Story time

My story

In September 2015 I was invited to attend an Usborne facebook party by a friend of a friend. I bought about £20 of books from her event. I was then invited to another friend’s Usborne online book party, where I had loads of fun running around my house playing treasure hunt games, lucky dips and bought even more books. At the end of the party, she placed a post advertising the benefits of joining as an Organiser, to which I replied asking for more information.

My son was almost 2 years old at this point. I’d spent the last 9 months back at work (3 days per week), and dabbling in photography but I still didn’t feel like I had a sense of purpose, a sense of self-worth, I felt bad that I wasn’t doing more to contribute to family finances, plus I was spending quite a lot of money on books!

When my friend replied, she was filled with enthusiasm for Usborne Books at Home and Schools. She explained how it all worked and the benefits. Everything she told me sounded just what I wanted:
• a hobby that I could work around my other work commitments and family
• a way of getting Jacob books without having to pay full price for them. I could even get them free if I hosted events online from my living room!
• No targets
• My own boss
• Only for £28 (as I joined at a time they were running an offer).

Just over a year on, I have achieved so much – not just financially, but personally too. My confidence is through the roof, through all the events I have arranged and challenges I’ve set myself! Plus I have a new love of reading – something that I never had growing up.

I realise now the importance of reading. I truly believe that the reason our son is able to communicate so well is down to the books that we have read to him since he was born. But in addition to that, I love how the books we read him fuel his imaginative play. Whether I’m in the back garden or at the park, I put my inhibitions to one-side and play like a 9 year old. This is something that’s happened since Usborne. People often ask me if I’m a teacher, or I should be a children’s entertainer. Actually, I just love being a kid at heart because it makes me happy. In addition to this, there’s nothing better than snuggling up with a book and having that one to one time totally focused on them. This is my ultimate reason for selling books – I want as many children as possible to experience this feeling.

Spreading happiness. That’s my reason. What’s yours?