Direct sales' long-time friend and motivator, Harriet Lonergan turns 100 today and this powerhouse has no intentions of slowing down!
Harriet has been a Consultant in direct sales for the last 76 years and shares how the party plan sales model helped her earn extra income, have a social life and work her business around her personal schedule over the last several decades.
A few months ago, I sat down with Harriet to learn more about her 76 year journey in direct sales.
Watch the heartwarming video on YouTube
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While brainstorming who I would like to interview for my podcast, Harriet was at the top of my list. And after reaching out to her and having her agree to be on the show, I asked if I could come out and see her and do the interview in person.
I told her I wanted to capture our time together on video so that I could share it with the world.
And being as humble as she is, she didn't understand why I wanted to share her story so badly.
This is because what Harriet has done for women in business and men and women in direct sales has been completely selfless.
Harriet Celebrating her 100th birthday this past weekend
Off camera, Harriet shared with me, “Oh honey, I hate the word retirement. Why would I retire? What would I do? You know, I can't retire. I just have too many people that I need to reach and too many people that I need to help. There are so many people that are getting into direct selling, even today, and we just need to inspire them. It's my job to keep them excited and teach them what to do. Oh honey, there are just too many people to love on to retire.”
Over the past 76 years, Harriet has shown both women and men that they can start a business they care about all while caring about others. She is a true testament to the fact that this industry is powerful, sustainable and long-lasting. She was able to build a business around her schedule and create the income she always dreamed of.
Regardless of her age, gender, race or economic status.
Here are just some of the things her peers are saying about her:
Deb O'Donoghue That was beaufuful
?. An inspiration to everyone in the industry
Nicole Severson I'm a Princess House consultant & fall under the mentoring of Harriet. She's a true gem! 
Linda Miller So inspirational! I thought maybe I was to old at 61 but heck I still have 37 years to go! Love to both of you and congratulations!
Patty Lynch We love Harriet and that she is in the Princess House Family. She is amazing and so are you!
Melanie K Graves Definitely an inspiration to many people! Dream big and always believe in yourself to complete anything you have in your heart! Wow!
Mary Hanus What an amazing inspiration! Belinda Ellsworth, thank you for sharing. I will never again let my age be a reason to doubt where I can go with direct selling!
When I asked the Minneapolis resident about her start in the industry, Harriet replied, “My dear, it was lucky. You're going to hear me use that word a lot because I feel like I've been so lucky.”
Harriet started her direct sales journey as an Avon Representative where she went door to door in her neighborhood with her baby collecting orders.
After representing a few companies, Harriet landed at home and entertaining product company, Princess House. This year, she is celebrating her 50th anniversary with the company.
“I remember that my father didn't want me doing it because women weren't working at the time. They stayed home. But I needed extra money and I wanted to do something with my life. And it was the beginning of how women saw how they could stay at home and do their work, but they had something extra they could work in. And this party plan business was so perfect because it worked right into the time that you had to work. It was phenomenal,” shares Harriet.
This is truly a video you don't want to miss. Watch and be inspired about what you can accomplish.