It started with a simple phone call. “Melissa, you don’t know me, but I was wondering if you would be open to having a look at a way of earning an additional income alongside what you are currently doing.”
I remember that day 25 years ago so clearly. Immediately, my mind lit up with excitement—Yes! But in the very same moment, doubt crept in. I bet it’s sales, I thought. She probably wants something from me. Maybe it’s some sort of scam.
But something about her tone, her sincerity, made me pause. I decided to listen, to hear her out. Maybe it wasn’t what I feared. Maybe—just maybe—it could be the opportunity I didn’t know I needed.
So, I agreed to meet. I was sceptical, of course. I had all these preconceived notions about sales and “opportunities.” But as I sat and listened, something started to shift. She wasn’t pushy or overbearing. Instead, she shared a vision—a way to improve not only my income but also my health and the lives of others.
I left that meeting with a mix of excitement and trepidation. It wasn’t just about earning extra income; it was about joining a mission. I decided to say yes. It was a small step, but looking back now, it was one of the biggest decisions of my life.
The Power of What If
I got home that evening, bursting with excitement, and told my husband all about it. He turned to me with a mix of disbelief and concern, saying, “Are you mad? Do you realize you’re going to have to go out and talk to people, make sales—and you don’t even really like people compared to animals?”
His words hit hard, but deep inside me, something stirred. What if?
What if it really was possible for me, too?
What if they really would train me and guide me every step of the way?
What if I actually did have what it takes, just like Ingrid said?
What if this was my chance to create the future I’d always dreamed of?
Suddenly, my dreams that had been tucked away for so long began to stir. What if I could finally afford to own a horse of my own, something I’d always imagined considering I was privileged enough to grow up riding horses? What if I could one day stay home with my future children instead of relying on daycare? For the first time in a long while, I felt truly excited.
I made a decision that day—a decision to believe. I chose to believe in the vision Ingrid painted for me, to learn everything I could about the NeoLife business, and to become a professional in the world of network marketing. Most importantly, I decided to never let excuses get in the way of my dreams.
Sacrifices and Milestones
The journey wasn’t easy. I missed weddings, social events, and even gave up a ticket to see Celine Dion when her concert fell on the same day as a NeoLife event. My family thought I was mad; some of my friends didn’t take my “little business” seriously.
But I knew what I wanted. My dream had evolved into my purpose, and I wasn’t going to let anything stop me.
Just a few years down the line, I was able to leave my 8-to-5 job at PricewaterhouseCoopers and focus on my NeoLife business full-time. I still remember my first bonus—R109—and how my first goal was simply to buy a few cushions for my sofa. It’s incredible to look back now and see how much has changed.
A Life Transformed
This business has truly transformed my life in ways I could never have imagined.
- Freedom to Be Present: First and foremost, NeoLife has allowed me to be there for my three beautiful children every step of the way. Money can’t buy the freedom to create those precious memories.
- Fulfilling Dreams: My two girls have had horses of their own, and I now have a precious horse of my own as well.
- Incredible Experiences: We’ve been blessed with amazing holidays to places like Abu Dhabi, Mauritius, and stunning local five-star destinations. These are memories we will cherish forever.
- Hope and Inspiration: Beyond the financial rewards, NeoLife has given us hope for the future. My children have grown up seeing that they can chase their own dreams, and that’s invaluable.
Abu Dhabi
Looking Ahead
Twenty-five years ago, a simple phone call changed the trajectory of my life. Today, I am deeply grateful for the life we’ve created. Through all its ups and downs, none of it would have been possible if I hadn’t had the courage to say yes to myself.
As I look to the future, my dreams feel brand new. They’ve grown beyond just my own aspirations—they’re now for the generations to come. My greatest hope is to inspire others, to show them that if I can do it, so can they.
No dream is too huge or too impossible if it’s your dream. It all starts with one step at a time and, when challenges arise, choosing yourself again and again.
