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Young Living, CNN Philippines Partner on Essential Oils Docuseries

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Young Living Essential Oils recently announced a six-part docuseries that tells the story of essential oil production.

Essential Oils of the Pacific was created by Young Living and CNN Philippines to highlight five farms located in the Philippines, Taiwan, Australia, and Hawaii.

The series focuses on the moral questions of large-scale farming, including fair wages, local economic growth, environmental sustainability and the exploitation of labor and resources. Young Living highlights the ways in which its company has implemented fair conditions and wages for workers and has ensured that both corporate and partner farms are following sustainable agricultural practices to protect the land.

Young Living cites its Seed to Seal® quality commitment as inspiration for the CNN documentary. The commitment requires potential farm partners to agree to a stringent vetting of process to ensure that the partner farms maintain their obligations to both the environment and their employees. The six-part series highlights the ethical decisions that give Young Living the ability to effect structural changes through partner accountability.

The series can be viewed via live stream globally during its premiere air dates by visiting cnnphilippines.com/videos.

  • Happy Pili Tree Farm and Distillery, Philippines: Saturday, July 7, 8:30 p.m., PHT
  • Kona Sandalwood Reforestation Project, Hawaii: Saturday, August 3, 8:30 p.m., PHT
  • Taiwan Cooperative Farm and Distillery, Taiwan: Saturday, September 7, 8:30 p.m., PHT
  • Kalipay Coconut Farm, Philippines: Saturday, October 5, 8:30 p.m., PHT
  • Gihndagun Farm, Australia: Saturday, November 2, 8:30 p.m., PHT
  • Season Finale, Recap: Saturday, December 7, 8:30 p.m., PHT

Half of U.S. Consumers Buying Disruptor Brands

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According to the IAB, the national trade association for the digital media and marketing industries, nearly half of all U.S. consumers are disruptor brand shoppers.

The IAB recently released “Disrupting Brand Preference,” a study that shows that disruptor brand shoppers comprise 48 percent of all U.S. consumers. They are younger than incumbent brand-only shoppers, with 84 percent under 54 years old, and are likelier to have a household income of more than $75,000. In addition, direct-to-consumer (DTC) buyers use their favorite brands as vehicles for self-promotion, with twice as many compared to incumbent brand-only shoppers saying that they choose brands to express “who I am.”

One in every three DTC brand shoppers are part of a new audience group identified by the study called “Super Influencers.” These “Super Influencers” deliberately take time and effort to re-post and/or create brand-centric content to increase their own influence. The research makes clear that they are not sharing this content randomly. They are strategic and driven.

Other key takeaways from the study include:

  • DTC buyers find brand value in their ability to contribute ideas and feedback to brands and gain heightened visibility through their sizable communities
  • The “Facebook family” remains #1 for sharing brand attitudes—particularly by older, incumbent brand-only shoppers
  • Disruptor brands build consumer loyalty—as well as lifetime value (LTV)—through cross-channel interaction
  • Search, shopping, and social media sites together are nearly equal to traditional TV for brand discovery
  • Influencers are the “advertising” of the modern consumer economy, and wield their greatest power during initial purchase consideration and further down the purchase funnel
  • Disruptor consumers expect 24/7 omnichannel access

“Unlike many traditional brands, direct brands and those disrupting the disruptors, have embraced consumers and built community. Today’s consumer expects access and input into the companies they support,” said Randall Rothenberg, CEO, IAB. “This deeper relationship not only shows up in loyalty, but actually perpetuates two-way value for both consumer and brand—in the creation of self-as-a brand and building brand awareness through influence.”

“There is a tendency to think that the online social activities of younger consumers are incidental—frivolous. But they are not,” said Sue Hogan, senior vice president, Research and Measurement, IAB. “The differences between disruptor brand consumers and incumbent-only shoppers are stark. For disruptor brand consumers, social behaviors are calculated and deliberate, feeding their need for self-expression.”

MONAT Gratitude Kicks Off Summer with Donation to Lotus House

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MONAT Gratitude, the philanthropic movement behind MONAT® Global, helped raise $8,000 to support summer programming for local non-profit Lotus House.

Lotus House, which is dedicated to improving the lives of homeless women, youth and children, will be able to provide summer programming including camp fees, field trips and parties for children at the shelter thanks to the donation. MONAT Gratitude and Lotus House have been allies in advocacy for homeless women and children since 2017.

During MONAT’s annual company family picnic, a dunk tank was set up and executives took turns on the collapsing seat to help raise funds for the local organization. Donations were raised through the sale of tickets to employees and their families who wanted their chance to dunk the executive of their choice. A total of eight executives were dunked for a great cause. Each of those executives, together with MONAT’s CEO and chairman, added personal donations.

“We were happy to raise funds for summer activities for the kids at Lotus House, but most of all we were thankful to be able to raise donations benefitting a terrific cause,” said Lu Urdaneta, founder, MONAT Gratitude. “No matter what we do as a company, we always make sure to give back so that others’ lives are enriched.”

Steve Dee Named Rodan + Fields Chief Information Officer

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Rodan + Fields, LLC recently announced the appointment of Steve Dee as chief information officer.

Dee brings more than 25 years of technology and digital experience to Rodan + Fields, with experience at leading brands like Nike, J. Crew and Accenture. Most recently, he was vice president of Technology at Nike where he was responsible for leading the Global Wholesale, Brand Marketing, and Converse Technology teams, including Nike’s biggest digital asset, Nike.net.

“Steve’s strong track record as a technology leader and his experience partnering with Global and Brand teams on bringing to market innovative technology and digital tools and assets make him an exceptional choice to lead our Technology team,” said Chris Newman, COO and CFO, Rodan + Fields. “We are excited for Steve to join the R+F leadership team as we embark on our next phase of growth and advance our digital capabilities to support our powerful Consultant community.”

At Rodan + Fields, Dee will lead the global information technology organization, defining and advancing the company’s technology strategy and infrastructure to support growth plans. Dee will oversee the Platform Engineering and Digital Product Management, Corporate Applications and Infrastructure, Information Security, and Project Management and Governance teams, and will report to Chris Newman, chief operating officer and chief financial officer.

India Bans E-commerce Giants from Selling Amway, Oriflame Products

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The Delhi High Court has banned e-commerce giants including Amazon and Flipkart from selling Amway and Oriflame products on their platform without prior consent.

Amway and Oriflame, along with multi-level marketing company Modicare, filed a complaint against e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart, 1MG, and Snapdeal for selling products on their platforms at discounted prices, which led to the companies incurring heavy financial losses.

The companies also have alleged that the e-commerce platforms have been indulging in tampering or contamination of the products, and that the commodities sold may have been counterfeited and might not be authentic at all.

Siding with the companies, the Delhi High Court has restricted Amazon, Flipkart, Snapdeal and 1MG from selling Amway, Oriflame and Modicare products, and has specified that prior consent from the companies must be taken by the platforms.

The Court’s opinion was that it is easy for e-sellers to sell products on these platforms without verification or a quality check. Based on a report submitted by local commissioners who inspected the warehouses of the e-sellers, the Court concluded that not only were the MRPs manipulated to be higher, but names were wrongly attributed, codes and inner seals of products were unauthentic and dates were changed on expired products.

In its 225-page order, the Court said, “This Court has no hesitation in holding that the continued sale of the plaintiffs’ products on the e-commerce platforms, without their consent, results in inducement of breach of contract, and tortious interference with contractual relationships of the plaintiffs with their distributors.”

Avon Foundation for Women Announces $200,000 Grant for Vital Voices

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Avon and the Avon Foundation for Women recently announced a new $200,000 grant to Vital Voices Global Partnership.

The grant will fund Voices Against Violence, an initiative which builds on Avon’s long-standing commitment to help women and girls live safe lives, free from violence. The donation marks the Avon Foundation’s tenth year partnering with Vital Voices, bringing its total funding for the NGO to over $4 million.

As part of its 2019 initiative, Voices Against Violence will convene NGOs, law enforcement agencies, service providers and other allied advocates to improve investigation, prosecution, victim safety and survivor support. The partnership is launching Voices Against Violence programs in Argentina, the Philippines and South Africa in 2019. Led by the Vital Voices Human Rights team and its network of experts from around the world, this program will:

  • Encourage conversation: with a training program to help advocates, including Avon associates and Representatives, to support women and girls impacted by violence.
  • Provide information: with the launch of a new website providing awareness and resources about gender-based violence
  • Improve support: continuing to improve and enhance support by working to remove barriers for survivors in accessing justice and vital support services

The first summit of 2019 took place in Manila, Philippines in June, becoming the 52nd training program that Avon and the Avon Foundation have run with Vital Voices. The event convened local experts and dignitaries including the United States Ambassador to the Philippines, Sung Kim, and leaders from organizations such as the Philippine Commission on Women, the Philippine National Police and the Development Action for Women Network.

Amy Greene, chair of the Avon Foundation, said, “Avon has been championing women worldwide for more than 130 years. Voices Against Violence is one of the ways in which we’re tackling gender violence as part of stand4her, our program which aims to positively impact the lives of 100 million women around the world each year and create a better world for women. This new Foundation funding amplifies the power of our voice. It’s crucial that we open up the conversation about gender-based violence and open up partnerships and connection between the players that can make a tangible difference to women who are impacted.”

Since 2004, Avon and Avon Foundation for Women have contributed $65 million to help tackle gender violence around the world.

Kannaway Announces Updated Branding Strategy, New Website

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Medical Marijuana, Inc. announced that its subsidiary Kannaway® has launched a completely redesigned website and the rebranding of its globally recognized hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) products.

The company hopes that consumers will find the new website easier to navigate for access to the products and CBD education that fits their unique lifestyles. Kannaway’s rebranded products are designed to be more relatable to consumers and make it easier for them to incorporate CBD’s benefits into their everyday routines.

“We continue to see a large increase in consumer demand for high-quality CBD products as the U.S. hemp-derived CBD industry is expected to hit $22 billion by 2022,” said Kannaway CEO Blake Schroeder. “In response, we chose to redesign our website and rebrand our products so that consumers can easily educate themselves before discovering which products best fit their needs.”

In Q1 of 2019, Kannaway experienced an increase of approximately 130 percent in sales revenue as compared to Q1 2018.

“As awareness for CBD continues to spread, it is a priority for us to ensure consumers are well educated on the compound and understand how it may enhance their lifestyles,” said Medical Marijuana, Inc. CEO Dr. Stuart Titus. “Kannaway’s rebranded products not only provide the many benefits of CBD but are also aesthetically pleasing for consumers to use and display in their homes.”

California Assembly Bill 5 Approved

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The California Senate Labor, Public Employment, and Retirement Committee passed a bill Wednesday that would likely result in a variety of industries, including gig economy companies, to classify individuals in their business as employees rather than independent contractors.

Assembly Bill 5, introduced in January by Rep. Lorena Gonzalez, codifies and expands a landmark state supreme court ruling from last May, Dynamex v. Superior Court, which wrestled with the same employment classification issue. In determining whether a worker is a true independent contractor (as Uber, Lyft, and other “gig economy” platforms contend) or employees, there are a number of legal tests that, in simple terms, suss out whether the laborer has sufficient say in how and when the work is completed. California’s supreme court, in applying the broader “ABC test,” decided contract drivers working for delivery firm Dynamex were improperly classified—opening the door for gig workers across the state to challenge their own statues.

Independent contractors are a staple of California’s massive economy: According to a study cited in the bill’s analysis, the number of independent workers jumped 30% from 2005 to 2015. In addition to ride-hail drivers, truck drivers, freelance writers, software developers and musicians often work on independent contracts.
Since introducing it last December, Gonzalez has amended the bill to exempt professions such as insurance brokers, licensed doctors, financial advisers, salespeople, cosmetologists, lawyers and other professional services.
Direct sellers were included in the first list of exemptions under the bill.
Notably absent from the list are ride-hail drivers. Uber and Lyft’s CEOs are holding out hope that Gonzalez will add ride-hail employees to her growing list of exemptions. They said in an op-ed last month that classifying drivers as employees would ruin the flexibility that allows drivers to work whenever they want. The companies claimed to be open to offering drivers vacation time and other benefits if they are allowed to continue classifying drivers as contractors.
With Wednesday’s result, AB 5 advances to the Senate Appropriations Committee ahead of a potential floor vote.  If all goes well, Rep. Gonzalez’s team expects the law to go into effect January 1, 2020.

India Hicks to Close Business

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India Hicks announced that she will be closing her eponymous lifestyle brand.

In an Instagram caption posted earlier this week, the designer said “the difficulties faced as a young brand have proved to be too much for us to overcome… Today we will be thoughtfully winding down our business, taking along the gifts of life lived, lessons learned and true friendships made. My heart breaks with this news yet swells with pride over our many accomplishments.”

Hicks, who is goddaughter to Prince Charles and was a bridesmaid at his wedding to Princess Diana, was commended for her entrepreneurial spirit when she decided to turn her enviable family life in the Bahamas into a business.

Hicks and two partners launched the business in 2015. Inspired by island living, the beach-themed collection included jewelry, woven bags, vintage style kaftans, scented candles and skincare. The products were sold online and through more than 2,000 independent distributors, or Ambassadors, across the U.S.

Mary Kay Inc. Reaps Numerous Rewards in Europe

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In 2018 and 2019, Mary Kay’s Europe Region earned over 90 product and industry awards.

“In a highly competitive environment, Mary Kay’s business values stand out around the world, and shine in Europe,” said Tara Eustace, president of the Mary Kay Europe Region.

Recent awards include:

Excellence in Direct Selling

  • Seldia, the European Direct Selling Association, recently recognized Mary Kay Europe as “Best Company of the Year” at its 2018 Astra Awards.
  • In July 2019, Mary Kay Belarus received the “Direct Sales Cosmetic Company Number One Award” from the “Number One” annual national awards.
  • In June 2019, Mary Kay Ukraine was recognized as “Number 1 Direct Selling Cosmetic Brand” in the “Favor of Success” survey.
  • Mary Kay Spain has been the 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 “Number 1 Direct Selling Cosmetic Company” according to the Commercial Register data.

Excellence in Women’s Leadership 

  • In April 2019, Mary Kay Russia’s General Manager, Alla Sokolova, received the “Manager of the Year Award” from Russian Business Guide’s People of the Year, recognizing her contribution to the development of the Russian economy and entrepreneurship in Russia.
  • In 2016, 2017, and 2018, Mary Kay Spain’s General Manager, Gema Aznar, was featured in YoDonamagazine’s annual “500 Most Influential Women in Spain” list highlighted in its special edition called “Female Power.”

Excellence in Women’s Entrepreneurship and Empowerment

  • On May 24, the “Secrets of Big Business with Mary Kay®” program created by Mary Kay Russia was recognized as the “2019 Best Social Project of Russia Award”in the “Social Entrepreneurship” category. In November 2018, Mary Kay Russia had already earned the “Woman Who Matters Award” rewarding women’s entrepreneurship for the “Secrets of Big Business with Mary Kay®” program. “Woman Who Matters” identifies the best initiatives, practices and programs of Russian companies aimed at women’s support.
  • Mary Kay Russia also received the“2018 Best Social Project of Russia Award” for its “Beauty of Confidence” campaign and Skin Care Labs. The Best Russian Social Project annual contest was held in May, with more than 70 companies submitting their social projects. The program was created to support the Russian government’s plans to strengthen social policies.
  • Mary Kay Belarus received a“2018 Brand of the Year” Silver Medal in the Social Responsibility category for its socially active position. The award was a result of the implementation of the “Beauty That Counts” program and the company’s contribution to the development of women’s entrepreneurship in Belarus.
  • Mary Kay UK received the “Company with Heart Award” at the 2018 UK Pride of Direct Selling Awards for their partnership with the Look Good, Feel Better charity. “The Company with Heart Award” is awarded to the company which has gone the extra mile to make a charitable impact through its philanthropic activities and community engagement work.

Excellence in Digital Training 

  • Mary Kay was recognized in the “2019 Spring Omni Awards” with a coveted gold ranking in the Educational category for its innovative Link & Learn™ sales education system. The e-learning platform hosts a robust learning curriculum designed to amplify educational support for the independent sales force and increase their business success. It also connects Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants to a learning community based on content, accessibility and localization. Mary Kay’s Link & Learn™was also awarded a “2018 Technology Excellence Award” from the Brandon Hall Group last January with a Bronze Medal in the category of Best Advance in Learning Management Technology for External Training.

Excellence in Digital & Printed Tools 

  • In April, Mary Kay Russia’s MirrorMe™App won the “2019 Best Corporate Media Award” in the “Client Media: Web Media” category. With the Mary Kay® MirrorMe™ mobile application, anyone can create beautiful makeup without any makeup tools.
  • Mary Kay Russia’s “Applause” magazine for Independent Beauty Consultants won two awards in 2018: the “Media Leader Award” in the category “Best Corporate Magazine” and the “Silver Threads Award” in the category “Best Corporate Edition.”

Excellence as an Employer

  • Mary Kay Spain and Mary Kay Poland earned the“2018 AON Best Employers Award,” recognizing organizations demonstrating excellence in the workplace.

Product Excellence

  • With more than 1,500 patents and a team of scientists dedicated to producing innovative products backed by proven results, Mary Kay®products garnered more than 40 awards in 2018 and already 22 in 2019. Among the products distinguished by the Beauty industry and consumers, Mary Kay TimeWise Miracle® 3D set, TimeWise Repair® Lifting Bio-Cellulose Mask, TimeWise® Vitamin C Activating Squares™, and Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover, were the most rewarded.

DSA Canada Celebrates Industry Leaders at 2019 Awards Gala

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The Direct Sellers Association (DSA) of Canada recently announced the recipients of the 2019 DSA Awards during their annual conference in Vancouver, British Columbia.

The DSA Awards honor and recognize organizations and individuals for their outstanding contributions to the direct selling industry in Canada.

“The recipients of these awards are true champions of Canada’s direct selling industry,” said Peter Maddox, pesident of the DSA. “Each of them have enriched the lives of many Canadians through their dedication and passion. We are inspired as an industry by their many accomplishments.”DSA Canada

DSA Award recipients for 2019 were:

IVAN P. PHELAN AWARD – Gina Bresciani, Director of Canadian Operations, USANA Health Sciences. As the industry’s highest personal recognition, the Ivan P. Phelan Award is presented to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the advancement of the direct selling industry in Canada.

DSEF CIRCLE OF DISTINCTION AWARD – Mike McDonald. This award recognizes individuals who have devoted significant years of service and made considerable contributions to the Direct Selling Education Foundation of Canada and the Direct Selling industry.

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD – Sonya Cooper. This award recognizes individuals for their significant contribution to the advancement of the DSA through participation and leadership on DSA committees, the DSA Board, in their community or in public service.

INDUSTRY INNOVATION AWARD – MONAT Global for MONAT PET. This award recognizes the implementation of a program or service unique to the Canadian direct-selling industry by a DSA member company.

PARTNERSHIP IN PROGRESS AWARD – FORMCOR Inc. This award recognizes Supplier Member companies that provide a product or service to an Active Member Company which has made a measurable impact and contribution on the Active Member Company’s business.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE AWARD – Plexus Canada for support of Mary’s Meals. This award honours companies whose charitable and / or community service efforts have made a profound difference in the lives of Canadians.

MARK OF DISTINCTION AWARD – Rena Nong Ren, USANA Health Sciences. This award recognizes an Independent Sales Contractor who makes a profound difference in the community by helping others and positively impacting the community.

U.S. DSA Supports H.R. 3522, the Preserving Direct Seller Independence Act

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On June 26, 2019, the Preserving Direct Seller Independence Act, H.R 3522, was introduced with bipartisan support.

The Act reinforces the status of direct sellers as independent contractors by incorporating the specific language in Section 3508 of the Internal Revenue Service Code on direct selling independent contractor status into the Fair Labor Standards Act.

As Congress examines businesses using technology to facilitate new work arrangements, it is vital that longstanding models are protected. Since 1910, the Direct Selling Association (DSA) has developed and supported legislation which aids and protects direct sellers and independent contractors in their pursuit of entrepreneurship.

H.R. 3522’s lead sponsors, Reps. Tim Walberg (R-MI) and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), were joined by Reps. John Curtis (R-UT), Ben McAdams (D-UT), Lance Gooden (R-TX), and Henry Cuellar (D-TX) as original co-sponsors.

“Protecting and supporting independent contractor status has been and will continue to be a top priority for direct sellers,” stated Joseph N. Mariano, president of the Direct Selling Association. “We’ve made great strides to ensure we have bipartisan support from across the country to ensure the promotion and protection of entrepreneurship and independent work in today’s economy. With 1.3 percent growth in retail sales by direct sellers in 2018, we expect sustained growth over the next three years and protecting independent contractor status will be critical to that growth.”

Congressman Tim Walberg (R-MI) stated, “Michigan’s economy gets a big boost from direct selling. Last year in my home state, hundreds of thousands of entrepreneurial-minded direct sellers generated nearly $800 million in sales. By clarifying the law, we can ensure the necessary certainty to create more opportunities for entrepreneurs to succeed.”

“In New Jersey, more than 385,000 people are involved in the direct selling businesses, like Mary Kay, totaling $958 million in annual sales,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ). “Direct sellers play an integral role in our economy and communities. They are their own bosses, like Jersey resident Tara Geraghty, who lives in my District and is a successful entrepreneur and Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant Sales Director. She and the other 8,500 Mary Kay Beauty Consultants in New Jersey are supporting their families and communities, and running their own small businesses, which are the lifeblood of our economy. Direct sellers like Mary Kay can be a full-time business, or a supplemental part-time job to increase a family’s income. I’m proud to help introduce this bipartisan legislation that will provide much needed clarity and help bring economic opportunities to more families in my District and grow this crucial part of our nation’s economy and entrepreneurial spirit.”

H.R. 3522 can be viewed here.