Julie Shangle, Executive Director with jBloom, is on a mission to change lives. She believes “The meaning of life is to find your gift and the purpose of life is to give it away.” Julie’s gift is to help others see their own potential and then coach them in a way that helps them build a successful business around their everyday lives. Born and raised in Michigan, Julie and her husband, Kirk, moved to Gold Canyon one year ago. Having visited her parents in Arizona for over 15 years, their vision was to retire near the Superstitions and they’re now living their dream. Julie worked in the corporate world for 22 years, and her husband for 35. Since retiring, they have found their niche’ in Direct Sales – specifically jewelry. The Shangles built a multi-million dollar organization with a Direct Sales jewelry company that closed its doors in December, 2014. Through this trying time, and battling multiple health issues, Julie thought her days of Direct Selling were over – but God had other plans. Serendipity led them to jBloom Designs, and in just two short years they’ve built yet another multi-million dollar organization of Direct Sellers and are strong proponents of the industry, experiencing first-hand how life-changing it. Kirk always told Julie, “People have what you have, they just don’t know it yet” and it has had a ripple effect within their organization. jBloom is considered a “gift” to be shared, similar to telling your best friend about the great pair of shoes you got on sale!
When asked what makes this company different, Julie says, “The fact that even though we aren’t a Christian company perse, a good majority of our designs are Christian themed, and people are drawn to them. We aren’t just a community of women selling jewelry. We are a tribe of women – a force if you will – who bring hope and inspiration to those around us through the positive messages on our pieces.”
Julie also shares how Jennifer & Bret Bonacorsi, Co-Founders of jBloom, have created a culture for designers to thrive as they help customers create custom, meaningful pieces to signify meaningful events in their lives, from a birth to a death, a graduation to a wedding. With the various metals, fonts, symbols and unique designs, customers can truly create one-of-a-kind pieces. Jen & Bret’s intention for jBloom in 2016 was “Expect more” and the company has more than doubled in 2016.
While the jewelry is beautiful, Julie feels the business opportunity is the best product in the catalog. jBloom pays 40% commission from the moment a designer joins the company (one of the highest in the industry), along with a 40% discount on their personal purchases. With the “average” party around $800, that’s $320 in a designer’s pocket for a few hours of work (results will vary). The company also pays generous leader bonuses – up to 19% on personally sponsored designers and pays multiple levels deep.
The most exciting part for Julie is the fact that jBloom is barely on the Arizona map! There are only currently THREE active designers in Arizona, making it a very lucrative opportunity for those who join and are the first to share this amazing line with friends and family. Julie’s team is comprised of 600 women in the U.S. including 19 yr. old college students, stay-at-home moms, nurses, pharmacists, teachers, farmers, corporate professionals, and retired grandmas to name a few. The appeal of the jewelry to all ages is not the only thing that attracts women to this company. jBloom offers a sisterhood that is simply unmatched. From the moment a designer joins the company, she feels at home with a huge support system that trickles down from the corporate office in St. Charles, MO. The minimum age is 16 and no experience is necessary!
The company’s “fresh” social media content, coupled with its monthly sales promotions makes the product easy to sell. In fact, many designers, who joined simply for the discount, found they’ve built a thriving business organically and are earning all-expense paid incentive trips. You can purchase jBloom through a personal sale, website sale, in-home trunk shows, catalog shows, and virtual shows on Facebook. Unlike most Direct Sales companies, jBloom can also be sold through boutiques, salons, and other businesses. jBloom offers two starter kits – one for $99 and one for $199.
Julie also supports fundraisers for schools, churches, sports teams, and anyone else in need. This is a great way for her to give back to the community.
Through building large organizations with multiple companies, some of Julie’s take-aways are: “Life is short – take nothing for granted”. She reminds her team to “Be brave, be kind, be bold, be fierce, be you”. Knowing firsthand how you can be on the mountaintop one day, and in the valley the next, her best practice is to “Stay humble and kind.”