Direct Sales Bailed Me Out of Over $35,000 in Debt (2024)

We recently heard how Jennifer paid off over $40,000 in debt in just one year by starting a home business. Today we are talking with Chris who used her direct sales business to conquer her family’s big debt.

Our series is about starting a home business to pay off debt. Can you tell us a little about your financial situation prior to starting your business?

My husband and I assumed over $500,000 in business debt during a 2009 buyout of his business partners. We have worked very hard for the last six years to get our debt paid off and look forward to making our final payment in November 2015!! Our personal debt was also a mess with over $25,000 in credit card bills, along with car loans and a mortgage payment. We were living month-to-month trying to keep up with the payments.

What made you decide to start a business as opposed to getting a second job?

In 2009 I left my corporate job to start a small business at home so I could have more flexibility with my time and energy for my family. I was tied to a stressful schedule and was unable to make more money in my 8a-6p world…I wanted to be in control of my financial future, so starting a business made the most sense to me. In 2010 I added another business and joined the direct selling world of Thirty-One Gifts! I quickly realized this job would be the key to my financial success for our personal debt.

How much did it cost to start your business?

The Thirty-One Gifts start-up kit full of products and all of the business supplies I would need cost only $99.

Where did you find your first sales?

In my first four weeks with Thirty-One I sold over $3,500 worth of products to friends and family. The first two parties helped to launch my business and from there is has never stopped!!

How long have you been in business? How much debt have you been able to pay off?

My Thirty-One business will turn five years old this November. With dedication I have been able to pay off over $25,000 in credit card debt, $10,000 for my car loan and also save $12,000 for an all-expense paid trip to Walt Disney World in December 2015.

What advice would you give to someone in your previous situation, looking for a way out of debt, and considering a home business idea?

I would tell them to take that leap of faith. Find a business you are passionate about – that is the key to success in any business. I know my success with Thirty-One Gifts comes from my love of the product and the company. Their values are a great match for mine and they’re all about empowering women and helping them earn extra income in a fun, rewarding way.

Getting out of debt takes a plan and sticking to it. Once I put our debt on paper and mapped out my monthly payment schedule, I was able to see exactly what I needed to do with my business to cover those bills and other household costs.

We are free of debt other than our home mortgage which will be paid off in 2022!

What are some favorite resources or tools that you can share with your fellow budding entrepreneur?

I’ve been fortunate to be working with a company that provides a lot of support in terms of sales coaching, marketing resources and more so I don’t have to invest a lot of money in my Thirty-One business. I would say to look for a direct sales opportunity that doesn’t involve a lot of overhead or additional expenses.

Thanks Chris for sharing your story. Remember, you will only get out of your home business what you put into it. There are no magic switches in the work at home world. We all have to hustle. If you would like to learn more about other home party plan opportunities, visit our sister site.

Do you have a great story about working from home to pay off overwhelming debt? We’d love to hear about it. Contact us here.