As a wife, mother, Arbonne area manager and amazing member of this community, Emily Brennan helps people look and feel their best selves from the inside out with clean, plant-based products. As we start a brand-new year, many of us are resolving to live healthier lives, but that is already part of Emily’s everyday commitment to herself. Having met Emily through the National Association of Women Business Owners, I’ve been inspired for years by this commitment to living well, being healthy and continually growing. Emily is always looking to level up another step or two, and she readily shares her lessons learned so we all benefit from her betterment. Enjoy this peek inside the mind and heart of this absolute rock star!

First Friday Female Founder Feature:

Emily Brennan

How would you describe your company and the products / services you offer?

I offer two different things: A wonderful business opportunity and products to help people live a healthier lifestyle. My favorite thing is my business opportunity! I help people start their own businesses and build their teams. I have a business that has offered me a way to be a stay-at-home mom while providing an income to help my family. I also sell a line of products. Through holistic products, we help people gain energy, lose weight, fight the signs of aging and impact their lives from the inside out. We offer nutritional supplements, skin care for men & women (including teens and baby) and hair care plus make up.

Why did you start your company?

I started my business in 2007 because I had been laid off from my job. I was in the process of getting married and wasn’t sure what the future looked like. I wanted to be a mom and be present for my family once that happened. So I joined a friend’s team to make money selling products. I was telling everyone about them anyway so I figured I should get paid for it! After selling for a while, I started to build a team, and my income and business grew from there.

What has been the most rewarding part of your journey in founding this company?

The most rewarding part has been watching others grow their businesses and get healthy. When people feel better and gain health through my products, it’s amazing! Especially when people are hesitant to change but trust me and my knowledge, when they jump in, try something new and see results - it’s amazing! I love helping people and seeing them grow and change.

About what are you most proud?

I am so proud of how long I have been an entrepreneur. It is hard work, and you need to stay focused, organized and keep believing in yourself to keep going. This can be hard, and it’s daily work to keep yourself motivated and excited.

Are you naturally organized, was it a skill you learned or is it something with which you regularly struggle, and what tips or tools do you use to stay your most organized?

I am naturally organized. I love organization and feeling that things are in order. I have always been like this. I can’t work when things are not in order, and I despise clutter. I take time daily to get papers, my email inbox and my desk in order. I use a paper calendar and lists- lots of lists! I have work lists and personal lists that I use inside my planner. Each week, I put in what I need to do and transfer things to the following week when things don’t get done. I also have a notebook for jotting things down and keeping client notes and capturing anything else I need to remember. I write everything down! I also use the Notes app in my iPhone to remember things when I’m out; then, I transfer it to the proper list, calendar or notebook when I get home to my office. I don’t find it hard to stay organized as it comes very naturally to me. I enjoy it!

Who’s the one person who changed your life and why?

My kids! That’s two, but they definitely changed my life! They have become my big “WHY" I do my business. It has provided me more money to contribute to all their expenses for sports, and the growth I have done on myself has made me a better parent. It’s taught me how to parent them to believe in themselves and go for their dreams.

What words of wisdom would you have for someone who is overwhelmed with staying organized and / or productive?

Ask for help, outsource when you need to and, most importantly, deal with your physical space and declutter! You will feel unmotivated and unproductive when you are under a mountain of “things”. Whether that is kids’ stuff, a full email inbox or a closet that is busting at the seams. Cleaning out stuff will make you feel lighter, like you can better breathe. When you feel loaded down, you can’t get anything done. Once you get things to a maintenance point, life runs more smoothly. Asking for help and outsourcing can be a huge help! Kids can help with chores, baby-sitting can free up your time and giving away tasks that someone else can do (stuffing envelopes, organizing folders, etc.) will free up your time to put toward business tasks that can move you forward.

Do you use technology to help stay productive or organized? If so, what’s your favorite program, app or tech tool?

I use very little technology in my organization! I love paper and still use a paper planner. I use the Notes app in my iPhone occasionally but use no real organization apps or programs. I have recently started using Flodesk for my emails and have outsourced it to a client who is very good at design and computers. She downloaded my client lists and has gotten things so organized. I send her the information, and she makes things look good, scheduling the emails to go out for the month.

How do you feel about work/life efficiency or integration in your life, including any tips or challenges for managing the personal and professional commitments in your life?

It’s hard to manage, that’s for sure! I block time on my calendar and make to-do lists. I have to block out specific time to work my business or the “life” stuff gets in the way. You have to be flexible but also intentionally have time to work. I also enjoy working during kid stuff like practices - bring my laptop or work from my phone while I’m at the field. It has been harder for me to work at night and meet with clients on weekends or nights because of my kids’ activities so I am very intentional with my time and use it wisely. I also don’t bring my phone to bed with me at night so I am not seeing a client email or team text come through that I feel I need to answer.

About what causes are you most passionate?

I love animals and have a dog that I love! Being a former preschool teacher and now parent, I still love to learn about child development and parenting. I volunteer with my children’s PTA and have served on the board for four years. I love to be involved with my children’s sports teams and with women in business. Serving on boards has been a growth experience for me, and it always feels good to give back with my time.

What have you found to be the most effective way to relax after a long day or super long week?

I love to find a good book or watch reality TV! I like to put away my phone and concentrate on something that can take my mind away from all the noise. I also love a good spa day with a friend.

What is your favorite author/book?

The book I most recommend is The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides. I also love biographies / autobiographies. I love to read about people’s lives and hear their stories and experiences. I read a lot of personal growth with my favorites being Mel Robbins and Ed Mylett.

What are your go-to accessories?

My purse! I love a purse or a tote and change it out almost daily depending on what I need for my day or my outfit or the weather. I have one for every situation.

What are the fundamentals of your beauty routine?

I am a slave to my beauty routine! I love serums and facial oils for hydration and to prevent the wrinkles. Eye cream and sunscreen are a must. And my favorite thing I have been doing is a double cleanse at night. I use a cleansing balm first followed by a foaming cleanser. I also do masks twice a week depending on what my skin needs, whether that’s exfoliation or hydration. I love a good monthly facial and the occasional chemical peel. I am probably a little obsessed and organized with my routines! And I use all Arbonne because I love it and it works!

What is your favorite food?

Easy- crab cakes! I love all seafood, but crab is my favorite all time food.

Of the locally-owned and -operated establishments in the place you currently live, which are your top 3 favorites and why?

I love a boutique called Little Details in Garner as well as Ricci’s Italian in Cary, and I have never met a local brewery in the RTP area that I don’t love. We are so fortunate to live in an area with so many brew masters who create fun atmospheres to gather with friends.

Sarah being awarded the Public Policy Advocate award from NAWBO-GR

What is your favorite place that you have visited?

Aruba! It was beautiful, had great weather and the sunsets were amazing. The people are also so happy and full of joy. It’s an amazing island to visit!

What streaming show or movie could you watch on an endless loop?

Easy - Dirty Dancing. I love it and can recite every line!

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

To be able to teleport anywhere! No more long drives or waiting for planes. Just click my heels and go!

What advice would you give your 21-year-old self?

Work on yourself! I have gained so much from reading personal growth books and listening to podcasts that I wish I had started earlier. I have grown more confident, believe in myself more and am willing to get out of my comfort zone much more easily than I did back then.

If you could have lunch with anyone (living or deceased), who would it be and why?

I would say Mel Robbins. I think she has such great advice. I would love a mini session to pick her brain!

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