Me & MLM's ( Multi-Level Marketing Companies.)
|
Posted By: Marta Fernandez on March 10, 2009 My first MLM was called a pyramid company. It was called Holiday Magic. I was only 19-years-old, and it was a new concept, (or an new twist to the Ponzi scheme.) I actually was hired as a receptionist for the company in New York City. The "Reps" ran in and out all day as they dragged in their unsuspecting recruits. One day I got a call from someone who said that he was from the Attorney General's office. He asked questions which I could not answer-then he said "we have ways of making you talk" I promptly hung up the phone. Still in the dark, I moved on and briefly got involved in Amway, then it was Avon, Mary Kay and a few others that I have lodged in the deep recess of my brain. They all have feel good stories, they all have millionaires stumping for the company. I briefly remember one in "nutraceuticals" rah rah great meetings, hosted in ballrooms across major hotel chains around the country. Let's see Pre-Legal, (1995) Primerica 1997, on and on. They pop into my memory as I write this blog. The most outstanding was Excel Communications. Oh, it was a great group of brothers and sisters. Mighty educated, cool, intelligent, good looking too! professionals all. In that group when I lived in Las Vegas in the 1990's was Maryum Ali-known as Mai Mai--she wanted to recruit me. So did another Ph.D friend of mine. I told them, look, this only works if for instance-you sign up the City of Las Vegas as your down line, ok? that would represent a tremendous payout on the upline everytime a long distance call was made. Well she got really mad at me..our last convo consisted of her telling me "Marta Fernandez' I am not going to let you (lose, stamp out--can't remember the exact word) my dreams! .. I just kept quiet, firstly Mai Mai is Muhammad Ali's daughter--so why, yes why would she need to join an MLM? secondly, she was still young, in college, and I already knew the end of that script. And it ended as follows; she walked away from it eventually as did my Ph.D friend, finished school in Elementary Education and I am sure, she is happy earning a nice salary in her chosen profession. Please don't get me wrong--Mary Kay is a tremendous de facto teaching company-in 1.organization 2. prioritization 3. empowerment 4. teaching good habits all around and for meeting like women who want more out of life. I know Sales Directors from, Virginia, New York, New Jersey and Mexico! who seem very satisfied and TALK about their monetary success! Well there must be some cash-because there are a lot of Pink Mary Kay cars around--similar to ARBONNE and their Mercedes Benz concept. Neverthe less I am so not interested. Ron Cartier lead singer of the R & B Group,The Persuaders who sings one fo my favorite songs, "It's a Thin Line B etween Love and Hate" tried to get me into the magic cure all tonics. Whether it's Acai, or Noni juice etc, I am not buying the spiel!! do you know why? All of these "miracle" drinks with their family type testimonials are processed foods. They have a high sugar content..that should send out an alert--the packaging is probably the most expensive ingredient. I purposely did not name the "new tonic on the block " because as they say to each his own"! After the rah-rah pep talk the mind gets bent into a belief system that does not allow you to question the product or service i.e. bad credit no problem..clean up your credit, etc--Global travel..(out of $480.00 on that one)..real estate--etc. No, I don't have to question the company--my statement is as follows: if anyone who is from the African Diaspora (because all of the founders of all multi-levels are always white) is planning to create, from inception to marketing plan a multi-level...please call me? I will sell my five children and invest!! A quick million to be made on the ground floor--then I want my children back! If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
 |
Marta Fernandez
From Queens, NY CUNY -Queens College class of 1985 Member Since July 2008 |
Comments
 |
Here's a Black owned Network marketing company to answer your question. Founded by Lady Nadine Thompson herself. She's a personal friend of mine and is an amazing person. Madame C.J Walker is her inspiration and her company just grossed a million dollar month. www.wellness.soulpurpose.net Wednesday, March 11th 2009 at 12:11PM |
 |
Come and hear Lady Nadine Thompson, formerly of Warm Spirit now CEO and Founder of Soul Purpose, her new health and wellness company Hilton Garden Inn - Greenbelt, MD March 14, 2009 10:00 - 3:00 pm Call Sheila Taylor-Means at 202-288-3773 Location: Greenbelt, MD Wednesday, March 11th 2009 at 12:26PM |
|
I was familiar with Warm Spirit--I will look into it--however she has already"founded" the company. Thank you for sharing.
Wednesday, March 11th 2009 at 12:28PM |
More From This Author
Latest Blogs
 |
JCSU Unique Courses “ LACTATION CONSULTANT TRAINING PROGRAM (CERTIFICATE)”The LCTP is a comprehensive, CAAHEP accredited Pathway 2 training program administered through the College of Business and Professional Studies Health and Human Performance Department at Johnson C. Sm ...more
How May I Help You NC • 44 Views • January 29th, 2026 |
 |
Nation’s Oldest HBCU Football Rivalry Returns in 2026 with 102nd Turkey Day ClassicThe nation’s oldest HBCU football rivalry will return to the field in November 2026 as Alabama State University and Tuskegee University face off in the 102nd Turkey Day Classic. The historic Thanksgiv ...more
Reginald Culpepper • 82 Views • January 28th, 2026 |
 |
🔋🪫🔋🪫🔋🔋🔋Gifts to recharge my BatteryREADY TO EXPERIENCE A MAYWEATHER WORKOUT? TRY IT FOR FREE
Some time is all that’s needed to get on the MAYWEATHER Fitness Treadmill
Have fun meet new friends get close to perfection https://may ...more
How May I Help You NC • 70 Views • January 27th, 2026 |
 |
Enjoy over 5,000 Free E-Cards!In HBCU communities, connection matters, and small gestures go a long way. That's why I offer 5,000 free eCards to help you stay connected and celebrate moments like thank yous, birthdays, and graduat ...more
Shykeria Lifleur • 66 Views • January 27th, 2026 |
 |
Get Patreon for World Cup DiscussionChannel: https://www.patreon.com/cw/rtwcmod ...more
How May I Help You NC • 58 Views • January 27th, 2026 |
Popular Blogs
 |
Divorce in America in 2009 – What’s love got to do, got to do with it?
Join Brother Marcus and the cast and the crew of the Brother Marcus Show live this Sunday evening on February 1, 2009 @ 8:00 p.m. for another hot topic in our community! “Divorce in America in 2009 ...more
Brother Marcus! • 70,794,980 Views • January 27th, 2009 |
 |
VISINE ALERT!!!Seemingly innocent medication such as Visine eyedrops are used by people to concoct a mixture with similar effects as a date-rape drug.
When mixed with alcohol and taken orally, the eyedrops can l ...more
Siebra Muhammad • 118,063 Views • May 23rd, 2009 |
 |
"Chain Hang Low" check out the real meaning of the Lyrics!Recently there is a new artist out of Saint Louis that goes by the name JIBBS. Jibbs debut single "Chain hang low" has a history that most people are not aware of. The particular nursery rhyme that th ...more
Tyhesha Judge-Fogle • 74,269 Views • November 9th, 2006 |
 |
HBCU Marketplace Gifts: Divine 9 Premium Fraternity / Sorority Playing CardsVendor: Charles Jones
Item Price: $20.00
Price Includes Shipping: Yes - Shipping Included
Item Description:
Pantheon Series - Divine 9 - Premium Playing Cards (choose Gold Series or Silve ...more
How May I Help You NC • 61,357 Views • December 2nd, 2018 |
