A Sara Shadow

As I mentioned in an earlier blog, I’m home and at the office more than I have been in the past several months. I love it! It’s wonderful to be back in the office, attending meetings, and interacting with people more than I have been able to recently.

And I’ve enjoyed an added bonus this week—Sara has been going to work with me most days. When she and Sean chose to move back to Utah last year after he earned his master’s degree, one of the main reasons is because they both wanted to be more involved in Stampin’ Up! Sara has been a demonstrator for years, and she’s has always worked in the company—primarily as a creative assistant before she and Sean moved to Washington. But now that her children are older (and she’s found someone she trusts to watch the two youngest a few days a week), she is coming into the office a little more.

The plan right now is to have her shadow me, as well as other people in the company, attend meetings, and become even more familiar with what Stampin’ Up! is all about. Now before you rush to any conclusions, she isn’t planning on taking over my job (although I’m certain she’d do a wonderful job)—I have no intention of retiring any time soon! But I’m thrilled to have any of my girls who are interested work alongside me.

We’re not certain what role she’ll end up playing; for now, it’s just great to ride into work with her, brainstorm together, chat about things, and just spend wonderful time together. Can you think of anything more fun than working with your daughters?

Comments

[Whitney]

Shelli,
How fun! Enjoy the time with Sara:)

[tania smith]

Shelli,
I think it is so wonderful that Sara is getting into more SU! goings on with you. I was thinking when I saw you working together at the Workshop of a Lifetime I had the pleasure of going to, that it is a special thing to be able to work with family. You were both so comfortable in your demo-ing. I am happy for Sara to be able to dive into the logistics and creative process with you and wish you both every success. What a blessing to share.

[Dawn Olchefske]

No - I don't think anything would be more fun or rewarding! Sara would do an awesome job at most anything at Stampin' Up!

[Gail Murray]

How wonderful for you both! Enjoy every minute together. XO

[Jennifer]

I can not think of a more wonderful thing than to spend your days working with your daughter. What a joy it must be for both of you. I hope to one day myself be able to work with my daughters.

[Robyn Ryan]

I think it's a great idea and if I was the CEO & Founder of SU!, I would do the same thing as I have two daughters that grew up with me doing SU! They are in high school & college now and I look forward to doing what I want to do now that they're older! Feel free to adopt me, Shelley, if Sara needs some help! haha!

[Susan LaCroix]

My daughter is my upline and we love "working" together! Of course it would be better if we lived closer but we do what we can together! I love it!!

[Judy Wolfe]

Working with your daughter must be fantastic and even if you have no intention of retiring anytime soon, she might be able to give you a break every now and again! I don't know how you keep up with everything! You are one busy lady!

[DebbieKissel]

I have worked with two of my sons at the current company I am with and it was awesome! We agreed before each started that we were adult friends, not family, not mom and son. It worked wonderfully and once, a customer service rep asked if I was my son's sister ! So cool

[Candy Diaz]

I would love to work with my daughter and my son. I do "chickens & baseball" with my daughter and her family and I do drag boat racing with my son. Fun, fun, fun.

[Linda Hunt]

You are both so lucky to have this option available to you!! Enjoy and appreciate it (as I know you both do)!!

[Marlene]

Would you like another person to shadow you, I know someone who can be very nice......ME! I would love to work along side of you, to shadow you....Oh that would make my day. Enjoy you special time together.

[sharon davis]

wellllll When is Sara going to start blogging then?? I'd love to hear her take on the family business and see her fab cards and stuff!!! Tapping gently n the desk waitiiiiinnnnngggg!!

[Dale Abraham]

I understand your excitement to have your daughter at work with you. I had the pleasure of having my daughter teach at the same school as I do for several years....before she stayed home with two little ones. It was so much fun to share ideas with "my little girl" on a professional level. I know you are happy to have Sara and her family back home.

[Christine Wojciechowski]

I worked for a company for over 20 years with very little turnover in top management. When they began planning their retirement, they had a 5 year succession plan laid out. The successors slowly moved into their new responsibilities but were fully "prepped" when the changeover date arrived. It was an incredibly smooth transition. I don't think that is always the case in many companies. So even if you aren't ready to retire (very happy to hear that), involving Sara now is a very wise decision that will benefit Stampin' Up! in the future as well as now. And even better that you will hopefully be able to leave your company to another family member!

[Lisa Young]

As a mother of 3 wonderful daughters of my own - I cannot think of too much that would be more wonderful than working with one of my daughters - unless it would be working with all three!

I am so happy for you!

[Sue Scheets (Sushi)]

I know what you mean about sharing with your daughter. One of my daughters is a SU demonstrator also and we have such fun creating, sharing and talking about SU together. The highlight every year is attending the convention together. So, I know how much you are enjoying your time with Sara.
Sushi

[Cindy Schuster]

I have worked with my mom for over 17 years in the same company. We work well togther and it is nice that she always has my back when faced with a work challenge or problem.
I just wish she would love the creative crafting like she use to do. But she is my biggest supportor when it comes to showing off my creations!

[Deb Paisie]

One of life's fabulous opportunities is when you get to work with your children, when they are adults. I was blessed to work with my daughter for 6 months and I miss her now that she has moved on to other work. Enjoy every minute. Creativity is also a great bond and why I love S.U.

[Sarah McEvoy]

I'm excited about Sara shadowing you! I think she will make a great CEO one day (not anytime soon of course Shelli!).

I will never forget how welcome Sara made me feel on the Hawaii incentive trip. I remember I was totally alone and everyone was with their families and she gave me a smile and a wave! That small gesture made my day!

I think Sara will make a fabulous SU executive and I'm excited for her and you both! Have fun! :)

[Sandi Wilke]

Shelli,I have three adult daughters and I LOVE being with them!We are blessed when we get to spend time with those little kids we gave birth to!
PS,Thanks for the new colors;they're fantastic.What a great company.

[Kim Assaly]

Hi Shelli

I have to agree with Sarah's comment above. When I earned my first incentive trip this year, Sara & Sean welcomed Anthony & I and introduced us to amazing fellow demonstrators, staff & family! They made us feel at home (I just didn't know what to expect of my first cruise)
I also found, you ladies made a great team on the workshop of a lifetime tour. You Rocked! together.
Whatever she decides to do on this new journey with Stampin'up!, she is a blessing to all of us!

[France]

Well done...I think this is great that you 2 work together. We all know that one day will come that you'll be semi-retired yes I said semi-retired cause I really believe that has long as your heart is beating you will be around SU after all SU is a big part of you. Thank you for all your time and taking the time to share with all of us so many thing. See you in less then a month :)

[Helen]

Well, frankly, as the mother of a 13yo daughter, yes I can think of lots of things more wonderful than working with her right now, LOL! But it's wonderful that you get on so well that you can work together, too!

[Wendie Waldman]

You're both so very lucky to have this opportunity.