For the last three years I've earned the Founders Circle Retreat and it has been the pinnacle of my Stampin' Up! career.  When I'm asked 'why is it so special', I'm quick to respond "because of the people".  I love and appreciate the nightly pillow gifts, the make & takes, the food and the accommodations but the friendships are the absolute best part! 

My fellow demonstrators have helped me build my business by freely sharing ideas and by encouraging me.   They are more than 'top demonstrators', they are my friends.  

This group picture is very special to me.  About 2 months ago I shared my 'crazy idea' to have matching t-shirts for the PJ Party/Swap night.  Thanks to a stamping sister, Tamra Davis, who has an Etsy store where she creates customized products, that crazy idea came through!  She designed and created the t-shirts for anyone who wanted one.  Who said crazy ideas don't pan out?!

 My second favorite part of the Founders Circle Retreat is our trip to the Knab, Utah manufacturing facility. The Knab facility eagerly readies for our visit. They take us on a tour of the facility where get to see how cardstock is cut and packaged, how ink pads are made and how stamps are manufactured.  They day is topped off by the most incredible BBQ.  Fellow demonstrator, Lyssa Zwolanek, organized a group effort to put together goodie bags as a thank you to the Knab employees.  Lyssa assigned groups to bring specific items and together we spent several hours filling the bags and making tags.  Tamra Davis created a custom banner for Knab visit and everyone signed it.  We truly are grateful for our Knab manufacturing facility. Without them, there would be no stamps, ink pads or cardstock.  

 The Founders Circle Retreat era has come to an end but the friendships that have been formed are forever strong.

 My heart is filled with gratitude because I would have never earned this trip without YOU!