MLM HORROR STORIES #26 | Pitched 'It Works' in a drive thru, mass quantities of supplements

#hannahalonzo #antimlm #mlmhorrorstories
MLM HORROR STORY SUBMISSIONS: Please email me at [e-mail] and put "MLM Horror Story" in the title.
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CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
0:47 Story 1
11:26 Story 2
15:49 Story 3
26:36 Story 4
34:46 Story 5
43:59 Story 6
52:15 Story 7
MY FAVORITE ANTI-MLM CREATORS:
@CC Suarez
@Savannah Marie
@jessicahickson
@Deanna Mims
@Isabella Lanter
@savywritesbooks
VIDEOS/PLAYLISTS MENTIONED
Anti-MLM Playlist: • ANTI-MLM
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[@SarahJHug]

“Hey girl, wanna lose some weight? Get rid of that cellulite!” “Ma’am, this is a Starbucks.”

[@HannahAlonzo]

THE BEST COMMENT

[@SarahJHug]

@@HannahAlonzo glad you liked it 😂

[@Girlhead]

🤣🤣🤣

[@elanafelberg1733]

HAHAHAHHAHA!!!

[@heatherframpton9693]

😂

[@wewemcrhyne]

I had a conversation with my 21 year old daughter today. In the past, I have taught her to not go into debt and if someone tried to talk her into debt (credit cards, car debt, etc), the best way to stop the pitch for credit cards is to say “I don’t use credit cards.” So today I taught her to never get into a Ponzi scheme, pyramid scheme or MLM. We practiced her saying NO, full stop. No explaining, no niceties, no making excuses. Just “No.” And even better would be “I do not support MLMs,” which is what I have started saying. I’m not sure she’s ready to be that forward, but she is so sweet and compliant, that I felt I needed to teach her when to say no and mean it.

[@dangerouslypink2394]

My mom taught me to say “No, thanks” whenever a seller tries to approach me. It’s forward enough to get the point across but not as blunt. She also warned me not to stop to say that and to keep walking because they will do ANYTHING to keep you until you give in if you stop walking to talk.

[@sarawithoutanh8302]

This is great. I would also try to teach her how to sniff out MLMs and to never give any possible positive movement on anything without being told the company name and googling it. And that if anyone is cagey with this information then 🚩! You’re doing great!

[@sarawithoutanh8302]

Also, that someone from their past (especially if weren’t super close) randomly reaching out to be very skeptical. I am always up front with these people. “Hey!! I’d love to reconnect if that’s what this is, but you should know if it’s to pitch something to me eventually I can guarantee I will not be interested.” This weeds things out and brings a good fun laugh and reconnection with those who truly just wanted to chat because they miss my friendship 😅❤

[@missamanda2703]

It's sad that as women, we are taught to be kind and considerate. A hard no is something that we really should teach our children. I'm thankful that my son will never be in that position. I have always taught him right from wrong and no means no. Weather your told no or you say no. It's NO.

[@monroerobbins7551]

Good! It’s important that young folks are taught this, and taught that “screw that, hell to the no”.

[@viviantong6396]

So happy for Erika when she said she threw out the Arbonne! that sounded so therapeutic - I was almost hoping it would have been a bonfire .... an .... Arbonnefire? 👀

[@jennamenzies3652]

🤣🤣

[@JamesQMurphy]

😂😂💀I literally lol’ed at this!

[@jenniferlalani4247]

😂😂😂

[@pktheviking]

Best anti-MLM comment ever!!!!

[@jenlynch5550]

Nice!!👍😂♥️

[@valibas1]

I have had a youngliving “friend” come by once, use my bathroom then magically name how oregano and lemon oil would cure hiv, and any infections that usually needed antibiotics. This was oddly specific and later i did notice my medications were out of order in the bathroom. I cannot say 100% that she snooped but i am also 90% sure i never disclosed my hiv status to her either. I did severely rage at her about how stupid and even deadly her claim was and never spoke to her again. Thanks for these mlm videos, they do make me feel they would stoop to snooping to curate their approach.

[@Pippa87]

🤬🤬 I literally can’t even vocalise my rage at that woman

[@CourtneeRae]

What the actual hell?!!! I wish nothing but the worst for that person!!

[@Dreaming5]

WTH that is crazy behaviour! I’m sorry you had to go through that!

[@karlaf.64]

Oh.my.god! Wtf!!!! I’d have a hard time not getting violent with her. What an entitled piece of work 😡 Hope the “friend” was immediately removed.

[@JamesQMurphy]

That’s horrible for her to do that!

[@juliewright2795]

I unknowingly went to a Pure Romance party a few months before my wedding. It was hosted for my sister in law, so all of my future in laws were there. Her grandmother was sitting next to me. She told me she had been married for 55+ years and there weren’t any positions they hadn’t tried 😂😂😂 I wanted to crawl under the table!!!

[@sarahgocek5906]

My sister in law threw a pure romance party for her Bachelorette party. Me and my sister were invited. SO uncomfortable. But the worst part was the rep telling us that if she ever runs out of jelly, she would put the lube on her kids oatmeal to flavor it, and that her son loved the apple flavor 🤢🤢🤢🤢

[@juliewright2795]

Oh my word!! Gross!!! 🤢🤢

[@maryeckel9682]

Omg hilariously awkward! Good for her, though.

[@Bri-lk7re]

@@sarahgocek5906 This is wrong on so many levels

[@DepisEpis]

omg go grandma😂😂

[@colleenfreeman540]

2014 When I was going through my separation with my ex--"Hey Hun..." 2015 When I was finally divorced but had to work 2 full time jobs to pay off all the debt--"Hey Hun..." 2017 When the school I worked for announced they were closing--"Hey Hun..." 6 weeks later My mom died unexpectedly--"Hey Hun..." Needless to say each Hun was unfriended and blocked--my pain is NOT your opportunity to take advantage!!!!!

[@lurkinlikeaboss]

This is the true definition of a boss babe, despite everything you were going through you took it in stride. I’m so sorry for the loss of your mom and hoping you have found an even better school to work for!

[@colleenfreeman540]

@@lurkinlikeaboss thank you so much...that was sweet of you to say!

[@KitKat10281]

Such gross human behavior! I'm so sorry! ❤

[@JANUARY396]

I don't why but whenever I hear someone saying MLM huns, a song from Mulan starts playing in my head ' let's get down to business to defeat the Huns' 🙈😂 well yes, let's defeat the huns 😂

[@zg5672]

HAHA thought i was the only one!

[@77andsunny]

I actually wondered when I first heard the term. Which Hun😳😆

[@frith.calluna]

🎶"Did they sell me oils, when I asked... for none"🎶

[@smolexfundie6458]

22:53 “you’re in a cult, call your dad” literally!! 😂

[@bee2874]

I wake up on my day off, I make waffles, I watch an HOUR of anti mlm content courtesy of Hannah, literally the best day off

[@ObsessioknightAnimations]

...what kind of waffles?

[@bee2874]

@@ObsessioknightAnimations Apple cinnamon gf waffles with maple syrup! 10/10

[@CnaScott]

Hope you enjoy your day off, sounds like it’s off to a great start 😋

[@jaycassel2218]

So on the same page! Woke up, KZbin Gods offer an hour horror stories from Hannah posted 17 mins ago. Great start to the day!

[@JamesQMurphy]

@@bee2874 what brand gf waffles?

[@BunniBeshara]

“Best results with diet and exercise” is my favorite disclaimer. MLM or not, you’ll find it in any weight loss product. Lol

[@larrackell]

"the most fake enthusiastic person I'd ever met" and that's coming from a STARBUCKS worker

[@danieunderwood7665]

I'm wearing my "not a boss babe" sweater while I listen to this video and make little handprints of my newborn😂 THIS is the life! Lol

[@schrdngrskat3847]

That's amazing. Congratulations on your sweet baby!💖

[@msmagsmn]

Congrats!! I'm glad you're enjoying ACTUAL time freedom!!

[@MidnightAndLuna]

I love everything about this!!

[@reinasherman8009]

Haha this actually sounds amazing. Sounds like a good day for you I like it. This is from someone who plans to never be a mother but loves my niece to bits.

[@Kimbrs17]

Lol! My husband is a doctor and I'm a nurse and I remember him talking about these weird ladies that brought, "stupid little bags of junk" to the healthcare providers at the beginning of the pandemic. He showed me a picture of what it was and I don't recall what mlm, but something along the lines of Arbonne. His main issue was the whole immune boosting nonsense they were trying to tout

[@TheExFrenchie]

Stupid bags of junk!! 😹😹😹😹

[@AdalizMColon]

"Can we please destigmatize vulnerability". Yes! Louder for those MLM huns in the back! 🎉

[@The_InfantMalePollockFrancis]

What does destigmatize vulnerability even mean? The general notion is that taking advantage of vulnerable people is wrong. The stigma (or shame associated with) of vulnerability is that you're easy to take advantage of. I don't really think there is a stigma regarding vulnerability--it just is what it is. To destigmatize vulnerability sounds like making it okay or fair game for people to be taken advantage of when vulnerable.

[@mothwings8795]

"'We aren't living the ~Oily Life~'" lol I totally gagged. I'm always glad when folks are able to escape this stuff. And the oily life.

[@foximoxi8533]

I was recently invited to a party for Thirty One Gifts. After some digging, I found that (according to their 2020 income disclosure statement) 88.9% of all consultants in the company make less than $1k a year. Needless to say I will not be attending this “party”.

[@lalasarchive1]

Omg I had no clue Thirty One Gifts was an MLM!!

[@Sarakatbee]

I have a HS friend whose wife sold it for awhile and he claimed she did ok with it; however, I wonder what the actual profit and loss really looked like or if she was just showing him the checks and he wasn’t really looking at the expenses

[@mylittlesuperhero581]

31 is horrible. They also want you to pay them $50 a month or else people can't can't order from your link. They are expensive and horrible!! I got sucked in fast but got out real fast.

[@laurenelyse5637]

I was in it works and we were taught to call it That crazy wrap thing To get people to ask follow up questions

[@chelsye4929]

I remember several years ago when It Works first started getting popular and so many people on my social media got into it, or used it, and they ALL called it "that crazy wrap thing" it was funny scrolling through Facebook seeing so many posts that all said basically the same things and none of the people were connected to each other

[@N0cturne_001]

The last story about inviting the girl over just for a pitch hits home. It hurts when someone you've wanted to be friends with finally decides to hang out, just to have it secretly as a sales pitch. Both parties come away ashamed.

[@Anna-xh6fk]

Girl I JUST had an mlm moment-girl literally came up to me in a Barnes n Nobles n I almost fell for what she was saying (as like a real random networking type thing) but I was like “yeah I’m down for anything except an mlm haha” n she basically revealed herself

[@karlaf.64]

😂

[@meinenklinke]

Haha!!!! Omg I said the same thing to a coworker today!!! She asked if I wanted to make an extra $20 a day and I said “As long as it isn’t an MLM.” Luckily she was just trying to bribe me to do her job. 😂

[@Sewingistherapy]

Touching on the oils thing, I sent my story to you that explains it in more detail, but I was told that the doTERRA oils would"cure" my son's autism and then shamed when I didn't continue using them with "clearly you don't care to 'fix' your son." I have many thoughts on all the "health" based MLM's and none are good.

[@whenimonmymoon6822]

Good on you for viewing your son as a person and not as someone who needs to be "fixed" and it is shameful that these companies prey on scared and concerned parents to make a buck.

[@maryeckel9682]

There is an oil fire corner of hell for people like that.

[@kristaw483]

oh my god that is just awful I am so sorry you went through that

[@theycallmeg7513]

Wow! Shame on those people!!

[@amandathelawnerd]

Oh I got a similar thing. I also got told that it was my fault he has ASD because I had him vaxxed. Then we had what we believe was a mild case of norovirus that my daughter who got her vax must have shed the vax and gotten us sick. I was over it and stopped using the products after that and switched to plant therapy

[@pris1378]

so, i almost died of sepsis due to a staph infection last year. spent two weeks in hospital on iv antibiotics. the people recommending oils for a staph infection in a baby? very lucky that i live on another continent.

[@yolandaponkers1581]

As someone who’s formally diagnosed with Avoidant personality disorder, the long game that MLM reps are currently using is mentally devastating to people with my condition. A person befriending me with a money-based agenda to be revealed later wouldn’t just be mildly upsetting to someone like me. It would set me back in treatment.

[@nadiarodriguez403]

Sigh if disappointment. I waited the entire video for Cooper and/or Zeke to "pour into" us. Only kidding. Thank you for what you do in helping us dodge the huns.

[@elainelouve]

The Arbonne story reminded me of something an association for eating disorders posted a while back to their Facebook. It said people can develop an ED if they're on a restrictive diet. Doesn't necessarily have to do with wanting to lose weight. If you have allergies or other health issues, the diet can also lead to developing an ED. I feel like in the healthcare doctors need to understand this, and we absolutely need advise from dieticians. I also have IBS, and allergies on top of that, but have never seen a dietician, as my doctor just sent me home the same way that happened to this woman.

[@maryeckel9682]

The low FODMAP diet is absolutely not for the long haul, and people need to be aware of that. It can be very nutrient poor.

[@elainelouve]

@@maryeckel9682 true. The problem in my case is that the IBS still gets irritated, no matter how long I've been on the diet to make it calm down (1. diet 2. try out foods). Have been working on reducing stress (as stress seems to be a major contributor in my case), but if this keeps happening, I'll deffinitely need to consult a dietician. Fortunately due to my allergies I will deffinitely want to go back to eating as I used to. As much as possible. I hate these restrictions and just wish I could eat like a normal person. Anyway just wanted to point out the thing about EDs, as I can easily see how it could happen, and the story with sticking to only eating Arbonne products sounded worrying.

[@theclownsystem9429]

Omg. They told her she wouldn't have had a miscarriage if she had been using the oils? These people are absolutely disgusting!

[@luckyneko1]

I received a Facebook friend request today. She knows like 20 of my friends. So I went to her Facebook page. You guessed it. A HUN. No thank you. DELETE!

[@JamesQMurphy]

Lol do you remember which MLM? Just curious

[@AlwaysKDawg]

You know, you keep mentioning that MLMs are commonly targeting military spouses, and that was even the case back in the 90s. I remember my mom going to Tupperware parties, pampered chef, Mary Kay, and Avon. Those are some deeply buried memories, as we only lived on base from the time I was two years old, until I was almost six years old (1995-1999). My dad was in the Navy for 20 years(1984-2004), so my poor mom was prime target of this for YEARS.

[@SarahJHug]

Hi Hannah. This is probably the best analytical MLM channel I’ve come across. My mom was in one back in the 90s. I’m pretty sure they dropped her because she wasn’t selling enough and she was devastated. She loved the products. The company sold baskets and I think is more or less dead now but they’re starting to make products again. I still have some in my apartment. Keep up the good work!

[@formerfatboy90]

That would be Longaberger!

[@SarahJHug]

@@formerfatboy90 yep, even got my Easter candy in one of their baskets this year lol

[@emilydennie2712]

Omg my mom sold these too and she still has all the dishes and a lot of baskets. I thought longaberger was completely gone but hopefully she doesn’t get wrapped in it again

[@SarahJHug]

@@emilydennie2712 did she ever take a trip to the basket building? For those curious, they had a literal building shaped like one of their baskets. My mom went and she got to make a couple baskets herself. She still has them.

[@meredithszymanski4720]

Wait!!! Longaberger was an MLM? I can’t believe I didn’t recognize this. My mom MADE the baskets. Not as a rep, she legit worked for them as a basket maker. We lived right by that basket building 😂. It’s so obvious now but I never thought of them since being anti MLM since it’s been so long and I never hear about them.

[@tcort]

Yes, please do a deep dive on the « secrets to success » retreats! I don’t know a ton about them, but they seem so predatory…. « pay me money to get deeper into the cult so that you can make more money for me »

[@Lizzdonis]

Sigh. As an dietetic intern and a soon to be RD 🤞🏼 it’s sad and very frustrating to me that people who could benefit from a RD consult are not being referred to one. This could have been avoided

[@heatherframpton9693]

If it is any relief to you, I was referred to and consulted with a RD. 😁❤️🍽️

[@Lizzdonis]

@@heatherframpton9693 I’m glad to here that some doctors are using all the resources they have, including RDs 🥳.

[@maryeckel9682]

Medicare only covers for diabetes or obesity, so when my primary actually referred me, I had no access. On disability I cant do out of pocket. The system is broken.

[@kristyl933]

What does RD stand for?

[@tempestholmes]

I had a friend who was wanting to buy into an MLM phone company. Having lost a bit of money on the same MLM myself I felt I really ought to warn her. It was, of course, for nothing. She doubled and tripled down on it SO HARD it was nuts. She told me I was telling her she was stupid, just like her family always did, and I was telling her she was "crazy" and that I was being abusive... just like her ex husband. Wow! Anyway, she got so intense about it I ended up blocking her on social media and just dropping her from my life. No idea how she's doing but I am happy to have hopped off that ride!

[@Aalisrocklist]

OMG you had an actual story of someone who called her dad bc she was in a cult!!!! 😱🤯😸😻

[@carrieanna4847]

Hahaa!!!! Fantastic catch!

[@Tauras95]

Love the mfm reference ;)

[@AlwaysKDawg]

The mascara one makes me feel icky. Like the lying to patients to sell mascara is so gross. 😖 I feel so bad for her for getting sucked into that, cause it's 100% not her fault

[@juicyparsons]

I'm realizing that so much of my parents' relationship issues growing up was my Mom being sucked super deep into the self-help industry (pretty similar structures & social rules) She spent so much of middle and high school gone. She spent all her time with her "group" friends that were all bettering themselves. I remember my parents fighting about money alot and I think my Mom wasn't truthful about how expensive the retreats were (and when she was going and who she was going with) She met her current husband in those circles and I resented her for years. For cheating on my Father, for always being gone, and I felt like she just turned into a self-help workbook for a couple years. Hearing this side is important because you humanized how you were really looking for friends and a community and how you got love bombed and you were a little of a people pleaser. Going into debt over beliefs isn't easy. Me and my Mom are very good now but those MLM/self-help days were so stressful 😖. But she has a side to her own story that I don't know about too 💖

[@jenlynch5550]

Oh my goodness!! My grandma sold Shacklee!! For like 30 years!! Had NO idea it was an MLM!! She also did reflexology with it, so she was able to sell a lot!!

[@smolexfundie6458]

Just about to make grilled cheese and relax!! Perfect time to be horrified along with you. 😂

[@joshdove]

I’m so obsessed with your vids, I bought a unique face mask for $80 from a family member who “runs her own business”, I even promoted it in a video like 6 years ago not knowing it was an MLM. I never see anything about unique in these any-MLM videos lol

[@jayaitch88]

Do you mean Younique? If so, the videos are out there.

[@maryeckel9682]

Iiluminaughtii has a good overview. It is spelled "Younique" because MLMs gotta be cutesy.

[@hubabaloop]

Younique is actually sooooo toxic & the BS about the retreats for SA victims is disgusting. I think Kiki Chanel made one about it maybe…damn..like 2 years ago now. But I highly recommend it. Younique is gross

[@theycallmeg7513]

My daughter sold that stuff and all of it was gross! The makeup felt like a 1,ooo lbs on your face & that dang mascara was a real joke- unless you like racoon eyes!! 🤣🤣

[@NailsbyBunnyBear]

I would love to see one on Younique

[@scholasticallynatalie]

In reference to story 5, I took too much magnesium under the advice of a doctor, trying out to see if I was deficient for a condition I had - I did not. Too much magnesium, however, does give you, um... IBS-like symptoms. That was not fun. Can't imagine taking too much of EVERY vitamin.

[@cuckoophendula8211]

Hi Hannah! I'm really interested in hearing your upcoming deep dive into how MLMs bring religion into the mix (and two stories today touched a bit upon this). As a bit of a religious studies and philosophies nerd, it's really interesting to see how ideas like the prosperity gospel and the law of attraction became popular ideas despite them being philosophically antithetical to the belief systems that they're supposedly inspired from (Christianity and Eastern inspired New Age beliefs respectively). I'm not currently sure if one directly influenced the other, but my current hypothesis is that both syncretized with the values of American capitalism at least in more privileged circles. The result of what we see are people who end up worshiping what I call "first world problems god." With "first world problems god," anything you want to be true, will supposedly become "true." Since it's not a realistic concept, it sets people up for disappointment at best and disaster at worst. This is in complete contrast with the concept of "fear of God" or Dukkha in Buddhism, which align with the principle of "humbling oneself to truths they may not personally like" (i.e. that we're a tiny speck compared to God and how suffering is our baseline of existence). And when people's notion of "I want such and such to be true really badly" clashes with actual truth, they go through a grieving process (denial, anger, bargaining, and/or depression). I think that bargaining step is the tricky part as it's the point when a charlatan can swoop on by in the form of a cult leader, MLM hun, drug dealer, etc. and convince that person that they have all the answers that they want...for a price. It then becomes that much more difficult to get through the rest of the grieving process where they can accept and humble themselves to truths that they don't like (i.e. taking the L, let go of the sunk cost fallacy, hitting rock bottom, etc.).

[@maryeckel9682]

These are some good thoughts. I especially like "First world problems God." (AKA Santa God)

[@helendunn7915]

@@maryeckel9682 or genie god in a bottle

[@helendunn7915]

NAR (New Apostolic Reformation) = Prosperity Gospel and Charismatic Pentecost = Magic. Along with Money Idolization trampling on the Holy Temple where Jesus overturned the tables!

[@luckyneko1]

I feel so bad for babies whose mothers do not know how to think for themselves. I can't imagine telling someone to avoid medication for their child and give them oil! Do you not care if you harm someone's child??? Several of my Christian friends try to suck me in based on my beliefs. No. Nada. Never !!!

[@raychul33]

“The oily life..” 🤮

[@Lefthandylemmons]

Story 4 brought back a cringy memory of my short stint in an MLM. We had online parties and the host would use their Facebook page to throw a party. Often they would never sell enough to “earn” the prize and I’d feel so bad that as the rep I would use my own money to purchase the prize myself and ship it to them.

[@milkteamachine]

Surprisingly a lot of people who I wouldn't expect have been caught by the "adult goods" MLMs, I think some are genuinely scared to go online and look for it or buy it at a proper store where the employees know way more about the products.

[@chronicallysteph]

Just as I’m looking for some new anti-MLM stuff to watch, Hannah posts, my anti-MLM queen. Much love Hannah 💕💕💕

[@reinasherman8009]

Not sure if you watch illuminaughtii but she is great too.

[@elizabethmccready]

The fizz sticks from Arbonne aren't all that bad, but their products are insanely overpriced and everything else I tried sucked. Two of my close friends did the 30-day program for one of their weddings and while they lost weight, it came right back after the challenge ended and the diet plan is really not healthy. I wasn't even considering it but one of their husbands told me not to do it under any circumstances, which I took seriously because I knew that meant he was serious and cared enough about me as a friend to warn me off of it.

[@imitationporcelain]

19:25 I have oily skin and hair genetically that means I am like the oily messiah myself for these people ? 🤣

[@cosmicnova2355]

I’m thrilled you’re making longer ones, idk why but I love these, I listen all the way through like I have an investment in what’s happening lol

[@krissyhenderson4089]

Hannah, an mlm lady I know from years ago posted a long thing on Facebook about why are people so anti mlm these days. Why do people tell her no MLMs and shut her down as soon as she starts. I told her people are becoming more educated on scams, there are KZbin channels I’ve seen on the subject. Told them people are tired of the pure money hungry time drain that MLMs are. A ton of work with no progress, some people end up in debt. End up straining relationships with friends and family. Her and her MLM people did not like that, I got all these comments on their miracle products 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@KendraKingery]

I recently sent my horror story in finally! I know it’s probably like the last out of over 300 stories but i can’t wait to hear you read it 😂❤️

[@theycallmeg7513]

Can't wait to hear it. These stories could literally go on for days/years. Ty for sending your story in so Hannah has content to bring to us. ❤

[@emmacastro1]

I went to a Young Living party many years ago and among many horrible things I heard that day, one of them was the main Hun saying that she's a nursing student, and she once put a few drops of Thieves into a Petri dish, and once she put it under the microscope she could " see all of the bacteria ACTUALLY dying!" **insert eye roll**

[@nena_ae]

I'll have better luck curing a sickness with my at home Mexican remedies, than those oils

[@CnaScott]

When Hannah posts a video and it’s over an hour long 😍😍😍

[@aleey_yo]

Your videos are my absolute favorite anti-MLM content to watch because of how compassionate and empathetic all of your reviews and reactions are. The binge list is my (please don't judge, I mean this purely in a complimentary way!) bedtime listening list! Your voice is so articulate and calming, I put it on and it lulls me right to sleep. Keep up your amazing work, thank you for all you do! We love you Hannah!

[@HannahAlonzo]

You might be surprised to know how many people tell me that they fall asleep to my videos. I get that comment nearly every day! Thanks for watching!

[@aleey_yo]

@@HannahAlonzo Speaking for (I hope???) most of us - we appreciate you and mean it in a truly great way!

[@carollara5047]

I always look forward to seeing you Hannah! I appreciate your anti-mlm content, your intelligence, your soothing voice and just you all the way around as a decent ethical human being!

[@alexandrawilson-hodge2974]

Got into a fight with my mum last night over MLMs. She was an Arbonne rep back in the day. Finally got around to her, but lots of screaming ensued.

[@caseymaura5228]

I just have to say you’re my favorite anti MLM content creator on KZbin! I have run across numerous MLMs over the years (joys of being involved in various churches and being married to someone who was in the military; those are breeding grounds for MLMs). My worst encounter with a hun was one time at a Target. I was excitedly shopping at Target (we were stationed overseas at the time, and were back in the US for a visit) and getting myself a coffee at the in store Starbucks before I started shopping, and had a woman come up to me. “Have you ever thought of modeling? You are so pretty!” I was flattered, but replied “Why yes, I have modeled in the past!” (Which was true.) She said she was a makeup artist and would love to work with me. I wasn’t too put off by this; I’d met people in the industry and gotten gigs this way in the past. But the she handed me a MaryKay business card, and I realized she wanted to just sell me MK and/or model for free, and she wasn’t even a real makeup artist. Nope. I politely told her I didn’t even live in the US, and that ended the conversation. But it still makes me so leery of people who casually strike up conversations with me in public when it has to do anything with appearance, health, etc. lol!

[@imalrockme]

5:31 "I am a recovering people pleaser" This speaks so deeply to me, I spend my twenties having a real hard time saying no to people. Now I just say no, because I realize that everytime someone is pushing me a sale or a subscription I think about it like "You are telling me what to do with MY money? No, thanks."

[@JulieLeChef]

Hey Hannah - Love your channel! I have a request: Can you look into insurance companies as MLMs? My friend recently worked for Farmers briefly and telling me about it, so many mlm red flags went off! The only info I can find is that "Farmers is not a scam, insurance MLM, or pyramid scheme, since it has been around for 90 years." which doesn't sound like a valid reason why something is not an mlm. One of the biggest red flags was my friend's manager trying to convince her to get a loan FROM FARMERS to be able to keep going with the company. This seemed so predatory I couldn't believe it. The manager was acting like taking out a $15K loan was no big deal. Not to mention the beginner's program she was trying to sign my friend up for was based 100% on sales, meaning no sales = no salary. Sales were entirely up to her, but there were so many things that she had absolutely no control over (pricing, renewals) which ended up causing her to lose many clients. Sorry for the long message. I would be thrilled if you were open to doing a deep dive on this. Thanks so much!

[@kekab.8161]

Dude that can kill their child by not treating staff! The people that are recommending oils for that should be put behind bars!

[@jasmineyeager4786]

"Hey hun! Heard your close relative just passed want to join the business opportunity for purely innocent reasons?"🤮🤮

[@Lorenmcdee]

I'm in the process of writing this up, but my mom convinced me to buy a pure romance kit and I later found out that she did this SO SHE COULD SNEAK THE PRODUCTS FROM ME FOR HER OWN USE! I will elaborate in the email but rest assured I'm pretty sure I win the entirety of the MLM horror stories related to pure romance with this one. It's actually worse than just the initial horror of just manipulating your child into buying sex toys to steal.

[@ThakYuki]

OMG, Shaklee is an MLM?? I think my aunt may have been a hun back in the 90s! She would only use their products (so I had to use that facewash while visiting her house during my early teens aka face going nuts). She would also mail boxes to my mom of the products, which my mom would discretely throw away.

[@yeahreally9185]

Ya know, I think buying ranks may be the *most* ethical way to rank in MLM. That way at least you're not scamming on unsuspecting facebook friends. But it goes to show just how *un*ethical that business model is when cheating is the least harmful path

[@Dreaming5]

Sitting here after work, eating an Easter egg cheesecake and binging more Hannah. Living my best life 😍 thank you Hannah for your videos, you teach me so much about how to be a good, kind person along with MLMs!

[@meinenklinke]

Side story: my friend was getting married and for some reason she wanted to get a Mary Kay rep to come to her bachelorette party. She thought it would be fun to do makeovers at the bachelorette party or a bridal shower it doesn’t matter. So we scheduled this Mary Kay rep like hey we are hosting a party and we want you there. There’s no way that’s ever happened outside of the situation, right? Anyway she flaked on us completely. She got sick, which is totally understandable, but never let anyone know. So, thankfully, we did not have a Mary Kay bridal shower. Oh, I love that Friend, but honey.

[@tamaradavis3693]

Yay! a new Hannah video!!

[@k74728]

I forgot that’s how I found Munecat too lol I watch her all the time but since she covers a lot of other topics, I totally forgot she did an anti-MLM video. As a chronically sick gal, I get so angry when my fellow sickies get dragged into this MLM stuff. I’m currently going through an episode of desperation about my medical situation (it’ll pass and I’ll be okay!), so I’m reminded again just how easily I could be yet another sick person pulled into a scam due to her situation. Solidarity to my fellow sick people 🤍 there is much better out there for us than MLMs!

[@carinelsonfreeland]

This is in regards to the trigger warning unaliving oneself Horror Story. {vague for privacy} Young Living makes a blend called “Trauma Life” that was repeatedly pushed to a friend after her husband became unalive as a result of a drunk driver. Next level grotesque.

[@RabekahRandoms]

The hair crossing of second hand embarrassment, I felt that so much!

[@midwifeohyeah22]

No!!! Oils are not something to use for Rsv! So scary

[@lmsmith015]

[Stefan voice] "This story has EVERYTHING..."

[@namebrandkids2558]

As a homeschooling mom, I've been teaching my 9 and 10 yr. Old boys the concept of saying no, and recognizing manipulation . Very important to learn how NOT to become a people pleasing doormat as young as possible. I didn't grow a back bone till I was around 28ish (4yrs. Ago haha) the world is so full of manipulative people in every direction we look and our next generation NEEDS to be prepared & aware. Teachers, cops, gov. Figures, pastors, friends, family, salesmen, etc etc etc...they can ALL be manipulative if they choose to be. Many narcissistic people love authoritative positions, therefore kids need to understand how to recognize manipulation and stand there ground when their heart says they should. Trust is not given freely, it is earned. Knowing this will save future potential victims of buying into moms and I will die out eventually

[@morgan.b.writes]

Juice Plus was the MLM that sucked me in, because it was SO HIDDEN!! I was signed up under a group called “Babes in Business” which was under a group called “Tribal Wellness”, which was all a front for Juice Plus. Would love to see it exposed more! It was so well hidden I swore up and down I wasn’t actually joining an MLM.

[@MeganVictoriaKearns]

Hannah, you have a lot of insight on this topic. Your thoughts on each story are well articulated and passionate. And you're very pretty!

[@jelyfisher]

Story 3 reminds me of something my cousin posted on FB years ago. He was a life flight nurse at the time, and one of his patients was a baby being treated for something serious (I can't remember) with oils. The baby died. So tragic.

[@mightyracist]

The mlms and improvised doctors that play with other people's health are by far the worst thing in these companies. Here in Poland there's a lot of people who do not believe in traditional medicine because of the claims of mlms or "shamans", my grandmother being one of those. when my aunt started feeling sick instead of taking her to a doctor she took her to one of these self proclaimed doctors and was cured with some oils and prayers. She didn't get any better and turns out she had cancer but at that point it was too late. She passed away at a fairly young age and she could have still been here wasn't it for these mlms and stuff. Please take care of yourselves and believe your docs, they know better.

[@elizabethgrogan8553]

I think this is now the best anti-MLM channel. Your knowledge is deep and the presentation excellent. You are doing a priceless job in educating people about the scam that is Multi-Level-Marketing.

[@Laundrey1]

I’ve always been curious as to why MLM products are such crap. Younique had a lawsuit against eye infections, Monat has lawsuits against hair loss, Avon is known as junk makeup, Shakeology is known as nasty protein shakes that sometimes make people sick (and are made out of the lowest of the low ingredients), etc. I know they are expensive and you certainly don’t get what you pay for. I’m just curious why they all are junk and some are even as bad as being harmful. It’s crazy that their products even show how much the owners don’t care about the people doing all the work to sell the crap. Edit to add: Young Living is not a Christian organization. They are Mormon and Gary Young is part of a polygamist group - or was, he passed a few years ago. If you do a deep dive into Mormonism cults much like the one Gary Young - owner of YL - was involved in then you will see why they started this oils company. They are against Drs and modern medicine. Ever since I found this out I’ve been trying to get out of YL (I don’t sell, just use their products.) I’ve been so fear mongered into how all other oils are crap that I’ve been too afraid to try any other oils. I love essential oils but I don’t think they will heal me (I’m in a medical school program to get a degree for PT so I’m educated on real biology and science with the body). I’ve been looking for over a year for oils. I just like the way they smell. But that’s how these companies get you - fear mongering. I talked to my husband about it and we are going to drop our subscription in 2 weeks when school is out and I have time to deal with it. I have a feeling it will be a long process. I’ve been anti-MLM for awhile except for YL and have been recently for the past year moving toward anti-YL. Also, side note story. I moved to another state years ago. A girl I was never friends with and who actually lied to and hurt my best friend in her business contacted me via FB. She used the “hey girl” intro. She asked if I was interested in trying health supplements and products from her (I used to post often about my health issues). Thankfully I was able to tell her that I was on a strict regimen with my Dr to address all my health issues and that I had severe food allergies so I couldn’t. She was respectful and left it at that but who knew health issues could help someone dodge a bullet? I still have food allergies so I can easily pass on those. I always know when someone I barely know reaches out to me. I had another one recently but I don’t remember the details because I’m too busy with school to give it a second thought lol

[@sarah_with_the_h4334]

The story (“Karen”) absolutely drove me up a wall. The disgusting audacity of that woman. I would meet for coffee and then be charged with assault and would be in jail. Or the mental hospital because I would snap. I hope herself and her family are being supported by truly loving good people. Omg, I need to calm down 😭🫶🏼

[@megancalista3760]

I feel like the reason the Younique dental office hun never tried to recruit her is because the clients would start just buying the mascara from her instead

[@samanthaquant7411]

The story of the “worship service” gives me major vibes of the time Jesus went into the temple and threw everyone out, flipping the money tables and whipping those sheisters, saying “you have turned my Father’s house into a den of thieves” (insert thieves oil joke here)

[@Sonali11]

I have a stomach condition and due to that I'm severely underweight...no matter now much I try I just struggle to put weight on and I hate it - some people always say oh you've lost weight, your looking thin etc and always upsets me as they don't know what I'm going through but If that lady gave me that leaflet etc would of been so upsetting. It's just so disgusting. You have no idea what someones story might me, what someone is going through etc - wish these people would have some humanity/compassion! Great video Hannah x

[@RhiannonE]

I have been bingeing your videos while I work and my faves so far are the horror stories, although I do love all of them. I just wanted to say that the last few videos, the writers have included trigger/content warnings and I appreciate that so much. Especially since you don’t pre-read these (which I totally get because I love your authentic reactions!), the CW/TW’s are so appreciated and thoughtful. I love this community you have and the non-judgemental atmosphere you foster. Thanks for all you do!

[@jerrystauffer2351]

50 minutes in that hun wanting the life insurance payout is a new level of evil

[@SoCalJellybean]

I was always savvy against MLMs because my mom HATED them, and would always badmouth them when I was a kid! This video just unlocked the memory of her calling it “Shaklee s**t”!! 🤣💀

[@johanncai5184]

I've been suckered into purchasing from an ITWorks consultant... their tag line (if I remember correctly) is "Have you tried that crazy wrap thing ?!" I just wanted to try it... purchase one wrap, see of it worked. So that's what I did. Or so I thought. Nope. I couldn't do the wrap myself... I had to go to the consultant's home. I thought it was odd, but went anyways. So I had to drink copious amounts of water in the days leading up to my wrap, 3 bottles of water WHILE the wrap was on (during which time I also had to listen to a lengthy sales pitch about all the products, which ones I would benefit from, and how I would get a MUCH better prices if I became a rep myself. Blah. blah. blah) and continue with my water consumption for 72 hours post wrap for "best results". Despite getting "incredible results" (according to the consultant) after just one wrap, becoming a consultant wasn't something I was financially able to do... nor could I afford to pay full price for the products reccomended to me. Looking back: my "results" were just water loss. I probably could have gotten the exact same results rubbing oils or lotions on my body and wrapping a few layers of saran wrap and an ace bandage. 🤣 But once upon a time I definitely fell for the "have you tried that crazy wrap thing" sales pitch 🤦🏽‍♀️

[@riivattu2869]

Thank you for explaining the host - sales rep thing. I remember as a kid my mom would host these parties for her friends for different MLMs, mostly Tupperware and Me&I. Thus we would have tons of tupperware and hidious me&i clothing. And I remember that like 2 or 3 times the host gift was a free…. Ketchup spoon…. Literally meant just to scoop ketchup or mayo etc from the bottom of a bottle. A small wonky plastic spoon for providing all the food, treats and prep for a party 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@CinnamonTroll8U]

I'm loving these longer videos!! 😀 Your videos are my favorite to listen to while cleaning or playing Animal Crossing and I've already binged all your MLM videos 😂

[@laurataylor5884]

Your teacher training came in strong with this one. I love the voice you gave her with the drive thru story. 😂 I thoroughly enjoyed it. 👏🏻

[@charliewright6273]

I've seen this twice now. I've watched the Karen story before and after the recent passing of my big brother. It enraged me before I had this experience; but now that I can relate to the story writer even more, I'm even more angry that someone thought it appropriate to use grief to try to trick people to turn to an MLM instead of getting real help for their grief.

[@Hayhay_notthechicken]

My theory, for the dental office manager, who was selling younique, is that her higher-ups told her that she can’t try to recruit people from the office to be in her business. If she’s willing to ask someone to lie about crappy mascara, there’s no way that she was just kind enough to not want to get her involved in the business.

[@aechawk]

The claims are so frustrating. The company just shrugs and says that the consultants are independent consultants and they have no control over what the consultants claim.

[@samathastevens5831]

I remember being pitched for Arbonne. It was only the makeup though. A nice lady met me someplace around town, I can't remember. But she said she had a "cosmetics business". So I called and she invited me for a demo. She ordered pizza for us and her husband and son came and took the box. Then she did the makeover. She said she wanted to "bring her husband home" because he traveled so much for business. At any rate this was in the 90's when I was like 22 and broke! lol I couldn't afford the "starter kit" which was only 67.00 at the time. So I googled this business, since you are talking about suppliments. SAME company. and OMG HOW EXPENSIVE!!! Looks like it would cost 300 or more to buy the cosmetic kit alone. 25.00 for makeup wipes?! I can buy ones for 1.00 that work just fine! These poor people who get roped into this thing. And I would have bought my kit if I ever had that much extra money at the time. I thought it was be a great "business" to start. Glad I was broke and in college!

[@samday414]

I think parents who use essential oils rather than needed medication should be charged with child endangerment or child cruelty. I remember reading a story about a parents who tried to treat her sons ear infection with oils. She was literally pouring them down his ear. The infection got so bad the kid ended up in hospital and is now permanently death in one ear. That kid now has a permeate disability due to his mums stupidity.

[@starlingswallow]

Can I just say that everyone that has written in writes so beautifully!

[@JokesInBase13]

Story 4 is definitely Partylite. My extended family used to trade around booking parties from each other back in the late 90s/early 00s (well before we understood what an MLM was) because the hostess got a bonus if one of their guests also booked a party. The consultants we had weren't pushy and my family are basically fun in ANY situation, so we still had a good time. But the thing is, back in those days (not so anymore), Partylite actually had a good quality product compared to what was available in the regular retail space, so they could have had a successful company without the exploitative pyramid model. They literally ruined their own business by sticking with the MLM structure.

[@tianaharn2983]

I am so there with the former Young Living Oils girl. I seen so much of this when I was in YL. They also try to suck you in by saying Gary Young was told he was never able to walk again but the OILS healed him so he was able to walk again and this brought him to research more and create the company. Also, I got pulled into the Oils of Ancient Scripture stuff.

[@saharavences6695]

Wow, the part of Karen trying to take advantage of there lost makes me so upset. Especially her little sister passing, I would never forget.

[@samanthajarman9923]

Wow how sad is it that Younique mascara isn't even as good as drugstore mascara...

[@razzle8140]

I'm convinced that 95% of MLM products are below sub par and that's why the owners choose this business model because they couldn't compete otherwise. They need to only be good enough to be the thing that gets the MLM through the product loophole that separates them from a Ponzi scheme.

[@beckypetersen2680]

I haven't listened to this one yet, but I wanted to tell you, Hannah, that these "horror stories" category is probably the best thing are you doing! It allows is all to hear a bunch of different people's POV and experiences - so it's as if we are listening to a hundred different YT channels. Thanks for doing it. I'll get to this one - just wanted to mention this as I thought about it after listening to the last one.