In this episode of the Modern Direct Seller Podcast, we’re joined by Anita Westlake and Tonia Dolinka for an honest and uplifting conversation about navigating seasons of change in direct sales. After nearly eight years of leadership at Color Street, recent shifts in the business prompted them to reevaluate their path and explore new possibilities. That journey led them to helping launch ABBI, a personalized skincare brand rooted in innovation and wellbeing. From processing grief to reigniting their passion, Anita and Tonia share what it’s like to embrace change, build something new, and lead with purpose in a whole new way.

Connect with Anita on her website [anitawithabbi.com] and follow her on Instagram @anitaw_abbi_pioneer. Connect with Tonia on her website [withthedolinkas.com] and follow her on Instagram @withthedolinkas. 

Time-Based Notes:

• 0:32 Meet Anita Westlake & Tonia 'Toni' Dolinka
• 2:50 How Toni Navigated Color Street Changes
• 5:10 How Anita Navigated Color Street Changes
• 6:48 All About ABBI Skincare
• 10:55 The Realities of Start-Up Mode
• 17:04 Most Exciting Things About ABBI
• 21:00 Anita & Toni's Current Business Focus
• 27:17 Academy VIP Favorites
• 32:15 How to Connect with Toni
• 32:32 How to Connect with Anita
• 33:13 Sponsor Message 

Show sponsored by CinchShare: The number one most trusted social media scheduling tool for direct sellers. Start your 60 day trial today with coupon code KEYBOARD60 and spend less time posting and more time socializing! 

Get the full show notes at https://moderndirectseller.com/episode240

In this episode of the Modern Direct Seller Podcast, we’re talking all about how to get more done in less time—especially as we head into the summer months. With shifting schedules, travel plans, and a bit of chaos in the mix, it’s more important than ever to stay focused and intentional with your time. We’re sharing practical tips to help you time-block effectively, organize your to-dos, and keep your business moving forward without the overwhelm. From minimizing distractions to tackling the big stuff first, you’ll walk away with simple strategies to make this summer your most productive one yet.

Time-Based Notes:

0:34 Coming Up This Summer

1:57 Survey Results Show Diverse Lifestyles Among Direct Sellers

4:33 Tools & Strategies to be More Productive

4:49 #1 Decide When You're Working & When You Aren't

8:41 #2 Leveraging AI as a Productivity Tool

13:44 #3 Focus on the Big Things

16:02 #4 Minimize Distractions

18:21 #5 Try a Power Hour

20:19 Closing Thoughts

21:34 Sponsor Message

Show sponsored by CinchShare: The number one most trusted social media scheduling tool for direct sellers. Start your 60 day trial today with coupon code KEYBOARD60 and spend less time posting and more time socializing!

Get the full show notes at https://moderndirectseller.com/episode239

In this episode of the Modern Direct Seller Podcast, we’re joined by video marketing expert Keenya Kelly to talk all things TikTok—specifically how direct sellers can grow their businesses using short-form video. Keenya shares her journey from network marketing to becoming a TikTok powerhouse with over 10 million likes, and breaks down why TikTok’s not going anywhere, how its algorithm works differently than other platforms, and what kinds of content actually convert. You’ll learn how to create scroll-stopping videos (without feeling silly), how to repurpose content the right way, and why the goal isn’t to go viral—but to get leads you can follow up with. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to level up, this episode is packed with practical tips to make TikTok work for your biz.

Join Keenya Kelly’s TikTok Challenge June 2-4 [http://www.keenyakelly.com/challenge] and follow her on TikTok and Instagram @KeenyaKelly for more video marketing tips.

Time-Based Notes:

0:34 Meet Keenya Kelly

4:03 Is TikTok Here to Stay?

5:54 How TikTok Differs from Other Platforms

8:59 Tips for Beginners

15:43 Is the Goal to go Viral?

18:14 Content Creation Tips

25:00 How to Vary Your Content

28:40 Join Keenya Kelly’s TikTok Challenge

29:54 Keenya's Fave Office Supply & How to Connect

31:08 Sponsor Message

Show sponsored by CinchShare: The number one most trusted social media scheduling tool for direct sellers. Start your 60 day trial today with coupon code KEYBOARD60 and spend less time posting and more time socializing!

Get the full show notes at https://moderndirectseller.com/episode238

In this episode of the Modern Direct Seller Podcast, we’re diving into how to keep your business thriving all summer long—without being glued to your desk. From ditching the “summer slump” mindset to creating a 90-day seasonal plan, batching content, and automating key tasks, you’ll walk away with practical strategies to stay consistent (not constant) in your business. Whether you’re traveling, juggling family time, or just craving a bit more freedom, this episode will help you set up systems that work for you—so you can enjoy the sunshine and keep those sales rolling.

Grab your free 90-day plan at moderndirectseller.com/90

Time-Based Notes:

0:36 Shift Your Summer Mindset

4:00 Setting Intentions and Creating a 90-Day Plan

7:12 How to Work Around Plans & Vacations

11:51 Summer-fy Your Content

13:52 Set Yourself Up for Success This Fall

16:23 Sponsor Message

Show sponsored by CinchShare: The number one most trusted social media scheduling tool for direct sellers. Start your 60 day trial today with coupon code KEYBOARD60 and spend less time posting and more time socializing!

Get the full show notes at https://moderndirectseller.com/episode237

In this episode of the Modern Direct Seller Podcast, we’re joined by not one, but two powerhouse guests—Perminder Chohan and Kelly Trenholm from AmaraWave! We’re talking about their mission-driven approach to direct sales, their standout 10% give-back model, and how they’re blending the best of traditional and affiliate-style compensation. You’ll hear about the legacy they’re building, the high-impact products they offer, and how they’re creating real change—one Change Maker at a time. If you're craving purpose, community, and a fresh approach to direct sales, this convo is a must-listen!

Want to learn more about AmaraWave? Head to amarawave.com to check out their mission, products, and community. You can also follow along on Instagram @amarawaveinc or connect directly with Kelly via Instagram @kellyltrenholm and Perminder via email at [email protected]—they’d love to hear from you!

Time-Based Notes:

0:39 Meet Perminder Chohan and Kelly Trenholm

1:32 Kelly's Background

2:38 Perminder's Background

3:56 Introducing AmaraWave & Their Mission

10:49 Why AmaraWave Believes in This Business Model

16:04 Exciting Things Ahead

22:36 Perminder & Kelly's Favorite AmaraWave Products

24:57 Favorite Office Supplies & How to Connect

29:05 Sponsor Message 

Show sponsored by CinchShare: The number one most trusted social media scheduling tool for direct sellers. Start your 60 day trial today with coupon code KEYBOARD60 and spend less time posting and more time socializing!

Get the full show notes at https://moderndirectseller.com/episode236

Feeling stuck in your biz? We’ve all been there—and in this episode of the Modern Direct Seller Podcast, we’re breaking down what to do when momentum stalls. Whether you’re overwhelmed, overthinking, or just not feeling it, we’ve got practical ways to move forward. From giving yourself permission to rest to re-aligning with your bigger goals, we’re tackling the mindset and strategy shifts that’ll help you gain clarity and take action. If you’ve been waiting for a sign—this is it!

Grab your Consistency Tracker and join us for May We Collaborate—a month-long event inside the Academy to help you stay on track, take action, and grow your biz with community support! Let’s make May your most consistent month yet!

Time-Based Notes:

0:35 Getting Stuck Happens

3:21 Signs that You're Stuck

4:33 Ways to Reset Your Mindset

11:42 Get Back to Basics (ABC's & 3+3+3's)

18:25 Write it all Down

20:29 Lean into Community

22:12 Closing Thoughts

24:59 Sponsor Message 

Show sponsored by CinchShare: The number one most trusted social media scheduling tool for direct sellers. Start your 30 day trial today with coupon code GAMECHANGER and spend less time posting and more time socializing! 

Get the full show notes at https://moderndirectseller.com/episode235

In this episode of the Modern Direct Seller Podcast, we’re diving into seven creative ways direct sellers can collaborate to grow their audience, boost visibility, and have more fun doing it! From pop-up events and giveaways to guest swaps and mini trainings, we're sharing real-life examples and practical tips to help you find the right collab partner and make your next partnership a win-win. It’s all part of “May We Collaborate” month inside the Modern Direct Seller Academy—so if you’re ready to shake things up, get inspired, and try something new, this episode is packed with ideas you can run with right away!

Join us inside the Modern Direct Seller Academy for "May We Collaborate" month. Get started for just $15 and match up with other incredible direct sellers for your next partnership at moderndirectseller.com/may.

Time-Based Notes:

0:31 Quick Collab Tips & Why it's Relevant

4:42 Choosing Your Collab Partner & Setting Parameters

9:09 #1 Pop-up Events

11:08 #2 Giveaways

11:58 #3 Guest Spot Swap

14:35 #4 Email List Feature

15:43 #5 Co-Hosting a LIVE/Demo

17:34 #6 Workshop

19:21 #7 Swag Bag/Sample Swap

21:58 Collab Inside the Academy

23:11 Sponsor Message

Show sponsored by CinchShare: The number one most trusted social media scheduling tool for direct sellers. Start your 60 day trial today with coupon code KEYBOARD60 and spend less time posting and more time socializing!

Get the full show notes at https://moderndirectseller.com/episode234

In this episode of the Modern Direct Seller Podcast, we’re diving into seven creative ways direct sellers can collaborate to grow their audience, boost visibility, and have more fun doing it! From pop-up events and giveaways to guest swaps and mini trainings, we're sharing real-life examples and practical tips to help you find the right collab partner and make your next partnership a win-win. It’s all part of “May We Collaborate” month inside the Modern Direct Seller Academy—so if you’re ready to shake things up, get inspired, and try something new, this episode is packed with ideas you can run with right away!

Join us inside the Modern Direct Seller Academy for "May We Collaborate" month. Get started for just $15 and match up with other incredible direct sellers for your next partnership at moderndirectseller.com/may.

Time-Based Notes:

0:31 Quick Collab Tips & Why it's Relevant

4:42 Choosing Your Collab Partner & Setting Parameters

9:09 #1 Pop-up Events

11:08 #2 Giveaways

11:58 #3 Guest Spot Swap

14:35 #4 Email List Feature

15:43 #5 Co-Hosting a LIVE/Demo

17:34 #6 Workshop

19:21 #7 Swag Bag/Sample Swap

21:58 Collab Inside the Academy

23:11 Sponsor Message

Show sponsored by CinchShare: The number one most trusted social media scheduling tool for direct sellers. Start your 60 day trial today with coupon code KEYBOARD60 and spend less time posting and more time socializing!

Get the full show notes at https://moderndirectseller.com/episode234

In this episode of the Modern Direct Seller Podcast, we’re joined by Rachel Perry to talk all about building a personal brand and creating a back-up plan outside of your direct sales company. Rachel shares her journey from Facebook party trainer to personal brand coach, and why now more than ever, direct sellers need to show up authentically and create something of their own. You’ll hear simple, tactical ways to get started—no fancy strategy needed—as well as a powerful reminder that messy action is better than no action. Whether you're looking to grow within your current company or explore something new on the side, this episode will inspire you to take that next step with confidence.

Connect with Rachel on Instagram @rachelaperry and grab her free Personal Brand Starter Kit.

Plus! Don’t forget to save your seat for our upcoming live workshop: How to Build a Website That Works While You Sleep happening April 30 at 9am PT / Noon ET

Time-Based Notes:

0:26 Catching Up with Rachel Perry

2:45 How Direct Sales & Personal Branding has Evolved

6:39 Why You Need a Personal Brand

8:40 Let's Get Tactical

12:28 Being a Direct Seller vs. a Business Owner

17:35 Overcoming Fear of the Unknown

21:22 Where to Start

24:01 Rachel's Fav Office Supply & How to Connect

24:49 Freebie: Personal Brand Starter Kit

26:11 How to Build a Website that Works While You Sleep

27:23 Sponsor Message

Show sponsored by CinchShare: The number one most trusted social media scheduling tool for direct sellers. Start your 60 day trial today with coupon code KEYBOARD60 and spend less time posting and more time socializing!

Get the full show notes at https://moderndirectseller.com/episode233

In this episode of the Modern Direct Seller Podcast, we’re sharing creative and practical ways to use Oh My Hi to work smarter, not harder in your business. We’re talking about how having your own website can help you show up online, build your brand, and create a space that works for you behind the scenes — collecting leads, connecting with customers, and making it easier for people to shop, join, or learn more about what you do. Whether you’re just getting started or looking for fresh ideas to take your site to the next level, we’re covering simple strategies to help you get the most out of Oh My Hi.

Join us for Systems Reboot inside the Modern Direct Seller Academy happening April 14-18 — a week dedicated to simplifying, streamlining, and setting up the systems your business needs to run like a well-oiled machine. Plus, don’t miss our Oh My Hi Workshop on April 30th where we’ll show you exactly how to make your website work for you (even while you sleep!).

Time-Based Notes:

0:29 What New & How Oh My Hi Can Help

4:13 10 Ways Users are Leveraging Their Oh My Hi Sites

5:22 #1 Collecting Leads

7:25 #2 Creating a Hub for Their Team

8:55 #3 Blog Posts10:45 #4 Payment Option Page

13:00 #5 Scroll Party

15:10 #6 Digital Hub

16:08 #7 Email Automation (Plus Users)

18:43 #8 Product Reviews

20:23 #9 Sharing How They Support Their Team

21:50 #10 Crafting a Professional First Impression

24:06 Closing Thoughts & Event Invites

28:35 Sponsor Message 

Show sponsored by CinchShare: The number one most trusted social media scheduling tool for direct sellers. Start your 60 day trial today with coupon code KEYBOARD60 and spend less time posting and more time socializing!

Get the full show notes at https://moderndirectseller.com/episode232