Direct Selling Women’s Alliance Launches Sonoma/Marin California Chapter

Santa Rosa, CA — Recognizing the need for training and support among the region’s direct sellers, a board of 7 Sonoma County business women have launched a local chapter of the national organization, the Direct Selling Womens Alliance. Holding their first meeting on Wednesday evening at the Flamingo Resort and Hotel in Santa Rosa, they welcomed women from around the area who have home based businesses selling everything from cosmetics to children’s products.

“There is a misconception in California that the ‘home party’ industry is dead here. This is simply not true!” said Karen Clark, a Consultant for Story Time Felts which offers felt story sales demonstrations to parents and teachers. “The direct sales industry is alive and well here in Northern California, because many people are looking to add additional income to keep up with the cost of living here, whether it is a working Mom moonlighting for ‘fun money,’ or a stay at home Mom trying to help her husband make ends meet.”

Malia Anderson, a Consultant with The Pampered Chef, which sells kitchen products through cooking demonstrations, had already started her own support network, Direct Selling Women of Sonoma County, one year ago, in hopes of meeting new people to schedule parties. With 30 members and a growing waiting list in that group, she also knew the network marketing model was popular here. When Clark urged her to begin a local Chapter of the DSWA, Malia jumped at the opportunity.

Peggy Miller is another active direct seller in the area. Working full time as well as selling fine fashion jewelry at night to save up for an early retirement, she knows how important professional training and support in this industry is. “What the DSWA offers is professional speakers that we may not have access to otherwise. These monthly meetings will help business women be successful so they can improve their lifestyle and future, even in the midst of rising costs.”

The Sonoma Marin Chapter of the Direct Selling Women’s Alliance meets the first Wednesday of each month at the Flamingo Resort and Hotel in Santa Rosa, beginning with open networking at 6pm, and a formal meeting at 7pm. There is a strict no cross-recruiting rule, but attendees are welcome to bring product information to share during the networking period. To find out more about the DSWA or to become a member, visit www.DSWA.org.

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