Fifteen months ago, I lost what most people in direct sales spend a lifetime trying to build: residual income, a large customer base who reordered regularly, and an established team of leaders and retailers. What I gained instead was something I never expected, and that was clarity, conviction, and a blueprint for rebuilding a direct sales business the right way.
Why I Had To Start Over In Direct Sales
It’s been 15 months since I was faced with a big career decision. I thought it was time to give you an update on how life has been lifing. I would be lying if I said it was a cake walk. It’s been one of the most character-building years of my professional life to date. But it’s also been a year of tremendous personal growth in ways I never would have expected. 2025 was full of emotion because I was saying goodbye to what was and embracing something new. I loved my former team and the ladies that I had the honor of leading alongside.
15 months ago, my former direct sales company, BODi (formerly Beachbody), announced that it was changing its business model. They were moving from a direct sales to an affiliate marketing model. That meant that over the next 90 days, they would transition away from the ability for their Partners to build teams and earn commissions/bonuses from building and mentoring team members. That also meant that everything we had built was also going to go away. The residual income from 14 years of hard work was about to be nonexistent.
That was quite the news to get on a Monday at 5:30 pm ET on the last day of September 2024. But, in the midst of the emotion of what was just announced, I had this full-body conviction that my job in the direct sales space was not done. I had this visceral feeling that I was meant to step back into the trenches and build a team again.
What I Looked for in a New Wellness Company (Before I Ever Looked at Compensation)
But with who?! That was the question! I knew that I wasn’t going to pick any company. Transitioning from Beachbody/BODi had to feel aligned to who I was as a person and not forced. I was also very visible in the network marketing mentorship space, and people were looking to me for what to do next. I wanted to be a good role model and show them the steps I was taking to make my next business decision. I knew that the first step was finding alignment with the product catalog a company had to offer. I have been in the wellness industry for 14 years, and more recently, I went through my own anti-inflammatory journey. When I looked at Shaklee’s products, they were clean, non-toxic, and had clinical proof that they were effective. I started going through the catalog and identifying all the things I could swap that we were currently using in our home. Everything from skincare to wellness supplements and cleaning supplies. As I tried the products, I fell in love with them, and it was easy for me to share them with my community.
Why Compensation Structure Matters More Than Most Leaders Admit
The second big question was compensation. I’ve learned a lot about the direct sales industry because not only did I build a business, but I also consult and mentor a lot of direct sellers across a wide variety of companies. Over the years, I’ve watched people fall in love with team building and thrive, and others who prefer to use direct sales as a retail opportunity only. I knew that this next partnership needed to give both types of people an opportunity to win. Shaklee checked that box with the ability to earn up to 40% in commissions, enrollment incentives, team-building bonuses, and more! I could see that no matter what type of person joined my team, I could create a path and plan for their success. Residual income in direct sales is the biggest benefit to the industry. You can create an incredible foundation of customers and team members that will continue to multiply.
The Role of Leadership and Company Values in Long-Term Success
And then came the corporate leadership and the CEO. The decision-makers of the company and their core-values matter. I sat down with the CEO before making my decision and instantly felt that real and authentic vibe. Roger truly loves the direct sales industry, preventative wellness, and the mission here at Shaklee. I could feel that commitment to winning in the wellness space and the excitement around the future innovations that were in the pipeline. The sales team is strong, and the leadership is united. Everyone here at Shaklee is in the boat and rowing in the same direction. That is super important. The Shaklee business opportunity was the one thing that was a heck yes during that crazy time of rapid change in my life.
In October 2024, I made the decision to move forward with the Shaklee business opportunity. And I made the public announcement that I was choosing to step into the field and build a team. The outpouring of support and the leaders I respect in the industry who joined me was God’s work in my life. It’s like all the time, energy, and effort I’d put into my business and brand over the last 14 years created this moment in time. We hit the ground running as a team, and I jumped right in with my own God-given gifts of strategy, leadership, systems, and duplication. We launched our team, hosted events, and started sharing the opportunity with others.
What We Built in 15 Months: Growth, Income, and Real Impact
What we have here at Shaklee is everything I wrote down in my journal. I wanted a team that operates with professionalism, clear boundaries, a healthy work ethic, and authenticity. We collaborate at the highest level and create opportunities for our downline to plug into training, mentorship, and workshop opportunities to gain new customers and team members. Over the past 15 months, we have accomplished a lot! I’m so proud of the momentum we have built, and I know that we are just scratching the surface of what is truly possible.
In the first year, we brought on 3,200 Ambassadors to our team! We have paid out $6.2 million in commissions, and we sold $13.6 million in products. 🤯
We are truly making an impact in the lives of others by connecting them to clean and non-toxic products, and our team is earning life-changing commissions! We are building a sustainable team in direct sales. For many, this has replaced what they lost from their previous business and surpassed what they have ever earned in the past. Our team is dreaming big again and is setting goals to double their income from last year.
We have momentum, energy, and a clear vision of where we are going and what we are doing. This team is not stopping, and I’m personally on a mission to help each and every team member hit their goals through the systems, support, and mentorship. I am taking my 14+ years of direct sales leadership and applying it to what we are building here.
My Role as a Leader: Systems, Mentorship, and Sustainable Success
I believe my role is to be the lighthouse for my team and others. That you can build a respectable and sustainable income stream for your family through direct sales. I want to be the role model for how to create a healthy and profitable business with systems so you can thrive at the highest level. I’ve always led with a servant heart, and I believe that when you give to others abundantly, you will always be blessed in return. Read more of my story here, My Story
So here is to 2026, and making an even bigger impact and income!!! If you have been following along and are interested in learning more about what I do, please complete this form, and I will email you information on partnership opportunities. If you have considered making a move, joining my team, and creating additional supplemental or significant income for your future, let’s chat. Choosing the right mentor really does matter. The team you align with is important, and I know firsthand that success happens faster when you have the momentum of a dialed-in team. Team Rooted & Rising is an incredible community that you could call your home.
Curious about joining team Rooted & Rising?
I’m hosting an informational session on Monday, January 26th, about the Shaklee business opportunity and joining my team. If you are not an Ambassador and would like to listen to a short informational session, please fill out this form, and I will email you the details for the call.
Not quite sure yet? Follow along on my Instagram for daily tips, mentorship, and support. I share a lot of my personality, leadership style, and tips right on my public platform. I also publish a new podcast every Tuesday on The Melanie Mitro Show. You can learn my leadership and coaching style right from the weekly episodes.
Cheers to 2026 and another incredible year of growth! 🥂
Frequently Asked Questions About Rebuilding A Direct Sales Business
Is it possible to rebuild residual income after losing a team? Yes, if you focus on building a new customer base, serving your community, creating systems, strong mentorship, and leadership instead of solely focusing on quick wins.
What should I look for in a network marketing company? Product integrity, ethical compensation, leadership alignment, and a long-term vision. Read this post for more tips on exactly what to ask and evaluate before joining a company.
Can you succeed in direct sales without aggressive recruiting? Personally, I don’t like the word aggressive. I firmly believe that sustainable growth comes from falling in love with the products, sharing those with others, and inviting people you think would make a great fit for your team to take a look at the products first. When you are passionate about what you do, everything else falls in place when you have the right team and mentorship.
