Nearly 40 direct selling executives gathered at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., for Direct Selling Day on the Hill, Sept. 12, to meet with members of Congress and discuss the importance of small businesses on the U.S. economy.

Angela Loehr Chrysler, CEO of Team National and daughter of the company’s founder, the late Dick Loehr, is one of a few second-generation leaders in our industry.

We often talk about the flexible hours, sense of empowerment and opportunity to create better lives for themselves and their families enjoyed by direct sellers.

Fortune has placed Sheri McCoy, Avon’s new CEO taking over from Andrea Jung, at No. 17 on its 2012 list of “50 Most Powerful Women”.

Last week, direct selling industry giant Herbalife made a groundbreaking announcement. They reported their second quarter net sales of $1 billion, which is a 23 percent increase over the prior year. The net income they reported reflected an increase of 20 percent over the prior year.

Oriflame, one of the largest beauty companies in the world, recently announced a partnership with Hollywood superstar Demi Moore for a line of branded cosmetics and accessories.