This month, Pilvi Pääkkönen reaches ten years in the business of Arctic Nutrition, which she found in October 2013 through her cousin.

At first, Pilvi had prejudices against the direct sales industry. She first rejected her cousin's proposal to build more income streams for herself alongside traditional entrepreneurship. However, the idea bothered her and after two weeks of reflection, she wanted to start testing the products. She wanted to show her cousin that the products don't work, but now after ten years, Pilvi couldn't imagine her life without Arctic products.

The everyday life of a sole proprietor, the hectic family life and long working days tired Pilvi

Pilvi had been working as a sole proprietor in the beauty industry for three years when Arctic was brought into her life. She had noticed that she wouldn't be able to reach her dreams with the means of traditional entrepreneurship. Pilvi had tried the direct sales industry when she was younger and saw how ordinary people managed to succeed and achieve their dreams. 

Even though Pilvi didn't believe in herself at first, she didn't dare to leave this card unturned. She acts as a great example for many and shows that even when feeling insecure, one can rise to become a successful team leader.

The best thing about direct sales industry is the freedom and self-development

When direct sales professionals are asked about the best aspects of the industry, the vast majority answers the freedom. The freedom to decide on your own schedules and work from anywhere. In order to be successful in the industry, you have to be ready to face challenges and grow as a person. Self-development is an integral part of trainings in the industry. These teachings are useful in everything in life.

– I have grown a lot as a person along the way, and therefore I feel I am a better version of myself for my children, my spouse and everyone close to me. I enjoy the freedom of working from anywhere. The monthly income stream has been a welcome addition to the entrepreneur's everyday life. Similarly, well-being and healthier energetic days are important for an entrepreneur, says Pilvi.

The most rewarding thing is to help people develop as team leaders

– The best thing is to see your own team members grow and develop as people and as team leaders. Seeing the development curve and the successes achieved during the journey brings a wonderful feeling of how much you can positively affect other people's lives, Pilvi rejoices.

Pilvi wants to help others succeed

Pilvi says that her goal for the next few years is to help 20 of her team members to have the opportunity to participate in the Director Club. At the same time, she wants to grow the business to more market areas.

– I want to make people realize that they have much more potential in themselves than they believe. Many people don't believe in themselves or their abilities and thus uselessly diminish their own strength. Consequently, they don't dare to seize the opportunities that life brings or give up too easily.

What is Director Club

Director Club is Arctic's management team, starting with those who have reached the Director level. Those who meet the conditions receive monthly leadership training. Members also get to travel with a group twice a year to hear about upcoming innovations and enjoy like-minded company in a wonderful environments.

Read Arctic Nutrition experiences in business.

Other interviews can be found here.