MLM HORROR STORIES #25 | Herbalife rep stealing money, faking a luxury lifestyle at the top

#hannahalonzo #antimlm #mlmhorrorstories
MLM HORROR STORY SUBMISSIONS: Please email me at [e-mail] and put "MLM Horror Story" in the title.
(I really appreciate stories that are broken up into paragraphs, that have punctuation, and are proof-read! I will not feature stories that are too difficult or time consuming for me to read due to errors)
If you love this content, please considering joining with a channel membership for additional perks!
/ @hannahalonzo
CHAPTERS:
0:00 Intro
1:22 Story 1
14:22 Story 2
21:08 Story 3
27:23 Story 4
36:03 Story 5
48:00 Story 6
51:46 Story 7
LET'S CONNECT!
Instagram: @thehannahthaler / thehannahthaler
Merch: www.hannahalonzo.com
Amazon Storefront: www.amazon.com/shop/hannahalonzo
Shopping Links (Shop my Posts): shopltk.com/explore/HannahAlonzo
Poshmark app: @hannahscloset12 poshmark.com/closet/hannahscl...
MY FAVORITE ANTI-MLM CREATORS:
@CC Suarez
@Savannah Marie
@jessicahickson
@Deanna Mims
@Isabella Lanter
@savywritesbooks
SOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO:
Erin Bies' Channel: / erinbies
Liberty League Article: www.courthousenews.com/libert...
VIDEOS/PLAYLISTS MENTIONED
The Downfall of Monat: • THE DOWNFALL OF MONAT ...
Anti-MLM Playlist: • ANTI-MLM
Poshmark Tips Playlist: • POSHMARK
MLM TOP FAILS SUBMISSIONS:
1. Screen record the video or screenshot the photo you wish to submit. Don't worry about cropping out usernames or blurring faces, I do all of this with my editing software
2. Upload the content to your Google Drive
3. Right click on the content you uploaded, click "share" and type in my email [e-mail] to share access with me
THANK YOU!
FAIR USE DISCLAIMER: Copyright Disclaimer - under Section 107 of the copyright act of 1976, allowance is made for fair use for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. All faces will be blurred to protect privacy. all photos and videos were originally posted publicly on social media platforms. All opinions in this video are my own.
FTC DISCLAIMER: Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning that I get a small commission when you make a purchase using them. This does not affect you as the customer, but does help to support me!

[@kkspoons7523]

I'm currently "in" a mlm. I've been watching your videos and now I'm trying to get out. Thank you.

[@haleytruslow7200]

I’m glad you’re seeing the light!! Good luck.

[@kkspoons7523]

Me too! Thank you!

[@mol7825]

Good luck girl, rooting for you 💗

[@kkspoons7523]

I appreciate that, thank you 😊

[@lannawolf1864]

Good luck! This is a great place to be. Definitely have your bases covered! Maybe even ask some of these channels that have BEEN in them also for advice on getting out?

[@haleytruslow7200]

Hey Hannah, I’m the one who wrote in about my mom climbing to the top of liberty league. I can absolutely say for certain that having her as a mother- and having a mother who worked 24/7- skewed my perception of what is normal. I used to think that kids whose moms made them breakfast and helped them with homework were just spoiled and coddled. Now I know that that is just normal parenting. On a side note, I ended up becoming a teacher so that I could be a support system for kids like me- kids who didn’t have an adult they could trust at home. I know you’re a teacher too so it’s a cool connection :) I work with parent education programs now. I teach a 13 week parenting course that is usually court ordered for parents who have a case open with DCF. The detrimental affects of having my mom as my mom were pervasive. The MLM didn’t make her a bad person, but the structure of an MLM is perfect for a narcissist to climb to the top. They get narcissistic supply from everyone underneath them. She was practically worshipped at Liberty League. Anyway, thank you so much for sharing! I can’t get enough of your videos ❤️

[@Michelle-zz7no]

Thank you for all you do to help your students and to help parents!! God bless!! ❤️

[@pattipeters9861]

I am so glad you’re doing well! Keep up the good work!

[@brookekivi]

Your story was so important to hear. It’ll only be more so as this new generation of kids growing up with a top MLM parent(s) and kids of family KZbinrs come to age. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[@Dank951]

You are a kind human being and I hope that you get everything you seek, want, and desire in life. RESPECT!

[@judyyougotthis]

I’m sorry you had such a rough start, but so glad you made it through and are able to help others in tough spots…you’re an inspiration! 💗💗💗

[@MeganLar]

I hate it when your lonely and want a friend and someone askes you out for a coffee and they spew a mlm all over you. It's so disappointing

[@user-gd2xx3fh3d]

☕️🤗 I'll be your friend.

[@gabrielle4152]

That's soul crushing, I'm sorry. Try to internalize the fact that it reflects badly on them, not on you. What shameful tactics...

[@jilliank4157]

It's surprising there's so few horror stories for children of MLM parents. I have never sent mine in because my trauma brain can't remember the details enough. I do remember having stock piles of Amway laundry detergent, but no food in the fridge. I do remember the awkward presentations in the living room that no one was interested in. Most of all I remember the embarrassment because even me ages 11-15 knew Amway wasn't normal.

[@FullMoonOctober]

I'm actually pretty concerned about that, myself. Maybe the brainwashing took, or something happened to prevent them from speaking out. Scary to think about.

[@jilliank4157]

@@FullMoonOctober my family was very focused on keeping secrets and not "tattling" as are many families of dysfunction, you carry it into adulthood. My 4 siblings wouldn't dare speak publicly the way I do about our experience with Amway.

[@lemonywater2979]

I'm very sorry. Seems like a really really awful living situation to have been in.

[@lauraellen189]

The poor girl with depression was actually a victim of child abuse even if it was unintended by the mother.

[@tobypossum7386]

Yeah, that mother was absolutely abusive. It's good that the girl isn't around her anymore

[@avriljane1152]

That story made me cry! Awful

[@manifestationsofasort]

That DoTerra story is horrifying and infuriating. In my (very unprofessional) opinion, taking a child out of therapy and off of meds in favor of oils, as well as telling traumatic stories to people they don't know and telling them to a room of random people, is abuse.

[@priscilalondon]

Exactly. That’s abuse. I hate it when people make excuses for abusive mothers as if they were innocent bystanders brainwashed and victimized. No. The mother knows that she was lying to shill her MLM. She chose to use her daughter for her own benefit. That is psychopathic behavior.

[@huntasoup]

Yes, and taking someone off their psych meds cold turkey is a very dangerous thing to do.

[@briancrawford8751]

@@priscilalondon I agree. I don't like it that Hannah acted like the woman was totally under the control of that MLM. She certainly had primary responsibility for what she did, and it was criminal behavior. Taking the girl off her meds was stupid and delusional and misguided, but as soon as she used the girl for personal financial gain, it was clear to me it was criminal.

[@raven4090]

I was thinking it was abuse as well, and was relieved that the girl got out of that situation and got proper treatment.

[@carolsummers8734]

The mom bought in to the supposed power of the oils without any medical and pharmaceutical education. The danger of the cult the mom bought into.

[@msmagsmn]

I also love when Zeke is like 'Ok, it's time for me to be a part of things ' 😄

[@Neverquitsworkin1962]

Yes, my cat wants to know why there's another one on my computer making noise. That's her job.

[@rubigee4397]

I just love whenever someone’s being called out on their shitty behavior, they go for “I’m going through something right now!” to avoid taking accountability!!

[@kristyrussell1748]

Hannah's channel blowing up! So proud of you girl! Good thing I got in early 😂😂

[@cuckoophendula8211]

Lol, I felt the same way when I subbed maybe 2 months ago xD

[@msmagsmn]

Hahaha, GROUND FLOOR OPPORTUNITY!! 😂😂😂

[@lmsutton09]

😂😂😂

[@patriciamccool5243]

😂😂😂

[@adriennemiranda7956]

It's awesome 😊 so fast

[@sunnyscott4876]

OMG......I have my own story..I actually ran into a "hun" in the wild yesterday. I was stunned. Never happened ever before. I was bored so I went to Hobby Lobby and Five Below just to wander around and kill some time. A lady at the cash register wearing a purple sweatshirt had some very pretty matching amethyst looking stretchy bracelets. They really looked nice and asked her if she made them (since we were so close to Hobby Lobby). She said "Oh no, I sell them. I am a Paprazzi consultant." I made a hasty retreat to my car. before she could get another word in. My very first encounter with a live MLM representative in the wild. I felt like I had dodged a bullet. !!! 🤯🤯🤯🤯

[@meganrasey4377]

BETTING ON ZERO is a documentary about Herbalife. I think it is here on KZbin.

[@wplants9793]

Oooh I want to watch that one

[@justinkelsey9218]

@@wplants9793 the ending is sad it just goes to show that coin operated politics control our society more than the obligation to do the right thing for the good fo the people. They got a $200,000 fine and a butt chewing from the FTC when they should be in prison.

[@KitKat10281]

I was scammed by Herbalife back around 2000-2002ish 😢 I lost SO much money! 😔 still bitter to this day about it!

[@meaganmorris5687]

This may sound odd but I have awful anxiety and there are several KZbinrs that I watch because I am calmed by their voice and content, you are one of those people for sure. You have informative and interesting videos and the tone and friendliness in your voice truly helps when I feel overwhelmed. Thank you for what you do!

[@kelseyholtz2213]

Same. ❤️

[@sophiebla9195]

Hope you get better 💖

[@DoraSometimes]

I'm glad you found something to cope with your anxiety. I sincerely wish you all the best. I know how tough it can be...

[@justinkelsey9218]

Same

[@catsnchem8130]

Same here! This might be my second or third time watching this exact video as she is currently on maternity leave.

[@solisinvictus4238]

Fun fact: my first introduction to Herbalife was in a homeless woman shelter in LA, they had somehow convicted a bunch of desperate women to buy and the shelter itself had a huge Herbalife banner and machine in the cafeteria. The cafeteria staff would occasionally give us unsold shakes in the morning...I had no Idea what it was until recently

[@FullMoonOctober]

Well that sounds predatory as hell--which is exactly the sort of thing an MLM would do.

[@maryeckel9682]

That is DISGUSTING

[@Anna-Rose-]

Hmm, was the shelter getting a kickback or something. Or is that normal...

[@annacobb1140]

Woooah. My whole brain exploded just now. Talk about a marginalized group of people. I wonder how wide spread this is especially in abuse shelters and what have you. I imagine in the right hands an "in" could be big business. So so sad

[@BlancaPerdomo]

Herbalife has a document where it breaks down the nutrition shop. The reps aren’t the owners (that’s not surprising). The reps take a class/course before being allowed to open up a store. The reps are the ones who take out the loans in order to do so. The way the reps are paid is PER CUSTOMER not hourly. Let’s say there are two “employees” working that day. Sally can only served one customer and not the next one cause it’s Peter’s turn to do so. The way they get around not being regulated is b/c Herbalife doesn’t allow it’s reps call their shops: cafes, restaurants or anything related to the food industry. They don’t promote via having Herbalife all over the store because they know everyone would be cut off. Hope this helps Hannah 🥰

[@CattyTomfoolery]

I see them come through at my job as merchants and plenty of them call themselves a cafe. Nutrition cafe.

[@jamiemiesler322]

I’m actually shocked that Herbal life is still around. I thought it died a slow death a long time ago but I guess not?

[@kellyinCT09]

They aren't supposed to do a lot of things...things much worse than their names and yet Herbalife allows it.

[@valid_sound_and_furious961]

You're very generous toward people who push MLMs, and I think there's a lot of grace in that....but I think sometimes we're letting people off the hook when we shouldn't. Especially the people who are really successful in these schemes, like ... they have to know, right? They do the scam too well to not know what they're doing. They may be victims, but they're also perpetrators, and the one doesn't excuse the other.

[@rebekahjimenez2808]

I don't know if that's true, except for maybe those at the very top. I think that most of them probably have the idea that since they were able to climb the ranks and make money, everyone under them should be able to do the same.

[@ReadAndThrift]

They tried opening one of those “nutrition clubs” in my small town of 500 people. It lasted a whole 5 months before they had to close. The worst part of it is that they took over what was an awesome ice cream place for years! So disappointing!

[@hailyjohnson407]

There's one in my city that has been around for a couple of years. As much as I'm anti-MLM, it took me until a few weeks ago to realize it was an Herbalife shop because they always do dine-to-donate events with sororities and fraternities on campus which made it seem more legit to me since the other companies that do those are Chick-fil-A and Panda Express and sometimes Panera, as well as some local pizza joints. It wasn't until Iilluminaughtii's video a week or two ago about the nutrition shops and said that the first sign is any store with a name "nutrition" in it, and I was scrolling through Instagram stories while watching, and I saw a dine-to-donate flyer from a fraternity at this shop which is called "5th St Nutrition." Then I dug into the shop more and realized "holy shit, this is an Herbalife shop getting college kids to spend money there when they think their money is just supporting a local business and philanthropy."

[@marissa3910]

There are so many between San antonio and New braunfels tx. People are so blind to them its ridiculous

[@lisalothian6412]

One just opened in my small town. I wonder how long it will last. My friend unknowingly went there and had horrible stomach cramping and D from the “smoothie”!

[@Emily-lq5mp]

The fact that Monat seems to be going downhill is so fascinating to me, a girl that was in my sorority is very high up in the company (top

[@kellyinCT09]

I am interested to know where that whole story ends up!

[@lowdown2256]

It’s giving… RBgals 🥴🥴🥴💀💀💀 If it is.. what she’s doing is SO wrong. Taking her whole downline into another MLM, while she climbs the ranks and promises wealth to everyone under her.. dumbster fire 2.0

[@CinnamonTroll8U]

Your cats make the cutest little noises and I love them 🥺💖 Even their meows are trills instead of normal meows 😂 if you ever do a quick stress relief segment or something at some point during a video, I vote for a cat intermission!! (Like when Julia Adams MUA on KZbin does "brow intermissions" for people to watch while she does her brows and it's cute clips of her cats lol. Maybe something at the end though.) I just love your cats' random cameos 😂

[@akaneakane1969]

Story 2 omg, it is beyond disgusting that her life & death struggle would get used as a freaking stranger's sales pitch, and the lies about these crappy essential oils being a cure all delayed her getting the actual treatment she needed to boot. I'm so glad she managed to survive that & it's so horrible that cases like hers might still be happening bc of these mlms. Really living for the day they can get banned & shut down for good, please I am manifesting 🙏

[@LostStarzOfTheSky]

That old man listening in to this random mlm pitch and trying desperately to save op is a hero

[@AdrienneMcGuire]

Yes to longer stories!!! I listen to you as I fall asleep at night. Always interesting but also relaxing for some reason!!!

[@MustAvoidScurvy]

17:00 Dear Hannah, years ago, my mom took me to a Bach Flowers "therapist" instead of a medical professional to treat my rampant depression and SH. So, unfortunately, that stupid choice making are not only happening in MLM's :( We need to break the stigma associated with mental health and REAL treatment.

[@evilphimie]

My mother did the same thing to me when I struggled with severe depression and undiagnosed c-PTSD. It was a nightmare

[@MustAvoidScurvy]

@@evilphimie I hope you are better now ♥️ Sending you a big hug

[@ColoradoLJ]

Oh my heart aches hearing about the mom forcing her child to use oils to cure trauma and chemical imbalances. I’m so glad you are alive and living a healthier life with the right kind of help. 💕 I picture my mom answering my own cries for help with anxiety differently. I want to scream at the top of my lungs. Knowing there are young people out there not getting actual help to these very dark and heavy issues, but rather being used as pawns in the capitalist game of being in an MLMs is disgusting 💔

[@tjreadsalot]

I love that you called it a chemical imbalance, it really helps people pause and be like oh, yeah, and be more accepting of conditions such as anxiety and depression which have such unwarranted stigmas attached to them

[@SoccerBallerina8]

Yes Hannah, you are SO right about saying people join MLMs for discounted products and to make a little side cash, not knowing what an MLM actually is or what it requires. That's what happened to me! I was in Beachbody and I liked the workouts and products and got results, so I wanted to encourage others to start exercising too, and possibly make some side money. But that was definitely not how it worked lol. Also, the last story where she said, "your grandmother is probably rolling in her grave so fast that the centripetal acceleration would reach the speed of light" had me dying 😂😂 I LOVED that person's story-telling and verbiage and I'm SO proud of her for telling the other people it was a scam and helping them leave too!! 🙌 That was so awesome.

[@karenthebeekeeper5442]

I’m a retired tax accountant. Whenever I heard “I’m working for cash” or “I’m paying my employees cash” I would see so many red flags, I could hardly stand it. Employers don’t realize their liability exposure and employees don’t realize how much risk they are taking. It’s all fine between both parties until something bad happens. Not being covered for injury or unemployment benefits and not to paying their own taxes (if reporting income) are just two huge issues. I’ve had clients turned in to the IRS for paying employees as subcontractors. It gets pretty ugly. If they walk and talk like an employee, they probably are. Thank you for all the MLM exposure.

[@cheyc666]

I'm a tax accountant too and I've had similar experiences. I'm so fascinated with these "businesses" and the people that get swindled. Thank you for this comment.

[@windyacresfarm1122]

Man herbalife....they hit my school hard and all of the teachers got wrapped up in it. I'm so glad I said no

[@daniiiakasha4711]

Wow teachers are supposed to be smart.

[@hannahanderson2776]

Not the worst part of the DoTerra story, but a chance to talk with another teen struggling with depression could have been such a good thing for her! The fact that it was a lie is horrendous.

[@TiffWaffles]

And what is even more horrific is the fact that the mother told HER trauma in order to sell her products. That is disgusting...

[@deecawford]

I am so grateful to know that her father was able to help her. Never underestimate the power of a daddy. My heart hurt for her at the part where she had to tell her story to a room of strangers. Mostly it bothered me because she thought she was going to speak with someone one on one .

[@osteophagus]

Agreed, she was so excited to be able to talk to a peer in the same situation and then to find out it was a lie...so glad she got out and is doing better.

[@2022Coopersmom]

doTERRA sellers are never supposed to give medical advice. doTERRA seemed very cultish as far as oils were the solution for everything.

[@naomifrost5767]

My mom is an aromatherapist so has always believed in essential oils but even she is horrified at how doterra tells people to use oils, especially how they tell people to take the oils internally. So dangerous and so bad for your essential gut microbes.

[@natalieclausel6334]

The second story BROKE my heart. I’m SO GLAD that person is still here to tell their story, although it is clearly a very traumatic one.

[@tarajh]

Round of applause for the old guy at the bar! Good looking out, dude 👏🏻

[@pvanpelt1]

When Zeke meowed I was looking away from the screen and thought it was one of our three, and automatically meowed back lol 😹

[@viviantong6396]

my heart goes out to the writer of the second story! I am on anxiety and depression medication and probably will be for the rest of my life I'm so proud of them for sharing their story and for fighting the good fight

[@whoseeuro121]

Yikes that second story hit a chord with me as someone with ongoing mental health struggles. The oil and supplement MLM companies make me so mad !!!

[@mol7825]

So happy for Peter who is cancer free!! And my heart goes out to the person who told the doterra story. MLMs can be so dangerous and damaging.

[@vickypalacios2519]

I love how ur cat communicates w you !! Yall must have such a tight bond ! Love that (: & thank you so so much for sharing these stories, spreading awareness and always being so graceful w it !

[@brokenmikki14]

Hey Hannah, this is a little short to send is as a horror story, however it’s horrific none the less. My fathers a veteran and had a physical-checkup at the VA hospital about two months ago. He came home with a strong recommendation FROM HIS DOCTOR to start beach body and specifically shakeology. Thankfully he mentioned it to me, and I told him what the company was, showed him comparable HONEST companies to choose from, and expressed how concerning it was that his doctor was pushing this on him.

[@AvadenSV]

6:58 Thank you for recognizing and using the term “excommunication” in this instance of MLM termination. It fits perfectly.

[@meganbrinkman1882]

Oh my god that second story. My skin is literally crawling from that mother taking her kid off depression meds

[@brookenjonas]

I have sweats, chills, and I poop waaaaay too much if I don’t take mine antidepressants for a couple of days and I’m sure that mom stopped giving her kid the meds cold turkey.

[@huntasoup]

@@brookenjonas yes... you cannot go off psych meds cold turkey. Some people die from it or get serious consequences for a long, long time when they do (especially benzos). It's truly dangerous. My heart breaks for that person. 😓

[@brookenjonas]

@@huntasoup me too😞

[@h20martha1]

Love your videos!!! I want to make anti- MLM videos in Spanish. It needs to be done. These MLMs target Latinas and latinos like crazy! You are my inspiration! 😘

[@cutandgo]

Yes please do. I have noticed this and I don't even speak Spanish.

[@KitKat10281]

In the several MLMs I've been hooked into over the years, most of them have had very few Latinx distributors and we're ALWAYS trying to tell us to target Latinx communities because "they're an untapped market" (sooo condescendingly, too!) 😢

[@aureliagold1222]

Why most MLMs are US-based: "I was really tempted because I felt like a massive burden to my family because they had to pay a lot of money so I would not die of cancer."

[@melissamoonchild9216]

It's a dog eat dog world here

[@lexwithbub]

Also... Mormons.

[@Edriella]

Yea I am from central Europe and we also have MLMs here but I feel people are way harder to be pushed deeply into them.

[@lemonielala3080]

"the USA is a country full of temporarily embarrassed millionaires " Everyone believes they can (and SHOULD strive to) become a millionaire. In Europe we just kind of.... Settle. And chill.

[@gabrielle4152]

​@@EdriellaSome Americans get roped into MLMs to try to pay off their insane medical debts. This doesn't happen where free medical care exists.

[@camillabrandao_ads]

Hannah have you thought about investigating other kinds of scams as well? You are great at this, like a journalist. I would love to hear your opinions on some popular scams out there, like unqualified mindfullness coaches giving dangerous advice (and the whole coaching and mindset industry as well). Anyways, love your content!

[@KitKat10281]

Yesss! I had a "life coach" I went to for a while, looking for a legit trauma therapist, who I naively let take me for a nice little financial ride, that nearly led me to destroying my entire life! 😮 more deceptive practices there to investigate as well!

[@brookekivi]

“Grooming me.” Talk about saying the quiet parts out loud, Herbalife Eve. I can see how it sounded innocent at the time to the poster of this story, but knowing what we all know now about Herbalife that is some red flag language. eta: Apparently “grooming” for the business was the language those club reps were trained to use. Not one, but two times!

[@sunny30427]

I thought the same thing! 😆

[@melissamoonchild9216]

Lol seriously.

[@honeylis7]

If the person submitting the depression story is reading these comments.. You're special, you're valuable, I'm so happy you are still here with us!

[@user-wh5ir4fo4r]

I'd say the same about you. Thank you for taking the time to express support and compassion to that person. Even if they didn't see your post, I did, and was encouraged by it.

[@katefriend4085]

I sometimes watch these videos over breakfast, during which my adorable pet bunny will come hopping up to my chair and mill around or put his paws against my lap to ask for bites of peach from my breakfast. He was doing that this morning when he suddenly stopped, got very still, and started twitching his ears with concern. Then I realized your cat was hanging out w you at that moment, and that he was making noise that the mic was picking up! Hooray for pets that make their presence known!!

[@KitKat10281]

Omg that's so sweet and cute! I had a BEAUTIFUL and SWEET little black and white bunny rabbit 🐇 a few years ago, and I miss her SO much! She did the same kind of silly little things! ❤

[@cuckoophendula8211]

Man, while I always felt that my own story would be too uninteresting to share, the last 2 ones here kind of inspired me to share my own eventually (one for being caught while in a mentally vulnerable state, and the other for reminding me how my own story had a bit to do with the pressure of being a med school graduate). I guess I better get on top of this knowing how full Hannah's anti-MLM mailbox is now.

[@sulekhamane5653]

To the lady in the second story, I'm so sorry for what you went through, I'm so glad you got the right help. and no you did not trauma dump us. Thank you so much for spreading awareness. Again so sorry what you had to go through. Sending healing and prayers your way!

[@babyturkey8342]

I don't think you have any idea how happy your videos make me lol just the way you talk your voice is so soothing you just make me feel so calm. I hope that doesn't come off as weird I'm not trying to be weird I just really really enjoy listening to talk

[@KitKat10281]

It's not weird (to me, anyways!)! I feel the same way! ❤

[@missbriteyes22]

*Sees new Hannah content* *clicks off of MLM Fails #36 to watch new upload* 🤣

[@OurVisionOurStory]

I LOVE these. I've sent in my stories.. But one I forgot was very recent. My daughter is getting married in a Castle so I can't believe they allowed this! Anyway, they have a bridal show and she went and entered into a drawing. The next day she was contacted and told she won. She could invite twelve people and have a makeover party. My ears perked up and I was heartbroken that I had to pull her aside and tell her it was probably Mary Kay and it was a scam. She was super bumbed and called and canceled her "party" then had to tell her friends. Such a mean thing to do to people who are planning a stressful event and a relaxing party. Disgusting

[@KitKat10281]

I sold makeup through Younique for a while and then Senegence (LipSense), and one of their BIG schticks was "go to bridal expos" to promote both the product, plus the "opportunity" (to vulnerable young brides who want the influencer SAH lifestyle after marriage). They encouraged us to promote ourselves as "makeup artists" and try to get booked to do makeup for bridal parties/weddings! When I told my upline I wasn't comfortable with that, because although I have worn makeup for a long time and love to "play dress up" with my own makeup looks now and then, I'm FAR FROM being an actual "makeup artist," they belittled me and essentially mocked me - telling me to "develop my skills" by watching KZbin tutorials and stuff! 😮 it infuriated me! Like the whole culture was obsessed with the "fake it til you make it" idea! It felt and still feels SOOOO predatory and wrong! 😢

[@CarboneCat]

This is an interesting variety of horror stories that display how dangerous and awful MLMs are.

[@shawnb2354]

Yeah the 2nd story had me raging inside. Thank you for presenting that the way you did, such a horrific story.

[@autumngreen2579]

As a kid who grew up around this sort of thing, it affects you a lot. These moms turn around after and say horrible stuff about each other, and I remember how stressed out my aunties were trying to sell it, the house was not fun and I hated Avon with a passion.

[@Kelseyzj]

Story 3 is so powerful! You always have the best stories that show how toxic these companies are. A huge look behind the curtain!

[@ballistachicken]

The amount of laughter I produced at the "he was vigorously shaking his head no" line is just so much more than it probably should be lol

[@tazlinarhetoric4543]

Idk who needs to hear this, but don't worry about writing long stories. They are always super entertaining

[@Aalisrocklist]

I want to send a virtual big fat hug to the lady of the DoTerra horror story. 💗💗💗

[@angelac5954]

I would absolutely LOVE longer videos with horror stories. They’re truly my favorite! 💕🙏🏼

[@erinw8787]

Omg I just noticed your sub count ! You go girl! You are articulate , insightful, genuine , kind and interesting . You deserve all the subs xxx

[@Shoot4AlarmFire]

The depression story really got me. Like, more than I thought it would. For myself, I've chosen alternatives options for my issues and lithium for my bipolar, but no matter your treatment, it should be YOUR choice! To have someone take that away from you, for any reason, is so terrible and so unacceptable. It hurts me so much, because I know that feeling, that floundering in darkness and wishing you could either get out, or that you would go ahead and drown so you don't have to feel this way anymore. I am so glad that story teller got help and is doing better. It truly is a scary place to be, and especially as a minor with few choices.

[@chrisveshovski8025]

Hey Hannah - look up the documentary “betting on Zero” it’s about the scheme that is Herbalife - much like LulaRoe film. I’d love to see you do a review on that! Also, the Illumanaughty does an Herbalife KZbin video on these health clubs. The film “betting on Zero” is very fascinating in how these health clubs target that Latin community specifically.

[@timriehl1500]

Yes! Great idea; I would love to see her react to that doc; I saw it and it was awesome.

[@maryeckel9682]

I loved when she went undercover to the local shop.

[@DancewithBeni]

Yayyyy I was waiting for this! Liked it before watching.

[@meganrasey4377]

Same!

[@syreetabrown8801]

Zeke talking at you just killed me! Such a sweet boy!

[@kennedybartlett3358]

Hey Hannah, In reference to the first story. I have some info about Nutrition clubs as I live in the UK and my former (ex) best friend is now an owner of one of these “Nutrition Clubs”. I was in the background when she was setting her club up (I wasn’t part of the MLM). I do have some insight on how she avoids facing fines etc from Herbalife. Let me know if you’d like to hear about this 😀 I love these stories. Herbalife is my least favourite MLM as it’s huge in England now and too many vulnerable people are going to these clubs where it’s against most of the company’s regulations xx

[@helenr4300]

UK here too - I have not encountered clubs in UK what area are they in? Are they targeting certain areas maybe?

[@DM-pf5ly]

Everyone who hasn’t needs to watch Betting on Zero. Really gives a face to the people and communities that Herbalife has ruined.

[@AsterInDis]

This is probably one of the most adorable interactions with your kitties yet.

[@katiesmith5149]

These are unbelievable stories! Also thanks for not clipping out the parts where your cats participate. They’re a nice palette cleanser from the crappy MLM behavior.

[@journeywithrosie]

I’ve always been anti MLM, but after watching your videos I’m more against them than ever before! That doterra story was insane.

[@ilovemansl223]

While I really respect and admire your compassion about MLM reps as they are being victims themselves, that second story about DoTerra really left me messed up, I am literally in tears. I don't think I cried over watching any of your videos, although there was a lot of mess in others as well, I don't want to belittle any other issue you exposed. But this hits too close to home as I had my share of depression and other mental health issues. What happened there is extremely messed up and unacceptable. I have absolutely no words describing how glad I am for the person who sent you the story that they got out of this, I am really relieved that they are leading a happier life now.

[@alishap8036]

Miserable day of being sick and now I have a full Hour of story’s to watch ! Always making my day Hannah!

[@melissamoonchild9216]

MLMs are INCREDIBLY popular in Utah, where I am from. Culturally, (mormons) people have very big families here, and often times the mother stays at home. These stay at home moms are incredibly vulnerable to the MLM structure and mindset, not to mention these people network through church, so they all intrinsically trust each other. I've seen it all (we are the home of Doterra + young living) herbalife and beach body are also very popular. I'm hoping to educate fellow Utahns to the predatory nature of MLMs. Thanks for creating so much content to share with people.

[@KitKat10281]

I was big into the Senegence/LipSense MLM a few years ago, and it seemed like 90% of the huns in my upline were from Utah and like 99% of them were of a Mormon background! 😂 I always thought it was related! Thanks for clearing it up! ❤

[@aerynthe8499]

I love how you have your cat going "Mom! Mom!... Hey! Momma! Look at me!... Over here... Mom!" xD

[@anasaldana2028]

The documentary that opened my path to being anti mlm was “Betting On Zero.” I watched it back in 2016. If you haven’t watched it, it is a must, it explains the “store front” tactic that Herbal Life does.

[@California_Taylor]

I literally found you last week and am running out of new videos to watch! Absolutely love your content!!

[@peachhipgirl75]

Finally! Been looking forward to the latest horror stories! I binged all of the other ones on your playlist.

[@saradelrusso7790]

My mom got sucked into some essential oil company a few years ago too when her friend sold them. She bought me an essential oil “belly blend” that she claimed would help my IBS. I said thanks and kept it in my bathroom cabinet. I’ve never used it for my IBS but it does smell good and I’ve rubbed it on my wrists and neck for fragrance lol.

[@emmakatemedina]

Hey Hannah I got in on the ground floor of this channel membership, I see the channel is growing, when do I earn the free Hawaii trip??

[@maryeckel9682]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@kymfrancis4612]

I am a retired clinical psychologist & I have had an incredible career, I was always very available to my family & I always made them my priority; I dropped everything when my children & husband needed me. I’ve had many people along the way try to sign me up for their MLMs & I always pushed back (hard) against their attempts to co-opt me into their cults. I’ve only just found your channel & I love your sound, empathetic ascertainment of MLMs.

[@valentinabernal2416]

Yessss!!! Please do more horror stories. Thankyou so much. You just saved me from a MLM

[@jamg8483]

I really need to send my story in. My step dad was a narcissist pos who surprise was in MLMs. I remember hearing him scream and then plead to these people all day long. It was SUCH a toxic environment. I’ll have to send it in because it’s a completely different experience then any one I have ever heard.

[@h20martha1]

And congratulations on your Chanel blowing up! At the end of the year you will get to at least 300,000 I’m speaking it into existence 🙏🏻🙌🏻

[@Lisa85]

A girl I work with today brought in 30 (yes 30!) Herbalife teas in facility colors (teal/gray) I declined but somehow ended up with TWO on my desk. I didn't want to be impolite since I knew she paid for them out of pocket so I begrudgingly drank one. It left a film on my teeth - felt like I drank straight sweet&low 🤣 should have stuck to my standards, lol

[@taylorc3445]

I don’t know how this became my new comfort channel, but I can’t stop bingeing your videos! Thank you Hannah😊

[@melissamoonchild9216]

She has a nice demeanor, I agree the videos are relaxing

[@alexandrawilson-hodge2974]

Hey Hannah, Illuminaughti just did a video the other day on these nutrition clubs!! She even went into one and secretly filmed it. I think she answers a lot of your questions in the video she made! :)

[@HannahAlonzo]

Thanks for the recommendation!

[@brookenjonas]

@@HannahAlonzo it was such a good video but prepare for cringe!

[@VanessaChats]

@@HannahAlonzo found the video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZmmZmWNgNKnZtk

[@katrink5424]

I am very sorry for the person in the 2nd story 😟 this sounds so sad… I hope she is in a better place now and getting an appropriate treatment

[@ericamartin7334]

I love the longer videos! I’m 100% addicted to this channel

[@carinelsonfreeland]

I’m not sure if those who submit their stories read the comments, but just in case they do, I want to let the person who submitted their doTERRA story know: I am so very sorry this happened to you. You didn’t deserve that. I am so grateful that you found a way out of that extremely dangerous situation & I commend you for your bravery in sharing your story. The world is better with you in it! ❤

[@shannacleveland5434]

I went to the WA State Spring Fair yesterday and I saw a LuLaRoe booth set up where they have all of the small business booths. I immediately thought of you 😂

[@auggiedoggiesmommy1734]

Running a challenge like that has alarm bells ringing. States usually have regulations on ANY kind of lottery. And this story explains why.

[@littlelimax3739]

Your videos are the first place I heard about Southwestern Advantage. Last year, I had someone come to my house selling children's books. I assume now that's who he was with. I turned him down, but now I wish I had offered to call his parents or help him in some way.

[@Sewingistherapy]

One point that I thought of that I really haven't heard talked about. Even if all the claims of MLM's were true; if you could become a millionaire and such. I wouldn't want it if it meant I would have to live like that. If getting all these promises caused me to sacrifice all my friends and my family and made me see everyone as a dollar sign...I wouldn't want it. It wouldn't be worth it. Relationships are so important. As someone that has been pretty much cut out of all my siblings lives because I refuse to interact with my abusive parents anymore, it's so hard to not have the relationships. I can't imagine willingly giving that up for the sake of selling a product.

[@aliciamichelle955]

okay but I love your cat so much 😂

[@shannacleveland5434]

I just found your channel less than 2 weeks ago and I've been binging your MLM Horror Stories series every day. It's keeps my brain busy while I do chores. Keep up with the awesome work 😊

[@lauren.13]

I've started listening to your videos in the car while my boyfriend and I are driving somewhere. I swear with every MLM you name he will tell me about 2-3 girls from his high school he's seen selling it on Facebook. 😂

[@LSP_DuchessGummyBuns]

Along with whatever Herbalife credentials that one may need(not sure about that since I’ve never been with Herbalife) but I am pretty positive they would have to have a state business license, and be cleared to be ran as a food service place, and they would have to have routine/random health department inspections. Since they are preparing drinks which is a form of food service they’d definitely have to be approved by the state and if they didn’t don’t meet state health department standards they can be shut down like any non MLM business.

[@exploringwitherlin3115]

I watched The Illuminaughtii video on these Nutrition Clubs. Apparently these shops have been able to side step the food inspection and things like that by saying they give out “samples” only and don’t run like a traditional “food” establishment. It’s insane.

[@lannawolf1864]

@@exploringwitherlin3115 that's disgusting. I had no idea that's what these were when I was going to one years ago. It REALLY sucks to learn, because their shakes were SO GOOD.

[@brady_cll]

This is true. In our state they do have to follow health codes, get food handling licenses and have inspections.

[@Anna-Rose-]

Someone in the comments said they don't let the reps call the shop a _Cafe_ or anything food related like that so they can sidestep inspections.

[@smolexfundie6458]

Always nice to have a horror story video to listen to while folding laundry! Love the longer videos. Housework is my “quiet time” when no one bothers me so I like to drag it out lol! 😝

[@yeesintx7]

Same!

[@rt66vintage16]

And Hannah's lovely voice can be heard over the vacuum cleaner, lol.

[@monicamolina2221]

I died with your cutie kitty telling you and showing you about his tail. Such a treat in the horror stories

[@Bestie12345-o]

I absolutely adore you and your work! Would you consider doing a deep dive on the CEOs of MLMs? (the REAL CEOs obviously). The gender aspect of this whole system really fascinates me. Seems to me that male CEO intentionally figured out how target women who might not be so familiar with workers’ rights and labor laws. Women have been fighting since the 70s to “have it all,” the family, the job, the free time, and working class women still haven’t necessarily achieved that balance on a widespread level for many reasons. Seems like male CEOs are really preying on women’s desired to have it all and then somehow end up not paying them at all for their work??!! They are the real villains to me. I’d be so interested to hear your take on this because you’re always so thoughtful. 💕💕💕

[@aej92]

Oh my gosh I watch a lot of anti-mlm content but just realized that a nutrition shop near me is an Herbal Life shop! Me and my husband went there quite a few times and I had no clue and didn't see it promoted or anything in the shop.

[@maryeckel9682]

They're so sneaky! Why hide it if you have nothing to hide?

[@CarolinaSCraftsMakeupFood]

That last story! I immediately perked up because I have my MAE from UF and work there now, directly with students. We had a student “accept” and internship program from that same company, but due to the requirements of his program he was going to have to get permission to do that instead of taking certain courses that semester. We will fight for our students if the opportunity is a good one but as soon as we looked into it a little bit we told him no- trust me this is not an “internship” that you want or will benefit you in any way. He was upset he had to go back and “decline” after he had already “accepted” it but I’m glad he did not get sucked into that.

[@ytb695se]

I was in an MLM before, and I have been binging on your videos recently, especially from the "horror story playlist". I think I will send you my "horror story", as I have such experience.

[@jaclynscott4440]

Listening to Peter's story, we were going through HL diagnosis and treatment around the same time (I was also in college). But, I fell into the Jamberry MLM scheme. Didn't last long as I just didn't have much interest in trying to sell to friends and family, and was SUPER uncomfortable with pitching to strangers. I didn't last more than a month... didn't make any money. 7 years later (7.5 years into remission!), and totally into watching your videos, and so thankful for these stories (though so sorry to hear about the different experiences that everyone had to go through when in the cult, and trying to leave. It is heart-wrenching).