Alumni Spotlight: Destiny Cook, ‘95
This week’s UMM Alumni Spotlight shines on Destiny Cook, formerly of Brewer and now of Gorham, who is a 1995 Recreation Management graduate. She is currently a district manager for Arbonne, International.
Tell us a little bit about what you are doing now:
I own my own business with Arbonne, International. It is a Swiss formulated health and wellness company that is in its 35th year of existence. We were green before it was “cool” to be green. Because our products are Swiss formulated, we follow the European Union Standards, that means that over 1200 toxins are banned from our products. I get to share not only the amazing products with potential clients, but also the incredible opportunity to have their own business. It was always been a dream of mine to have my own business. When this opportunity came along, I first fell in love with the products because of the health benefits but then when I realized that I could have my dream without paying rent or holding inventory, I was sold. The health and wellness industry is booming right now, and because Arbonne products are consumable, my clients re-order and I continue to get paid!
What is the most valuable thing you learned while at UMM?
The most valuable lesson I learned at UMM was from Bill and Deb Eckart. It was “You will have to start by cleaning the toilets”. I took that to heart and whatever job I did where I started at the bottom, I put in the hard work so that I could continue to have success. I have done many things since I have been out of college. Before deciding to take my place in the Network Marketing Industry, I worked in the Admissions Office at Maine Law. As I was preparing for our open house, I went into the bathroom and saw the janitors had not been in there. Guess who cleaned the bathroom? You do what you have to do so you can get the job done. What I love about my business now, I am in charge of my hard work and my own success.
Do you have any advice for current students at UMM?
Don’t just consider traditional methods of work, keep an open mind to other opportunities. With Network Marketing, owning your own business is within your reach as opposed to opening a business where you have to pay rent and keep inventory. When I talk about what I do, I use this example. You go to a restaurant and have a great meal. You recommend the restaurant to someone else and they go and try it because of your suggestion. You don’t get paid to send them to the restaurant. In my business, I get to share the products that I love, that have amazing health benefits because they have no harmful chemicals or toxins, and people buy them…and I get paid!
How did your time at UMM prepare you for what you are doing now?
There are many ways that UMM helped me prepare for this. I took many classes where I had to present in front of class and build marketing plans. I also immersed myself into clubs where I could meet different kinds of people. I was in Kappa Alpha Kappa Service Sorority where I am still in touch with many of the sisters. I was also in MRPASS where I went on many trips and met many people. Outing Club, Student Senate…all of this exposure, I feel prepared me to speak in front of groups and help others achieve their dreams.
How has UMM made a positive impact on your life?
UMM has made a positive impact on my life in many ways. The professors who cared enough to tell it like it is, they are still a part of my life today. I am still in touch with many classmates who encourage me and I them in their endeavors. Finally, being a part of Kappa Alpha Kappa Service Sorority. From the women who came before me to the women who have just pledged…we are our own network. We all help each other, comfort each other, share information and business opportunities. It is such an incredible group of women that I am so fortunate to know. There was an incredible benefit to being in a small community such as UMM, it was an incredible experience, I still love to visit!