Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebecca Spera Valentino.
Rebecca, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have had an incredible career in TV at ABC13 for a decade. My pride and joy was a show I hosted and co-produced called Mirror/Mirror. It was a show that gave tips and advice to help women look and feel their best every day. I had no idea how rewarding that position would be for me personally, but I quickly became incredibly passionate about making an impact on women daily through the show. In 2014, the show ended, and I moved into the news. At the same time, I started a family, and two parents with demanding careers took a toll on my husband, our boys, and me. I left working ABC13 full-time last May, and I started working part-time with them in December as the Host of H-Town Spotlight. It’s been the perfect position because I get to share stories about businesses throughout the Houston area and work with the Programming, Marketing, and Sales teams, which I absolutely love. My passion is TV but because of Mirror/Mirror, my other passion has been helping others look and feel their best. I debated formulating me on nontoxic skincare and makeup line, but I realized the financial and time obligations wouldn’t be the best decision for my family. I started using Arbonne’s products in 2003, and I have always loved how high quality they are. I didn’t realize until I was on my own quest for clean products that Arbonne’s entire line is vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, and ban 2,000 ingredients that could be hormone-altering, cancer-causing, or detrimental to our health. I started with the skincare and makeup, but the nutrition program transformed my health, body, and energy levels. Now, I’m on a mission to help other men and women not only create a cleaner lifestyle but create a substantial and rewarding digital side hustle.
While I’m on a mission to help other men and women clean up their health and beauty routines, I think my story as being a trailblazer has more to do with making your career work for your situation. It was really hard for me to leave my career full-time. I loved it, but when you leave TV full-time, there’s no telling if you well land a job again. Thankfully, because I created such good relationships with my coworkers and leaders at ABC13, I was offered a part-time job that works for me. A lot of us feel like we’re stuck in a certain box, and we ARE NOT! Life happens. Circumstances change. It takes bravery, goals, and good ole work to create the life of your dreams. I have a perfect balance right now between my two passions: television and helping others. It wasn’t easy, and boy, was it scary, but it’s worth it.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
In TV, you have to have a strong work ethic and thick skin. Everybody has an opinion, and you have to learn quickly whose opinions really matter (major advice there)! I have always loved my TV career. Some days are more difficult than others, of course, but the great thing about TV and the news is that every day is different.
With Arbonne, it’s been very similar. Everybody has an opinion. I get all the time, “Oh my gosh. You’re doing an MLM? Isn’t that a pyramid scheme.” In which I answer, “No, it’s not at all! First, you’re thinking of a Ponzi scheme, which is when people are selling memberships to no real product. Totally illegal. Also, it’s not a pyramid. I sell products from a company whose ethics, standards, and quality I believe in and are in alignment with the Direct Sales Association, and I mentor other people to do the same. If they work harder than me, then they will be more successful than me. We’re rewarded based on our work and efforts. It’s smart. And, it’s digital. It’s in 2019. That’s where a business is going – Digital. I don’t have an inventory. I don’t have to worry about rent, research, and development, marketing, payroll, but I get to earn an income that’s flexible for my family, and I get to give my clients stellar customer service and my teammate’s strong leadership.”
I don’t consider other people’s opinions my biggest struggle with Arbonne, though, because other people’s opinions are none of my business. I would say my biggest struggle is knowing someone has all the potential in the world to be successful, and they don’t put in the proper work to be successful. This isn’t a business where you put in a lot of time. It’s an awesome and very part-time job. It is a business where you have to be coachable and smart with your time. I often want my teammates’ success more than they want it. That’s tough because I know this business is life-changing.
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
Back during Mirror/Mirror days, I was the lady who wanted to help women look and feel their best. Now, with Arbonne, I’m the lady who wants to help people look, feel, and BE their best. I get hands-on opportunities to work with clients on our nutrition program and skincare and beauty regimens, and I build long-lasting relationships. I also work with spectacular women who want to do the same for others. My goal is coming to fruition, and that’s to create a movement of women (and men) who want to share cleaner products, improve their nutrition, and help others be successful through the business. I think what sets our company apart from most is our transparency – every ingredient excluded AND included is listed on our website. We have several prestigious certifications including vegan-certified, gluten-free certified, non-GMO verified and becoming a Certified B Corporation, which means we have a bigger purpose than just profit. We give back. I think of how long it would take me to earn those certifications if I was a small business on my own, and I’m grateful I found a company that meets these standards. As a team, I think what sets ours apart is that we come from a place of selflessness. We believe in educating, sharing, and caring for others. It’s not about us. It’s about the client or teammate, and how we can positively impact them.
With H-Town Spotlight on ABC13, I believe I’m a great host and producer, but my specialty is interpersonal communication. I feel I’m best at connecting with and making others feel comfortable, and that’s why I’ve enjoyed doing these interviews with the businesses we work with and their clients. Being on TV is scary for most people, but it’s my job to put people at ease and help them enjoy the process.
Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
I have had stellar mentors throughout my career. I think working hard, being open to criticism, and asking for opportunities is what will land you a mentor that can open more doors for you.
Now, my Executive National Vice President with Arbonne Caroline Reed is my mentor. I’ve got the personality of, “Tell me what to do to be successful, and I’ll do it.” Because of that, the two of us work well together, and I was able to earn her respect and a leader early on.
I listen to A LOT of podcasts. I love to listen to Rachel Hollis, Grant Cardone, Ed Myett, Brad Lea. Most of these are business podcasts, but most entrepreneurs have to grow as people, too, to be successful. Personal growth is so important. If you want to be the best at whatever it is you do, you should read or listen to personal development experts daily, even if it’s only for ten minutes.
Contact Info:
- Website: Rebecca.arbonne.com. www.abc13.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/rebeccaspera
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/rebeccasperaTV
- Other: www.rebeccaspera.com
Image Credit:
Rebecca Spera Valentino, Stephanie Phelps (picture with Mercedes)
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