Create a Balanced Life

Gary always had a passion for music and entertaining others, but after years of dedicating himself to the industry, he realised he needed to find something that offered him a better life balance…

I started singing around the pubs and clubs at the age of eighteen. My mum helped me to get started by paying for my first PA system and managing me, and through this I built up an amazing career entertaining crowds under the name of Gary Marsden.

Over the years I’ve had the privilege of singing alongside some well-known artists like The Vengaboys, Lisa Scott-Lee from Steps and Alexandra Burke. I absolutely love singing and I'm also part of a duo called Fascination! I had dreams of becoming a pop star and of having a lifestyle like a rich and famous person, but, at the age of thirty-four, these dreams seemed less likely.

Alongside my music career, I worked as a presenter at my local bingo. For the past twelve years I've worked split shifts and my working pattern began to take its toll. Gigs and bingo took up most of my time, any kind of social life was rare, and I knew things were only going to continue unless something changed.

I came across Forever when I noticed one of my friends had achieved impressive results from completing the C9. I wanted to know more so got in touch with a friend of over fifteen years who I knew sold the product. After completing the programme I felt amazing and was very happy with the results. A few days later I received a message from Jo saying how great I'd be at the business – I didn't even know the business opportunity was available to me but after seeing the Business Presentation I was amazed! After much discussion, I realised that this opportunity would give me the chance to finally turn my dreams into reality.

I couldn't afford the Business Owner Box so my mum came to the rescue; she knew how passionate I was about it. I joined Forever and after two months I'd managed to recruit three people and not long after this I hit Supervisor. The feeling was amazing but I wouldn't have done it without the hard work and support of my team. Forever is now my focus and I can see a big future ahead. I know, hand on heart, that I will be successful and I urge anybody who is looking for change to pursue this amazing business; it could transform your life like it is mine.

"After completing the programme I felt amazing and was very happy with the results."

Ex-professional footballer Darren was on top of his game having played for premiership and championship team Blackburn Rovers (and other clubs) from the age of fourteen. However, when he was in his mid-twenties, an injury caused everything to change. His partner, Charlotte Hawes, shares his story…

Darren’s life was football, football, football. Every day was about working on his fitness, training and being healthy, and if he wasn’t on a football pitch or in the gym, he was on the golf course! Darren played with and against top players and he would visit and play in various countries – he was ‘living the dream’. But, in 2008, Darren suffered a snapped cruciate and problems with his knees, and although he is still playing local football, his professional career had to come to an end.

Darren was devastated as football was all he knew from such a young age. He had to have four knee operations and it was becoming a daily struggle for him to work and walk, never mind trying to play football!

Darren discovered Forever whilst working at a client’s house and soon realised, without knowing the details, that there was a very good opportunity available. Darren recommended the business to me as he knew I was at a crossroads – I had very little spare time and no work-life balance, and we instantly saw an opportunity to earn (in time) a substantial income alongside a flexible lifestyle.

We signed up and I currently play the lead role whilst Darren shares his product experiences and the opportunity to everyone he meets. So far the business has given us amazing friendships, it’s allowed us to set goals and get excited, and we can now start to build a career together and plan for a future we didn’t think was possible.

Darren and Charlotte on F15…

Darren found Forever's products to be of great benefit to him and he is now keen to use the products to help him get back to the level of fitness he was pre-injury. Darren and Charlotte are currently part-way through the F15 programme. Here is what they have to say:

“F15 is fantastic and having a programme to follow for diet and exercise is giving me the best chance to get in shape and stay in shape. My motivation to be at a high level of fitness is back and I will reach the goals I’ve set. Since starting the programme, I’ve started to see definition and I’ve lost some weight in the process. If you’re doing F15, don’t give up, dig in and get it done – the end goal is always worth it.” – Darren Dunning

“Being a keen sportsperson myself but having struggled to get back into a regular fitness regime, the structure of F15, along with the brilliant workout videos that Forever produced, has given me the kick and the support I needed to get back on track.” – Charlotte Hawes

Bethan wanted more from her working life but as a young mum she found it difficult to progress. Then she discovered Forever…

In 2011, at the age of twenty-one, I was a single mum to my little boy Tyler who was two years old, and I was working full-time for a large retail chain. I dropped out of college at nineteen when I became pregnant and two years later I was feeling like I hadn’t fulfilled my potential. Retail became something I was good at and even though I adored being a mum, I didn’t want to be just another young mum in the system.

There was never anything wrong with my life; I had great friends and family, and a job that paid a wage that paid my bills, but there was always something missing – I just didn’t know what! My bosses were amazing but working full-time had no flexibility for me as a mum with a young child, and I really struggled to pay for childcare costs. I was working for the pride of being able to say I was, but I had no money once everything was paid. I had no qualifications other than my GCSEs, and no real life experiences. Even if I did want to do something else, I didn’t know where to start, but that’s when Forever found me. I saw a chance to shineand earn a corporate income with full training and support, so I jumped.

For the past six years I have built a global business and a corporate income that surpasses anything I could have ever imagined. My Forever income has allowed me to privately educate my eldest, travel the world, drive dream cars, have our dream wedding, and it’s given us time to have two more children: Miles, one, and we have another on the way! I love being a stay-at-home mum, but I also love that I don't have to sacrifice a career to do that.

I have spent the last few years building myself up, something I know is invaluable, and although I have a lot of friends who are sceptical, once I talk people through the Marketing Plan and the stability of the company, even if it isn’t right for them, they seem to come around.

I started this business as a baby and have become someone I’m truly proud of. Forever will never just be a job for me, and the people I work with will never just be people I work with; Forever is my life, and I will always be passionate about sharing this opportunity.

"For the past six years I have built a global business and a corporate income that surpasses anything I could have ever imagined."

I came out of school with a D as my highest GCSE and I was incapable of committing to even one year of college. At sixteen I went straight into an office administration role, but I only lasted a week! I picked myself up and tried again and landed a customer service role. This time six months went by, but then I was in the same situation, booted out for the better of the company! This pattern lasted for the years that followed.

I have dyslexia, ADHD and I’ve suffered with depression for a number of years. I can articulate and hold a good conversation so I don’t often come across like someone diagnosed with dyslexia, but I've always struggled to stay on task. I get distracted easily and time slips through my fingers. Writing is difficult and takes me a long time, and to concentrate on something is really hard work for me. These things, along with terrible time-keeping and a worse attitude, put a strain on me progressing in life.

When I was twenty-two I decided I was better suited to self-employment. I entered a modelling competition and for the first time I knew what I wanted. I moved to London to pursue it properly and through the jobs I received I met some incredible people, gained great experience and it was something I could pick up when I wanted. Unfortunately I just didn’t have the drive to push myself so I ended up returning to the office. After a year and a half I had had enough; I was tired and underpaid and I was also slipping into deeper depression.

I went to Bethan as a shell of my former self. For the first time in three years I was ready to listen to her. I had no idea if I could do it and I lacked self-belief, but I had nothing to lose. I wanted to learn and see if the business could do all the things it promised.

The more I worked the business and developed myself as a person, the more obvious it became that I had to make some serious life choices. In the space of a week I left my relationship, my home, a mortgage, the city, attended a funeral, and I helped my Nan through depression. Forever became a focus away from everything else, and I put all my efforts into helping, advising and guiding my team. My upline’s advice and dedication to me and my team kept me strong and excited, and I absolutely adore where my life is headed. I chose to believe the impossible was possible and now I’m proud to say I’ve found something I can, and will, commit to.

FITNESS, FREEDOM AND FOREVER

After seventeen years in the military, Dewi Winkle from Ripon, North Yorkshire, took the decision to embark on a career in sport and event management. It was a difficult decision but, alongside working as a triathlon coach, he wanted to be involved in creating events that challenged people.

The last eleven years have seen him working in a variety of posts including roles at the Asian Games in Doha, working for British Triathlon, operating as an open water swim coach in the Caribbean and Mediterranean, and co-ordinating challenge events for a military charity. Eventually Dewi settled down in North Yorkshire with his partner Dawn where he manages The Wattbike Studio, trains triathletes and organises the annual iconic Scilly Swim Challenge on the Isles of Scilly. With a passion for motivating others and guiding people into a healthier lifestyle, it was perfect timing when he met Global F.I.T. Ambassador Mike Butterworth and his partner Lindsey Jackson…

Dewi says:

I recall Mike saying, “You come across as a personable and enthusiastic coach, might you be interested to learn about a business that might suit you?” Obviously I answered yes. I was really intrigued and excited; the business model, products and team-building hit a chord with me as I wanted to sell products that tied into my work at the studio. Forever’s products were perfect for my varied customers and the more I learned the better the opportunity seemed.

I’ve been in the business eighteen months now and I still ensure I achieve my 4CCs every month. I want to continue building my retail business and team, and I’ve recognised that the only barriers are the ones that I put up myself. I am really appreciative of having an opportunity that allows me to work when and where I want, at the pace I decide. Stepping out of my comfort zone has been essential, and I’ve come to realise that this will be a business that continues to educate me.

Living in the Yorkshire Dales, being surrounded by loyal people and deciding how I choose to work really suits me; having a job that allows me to improve people’s fitness, self-esteem and wellbeing has made me very grateful. There aren’t many jobs that allow you to give people a business, and that’s a real privilege – thank you Forever!

FOREVER BENEFITS OUR CHARITY

Heidi and Alan were introduced to Forever by an old friend Alan knew through his work in TV – comedian Dominic Holland! During a fundraising event for ‘The Lunchbowl Network’, a charity the couple helped start ten years ago, Dom spoke about his Forever business and introduced Heidi to Forever Aloe Vera Gel. Their business grew from here…

If I’m honest, at first I didn’t think the business was for me. I’d never sold anything before and since I was so busy with the charity, a couple of other small jobs, and four children, I didn’t think I had the time. However, my background is in research so my natural intrigue caused me to look further into the company, the products and the possibilities. I purchased the Business Owner Box and after a couple of months I really started to see Forever’s business potential.

Our sponsors didn’t know, but for a long while Alan and I had been praying for a new venture that we could run together. Alan works in TV sound and absolutely loves his job. He is very lucky, works on all the big shows and even went to Rio to work on The Last Leg and Paralympics. However, the older he gets, the more he wants to reduce his hours. Ideally he’d like to be selective about where and when he works, but until Forever, such a choice seemed unlikely. I also had a promising and well-paid TV career, but I had to give it all up as the unsociable hours and travel didn’t fit with the demands of a family. I also adore the work I do for The Lunchbowl Network – the charity cares for orphaned and vulnerable children in Kibera slum, and I raise awareness in UK schools and travel to the project in Nairobi – but this role is entirely voluntary. Lunchbowl will always be my passion, but I’ve always missed having a career. Forever has given me a second chance. I can now build and train a team of people, we have new travel opportunities, and we are excited about building our business globally.

Our team, ‘The Aloe-luias’ are lovely and we have made so many new friends. What’s really been amazing though is how our involvement in Forever has also benefitted The Lunchbowl Network. Many Forever Business Owners (FBOs) are now heavily involved with the charity and we have made friends with FBOs from Scotland, Scandinavia, Ireland and from various places in the UK – we can’t wait to meet them at Success Express and the global events! It hasn’t always been easy, but we have had the opportunity to plug into self-development and setting goals. Our focus now is all about our team and helping them to achieve Manager too – we can’t wait to see what 2017 brings.

A FUN-FILLED BUSINESS

Supervisor Grace Oyerinde’s journey started when her friend asked her if she would host a Forever product launch at her home…

I agreed as I was happy to support my friend, but I also liked that I wouldn’t have to lift a finger in preparation for the party – she offered to organise the catering and everything so that I could simply be a guest in my own home. To be honest though, I was also curious; my knowledge of the product range was very limited. I had only been introduced to Forever Bright Toothgel previously, so I was interested in learning a bit more.

We had a lot of fun that evening, sixteen people attended in total and I was impressed by how professional the team was at setting up and presenting the products. I was also struck by the integrity of the company – I loved that they offered a sixty-day money-back guarantee and that the aloe was organically-grown, pesticide-free and hand-harvested. I was also fascinated to learn about the nutritional ingredients contained within the products. I made the decision to buy the Business Owner Box as I wanted to benefit from the discount on future purchases. I was not interested in the business side of things – I had work and other commitments – I was just keen to get my discount!

Throughout the months that followed I naturally found myself talking to friends, family and colleagues about the products. I used all the products in the Business Owner Box, I went on and did the C9, and I purchased other products for personal use too. Friends and family wanted to know what I was doing and how was I doing it, and, five months later, I realised that my Forever business had taken off. Despite being a mother of three young children, holding two jobs as an accountant, and working other commitments such as teaching Sunday school, I was determined to give my business a real go. I held my first product launch, which was promptly followed by further presentations, and although not all were well attended, I quickly learnt that it wasn’t really about the volume of people, but engaging those who had a passion for the products.

The success I’ve seen so far has been down to my passion and the amazing support given by a Senior Manager in my upline, Celestina Egbor. I’m having so much fun hosting tea parties, doing table-top displays in my local community, and supporting my friends with their respective launches – I really have loved every minute!

"I was determined to give my business a real go"

FOREVER FITS AROUND YOU
Forever found Danielle Downey at a time when she was struggling financially. Her best friend gently spoke about it and left the Business Brochure on her table, and that's when Danielle began to wonder if it really was possible to earn extra around a busy job and six children...

The price of the Business Owner Box was a massive stumbling block for me, we just
didn't have the money. However, I decided I wanted to give it a go so I saved for two
months and, on payday (28th September 2014), I chose to buy the box rather than
some much needed tyres! I made my money back in the first month, plus an extra £150, and from that moment I never looked back.

Before Forever I was working as a domestic abuse advocate. I loved the job but the pay was not that good and I struggled to work it around six children and a husband who was often away on business.

I loved that I could fit my new Forever business into the nooks and crannies of my life. I’d listen to training in the car on my drive to work, and I’d start Forever-work every night once the children were settled in bed. It grew slowly, but as my business and income grew so did my confidence. I began to put myself forward to speak on webinars, and I studied hard to be the best mentor I could possibly be to my ever-growing team. I realised that the more I invested in others by helping them to achieve their goals, the more we all gained.

Ten months after starting my journey I waved goodbye to my job and started to work my Forever business full time.

Two months later I became a Manager and I’ve also been able to help many of my team reach their goals. I have made lifelong friends along the way and I love the
comradery and support given by everyone I meet. I take my children to school and
I’m usually the only crazy person shouting from the side-lines when my children play
sports on weekday afternoons. My son started private school in September, paid
for by my income, and I have been able to shed two stone through a weekly personal
training session. Forever has benefitted my family, my mindset, my health, my
confidence, my finances and my team, and I will remain forever grateful to Rex for
devising such a phenomenal opportunity.

"I loved that I could fit my new Forever business into the nooks and crannies of my life."

AN INSPIRING SUCCESS

Emma’s background is in holistic therapy and nutrition, and she even runs a successful spray tan business. She started her Forever business three years ago but didn’t take it seriously until 2015...

In 2010 my husband and I were in a car accident which resulted in me having major health problems. For three years I endured tests, MRI scans, and my health was under constant investigation. I was on morphine and a concoction of various drugs before they found I had osteoarthritis, facet joint disease and, after two years, they finally diagnosed me with ME. I spent most of my time in bed, pumped with pills and I thought I would never get better – it was an awful way to exist. Three years later, in September 2013, I started my Forever journey. I did the C9 and although I had great results I thought no more of it until April 2015. I had just returned from Thailand and I was sifting through holiday pictures when I realised I had seriously let myself go. My health was a mess, my life was a mess, and my mindset was horrendous. I am a mum of six beautiful kids – Cherry-Blossom, Sally-Cinnamon, Travis, Flower-Joan, River-Lennon Leaf and Thai-Star – so I knew I had to do something, and I knew I had to do it for my children.
I decided to do another C9 and the results were amazing. Camilla, my sponsor, encouraged me to share my results with the world and from this I sold many more C9. I felt amazing and I loved every minute of my journey; no-one could walk past me without knowing about aloe – I really was a walking product of the product. In March 2015 I attended a QLS weekend and I was so inspired that I walked away knowing I was going to get to Manager, and in the May, with help from my amazing team, I achieved that promotion. It’s not been easy and it’s a constant commitment, but I want to encourage those who are struggling to just keep going. Sometimes you have to look to those who believe in you and shadow
their belief – I couldn't have done it without the support I received from Ange Loughran and Camilla!
I am aiming to give my family a bigger home, but I also want to enjoy more free time with them to make up for those three years I lost. I’m deaf, have ADHD and I’m number dyslexic so it takes me ages to learn anything, but today I’m a true retailer and I’m proud to tell people that I love Forever.

"no-one could walk past me without knowing about aloe – I really was a walking product of the product."

PERSISTENCE PAYS OFF

I have been a multisport athlete for a number of years but in 2015 I suffered a serious injury that set me back by nearly eight months. During this time I had an operation that forced me into a sedentary lifestyle. I lost all fitness, put on over two stone in weight, and I was seriously unhealthy when Forever found me in June 2015…

Whilst in recovery I began to slowly build my business, develop relationships and learn more about the opportunity, but I was still in no position to drive or do anything active. I found myself in a serious rut: I had been made redundant from my job as a teacher, I was unable to do any serious manual work, and I was slowly drifting into depression. I had to do something so in October I set myself the challenge to get back to peak fitness within five months – I wanted to be ready in time for the Great British European Duathlon Championships in Kalkar, Germany. I threw myself into a rigorous regime of training and daily supplementation. I started with the C9 and then built on my fitness and weight loss by integrating products such as Forever Aloe Vera Gel, Argi+, Forever Lite Ultra and Forever Therm into my exercise schedule. As each month passed my fitness, strength and speed improved, my resting heart rate dropped, and my threshold capabilities developed. By the time the Team GB European Championships were in sight, I had increased my power averages on my bike by 30% and my average run paces were at a point I had never
reached before – even pre-injury! I went into the competition with less than six months’ training and I managed to come out with a bronze medal. When I arrived back in the UK I decided to give the National Standard Distance Duathlon Championship a go. I didn’t have long to train but I had Argi+, Forever Freedom and Forever Lite Ultra on my side and I managed to leave with a silver medal!

This business has also benefited me as a sport and triathlon coach; it’s been helpful having a base of products that uphold the same values – ethical, natural, healthy – and Forever is now an intrinsic part of my life. My athletes, clients and community have seen first-hand the transformation in my own health and fitness, and many of them have had similar (and often better) results. Being able to discuss my experience of the C9 and F.I.T. programme has been essential in forming relationships and supporting clients on their own journeys, but this is all just the beginning! In July next year I plan to work with Global F.I.T. Ambassador Mike Butterworth and undertake seven ironman triathlons in seven days, and I'll be utilising a whole range of Forever products to ensure success.

"Forever is now an intrinsic part of my life."

Forever Flexible by Lynne Fryer – Assistant Manager

I joined Forever when I learnt I could earn money from home by working flexibly around my daughter and my university course.

I’ve been a single parent since my daughter was born, and although I have a professional background in marketing, I was told I couldn’t return to work part time due to 'business requirements' – whatever that means! I fought the decision, and ultimately got nowhere, so I got another job. However, I quickly lost this when my daughter developed a lung condition and I had to take time off. For twelve months I found myself stuck in a pattern of starting new jobs and losing them for being 'unreliable'; eventually enough was enough.

I'd never been on benefits before but suddenly this was starting to look like the only (and better) option. Instead I decided to go to university to study. I figured I would only be hurting myself if I had to rush off to collect my daughter from nursery; by being at university I wouldn't have the pressure of letting employers down. However, I knew that when I finished for summer I would have to get a job again to see me through until September, but I was scared. Scared of letting people down and being spoken to like I wasn’t capable of doing my job.
When my friend told me about Forever, I had just been diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, which meant I was suffering with male-pattern baldness. I was intrigued by the products and started drinking the Aloe Vera Gel and I also did the C9.
I became so emotionally attached to these products that I knew I had to join. Since joining Forever I have made a lot more friends – my Forever family – and not only am I earning money, I can now fit work around my daughter, who is three, AND continue to study. My daughter will always be the most important thing to me, but my Forever business is a very close second – I've definitely got my sense of spirit back!

Never settle for second best by Kelly & Ben Colley – Soaring Managers

Kelly and Ben Colley lived a hectic, stressful and fear-filled lifestyle before they found Forever. Now they are stronger than ever and their business continues to soar...

Our background is in the NHS. I had been a paramedic for eighteen years and Ben had been in the ambulance service for ten. We only had three days off each month as a family, and times were hard. Although we earned a decent wage, we had no life and we missed having valuable time with our daughter, who was five years old at the time. It was evident that working twelve to fourteen-hour shifts, seven days a week, was taking its toll on us as a family.

We became deeply unhappy in our circumstances and I got to a point where I’d actually cry before going to work. We just couldn't see a way out. Then, in October 2013, when I was working solo in the rapid response car, I got assaulted at work for the second time that year. This time it scared me. I was pinned against a wall by my throat, and my shoulder was damaged as he ripped the emergency radio from my hand; I was terrified for my life, particularly when the man wouldn't let me leave the flat.
After this incident I took sick leave to have physio and it was during this time that I decided we needed to change our lives. It was December 2013 when Ben and I sat at our dining room table and tried to think of what else we could do. I hadn’t done anything else since leaving school so I was unsure of myself and my skills; how could I start something new?
Then, in January 2014, I saw an advert for the C9. Since I’m an avid dieter, I decided to buy the C9 from a stranger via Facebook, and I was so pleased with the results that I asked to look at the business opportunity as well. I met up with Katie Forbes – now my sponsor – and I decided to join the same day. Ben was very sceptical and had no interest for the first six weeks (in which time I progressed up to Supervisor). But I knew from day one that this was my way out of the ambulance service, and Ben’s negativity only drove me more. I made Assistant Manager in nine weeks and Manager in eleven; by this time he was 100% on board and supporting me in my new venture. I returned back to work in March 2014 but I was only back for two weeks when the person that assaulted me decided he would put in a complaint about me, claiming that I assaulted him. This was the final nail in the coffin. In October 2014 we both handed in our notices to focus on Forever full-time. This was the scariest thing we had ever done, but also the most exciting. We realised that this had to work for us so we put every single available minute into it, banishing the negativity we faced from family. Promotions and incentives were all written down and dated so we knew that they would be achieved, and sure enough we started to tick them off one by one. It’s definitely true that if you write goals down they will be achieved. Ben used to write daily affirmations in a journal and at first I thought he was mad – but it worked. We also had to carefully consider our time management by segregating our time and using it wisely.
Before Forever we were led to believe that life is about going to work for a set wage each month and spending more time in the office than with your family. But I’ve learnt you should never settle for second best. Now we are Soaring Managers and Senior Eagle Managers earning an income that we never believed possible. Instead we spend every minute of our time with our daughter – who is our world – and now we will never miss a single moment.