Jessica R., TCS Consultant
“This life is short; I see it daily,” says Jessica R., single mom and Touchstone Crystal Consultant. “It is so important to have women in your life you can count on. I want to be that safe place for other women – to encourage them and support them.”
Jessica was an easy choice to feature in our celebration of women – because she goes beyond helping women sparkle through jewelry. She literally saves lives as a firefighter and EMT.
Often working 14-hour shifts, “there are things that happen that you can’t unsee,” she says. “But if I can hold somebody’s hand when they’re scared or give someone a second chance at life, that’s what inspires … that’s what keeps me going. That and my kids, who mean the world to me.”
As they grow, her four children, ages 6-18, are learning some important lessons from their mom. “As a woman and a single mother, I see firsthand how much harder it can be to get out there and achieve goals that others might not have faith in,” Jessica explains.
“I was left with nothing and had to start over with my little tribe – and I continue to move forward day by day. As long as you have the passion, drive, and determination, you can get through anything.
“I’ve also been blessed with the help and constant support of my partner on the fire dept. and my best friend, Maureen. I am the mom, friend, woman, and firefighter I am today because of her. This world is in need of strong women to lead and be there for each other. I want to pay it forward and be there for others – like Moe is there for me.”
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Tatiana D., TCS Consultant
Tatiana D, a professional dancer in NYC since the age of 18, has performed with celebrities like Rihanna, Jennifer Hudson, and Ludacris, and toured with Lil Kim and others. Today, this Touchstone Crystal Consultant and mom of two lives in Atlanta, works full time as an HR recruiter, teaches dance part-time to young girls, and is pursuing her dream of opening her own dance studio.
She understands the importance of having strong women role models in life – her mother and grandmother taught her how to be strong, independent, and always true to yourself. Her teachers and mentors in her professional life taught her about presenting yourself well and the importance of hard work and leadership. And she is eager to pass these lessons on to all the girls and women she meets in her life.
“Growing up and being in the arts, girls were so competitive. It was a 'her or me' mentality – and that’s just the way it was. I fell into that as well, but as I’ve grown, I see that when women support other women along the way, we can all go so much further,” she explained. “Women are still up against so many walls … from jobs, to income equality to just being heard. I want my daughter to grow up in a world where those walls don’t exist anymore.”
With so much on her plate, why add a Touchstone Crystal business to her list? “I started Touchstone because I fell in love with the jewelry; but I love meeting all different kinds of women and making new friends,” she says. “It’s just one more way to help women feel great about themselves – whether it’s through sharing our sparkle or sharing this terrific business!”
Marcia P., TCS Consultant
I don’t know that I feel exceptional for battling cancer. I do know what it means to become stronger, tougher than I ever knew I could be. Cancer knocked me off my game; it beat me up. lt took me to the point of feeling like I could die, and sometimes I wanted to.
This is the raw and honest intro to a chapter authored by Marcia P. – just one of the many powerful chapters contributed by women, for women, in a new book of inspiring stories of strength and courage (to be published very soon).
After a mammogram in February 2012 gave her an “all clear,” Marcia noticed a definite change in her left breast. Thinking it was an infection, she was seen by a doctor and given more follow up tests. In October of that same year, she was told she had a rare form of Stage 3 breast cancer.
“In that short time, a tumor had grown, and the cancer was in my lymph nodes. I was 42, no breast cancer history in my family, it was unbelievable,” she said. And her journey was just beginning, enduring a double mastectomy, chemo, radiation, and reconstruction – and, eventually, a hysterectomy. “My body had been through so much … I was in a corporate job, got laid off, and couldn’t see myself going back there. I just wasn’t physically capable.”
Direct Sales helped Marcia find her passion – finally finding a home at Touchstone Crystal. “I don’t want to work full time any more, and I want to feel a sense of purpose in whatever I do. With my jewelry business, I have the best of both worlds – surrounded by a community that is so supportive.”
Today, Marcia is in remission – and enjoying the second chance she’s been given. She hopes that her story and her speaking engagements (“I’ll talk to any group who wants to listen.”) will deliver a message of education (“pay attention to your body”), hope and perseverance.
Her simple message: Live a life you love. And start now.
