Seven years ago, Martha Wertz, a holistic practitioner, was invited by Carl Janicek, a Young Living Gold, to attend a class on essential oils. She was impressed enough by Carl and Young Living that she ordered an Essential 7 Kit and the essential oil blends of Valor and Abundance.

Martha used the essential oils for some time before she realized their power. She said, "It really hit me several months later when I realized that I hadn't taken my children to the doctor. I have seven children, four of whom were adopted through foster care with special needs and frequent doctor visits. Then the light bulb went on. We didn't get the flu, we weren't sick anymore." Martha said that it sometimes takes time before coming to a realization about the effectiveness of Young Living essential oils. She said, "Sometimes it's not a lightning bolt. You hear about many incredible stories with Young Living oils and almost instantaneous results, but sometimes it is only after using the oils for a while that you suddenly notice that they are working." Continuing, she said, "I feel secure with the oils. When I hear about the next flu bug going around, I do not get worried."

Martha added, "At first, I did not realize the business opportunity with Young Living. Then I noticed that teachers would come into my classroom daily and ask what oil they could use for their personal or emotional support. About this same time, my little ones started crying and locking themselves in the closet so they wouldn't have to go to daycare. I found myself falling asleep in the middle of a sentence or even when standing up. My life was so hectic that my only quiet moments with my husband were on the phone. When I looked at everything that was going on, I knew a shift must occur.

"My desire was to stay home with my children. I loved my job as a teacher, but I loved my children more and desired to be home to raise them. I decided it was time to start building my Young Living business. I started with my fellow teachers. Carl Janicek came in and taught a class focused on the science of essential oils. The response was great. I learned how important it is to adapt your presentation to your audience."

Martha's advice on building a successful young Living business starts with having a plan. "First, you must educate yourself, and then educate your team," she said. "I really understand the benefit of a team. We all support each other. Working together, we can accomplish much more than we can separately. You must use all of the tools available from Young Living. I love to listen to the tapes in my car. I call it 'Automobile University.' In addition, you must attend as many of the meetings and trainings as possible. The conventions are also wonderful."

Martha said, "I love the oils. I eat, breathe, wear, share and even dream about these oils, they are in every part of my life. My children even learned their colors by sorting the labels on the Young Living bottles!" Expressing her joy at the changes she has seen in her life, Martha said, "Today I am a full time Young Living distributor earning more than I would with my teaching job. I love to travel, teach and train for the company, and most importantly, I am raising my own children. My life has gone from ordinary to extraordinary by using Young Living's transformational products."

Elaborating on her thoughts, Martha said, "Life is a treasure hunt. Your journey to discover who you are and what you are doing here is illuminated by clues in the form of gold nuggets. Young Living is one of my gold nuggets. Every day I choose to enlighten, educate and empower two or more people on the benefits of Young Living. I tell people we are healing the planet, one breath at a time."

Reprinted with permission of Young Living, Lehi, UT 84043
Essential Edge magazine

Donna Kern's good friend, Kathy Farmer (a YL Diamond), introduced her to Young Living ten years ago (1994). Donna said, "Kathy and I were very good friends. She called and told me she had found something she thought I would be interested in. At first, I did not see a reason to get involved with essential oils. Then Kathy mentioned that they could help people with emotional problems." Donna was very interested in helping people with emotional issues. She said, "I decided to test the oils. Once I tried them, I was hooked."

Donna had become involved in studying herbs and alternative medicine because her daughter was having serious problems with a pregnancy. She said, "I wanted to help my daughter any way I could. I figured there had to be something outside of traditional medicine that would help strengthen her body." Donna said, "After we discovered Young Living, we used the oils with my daughter and grandchildren with great success."

According to Donna, her life really changed when she attended an executive conference in 1995 at Gary and Mary Young's home. She said, "I cannot tell you how much fun it was to be with Gary and Mary and the other enthusiastic Young Living leaders. This was my first experience hearing Gary and Mary. It was absolutely wonderful and it lit a fire under me to share my new knowledge with the world."

She also had the fabulous opportunity of traveling to Turkey and attending a university where Gary Young was teaching classes on essential oils. Donna said, "I went to Turkey for two weeks with several Young Living distributors including Kathy Farmer, Rita Anderson and Julie Ferguson, to hear Gary teach. It was so exciting to sit in a university class along with Turkish students and learn from a master teacher. Gary taught in English and then his message was interpreted into Turkish." After the classes the Young Living group traveled through the area with several students acting as interpreters. They also had a bonus of spending a week in Israel and Egypt with Gary and Mary Young.

"My personal Young Living success formula comes from working with great people and helping others," Donna said. "I believe education is the key to having a successful Young Living Essential Oils business. Knowing how the oils work is very important." Donna has always enjoyed learning and added, "I have always been a seeker of knowledge." She also stated that it is very important to support the people in your organization. Donna said, "Supporting everyone in your organization is the only way to build a successful business. You cannot do it alone. Network Marketing is a people business. You build friendships." She added that attending Young Living classes, conferences, conventions and trainings is the best way to gain an "essential education."

Donna said, "My advice to new distributors is to use their upline for support and then pass that support on to their downline. The people in your organization must know that they are not alone and that they have someone to help them." She also stressed that when you talk to new people, they always ask what the oils are doing for you. Donna said, "New distributors do better if they use the oils first and then share their personal experiences."

She continued, "I have met so many wonderful people through Young Living. The products are miraculous, and the people in Young Living are the best. I have met people who have enriched my life and will be my friends forever."

Reprinted with permission of Young Living, Lehi, UT 84043
Essential Edge magazine

Mario Starace had a powerful first impression of Young Living's essential oils. He said, "I was at a yoga meditation meeting in New York when Pat Crosby put some White Angelica essential oil blend under my nose. It had an amazing effect on me. I had an experience that was similar to an altered state of consciousness I occasionally encounter during meditation. I was astonished. I had to find out more."

Mario has worked in the social services field for more than 20 years. He said, "I have worked as an intensive case manager for a mental health organization. I have also done rehabilitation counseling." In addition, he is a Reiki master. Mario said, "I think that due to my Reiki training, meditation and yoga, I was immediately taken by the energetics of the oils." Mario began using Young Living essential oils in his Reiki practice.

Mario began seeing wonderful results from using the oils with his patients. But it was not until his first Level One training that he decided to build his own Young Living business. He said, "After my first Level One training with Gary Young in Scottsdale, Arizona, I was impressed by the power of the Raindrop Technique and Gary's awesome depth of knowledge concerning essential oils. I came home from that meeting totally empowered and had a desire to get out and share Young Living with as many people as possible."

In the past Mario had not wanted to participate in network marketing. "But the integrity of Young Living, especially the personal integrity of Gary and Mary Young, made me take another look," he said. "Then I discovered that all of the Young Living products are enhanced by the power of the essential oils. Based on integrity and products that really work, Young Living is a unique network marketing company."

Mario's personal success formula is based on his desire to share the oils from his heart. He said, "I believe I have an obligation to let people know about Young Living essential oils and their wonderful properties. When you know about the oils, you feel a responsibility to share that knowledge with others."

He continued, "Building a successful Young Living business is not a hard process. I tell people to just use the oils and never let one day pass without telling someone new about them. That is all there is to it. Make one contact every day. Just one. If people will do that, by the end of a year they will have a great business."

Mario added, "I am so humbled to be part of Gary's mission and his dream of empowering people to take care of their health. I shared the Essential 7 Kit with a colleague. This is the Young Living ripple effect that is spreading throughout the world, and I feel grateful to be a part of it. I am so proud to help Gary and Young Living bring health and wellness to our planet."

Reprinted with permission of Young Living, Lehi, UT 84043
Essential Edge magazine

Eldon and Nancy Knittle became associated with Young Living at its beginning. Nancy said, "We started Young Living in the late 1980s. Actually, it was not even officially Young Living then. At that time, Gary Young had just started teaching seminars about essential oils." Nancy continued, "Eldon first met Gary at a hotel where he was lecturing."

Eldon added, "I was attending a self-help seminar in the same hotel where Gary was lecturing. I was walking down the hallway of the hotel and met a friend who told me that she was attending a lecture by Gary Young. It sounded interesting, so I went along. During a break in the lecture, a woman fainted just outside the door to the seminar. I was trained in reflexology and several other healing modalities, so I started helping her. Meanwhile someone told Gary about the unconscious woman. He came immediately. When I saw Gary, something clicked. It was one of those experiences where the person you have just met immediately seems like a dear friend. From that moment on, we have been close friends."

Nancy said, "We were both attracted to Young Living because of Gary and his vast knowledge of essential oils. We had been working with nutritional supplements for years, and it seemed like everyone we were working with had reached a health plateau. With Young Living products, everyone moved above the plateau and reached a new level of health. Like Eldon, I sensed there was something very special about Gary. We both believed in his vision and mission right from the start. As the years have passed, we have seen Gary accomplish his dreams and bring his goals to fruition."

Nancy advises new distributors not to get overwhelmed by the huge number of products Young Living offers. She said, "We recommend that they start simply with several products they need most and build from there. As they use the products and have wonderful experiences, they will be ready to begin to share with others."

Eldon has had the opportunity to help Gary harvest the Idaho Balsam Fir at the Young Living farm located about 35 miles south of the Canadian border near Bonner's Ferry. Eldon said, "Gary called me and invited me to come and help with the Idaho Balsam Fir harvest. I was thrilled to go. I love spending time with Gary because he is so generous with his knowledge and I always learn so much."

He continued, "I take every possible opportunity to be around Gary and Mary Young. I have even been Gary's squire during jousting tournaments. We have traveled with Gary to France and Egypt. In fact, I was privileged to accompany Gary on one of his early trips to France. Young Living offers so many great opportunities-opportunities to gain greater physical, emotional, spiritual and financial health."

Speaking about the value of using Young Living products with animals, Eldon said, "Let me tell you about Boomer, our little miracle dog. Boomer was paralyzed. We took him to a veterinarian and he told us our dog needed immediate spinal surgery. I didn't want to put my little dog through that kind of stress, so I took Boomer home and gave him Young Living products and massaged him with the essential oils. In only four days, Boomer was walking a little, and in a month the dog was almost back to normal."
Nancy said, "Gary and Mary Young are just like family to us. In fact, all of Young Living is family to us."

Eldon added, "I have such a high regard for Gary Young. He is my hero. We are so blessed by being associated with Gary and Mary Young and everyone at Young Living."

Reprinted with permission of Young Living, Lehi, UT 84043
Essential Edge magazine

Marcy Smith introduced Emily Laurel to Young Living about six years ago. Emily said, "I had used various essential oils before and found that they really didn't do anything for me. So when I was approached by Marcy, I wasn't really interested." However, Marcy was passionate about Young Living's essential oils and persisted. Judy related, "I was attending a Whole Life Expo conference in Austin, Texas, where Marcy lived, and she invited me to stay at her home. While I was there, she brought out her Feelings Kit and invited me to try some oils." Emily was so impressed by the oils that she helped Marcy organize an essential oils class in Houston.

"I told Marcy that I would organize a class for her if she would come over and teach it. She agreed and that is how we began," said Emily. Many of the people who attended the class joined Young Living, and each of them bought a Feelings Kit. "Marcy taught that class about once a month for a year, and that was the foundation for my Young Living business. Several of the first people to attend Marcy's class are now my top leaders."

One of the people Emily met through Marcy was Judy DeRuvo, who has since purchased the Kirlian camera equipment mentioned by Dr. Sabina Devita at the last Young Living convention. Emily said, "The Kirlian camera gives people a realistic picture of what is happening in their energy fields, and it helps them monitor their progress. The system also does some interesting correlations that show the person's stress levels, energy fields and chakras system. And it diagrams the energy field in a visual representation based on nonlinear fractal analysis."

Expressing her thoughts on business building, Emily said, "Distributors really need to find their own method and develop their own style. What works for one person may not work for another. Be persistent and never give up."

Emily has developed a distributor follow-up program that has been very successful. "My follow-up program is similar to one Teri Williams designed. I call it 'The Young Living Vibrant Health Nutrition Program.' It is based on a partnership commitment with new distributors that requires them to use Autoship for the six-month program. The Vibrant Health Nutrition Program is focused on the Young Living products Vitagreen, Berry Young Juice, Detoxzyme and CortiStop. I tell new distributors that they can change their lives with this program. It happened for me, and it can happen for them, too.

"Frank Burns emphasized that you have to constantly invest in your business. I always have made it a point to provide as much support as I can for my people. I have trusted my heart and have given my people what I would want for myself," said Emily.

Emily believes that one of the essential keys to building a Young Living business is establishing communication. She said, "You have to have great communication. One of the best ways to communicate today is through email. It is time for people who are not using computers to start using computers. Times are changing and those who do not change with the times will be left behind. Email is a wonderful tool that is extremely cost effective. It will help people's Young Living businesses grow more than almost anything else.

"People need to take initiative to move forward and embrace the future," said Emily. "It is time for people to step out in faith and be a contributor. To grow, people have to be willing to learn new things."

Reprinted with permission of Young Living, Lehi, UT 84043
Essential Edge magazine

Karen Balistreri, a new Regional Trainer (2003), experienced Young Living products for the first time while visiting a health spa in California. When she returned to her home in Milwaukee, she met Mary Hardy, a YL distributor who approached her about the products and opportunity. Since Karen had already experienced the oils at the spa-and loved them-she was excited to find someone who could help her get more.

"I immediately ordered an Essential 7 Kit," said Karen. "I was thrilled when it arrived, but at that time there was not a lot of support material on the use of essential oils. It is so much better now. Young Living has taken a giant leap forward with all of the informative materials they now provide for distributors."

Karen's early experience with the oils paved the way for continued use. "As I applied the oils, I noticed certain things. I found that the more I used them and experimented, the more they taught me. I was already into herbs in a big way. I had a minor degree in herbology and had been studying with Hanna Kroger and Dr. John Christopher. After I was introduced to essential oils, I listened to several aromatherapy teachers, but was not interested in the approach they took. So I decided to study essential oils for myself. As I learned more, I started to teach a class about essential oils once a month. People would ask questions, and I would help them as much as I could. We all learned together."

Karen decided to formalize her personal investigation of essential oils by seeking aromatherapy certification. She said, "After a couple of years I took an aromatherapy certification class at the Pacific Institute of Aromatherapy. The school gave me a good understanding of the basics, but Gary Young has taught me far more than anyone else about essential oils."

Karen's personal success formula is based on sharing from the heart and caring about people. She said, "Every chance I get-I share. I let people experience the oils and then help them if they wish. I do not do big marketing things, I just let people come to me. My business actually happened by itself. I tell my new distributors to use Autoship and experience as many different products as possible. For the first three months, new distributors should focus on one specific area they would like to improve on. It takes at least three months for the oils to really have an impact. Sometimes the oils will have an instant effect, but usually you have to keep with it for a while to really see the benefits."

Reprinted with permission of Young Living, Lehi, UT 84043
Essential Edge magazine

Carolyn Cummings took an early retirement from a General Motors corporate position in the finance department after working there for 35 years. She said, "Taking an early retirement was something I had looked forward to, but unfortunately I discovered that the typical corporation does not provide enough of a retirement to really live on."

It was at this time that Carolyn's friend, Elaine Finster, introduced her to Young Living. "Elaine contacted me and said that she knew about a meeting she thought I would be interested in," said Carolyn. "I attended the meeting and heard Gary Young speak for the first time. And that was it. I immediately recognized the incredible value of therapeutic-grade essential oils. I was also very impressed with the sincerity and honesty of Gary and Mary Young. I knew in my heart that Young Living was something wonderful, and I wanted to be a part of it."

Carolyn said, "I had been searching for natural health remedies for a long time. When I saw the almost immediate results of Young Living therapeutic-grade essential oils, it was an answer to prayers. It was amazing to see something so powerful and so natural working to benefit our family."

Her personal success story is a simple one. Carolyn said, "My success is based on sharing Young Living products with everybody. It is simple, but it works." She also advises distributors to do at least two or three meetings a month. "You have to set goals for yourself. It is important to educate your organization and keep your associates up to date on things going on in the company. It is so important to share the wealth of knowledge that is provided by Young Living. Everyone in your downline needs to be current on Young Living's new products and oils, including the new uses of the oils and all the new research that is being done."

Since attending this year's Annual Grand Convention, Carolyn has noticed that the excitement in the field for animal applications has been incredible. She said, "Everyone is so excited about the wonderful applications the essential oils have for animals. It is really booming."

Speaking about Young Living as a company, Carolyn said, "I am totally amazed at how Young Living has not only grown, but also grown up. I have seen so many great changes over the years. The high quality of the essential oils has not changed, but the marketing has improved dramatically."

Sharing her advice to new distributors, she said, "My advice is to use the oils. New people need to try as many of the essential oils as they can. Until we try Young Living products, we will not realize the amazing power they contain. Once people try Young Living pure therapeutic-grade essential oils, they will have their own testimony of their effectiveness. And then they will get excited.

"Longevity is such an important topic today that everyone is trying to develop new products," Carolyn said. "But Young Living has the real stuff. I am now over 60 years old. When you get as old as I am, you start to look around and ask yourself-where am I and where did the years go? Young Living has given me and many other people the knowledge that we can improve our bodies, minds, and spirituality through the products, and that we can be around another 40 or 50 years. Now, instead of just sitting around and worrying about being on the downhill swing of life, we can be excited for the future."

Carolyn added, "At my age, it is incredible that with the proper use of Young Living products I can still have half of my life ahead of me. Thank you, Young Living!"

Reprinted with permission of Young Living, Lehi, UT 84043
Essential Edge magazine

Debra Fisher was introduced to Young Living therapeutic-grade essential oils almost two years ago. However, it took her more than a year to get her copy of the Missing Link tape by Gary Young out of her "to-do" pile and seriously consider it. "Last October I finally listened to the tape," says Debra. "I was skeptical because I had already spent a fortune on so many health 'miracles.' But I thought I had better give it a try because, unlike so many other things I had tried, this made sense."

A working mother with four children, Debra also had a paper route at night. "I was exhausted, getting an average of only six hours of sleep a night, split into five hours before the paper route and one hour upon returning." Her lack of sleep compounded her failing health. "My back hurt all the time and I had a limited range of motion in my neck. I went to a chiropractor two times a week. I had arthritis in my hands and the beginning stages of carpal tunnel syndrome. I was also depressed. I couldn't concentrate. My children would often comment about the mad look I wore on my face most of the time."

Fortunately, Debra started using Young Living products. "Since using Young Living essential oils, my life has changed dramatically. I have not been to the chiropractor for six months, and I seldom experience back pain now. I love Valor and PanAway. My range of motion is much better. The swelling and stiffness in my hands are gone, as well as the sharp pains in my wrists. As a result of using Joy, I don't lie around depressed anymore. My sleep, although I still don't get any more than I did before, is more restful due to Lavender, and most days I don't get tired until bedtime. My mind is clear and focused. I have goals again. Best of all, my kids now ask me why I am smiling so much."

Young Living essential oils have also helped Debra's children. "My eight-year-old son has been on a dozen or more different medications. All these medications seemed to work for a while, but soon the levels either needed to be raised or the medications were changed altogether, not to mention the awful side effects. I started using essential oils on him and right away I saw positive results. Some of the oils I have used are Peace & Calming, Lavender (he won't go to bed without it), Joy, Frankincense, Sandalwood, Cedarwood and Vetiver.

"I previously had a massage therapy business, and since I discovered Young Living essential oils, I now plan to re-open it and offer the oils as an addition to massage. Young Living is definitely a different kind of company from any other I have been involved with. Not only have they offered me an opportunity to help my family and myself, but I can help others and make some money in the process. These products sell themselves."

Reprinted with permission of Young Living, Lehi, UT 84043
Essential Edge magazine

"I suggest that runners carry a small bottle of lavender essential oil or a small spray bottle of LavaDerm^TM Cooling Mist while they run. In case of a fall, spray LavaDerm or lavender essential oil directly on the affected area to soothe."

Julia Ferguson heard about Young Living through her long time friend, Rita Anderson. "Rita told me about Gary Young," said Julia, "and sent me tickets to go to Denver to hear him speak."

Julia attended the meeting and was very impressed when she heard Gary Young. "I was so impressed with his high standards and integrity that I signed up immediately and bought an Essential 7 Kit." Julia had a passion for alternative medicine that helped her appreciate Young Living. "I had been studying alternative medicine for about 22 years. When I heard Gary speak, what he said made perfect sense and seemed to expand upon all that I already knew."

Since becoming a Young Living distributor, Julia has had many wonderful experiences with essential oils. "My son was going into Marine boot camp and had some serious foot problems. I helped him with the oils, and within three days his feet were fine."

Julia says that, although she has had many incredible experiences with the oils, she always encourages new distributors to use them and find out about them for themselves. "New distributors need to concentrate on becoming familiar with Young Living and as many of the products as possible. They must use the oils. If they use Young Living products faithfully, they will have their own experiences.

"Young Living will have a powerful impact on anyone's life who is open and willing to give the products a try," says Julia. "Young Living has helped me become empowered emotionally, physically and financially."

Julia advises new distributors to develop a relationship with their uplines. "A good upline will give people the boost they need, especially in those times of challenge when everyone could use a little extra push." Julia also supports continuing education. "Learn as much as possible. Read all the Young Living reference materials and digest them. Be completely familiar with Young Living." Training is important as well. "Go to the Young Living trainings and meetings. This is very important."

Julia loves people. "I love to keep in touch with people. I love to do meetings and one-on-ones. I believe in using quality time to help people understand about Young Living and all of its wonderful products. The power of Young Living therapeutic-grade essential oils is amazing."

She continues, "People need to be open to life. They should not be afraid to experience new things. Young Living can enhance lives in so many ways. It can benefit people physically, emotionally, spiritually and financially. It can add so much, making people's lives more complete. I firmly believe that Young Living will make a vast difference in anyone's life.

"Young Living is the first thing in my life that I have never had to apologize for. I can speak about it without fear. I am so convinced that it can help people on all levels. I have done things I have never been able to do before. I can share Young Living to my dearest and closest friends without worry because I know it will work for everyone. I completely believe in Young Living and its products."

Reprinted with permission of Young Living, Lehi, UT 84043
Essential Edge magazine