Single Mom Avoids Bankruptcy
Single mom avoids bankruptcy and becomes one of the most successful women in the industry
Collette Larsen plans to take each of her grandchildren on a personal adventure of their choosing-whether it's an African safari or Paris in the spring. "I'd much rather create memories than buy things," she says. "We are a family that does rather than has."
Ten years ago, Collette could not have imagined being able to do something so extravagant for her family. When she started her USANA business in 1994, the single mother of five faced a mountain of medical bills and needed to work at home to care for her children.
USANA Opportunity
Collette initially became interested in USANA not as a businesswoman, but as a mother. Her two youngest daughters, Lexi and Sharlie, were critically ill with the degenerative disease Cystic Fibrosis (CF). Lexi had recently undergone a double lung transplant and, because of complications, was in a medically induced coma. Doctors had discussed putting Sharlie on the transplant list as well. With her attention on her daughters, Collette needed to look at extra income solutions. "That is the day I decided to do USANA as a business," she recalls.
Today, Collette leads Larsen Global Alliance which has expanded to include much of Collette's family. In 2001, Collette, Sharlie, and her sons, Zachary and Dax, formed an internal family team to help build the organization. "I'm truly happier than I've ever been in my entire life," Collette says. "I've got brothers, sisters, and children who are my best friends and partners." Collette has also been building a solid international business in Korea. "I've spent a lot of time in Korea the past year, and it's a very positive and exciting experience for me, and I've met many new friends. I think I'm the first person in Korea to teach them the concept of in-home meetings," she laughs.
Business and family are not Collette's only motivations. Her seemingly limitless energy is spent on a myriad of interests. She swims, takes classes in gourmet cooking and flower arranging, spends time at the beach, and reads avidly, with every other book being "mind expanding."
But fundraising as a member of the board of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is the interest closest to Collette's heart. After losing her daughter Lexi to CF in 1995, Collette remains hopeful that more advanced treatment options will be dis-covered, and that someday CF will stand for "cure found." "We're determined to help find a cure for Sharlie and now for little Ben [Collette's grandson]," she says.
In the meantime, Collette intends to continue searching for inspiration in her life and creating priceless memories with her family. She has two more grandchildren on the way, and has also taken time to have a personal relationship. "I've been dating a wonderful man for the past year, and it's been a long time since I've taken the time to do that," she claims. Her dreams have come true through USANA, and Collette attributes her success to setting high goals for herself. "A dream that's too big is just the right size."
What's Your Dream?
Find Out Why NY Times Best Selling Author Robert G. Allen Joined!
Collette Larsen plans to take each of her grandchildren on a personal adventure of their choosing-whether it's an African safari or Paris in the spring. "I'd much rather create memories than buy things," she says. "We are a family that does rather than has."
Ten years ago, Collette could not have imagined being able to do something so extravagant for her family. When she started her USANA business in 1994, the single mother of five faced a mountain of medical bills and needed to work at home to care for her children.
USANA Opportunity
Collette initially became interested in USANA not as a businesswoman, but as a mother. Her two youngest daughters, Lexi and Sharlie, were critically ill with the degenerative disease Cystic Fibrosis (CF). Lexi had recently undergone a double lung transplant and, because of complications, was in a medically induced coma. Doctors had discussed putting Sharlie on the transplant list as well. With her attention on her daughters, Collette needed to look at extra income solutions. "That is the day I decided to do USANA as a business," she recalls.
Today, Collette leads Larsen Global Alliance which has expanded to include much of Collette's family. In 2001, Collette, Sharlie, and her sons, Zachary and Dax, formed an internal family team to help build the organization. "I'm truly happier than I've ever been in my entire life," Collette says. "I've got brothers, sisters, and children who are my best friends and partners." Collette has also been building a solid international business in Korea. "I've spent a lot of time in Korea the past year, and it's a very positive and exciting experience for me, and I've met many new friends. I think I'm the first person in Korea to teach them the concept of in-home meetings," she laughs.
Business and family are not Collette's only motivations. Her seemingly limitless energy is spent on a myriad of interests. She swims, takes classes in gourmet cooking and flower arranging, spends time at the beach, and reads avidly, with every other book being "mind expanding."
But fundraising as a member of the board of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is the interest closest to Collette's heart. After losing her daughter Lexi to CF in 1995, Collette remains hopeful that more advanced treatment options will be dis-covered, and that someday CF will stand for "cure found." "We're determined to help find a cure for Sharlie and now for little Ben [Collette's grandson]," she says.
In the meantime, Collette intends to continue searching for inspiration in her life and creating priceless memories with her family. She has two more grandchildren on the way, and has also taken time to have a personal relationship. "I've been dating a wonderful man for the past year, and it's been a long time since I've taken the time to do that," she claims. Her dreams have come true through USANA, and Collette attributes her success to setting high goals for herself. "A dream that's too big is just the right size."
What's Your Dream?
Find Out Why NY Times Best Selling Author Robert G. Allen Joined!
posted by Brenda' Trek at
5:23 PM
