, you are such an inspiration to me. I so want to learn & grow in the Stampin’Up! World! I hope to be able to attend something like this one day. Thank-you for sharing. I love you work & professionalism. XX