THE REAL TRUTH ABOUT MULTI LEVEL MARKETING | Scams, Lies & Pyramid Schemes

Today we are diving into the reality behind "MLM's" also known as "Multi level marketing" or "network marketing" and why you WILL lose money if you join one. I break down the structure of MLM's, and why 99% of people who join will either make NOTHING or LOSE money. I also talk to you about my personal experiences with being roped into an MLM. I talk to you about why if you ARE one of the people who makes money in one of these companies, you are doing it at the expense of EVERYONE beneath you losing money and how "financial freedom" "be your own boss" and "working from home for this business opportunity" are all just buzzwords used to get you to join, as it makes your upline even more money.
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Thanks for watching!
Kristi
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HI! My name is Kristi! Welcome to my channel!
First off, I am not your average KZbin Beauty Vlogger. I do the typical Product Reviews, Makeup Tutorials, Lifestyle Vlogs and SO much more, all with a sense of humor and a bit of a potty mouth. You can ALWAYS be assured that i am giving my full and HONEST opinion. SUBSCRIBE & Join in on the fun!
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[@Raven_Wings8]

I'm hoping this goes viral and changes peoples minds on doing this. Because I HATE MLM's.

[@Cheesyenchilady]

There’s some people who I follow whose content I really like but I just can’t trust them because they are Young Living queens lol

[@mnchaos]

These type of videos have gone viral before... these MLMs keep on moving

[@natalie75273]

This 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 I always try to leave a comment on mlm posts to warn others 😅

[@Cheesyenchilady]

@@natalie75273there’s one girl I follow.. I like her stuff so much. She finds so many products that I really like lol. But if you even try to SUGGEST that there are other reputable essential oils other than YL, then she will straight up shame you on her stories and then block you. She’s like a very top of the pyramid YL seller so she’s making a KILLINGGGGGGG.

[@nicolrondeau2911]

Totally agree... and the way they speak to the people... please, please don`t let people get you hooked with such harsh words. You are worth more than this...

[@rainasuke]

"Just because its not illegal, doesn't mean its ethical" wow this sentence alone is powerful! 👏👏👏

[@lesley9989]

They simply only produce products or services to get around that legal loophole. At least out and out Pyramid schemes say they're pyramid schemes

[@jaymel4691]

Let's not forget also that just because something is illegal, doesn't mean it never happens. Robbery, murder, selling drugs, and countless other crimes happen every day, everywhere.

[@Emilymargaret5117]

I’m a mom of a disabled kiddo and nothing hurts my heart more than seeing my friends joining mlms promised an easy from home income because we have no option to go to a traditional job due to of caregiving responsibilities. So predatory.

[@stefani.m.1987]

I am a momma of a disabled child, as well, and had joined a Facebook group for moms with disabled kiddos (in the early days of the group) and once it got a lot of members, I ended up being bombarded with emails and messages from the group’s FOUNDERS to buy from/join their MLMs. I am not even kidding!! It made me sick. I left the group and have never joined another!

[@pridelesschickz9610]

God bless you in the name of Jesus Christ, who is the name above all names & the only way to Heaven❤

[@marciabeasley8506]

There’s a woman who has used her daughters disability to not only gain a huge platform but also has a MLM that she makes so much money from because her down line is her subscribers!! Her name is Priscilla and her channel is called Fathering Autism and her and her husband have been exploiting their daughter for years

[@Kc-dq7zj]

Yep. It's disgusting.

[@Cbbartelt]

This is what I’m constantly telling anti-mlm creators. I was in usborne for 3 months bc I wanted to make $200/mo to pay for hippotherapy. I lost money and realized it quickly especially bc I had 0 time for that. I ESPECIALLY hate oil MLM’s who have parents of epileptics telling parents to use oils that (per actual aromatherapists) can cause seizures or having their kids INGEST essential oils! Bro; your kid has a feeding tube and you’re putting essential oils directly in their stomach! It’s so much more insidious bc it takes advantage of the Disability tax, the fact that daycares will break the ADA and deny our kids access, that our kids need more appointments and jobs don’t want to give us time for appointments or surgeries, then it makes us lose money and then some is them tell us to harm our kids while telling us they’re helping us.

[@isbelalvarado9423]

We NEED this in Spanish! These MLM has targeted Spanish speaking for years. This would be great information to have for my community.

[@jaileneespinosa5631]

Oh my goodness yes this is so true my own mother sold Avon for so long I knew so many women Hispanic women selling Avon and young living and stuff it’s wild

[@Rachelizabeth86]

Plexus has sunk its teeth into the Hispanic market….

[@isaflores5077]

Yes! Most of my boyfriends sisters have tried to sell Herbalife and I’ve even seen stickers on cars of other Hispanics for Herbalife too

[@hollystroyan790]

Why do they target specifically Spanish speakers?

[@isbelalvarado9423]

Also, there are several articles that talks about How MLMs Illegally Target Women and Minorities Using Deceptive and Predatory Recruitment Practices @@hollystroyan790

[@PamMartyn]

At 63, I'm still embarrassed to admit that I sold Mary Kay. Well, sold is a pretty strong word, as my only customers were my family. I'll never forget that first MK meeting, which you were highly encouraged to attend. All these women, seemingly intelligent, bright and beautiful women standing on their chairs cheering, chanting. I too got caught up in the fervour, feeling like a part of something big and important. MLM's are just short of being a cult, but their methodology is straight of a cult playbook. This is an important message Kristi, and I wish I had seen it 40 years ago.

[@JohnBowl14690]

I came close to getting sucked into as well. A friend explained to me why MLMs are not sustainable as a career. It's common sense. If you're selling and consuming $1K worth of MLM product per month, there is no way, that company can pay you $3K per month. The company still has to pay to produce the product. They they have to pay the founders, managers and all of your layers of upline. So, you'll be lucky to see $100 of the $1000 of products you consume or sell. So the only way is to recruit, which again....your layers and layers of upline will take all of your money...and your downline still needs to get paid as well. So even if you get paid $20 per month on average from your downline...they won't stay. Nobody wants to work for $100 per month. I know...lol. I had a friend who joined Amway for about 7-8 years, then quit. It's simply not sustainable. Your downline constantly quit.

[@lesley9989]

Don't be embarrassed. A lot of people who watch this content have been sucked in. I did it fourty years ago. At least now there are anti-MLM videos x

[@nikkio.9990]

I feel the same way. I resisted at first but got caught up in Quixstar which once in I learned was Amway. They loved bombed me, made me feel special, the leaders were treated like Gods and eventhough I refused to treat them like Gods I still felt that surge of emotion when they "paid attention to me" and felt disappointment when they ignored me amd that made me want to perform to re-earn their attention. Be kind to yourself. No one is immune to the cult tactics MLMs use. Very smart people will go along with group think and group behavior . psychology has studied this. I think the tide is turning on MLMs we have social media now and can organize, get the word out and fight these assholes.

[@shawnasomers9127]

I too was sucked in to an MLM. And it’s so funny you say that you only sold to family, Same! I was also caught up in the idea of being a part of something potentially big! I spent probably a few thousand bucks on going on these motivational trips , one where Tony Robins was speaking. I made no money. I couldn’t bring myself to recruit people which I’m thankful for now. So don’t be embarrassed, you’re certainly not alone!! 😊

[@stephanied6711]

I'm 45 and I'm embarrassed I sold Avon

[@kar0047]

Who else remembers Kristi completely overthinking the making of this video 😂 we are happy to see it finally come to fruition girl, this was really well made and was worth the wait 👏

[@joanade7848]

Literally, like i get it i overthink too, but i saw that she posted it and my first thought was "26minutes?". Not saying it has to be longer, the expectations where just huge for this one. She also still hasnt adressed the whole situation a couole of week ago, right? Are there still gomments being deleted or are we as a whole just forgetting about it? Im fine if we are because its literally just silly internet shit, im just wondering

[@kar0047]

@@thelovelymisshill idk if she was talking up the video as much as she was anxious about making it because she didn’t wanna miss anything. I feel like she hit the major key points that people need to know without getting into specific top leaders and individual companies. She could’ve, sure. But I’d imagine people are more likely to watch a condense and concise video about why something is less than favorable and THEN go into other videos that are more in depth. Just my opinion though obviously!

[@Annj97]

It's not her 1st video on the subject! Her last one was much longer. This is a shorter version!@@kar0047

[@malicahamilton]

@@joanade7848sorry what happened that she needed to address?

[@katigrace25]

As a person who lives in Utah, aka the LAND of MLMs, I’ve lost so many friendships because I refused to buy things or participate in any way with MLMs because they’re so predatory. I’ve had to tell so many girls to stop messaging if they were only trying to sell me something. So many Mormon moms join MLM’s because they want to be able to stay at home with their kids but still contribute to the family economy, but instead they accidentally fell deep into debt and are desperately trying to grow her down line since that’s really the only way to get out of it.

[@neyrarosales667]

I live in UT as well and I’m always surprised how big their HQ’s are. I drove past Paparazzi offices in St George. I didn’t even know they were still in business.

[@wellnessunbranded2873]

Omg literally!!! It’s nice to have a fellow Utahn agree with me!!

[@paigejohnson9201]

So true

[@auggiedoggiesmommy1734]

I lived in Alpine…the city of MLM CEO d*ckheads. (No I am not & never was Mormon). It is unbelievable what they said they were doing to people and were absolutely fine with scamming their own neighbors.

[@JF-gy7tt]

Utah LDS MLMs

[@alexagarcia6394]

KRISTI!!! As a long-time follower of yours, can I just say: I AM SO PROUD OF YOU!!! I know how long this video has been in progress, and how much effort, thought and time you must have put into it!! You’re amazing! Love ya! ❤❤️❤️

[@RawBeautyKristi]

Thank you so so so much!! It’s been a LONG time coming and I have worked soooo hard on this and hope it delivers!

[@kellibella0804]

I just got back to my phone and saw this notification, I legit about squealed! Knowing how long Kristi has been talking about this video, and wanting to make it perfect before putting it out ... Like you said, I'm so proud of her!! I haven't even gotten 3 seconds in cuz I immediately hit pause to come straight to the comments. The overwhelming feeling of wanting to scream "YAYYY KRISTI!!! SHE DID IT!!!" was hard to fight, so I appreciate your comment SO SO much!! It helped me release my inner screams of joy and happiness for her... And you said everything perfectly!! 😊 So the short version: I second what you said 😊

[@charlie.saturday]

@@RawBeautyKristiSame! I'm SO happy you finally did it 🙌🏻 Kudos Kristy, love to hear more of your thoughts, opinions, and viewpoints 💖

[@kavitachouhanvisionenvoice9063]

I agree! This is a very well made documentary & is incredibly helpful !

[@8jenna8]

I met this girl through a friend, who I spoke to ONCE at a party 7 years ago. She's now in an MLM and she's messaged me several times to try and rope me into it. Today I just sent her this video, and I hope it helps her, and that she's able to get out! Thanks for this, Kristi❤

[@patriot-hj5vx]

Wait i need an update - is she still at it??

[@8jenna8]

@@patriot-hj5vx Yes, unfortunately!

[@KrazyKattLady]

I am that friend and thank you for sending me the video Lol...jk...but I wish a friend would have done this for me😢❤

[@Schmerzmaschine]

A real sucked in person is to brainwashed to listen. We are just jelous...jadajadajada.... Don't believe MLM lies! 🤥

[@lilianagamboa7271]

My parents were a part of Herbalife for about 10 years and it absolutely sucked, and it’s a freaking cult. My mom only gave up on Herbalife when my dad was bedridden with cancer. My parents used to take me with them to all the meetings and events and being an 11 year old chubby girl thrown into that world was traumatizing 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@SweetSauce2023]

My mom was a part of Herbalife as well. She got in when I was 20 years old, and she stayed in it for 12 years! She was in it because of me. She wants me not to be fat anymore and be "healthy," and she drags me into the meetings and conventions everytime I go back home to visit her and my dad. She finally gave up to be a contributer because she gave up on me being thin. She still uses the products, though, and she was upset that she wasn't able to keep her rank because she was busy babysitting my daughter.

[@SweetSauce2023]

They are definitely a cult. Even I never believed them, the automsphere in all those meeting still sucks me in. Now, think about the effect they have on believers.

[@justkibby5959]

SHE MADE THE VIDEO!!! As a former mlm boss babe... thank you! Please shed light on this crap. All the promises and incentives are so phoney.

[@nicholasalves7834]

What is a boss babe

[@caraarcher4861]

This popped up wand I was like “oh hot damn she did it”😂 It was awesome! Stop doubting your ability to come across the way you intend to. You speak so well on these types of topics and I hope this changes someone’s perspective if they are stuck in the MLM loop!

[@Ginmabes]

You have a great journalistic quality to you, Kristi! You'd be great at making investigative documentaries.

[@charmedbymeghan]

Absolutely we need more journalistic videos from Kristi! It's a ✨️New Era✨️ !!!

[@hillarythomsen9264]

Yes!!! Maybe a series on topics we don’t know the real story about

[@JessicaKent]

Oh I’m here for this! 👌🏻 I got sucked into signing up as well and I quickly realized that I made a mistake and got out. ❤

[@clairepettie]

Love your videos and hope life's calmed down for you lately.💜

[@misstaylahmareexx9080]

Oh Jess we need a story time on this! I love your channel 💕

[@fleurelise997]

Congratulations on recognising the scam early enough. Unfortunately, too many people don't 😞

[@wykrywaczbulszitu8773]

Niestety duża część obrotów mlm bierze się z pierwszych zakupów zmanipulowanych ludzi. Dlatego tak ważne jest by mówić o tym głośno, o karygodnych praktykach, technikach manipulacji, o sposobie przekonywania do bycia kolejnym klonem sprzedawcą, mówić otwarcie jak bardzo szkodliwy społecznie jest system sprzedaży mlm. Dzięki za ten materiał.

[@hales2363]

I have been an anti-mlm advocate for many years and took part in getting an MLM shut down. Thank you SO MUCH for dpeaking out about this!!!

[@purplecat1713]

Thank YOU for doing what you did to help get one shut down. It hurts to see friends get sucked in and scammed. And then they try to suck you in and you say no. There is a clip of a journalist reading from a recruitment script. “I know it sounds crazy but you are such a bad ass and you would do amaaaazing at this. Call me lol!”’ Ughhh.” I’ve heard that so many times and been like, “Hmm. No.” Then you never hear from them again and you realize, oh God they never wanted to actually talk to me and it was just to sell me something. RawbeautyKristi is right. We recoil when we see it.

[@ajqueen31]

Also to note, for those on the fence and/or ashamed/embarrassed, it's part of how MLMs keep you "in", by driving that fear and embarrassment. Just cut the cord if you have any awareness/doubts. The person with the short hair and tattoos was high-ranking in Beachbody and has left the MLM world; if they (and many other high-ranking/top MLMers) realize how terrible MLMs are and leave, you can do it, too.

[@DramaticMac]

The podcast “the dream” was such an eye opener to MLMs how toxic they are and how damaging to peoples lives they can be. Someone close to me went into depth trying to sustain her MLM “business”. It’s so dangerous and they need to be stopped!

[@petralins6716]

So funny, I just commented about this and I just went there and it looks like there is a new series that looks like it's about MLM's to coaching...which ALSO seems so scammy these days, I totally need to listen to that one. I love Jane Marie, she's got a great voice too!

[@Ashley-bb5ts]

As a stay at home mom on a strict single income, I feel so validated by this video. I've been told by people I care about that my family is financially limited because I'm not ambitious enough (because they were trying to recruit me). Thank you

[@ManiyaVinas]

Wait is that your hubby on your profile pic? He has been chesting on you with a woman who is more interesting

[@Spaadi]

It's sick to hear people tried to pressure you in that way... I'm very happy to hear you resisted that MLM stupidity. Keep up the good honest work and providing for your family. You are a good role model !

[@emyf9197]

Well, u are not ambitious enuff n that's why u were a target in first place...

[@Megan-1014]

@@emyf9197Please tell me you’re joking 🤞🏻

[@ReallyMimi]

Thank you for not shaming people whom have been sucked into MLM schemes! This is the reason I’ve failed at three different MLM’s I got suckered into-I REFUSE to take advantage of ANYONE! I hope this video helps others and I just wish the FTC would shut these all down once and for all!

[@patriot-hj5vx]

You were part of THREE MLMs? Babe im sorry but i am shaming

[@MsAntigonaki]

Wanna make a lot of money? Become a doctor, a lawyer, a plumber, a dentist, an electrician- the secret is always work… also to work less later, you have to work more when you’re young… I’m an interpreter and I’m still studying dialectic differences in my languages - I’ve never failed my court qualification exams (every 5 years) because at 45 I’m still studying. My husband’s relative got roped into Optavia - a diet MLM- it’s horrible. She’s spending $400-800 on herself and 2k on her “stock”

[@olivialauren6488]

Yup. I knew this video would be worth the wait. You did this justice and beyond. The content, facts, the EDITING! Excellent video. Thank you!

[@RawBeautyKristi]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@emsteroo]

They are everywhere, too. I went to a wedding expo and there was a "free makeover" raffle. No signage, nothing - but I won, and it was Mary Kay, and I basically won the opportunity to have a party for this lady. I'd never said "no thanks" so fast. These companies are so predatory and sneaky, it's gross.

[@mandijones4995]

OMG, that was crazy sneaky

[@deutschdame]

I’m guessing you weren’t the only one to “win”, either. 😒

[@LizRealGirlBeauty]

They take every person who fills out the card and tell them they "won," and yeah it's not an actual facial or a makeup application. It's them giving you product to put on yourself while hard selling you to both buy evening and join up to sell.

[@emsteroo]

@LizRealGirlBeauty 100%. As soon as she said "Mary Kay", I was like, "yeah, no thanks". I wish I had thought about the fact there was no signage, because in retrospect, that was a big clue it wouldn't be anything worthwhile.

[@jessicashaw4086]

This happened to me at a restaurant once!!!! That’s crazy

[@itsCaseyWilson_Beauty]

IT’S HERE! The MUCH anticipated MLM video from our real Dad! 👏🏻 👏🏻 Can’t wait to watch this Kristi-thank you for all the work you put into this! 💜

[@RawBeautyKristi]

Yay! Thank you so so so much!!!! I hope you like it 🥹💕

[@dulcemaria5305]

We definitely need an MLM series. This scratches the surface and I'd love to hear you dissect different MLMs.

[@meghanmoeller3252]

This was like the talk from your best friend who is going to tell you the truth, not what you want to hear and it was still so loving and gentle. Then you tell us your experience and shewwwwww. If that’s not EXACTLY how it goes. Thanks for doing the video Kristi! 👏🏼👏🏼 well done.

[@bentlyluv1211]

If a company tells you having a life (meal times, coffee time, Netflix and chill) is inconvenient for your job... RUN!

[@RawBeautyKristi]

YES

[@montauk081]

​​@@RawBeautyKristi OMG, 21:50 in as you started sharing your experience joining an mlm you said "all of a sudden I realized I'm a knife salesman?!" I IMMEDIATELY PAUSED THE VIDEO to comment ME TOO...Cutco ring a bell?? I was 1 of 3 ppl being interviewed. The interview was like a private infomercial, LOL!! It was 2002 or 2003 something like that and I responded to an ad in the local pennysaver. I was in my early 20's attending community College studying marketing and sales. I was so excited that i was hired but the excitement was short lived. I needed to buy a set of knives to be employed. I couldn't afford ramen noodles for $1.50 let alone a set of cutco knives for $150. Okay, thanks for listening to my story and I'm going to listen to the rest of yours now. XXOO I APPRECIATE YOU KRISTI!! ** 22:02 your sister sold Mary Kay "anyone want to try satin hands" ...I almost fell of the bed laughing because my mom sold Mary Kay when I was in elementary school and I LOVED when she would do the 4 step process of satin hands. (now it's all in 1 bottle which makes no sense).

[@lenelenore]

Exactly this. And wtf, the whole marketing package they do to sell you on being in their MLM is based on “Don’t you want the freedom to work the hours *you* choose, the freedom to spend more time with your kids, your friends, or just more ‘me time’? Here’s how joining us will give you that freedom!” That’s what sickens me; people who’ve believed that lie themselves only to find that they have had to give up not only so much money but also so much personal freedom then turn around to berate others for not being willing to sacrifice their own freedom and happiness? It’s heartbreaking. Former Mary Kay, Tupperware, Discovery Toys, and Avon rep here. All of which, thankfully, I went into not expecting to make more than a few bucks at. I liked and used all those things at the times I sold them, and I intended to just come out even or maybe a couple bucks ahead, while buying the stuff I wanted or my family and friends wanted. Worked fine for that, but lord help me if I’d ever been truly invested in making a decent income. It would have been a nightmare. I have friends who wondered why I never signed anyone up under me, and I tried to explain that I’d have felt too guilty about it, because I thought it was obviously not a way to make a living. This video was perfect - clear, succinct, uncompromisingly honest, but also compassionate and heartfelt. I deeply appreciate it.❤

[@jamesrocket5616]

Partying is a waste of time though

[@joythroughjourney2074]

Been in them, almost every friend I know has been in one or many. They are AWFUL. PLLLLEEEEEEASE continue this series. It is SO VERY important for people they prey on to know this information. ❤

[@Patti-1962]

One of my college roommates started selling for a makeup MLM company. Her personality changed dramatically, in that she was always in sales mode, and kept telling me how successful I would be. Of course I tried it out ( this was over 20 years ago) and I hated every minute of it. She has become shallow and doesn't mind seeing people fail. As long as she gets to drive her fancy car and take expensive vacations. She made it, but the personal cost was huge. I hope this video goes viral..... and that you do more investigative videos like this. You have a talent for this kind of journalism. And how you are able to speak the facts without sounding judgmental or accusatory. Great job!!

[@julieo4580]

I was in a Beachbody facebook group and I didn’t personally know anyone in it. I had injured my back and the “coach” was basically like just power through it. It was a herniated disk and I had to have surgery on it. I’ll never forget the shame that group made me feel when I said I couldn’t post a workout for a while. Bitches.

[@kell_checks_in]

How to have a Beachbody: 1) Have a body (any weight, size, shape or age will do). 2) Find a beach.

[@MessyBeautifulSoul]

As a past Arbonne girl this is 💯 true! The “business model” is broken and won’t work for most. The entire tactic of reaching out to anyone and everyone in the beginning is uncomfortable, unnatural and I hated every minute of it.

[@jaymel4691]

The worst part about the MLM business model is that it DOES work. It works exactly as intended. With only 1% of the distributors making all the money off of the 99% who lose it. That is what it was meant to do all along.

[@Sportdiva7]

A girl at church is with them and she is always having parties to buy the health supplements. She always says I’ll be good at it. She literally took me for a coffee on my bday to try to sell me something instead of genuinely getting me a bday coffee.

[@MessyBeautifulSoul]

@@Sportdiva7 ugh they encourage that so much and I hated it! So not genuine!

[@katherineauber]

PLEASE do more of these. You absolutely have the platform that’s needed to spread awareness. Thank you again this was amazing

[@blaura737]

The office scene of Michael denying it's a pyramid scheme while simultaneously describing a pyramid scheme 😂😂

[@kateoc8]

You mean pyramid.

[@patriot-hj5vx]

YES and jim drawing a pyramid around the downline for demonstration 😅

[@CorinaSierraMUA]

As someone who was in an mlm and was sucked into it, im so proud of you that you were able to release this video warning others of this predatory business model! The guilt and the blame you put on yourself (with the help of the higher up) when you don’t succeed is so real and it’s 100% not your fault.

[@ScousersWife]

This was OUTSTANDING! Please do more of these! MLMs have strained or broken so many relationships and friendships. This was so well done, Kristi! Thank you for doing this. It's going to save so many people from so much BS.

[@smithsn0416]

Yes Kristi!!! You did an AMAZING job on this! My husband's parents got sucked into Amway about 30 years ago. They believed SO HARD in this company that they had one house foreclosed and nearly lost a second just to try and move up. They never got out of the level you start at when you got into that crap company. After my father-in-law passed my mother-in-law finally quit the selling part. But, she still believes in the products so much that she still buys from her up-line. All of her kids, including myself think that every single product we have tried SUCKS beyond belief. None of them work at all. But she still believes and every Christmas up until last year we all still got our "Christmas Fun Box" (her words) full of personal and household products. We all finally sat her down and told her not to waste her money on products none of us use. Thank you Kristi for posting this very informative video that tells the truth on companies like Amway!!! I appreciate so much that you are getting the word out!! Please keep,making videos like this!! No more doubt....YOU DID GREAT!!!!

[@rachaellynde9463]

I’m glad other people are finally seeing this. I’ve been preyed upon by SO MANY WOMEN IN MY LIFE. I’ve always felt off about it and could never put words to it, and thankfully I’ve never been sucked in. But I’ve been chewed out and “unfriended” by people for speaking up about this in the not too distant past. I hope this goes viral.

[@McKDazzle]

KRISTI! I have goose bumps, we've been waiting for this for so long! You did such an amazing job! The information, the production, the references, the stories, the narration, IM OBSESSED! I know these take a lot of work, but this was so awesome to see! I love your content lately, from decorating - to antiquing. I feel like your audience is really growing with you

[@RawBeautyKristi]

Wow thank you so much for this!! This means the absolute world to me 🥹🥹🥹

[@friedlanderd]

Please please PLEASE do a full series on MLMs with videos focused on each one. I do want to warn you though, there's another youtuber named @AlwaysMarco who has a channel that pretty much exclusively tackles individual MLMs and the major uplines, and he's had incredible pushback from these companies in the form of legal actions. That said, your work is absolutely incredible@@RawBeautyKristi, and with an audience like yours, it won't be as easy for them to try and strongarm you. One of my best friends got me involved in ACN and thankfully I managed to get out before I lost any money, but he wasn't so lucky. Thank you for this video

[@MamaKopf823]

Omg im so ready for this. While going through chemo I was prayed on by these mlms... Promising me it would 'heal me', make my hair grow back faster than ever, give me unlimited income blah blah blah. Disgusting. Thank you for bring this more coverage!!

[@RawBeautyKristi]

That is absolutely disgusting and I am SO sorry you experienced that

[@shirleyvalentine2794]

Well done for not falling for it and I hope you are doing well health wise

[@ginalyncox]

Please tell me you reported them to the Federal Trade Commission!

[@lizcashaw8684]

I got sucked in as well and lost so much money. The ONE good thing that came from the BS was reconnecting with my friend from high school and we've been BFFs ever since. We grew close when we realized the scam and lies the MLM we were in. The effort you put into the MLM could be put into making your own independent business with much better odds of success then the lies they sell you. Seeing more and more people getting sucked into these and loosing so much money when they were already hurting breaks my heart. The fact these companies are still allowed to operate blows my mind. It really shows how companies don't care about consumers period, only profits. And that's not just on MLMs. I hope your video gets out to the masses and helps someone rethink joining one and brings much needed awareness.

[@basicbodybuilding]

You literally get paid more working at McDonalds lol

[@sstjohn96]

I would love to see more of these deep dive videos! You presented this in an engaging and compassionate way, which I rarely see when discussing MLMs

[@user-di6cn2ne7u]

Almost 400 comments and i haven't seen a "but my company is different" yet. So refreshing.

[@AngelaSicilian]

I had a stroke on 09/20 and lost most of my vision. Im a vet tech and probably have to leave my career. I’m mad at life right now (and yes I’ve already been approached by my friends in MLMs) and this Video is the first time I’ve been happy about something in a while. Good job Kristi.

[@sammyw7301]

I sincerely hope things get better for you ❤ sending love

[@Amy-fk5we]

So sorry about your stroke and your vision ❤. Don’t lose hope about work though. I know people who have gotten office jobs with apps (like read or write) installed on their computers that read aloud and write for you because they are partially blind or have dyslexia. I had one teacher in college that was almost completely blind and had the cutest guide dog 🦮. A lot of government jobs who promote hiring people with disabilities would hire you. Don’t lose hope! ❤

[@nutz13_]

just know that no matter what happens you are still strong and powerful and can do anything you set your mind too!!

[@bambilanz]

So sorry, sending you all the good vibes and love 💕

[@brunom72]

love you xxx

[@Mamashelbs___]

I fell for it and it ruined my life and the shame has taken years to heal from. So happy you made this video

[@jennifermounts7559]

Love this video! I got roped into selling Mary Kay once quite a few years ago. As the newest member of an office where I started working, I felt obligated in order to get to know people. Before you know it, I was paying for my starter kit. Just $199.00 and I'd be well on my way to financial freedom. 😂 Next thing you know, my Director talked me into getting a loan to purchase product inventory. "You can’t sell from an empty wagon!" Somehow she made it seem silly not to do it. Then I was on the way with my Director (in her pink Cadillac) to a Mary Kay convention, and told to be careful once I left "The Pink Bubble" because naysayers would try to put me down. Fortunately, I got out quickly. At the time, I was able to sell my inventory back to Mary Kay for 90% of my investment. Some of these people are so great at making things seem like a gold mine. Would love to see more of these videos, Kristi! ❤you!

[@Sleipnirseight]

Yes!!!! There are so many great anti-MLM KZbinrs trying to educate the public. It's exciting to see someone with such a large platform covering this, too!

[@beaucrawley1191]

This has to go viral! ❤ this has to be heard! MLMS have ruined friendships for me, I’ve seen how they prey on new moms 😡 I’ve seen my friends spends £100s on products desperate to sell them and have parties and just change their entire personality it’s 100% cult behaviour. Thanks for your hard work in making this video I will be sharing xxxxxx

[@jgoodcatt6634]

This is real meaningful, possibly life changing info and it couldnt come from a better creator. I'm so impressed with this content. You are such a treasure Kristi and I appreciate all your hard work and all that you share with us, thank you!

[@RawBeautyKristi]

Wow, thank you! So so so so much 🥹😭

[@emilymajeski]

A teacher who used to work at my school got so into selling Beach Body for like 3 years and it was getting kind of embarrassing how she’d share videos of herself working out in her living room dripping in sweat, telling us how we need to dig deep, how we are lying to ourselves that we don’t have time because look at her working out at 10pm with kids toys all around etc. She hounded everyone at work and people were starting to avoid and unfollow her. She ended up quitting teaching to sell real estate. She doesn’t do mlm stuff anymore.

[@cynderelliee]

I used to follow a mom who did beach body and her story was the same. Work out everyday, used every product. She shopped like crazy and always said it was all from her bb cheques. Then one day she all of a sudden switched to Seint. She started making posts about how she had to leave BB because she was in the hole and it's a scam and that seint is better because it's newer so you have a way better chance at being at the top. I was so angry because she was just trying to recruit more people to BB 2 days before that with the promise of wealth. Her husband ended up leaving her and she had to move back home with her parents.

[@whohasfetalkitty]

I never talked to my BB coach again after I quit, I was just a recipient, not a coach myself. Thankfully she wasn't a close friend, just a peer. I really enjoyed the workouts, they were so fun, but they really want you to buy their preworkout and protein. Oof it was expensive. I wish I could find the workouts online, black market style. 😂 It was uncomfortable to quit, I can't imagine how uncomfortable it was for her when she finally left. She seems SO MUCH happier now. Actually running a small business with her husband with their own merch. She's freeee!

[@jessicaroberts7391]

Yep! I was sucked into Mary Kay when a complete stranger approached me in Target because she saw me wearing makeup. I was flattered & gave her my number. I remember the red flags I started seeing. I got out asap.

[@Megan-1014]

You are a beautiful woman with really nice makeup (I’m going by your profile picture) so please don’t feel like you’re anything less than because this woman was trying to make a buck $

[@jessicaroberts7391]

@Megan-1014 Thank you!! Makeup is art to me. I love doing it!

[@Megan-1014]

@@jessicaroberts7391 You’re welcome! It looks like you’re really good at doing it! 💕

[@lauren1937]

Something similar happened to me about 2 weeks ago. I was shopping at TJMaxx and this lady starts taking to me and asking about myself. She was vague in how she spoke about the “mentorship.” We exchanged numbers. A few days later, her, her husband and I had a meeting to discuss about the mentorship and “the dream.” The husband was talking in circles. They said how I need to read a specific book in order to go to the next step of the recruitment process. She even threw in there how she read that book in 4 hours(I think a tactic to say “if I did it in 4 hours then I should too). She set up a zoom meeting for us to discuss the book but I didn’t read it because I didn’t have time. She was saying something about having an accountability partner and I said no. I told her we could reschedule for today. But I blocked her so no meeting.😂Something just didn’t feel right with that. I felt like she was vague and knew info about me but yet I didn’t even know about her much or what exactly she was trying to sell me. (Even though she mentioned the mentorship is free.) Because why tell me something but you’re not living “the dream” that you speak of?🤔 Very much a scam. I’m glad I listened to my instincts.

[@TiaGreen]

I KNEW the clip from The Office would make it into this video! 😂 But seriously, this is an amazing video, Kristi. Thank you so much for spreading awareness about this topic.

[@NoYesJess]

KRISTI. I know you were hesitant on making this video bc you wanted the research to be on point, you didn't want to forget anything that needed to be said, and you wanted the delivery to DELIVER. I'm telling you right now, you did just that. Excellent job. Thank YOU for all the time and energy you put into this and for sharing it with us.👏🖤

[@shortie.2380]

24:14 “just because it’s not illegal, it doesn’t make it ethical.” 👏🏻👏🏻

[@karolynanderson2033]

I’m so glad we’re in an age where so much information is available! Back in 2008, I had moved across state for college with $20 to my name. I was desperate for money for food (my mom was well below the poverty line and I don’t have much family support) and I got sucked in to an MLM. I had to borrow the money for the sample kit, and I rarely ever was able to ask for money! I knew practically NO ONE in my new city. I sold ONE product. I had never heard the term “MLM” or “Pyramid Scheme”. Nobody told me that was a thing. Now it’s at least accessible information! The more people who make these videos, the more people they reach, the better ❤

[@karolynanderson2033]

Full Disclosure: It was the Knives 🔪

[@opheliawild]

You win with this comment. 😂@@karolynanderson2033

[@heatherpier148]

I was a stupid 22-year old mother w/2 kids. I didn't have two pennies to rub together. My kid's kindergarten teacher tried desperately to recruit me into an MLM that literally cost over a grand to get into. Then proceeded to tell me that my kids will suffer if I don't join and it will be all my fault. I cried so much.

[@skullchimes]

she got fired for talking crap like that right? right?

[@ManiyaVinas]

I feel like women get dumber if they let a man sprizz inside them

[@calicokattv]

I sell designer clothes and collectibles on eBay and Poshmark as my full time job. When Lularoe blew up in 2016 I had multiple people in an e-commerce group I belonged to join it and try to recruit the entire group into their downline, even though our group was specifically for resellers who ran their business with a basis in sustainability and removing used/secondhand items from the waste stream by thrifting, shopping yard sales and even dumpster diving in some cases. (Not me, not that brave.) Both the tone deafness to the values of most of the members and the insane $5000 price tag to buy in were a huge turn off. I was 1000% not surprised when less than a year later the Washington attorney general sued them for being a pyramid scheme. This was a great video, I subbed.

[@ashkelley719]

the Lularoe documentary was so good! I highly recommend! We all have that one friend who joins MLM after MLM. I think besides being a boss babe they are looking to “belong” somewhere and it really is so gross the way they prey on that.

[@ItsJustLisa]

Our niece got really made at me because I wouldn’t help her buy into LulaRoe. This was around 2015, just before the proverbial 💩 hit the proverbial fan. Fortunately she wasn’t able to get the $5K or whatever you were supposed to raise to “start her business”.

[@ReallyMimi]

That is an excellent documentary! I felt so bad for all those ladies, some whom have lost their homes etc. it’s terrible but hopefully eye opening to some that need it.

[@MHintonEli]

It delivered!!!!! This video needs to go viral and you explained this process perfectly!!! I was a nanny for a couple years and the wife sold Lularoe - she was high up in the chain.. had the car… had a legit addition built on to her home for her “shopping store” ! I remember her taking the vacations and getting plastic surgery- it was just crazy… well when sh*t hit the fan with the company she had to sell their home, sell the cars, and she went back to work as a teacher just to make ends meet. It was insane and when I watched that documentary she was the classic example!

[@jann3443]

Back in the late 80s, very early 90s, my husband and I bought one of those Cutco knife sets, Kristi!! $$$ I didn't even know these "scams" were called MLMs. My daughter got roped into one selling fitness products: drinks, protein powders, etc. She was finishing nursing school at the time. She got angry at me for telling her it was stupid, I didn't believe it was legit and a scam, but she ended up nipping it in the bud, thank God! You did a phenomenal job on this very eye opening video!!!

[@JulieAndersonvideos]

Thank you for not following the usual trajectory of large creators rehashing the fake definition of a pyramid scheme versus an MLM. As an MLM survivor and coaching cult whistleblower, the more that people speak plainly about MLM cults helps reduce the shame that is used to control MLM participants. Great video!

[@renierdei6674]

You’re so nice thinking majority of these downline people are just unfortunate losers, I think at least half of them are actually malicious and know very well that their only business is to find unfortunate losers

[@Thorcita]

"My dog was sick" "I don't care!" would be the fastest way to lose me lol. Amazing video, with a ton of information in a great format. Thank you!!

[@Willcaro333]

Oh man, I’ve never joined an MLM, but I was fully preyed upon once when I was 19 shopping at Target. A woman approached me, she seemed maybe 25-30, and she told me I was super pretty and that I should model. She said she needed models for a photo shoot for a cosmetics company and that I’d be perfect. Of course I fell for that because I wanted to be considered beautiful and I loved make up. So I get a date and time, and took a friend for safety reasons, and I show up to this woman’s house and it was fully a Mary Kay party. She sat me down, did all the stupid demonstrations and a facial I didn’t want. SHE HAD ME APPLY MY OWN MAKE UP, which was the literal opposite of how I thought my “photoshoot” prep was going to go. I was given the most gently pigmented natural looking make up and I guess the scam here was that she could say she instructed me on the products and put that towards the hours she needed to log, for whatever reason. The “party” was just a bunch of people I didn’t know that appeared to be her family with kids running around eating pizza. This WOMAN fully tricked me into attending a family gathering disguised as a Mary Kay party, disguised as a modeling opportunity. I couldn’t believe I was so stupid. My mother wore Mary Kay products so I was very familiar with the whole gig. Oh and my photo? She just snapped one with her iPhone outside on the porch because the make up could be seen better in natural lighting. She kept pressuring me to place an order, and that was that. What an adventure.

[@RawBeautyKristi]

Lmfaooo Noooooooo why did I have this EXACT SAME EXPERIENCE!!!!!! You just jogged a memory for me I hadn’t thought of since I was a kid!! Dude I was a teenager and doing my own makeup for a photoshoot as well!! Lol MARY KAY! Hahahahhaa

[@SarahJohnson-no6qw]

I have a very similar story related to MK. I hate all MLMs but MK makes me especially ragey. They make you do your own makeup because they aren’t licensed estheticians/makeup artists so it’s against the law for them to apply your makeup. So scammy. So predatory. So F*CKED up. Screw MK and all MLMs.

[@katie3657]

Omg

[@britnywilson5402]

This happened to me with my bridal party! I was so embarrassed 😭

[@AndreaLT520]

I’m so sorry I’m laughing at this story. You are my spirit animal. We’ve all fallen for this ❤ I thought I was going to be held captive in a woman’s house when she invited me over for a “makeover party”. She approached me when I worked at Circuit City and made it sound amazing. This was 2004? I showed up to her house and I was held hostage by three women selling Mary Kay. They literally got my checkbook out of my purse for me to purchase a Mary Kay starter kit. I was so scared and confused and just so fucking ignorant that I allowed that to happen to me. As soon as the kit came in the mail, I threw it in the garbage and changed my cell phone number. I hope those women are in hell.

[@catspact]

Literally such an important topic. I see women all over social media losing money and are convinced it's their own fault when they were set up to fail from the start. Thank you for bringing this to light, even at the risk of catching flack from those in MLMs. Amazing work!

[@Irysnightshade]

I joined an MLM and I loved their products SO MUCH and I miss them to this day. That being said, my upline was one of the 1% and everyone in the tri-county area in this MLM are in their down line. I never felt comfortable trying to recruit people, so my upline didn’t pay much attention to me. I’m still paying off debt three years later I incurred to “invest in my business.” Thank God I kept my day job. I work in a hair salon in Wal Mart and my upline used to be kind of snotty to me about that she didn’t think I wanted to spend the rest of my life working in a Wal Mart salon.

[@NoseyFloridaGirl]

I was part of one. Everything you’re saying is true ! One time the boss locked the door and said no one leaves until the ‘ presentation’ was over .

[@RGJenn]

Thank you for this. I hate MLMs so much. As a kid I watched my dad fall for one after another and lose money every time then beat himself up about not working hard enough. I'm so sad when I think back on how bad he felt about each "failure."

[@catspact]

I would love to see some follow-up videos on specific MLMs, because I see people like my sister who will be in one MLM and jump to another under the promise of them somehow being different - what specific marketing elements are they pushing for people to get caught in this constant cycle even after being burned??

[@melissadropdead4619]

THIS!! I have a friend who does this too! Like every week I see her post from a different company. We all know what those posts look like! Promises so much but you HAVE to PM them to talk about it. They NEVER give the name of the product! I don't understand it myself how many times do you need to be burned to stop?!

[@opheliawild]

@@melissadropdead4619 In the 90s as a very young, first time mom...internet wasn't like today and there wasn't any source to learn about all this even when I got suspicious. I began with PartyLite, then Party in a Box, then Mary Kay, and finally ... Beachbody for one sec (never sold, only bought a monthly sub, which shows how they've evolved to increase their revenue streams). PartyLite and Party in a Box weren't terrible...just sold some product to other moms and products were good. Didn't sign anyone up. Mary Kay was horrid....lost thousands due to required inventory purchases and being gullible AF. Beachbody was just a subscription as minimum buy in (weren't required to sell), which is predatory but I never took it that far and quit very fast as I only did it out of guilt/pressure from a "friend" who is no longer one. The old "Hey hun...it's been forever, hope you're doing great...have I got this opportunity for you!!!" I've been sold quite a bit of Pampered Chef. Some of their products are decent but nowadays you can get the same or better on Amazon or retailers. They are all different and also always evolving. It's scary. Never, ever again will I sell or buy from one. I haven't in decades.

[@brandileighh]

If it’s a new mlm or newer they jump from mlm to mlm because the sooner you get in, the higher up you will be. Say company is new and only has 100-1000 members, you have a better chance vs scentsy which has 20,000+ members. You get in early enough, more down line under you, bigger chance to make the most and be the top of the company

[@karleehicks7126]

I LOVE this content! This was so well done, Kristi. A list of people I trusted who tried to rope me into an MLM: 1. My doctor 2. My son’s kindergarten teacher 3. My hairstylist 4. Maybe 50% of my son’s friends mothers who I actually thought wanted to be friends That’s just off the top of my head!

[@senorbeanoswifey]

The last one sucks. I cant tell you how many times I thought someone wanted to be friends, just to find out they wanted to rope me into an mlm :/

[@daniellafayad4310]

THIS WAS SO WELL DONE. I hope we get more. This is yer calling, girl. More videos like this, pleeeaaaaase.

[@nicolemassaro4632]

I’m so glad you have finally made this!! Louder for those in the back!

[@aliarchambault5855]

My husband died suddenly when we were both 36. My cousin was in direct sales and contacted me after the funeral and told me the best thing I could do was self care with the products she was selling. Uhhh nope. ✌️ just genuinely disgusting

[@kaiduran528]

I'm so sorry this happened to you, this is so terrible!

[@veronicavillasenor5215]

Dang... this is so horrible.

[@ashleymorgan219]

wow!!!!!!! that is absolutely disgusting and disturbing!!!!!!!!!! also, I am so very very sorry for your loss. a loss is a loss and is rough regardless but those unexpected younger people losses just stab so different and so deep. I hope you are doing as well as you can and are actually living my dear! ❤❤❤

[@spriggy4382]

SICK!! I am so sorry for your loss

[@roselol7398]

What gets me is how some of these companies are still operating when they use an illegal structure. Like Avon, it’s a a HUGE company, how’s it not been shut down?

[@mariethatsme]

I can’t believe this was 30 min, I was totally captivated and actually checked the time stamp because it felt like 10. Good Job Kristi Girl! 🎉

[@Daniquas.Art.]

I got pulled into an MLM when I was probably 23 years old when trying to make friends in a new town.And so I went over to my "friends" house and i felt like they roped me in without me fully knowing so i did end up signing up😢 but when driving home I cried because i realized i was invited over for a Pyramid scheme. I canceled my card at the bank later that month.

[@BeautifulGirl735]

The first year i joined Senegence, me and my downline made $308,000. My earnings? $5000. All year. Not from downline commissions but mostly from my own sales. Your team has to make HUGE money for you to earn anything.

[@amberh4109]

At 20 years old, I bought into Pure Romance for $800... I made nothing. Very hard lesson to learn at such a young age.

[@deannascorner8112]

I fell for one - I thought it would be so cool to get a discount on the products and be able to sell to friends and family that were interested. I never wanted to recruit or be a pushy sales person. And of course, because of that I sucked and didn’t last long. I’m frustrated that I ever became part of the MLM world. I should’ve known better and shouldn’t have given them a dime. I did win a charm from them and wear it as a reminder to think twice before jumping ahead with something that seems too good to be true.

[@Mamashelbs___]

Please continue talking about this. I don’t ever talk about it cause it was so traumatizing and I can’t handle the embarrassment. I lost everything over it.

[@RawBeautyKristi]

I am so so so sorry to hear this. Please do not be embarrassed; they are manipulative scammers and you are the victim

[@jendee1260]

why did you choose to go into them? were you completely unaware? did no one tell you otherwise, at all? this isn’t new (including warnings). i get lost as to how people don’t know better.

[@Megan-1014]

⁠@@jendee1260She specifically said she was traumatized, embarrassed and wouldn’t talk about it and you STILL felt the need to ask those questions 🤦🏼‍♀️ I am completely lost as to how YOU did not know better!!

[@ashleymorgan219]

I love how absolutely passionate you are about this. I have heard you mention this a million times and I just knew 1 day this video would be out. You are doing the lord's work miss beautiful ma'am!!!!!!!!!! ❤❤❤❤

[@joeyezee]

Yes! She keeps it real 100% I remember the first MLM meeting I attended. WMA World Marketing Alliance in 1997. I never joined. And then my friend asked invited me to attend this meeting at 7:00pm in 2014. I was called WFG World Financial Group. I told my friend this sounds like the same meeting I attended back in '97 and they were shut down. I told him this is a scam and I showed him proof. He got defensive and I never spoke to him again. I spoke to him in 2024 to see how he was doing and he told me he is currently broke and in debt. Please keep showing these videos.

[@jmkcr]

Yes, please! More! Go into each one! I see friends falling for these predators and it makes me ill!

[@IntentionalObserver]

Screeeeaaaaming, been waiting for this for *literal* years. Good for you Kristi!! You got it done! Edited to add: I was pulled in to an MLM because I was new to the area and had never experienced one of those type of sales parties. I wanted to use it to meet people and I very QUICKLY realized it was not what I expected or wanted and I got pretty quickly. I never thought I'd be the type to fall for something like that but I'm just glad I realized sooner rather than later.

[@hayleebaird-lira5558]

Thank you for making this video! It is so rampant in military spouse world. It’s heartbreaking and sad. I was a doTerra member for a couple years just to buy oils and when they would not stop trying to sign me up as seller and even tell me to ignore my child’s pulmonologist advice about the danger of diffusing oil at home with his asthma. I hope these God awful companies get shut down! Every time I see another friend has joined one my heart breaks.

[@wership]

I've got stage iv endometriosis and was told by so many friends that doterra would cure me 😅 that's why I call them doterrible. They smell and are a lovely product but no.

[@mandijones4995]

​@@wershipOmg, That's crazy. You have a medical condition and it's not going away with oils. Unbelievable.

[@brittanypleasant4517]

Thank you so much for putting this together! You went into detail how I've been feeling for years! So many people are losing money and it breaks my heart.

[@323darkstar]

Thankyou so much for this video... I'm confronting a loved one of mine about a MLM they just joined. I don't want her life ruined by these scammers. Thankyou for putting this emotionally calm supportive info out... Wish me luck helping my loved one, I fear shes getting sucked in.

[@alisinclaire9021]

It's so refreshing to hear someone talk about the evils of MLMs while having compassion on the people who end up in them. So many people do it for selfless reasons and end up losing everything, including their support system:(

[@aliceinbetween9408]

Yay I’m so glad you finally shared this with us, I know how hard you’ve worked on it and it didn’t disappoint! I hope this goes viral but even if it helps 5 people leave these awful, toxic schemes then that would be amazing. Nothing I hate more than people being preyed upon, companies who build themselves on the backs of their victims. Disgusting. Please do make more of these! I love these kinds of videos from you and think your journalistic/deep dive style is great! Love you Kristi!

[@KyleLindsey-nd5nf]

Imagine being spoken to by your "upline" in that way... for "encouragement". It's disgusting.

[@EllenGormleyCrochet]

I have been so tempted, but I always hesitate when I think ‘why would you want to recruit me to be your competition in selling these products?’ Why are you nurturing your competition. So there must be some benefit for them.

[@jenluv]

You crushed this, Kristi! I think we all have, or know a person close to us, that have bought into an MLM. I hope you make more videos like this!

[@tesspalmer992]

Hey jen❤❤

[@midnightcharasmr]

I did Rodan and Fields for just a short while. I was not willing to spam/manipulate people I love or utilize every post as an advertising/business opportunity. I remember being blown away at the amount of product they expected me to purchase in order to make commission. So much that it almost defeats the purpose of commission. I felt guilty trying to push overpriced skincare on people when, as a makeup artist, I am familiar with amazingly affordable alternatives. What a scam these companies are. Sadly I know SO many woman who have fallen for Arbonne and are advertising it nonstop, uncleverly disguised as something else. Woman who I respect and admire and I’ve unfollowed because of the incessant and blatant lying. I know behind closed doors they are frustrated at their low return and the demand that they buy more and more, and the embarrassment and shame they feel as their followers drop and they lose engagement on every post. They know it’s not working but still they make reels about changing their life and being a boss babe and ceo.

[@alliemay6076]

I remember my coworker was trying to recruit a ton of us to sell arbonne. I work in a healthcare setting with mostly female colleagues and I think it’s an ideal setting for women to be manipulated into selling that crap. Work less hours, spend time selling arbonne. She would start by complementing our makeup, then suggest we should try some of the great stuff she sells. Luckily I’m too shy to sell products to people or maybe I would have fallen for that

[@stephaniechaparro]

I remember Rodan and Fields being in attendance at one of the career fairs at my college. It takes truly evil, soulless people to take so much money from usually broke college students when they know the students most likely won't even make a commission. Just a huge loss of money. Sickening. I'm glad I passed up on it. I genuinely was curious about it.

[@christinastuart9398]

Do you know of a dupe for the REDEFINE Lip Renewing Serum? I hate the mlm side but loved that stuff!

[@Kc-dq7zj]

When I was 18 (2000) I got ropped in to an MLM without realizing it at first. Basically the same story you had about the Knifes. I got an "interview" which was filled with people. Everyone got hired (shocker). After the interview I realized I got a "job" selling Kirby vacuums. I luckily figured out it was a scam right after the "interview". Thankfully.

[@midnightcharasmr]

Same for me as well!! This older dude in a suit “recruited” a bunch of people my age (18ish) and held a “conference” in a legit looking office room. He explained his business model to us and mostly bragged about his lifestyle - and only finally at the end was it revealed we would be selling vacuums. I left so fast!!

[@alorafeller6496]

I got convinced to buy a Kirby vacuum and it’s the worst vacuum I’ve ever had in my life. It broke after only a MONTH.

[@raveng1422]

My college instructor for a LinkedIn course had a connection from Cutco and encouraged us to use her connections to land a job... My partner had the same class and almost joined that MLM. I'm so glad we dodged that bullet. Sad to see her using her students for that.

[@brittnichole2778]

I’m replying to every MLM person who contacts me with this video for the rest of my days. This was it 💯

[@Life_with_babye]

I’ve watched two of my bestfriends join a CBD MLM and now we barely even speak. They’ve been in it for about 2 years and are a part of that top percentage that does very well. Allllll they talk about is their company. Like anything that happens in their like they relate it back to their company. All they care about is their company and have no friends that aren’t in that company as well. What really did it for me was one of them text me after I had had a miscarriage and tried to sell me a CBD product because it would “help my infertility issues”. I was enraged that someone who was once my bestfriend would use my miscarriage and infertility to try to sell me something and recruit me. These MLMs are so predatory especially towards stay at home moms. Please continue to speak out about this!

[@zaftigninja2908]

Thank you for this video. Such malignant promises made by these “companies” to a population targeted for their vulnerability and desire to believe the good in people. Your production and editing for this one… ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@crystalvine6827]

The timing of this girl! I just hit the literal wall of a life event from stress built up over time coming down to basically me being in 3. Diff MLM. I do believe in ONE product that did help me but everything you’ve said is spot on. I don’t hate on those who can make it work. It’s just not in my DNA. I will lose friends over it; and yes I don’t care because I do not want them to have a life event come out of it for themselves. The money I’ve spent; the time I’ve lost, those are gone.. gone. Now I gladly release myself from all of the guilt; the pleasure of throwing away the information, the joy of deleting hundreds of FB groups, the endless zoom meetings and pamphlets. Releasing all that no longer serves me or served me! Thank you for doing this. I don’t believe in coincidences. Things happen for a reason, at a time as they are to. Thank you to my niece for telling me you were doing this! Say it louder, prouder, and stand together

[@Sleipnirseight]

Congratulations for getting out!!! And those that "make it" are about 1% of all members (i.e., the small handful who got in early at the top of the pyramid). And they are only making profit by exploiting and scamming all the people in their downline. That's dirty money nobody should aspire to make. Glad you're free now!

[@dee9303]

Proud of you 👏

[@apatheticowl3461]

The absolute depravity of them going after military wives. I've seen it with Lularoe. And now I see the products in goodwill. It's the worst thing to take advantage of someone who wants to care for their family.

[@TheLonelyFawn]

I think they also prey on the loneliness of military wives, it’s so tough when you’re moving around and your husband is away suddenly you have this promise of a big community of other women. It’s disgusting

[@oshifish2]

I noticed for awhile when Beach Body came onto the scene that I was getting Facebook requests from more than a few ladies with military profiles. I never put two and two together until I realized this was happening. I never take Facebook requests from strangers, its my one social media spot I keep just for friends and family to keep in touch so they just had to pick me out of the thin air or a family member was in an MLM. Its so predatory I agree!

[@molleirose]

This video is entirely perfect Kristi. This was phenomenally well done. Im so proud of you. You should do an in depth coverage of the various mlms.

[@philipdefibaugh5683]

I was almost scammed bad by a "legal" MLM selling life insurance. All the classic BS lines MLM's were fed to me. We had to go to "insurance school". We had a purposely boring "teacher" and literally read the textbook from cover to cover. The "teacher" wouldn't answer questions and kept reading from the textbook. People (myself included) kept failing these tests, and this was done on purpose, so you have to pay to retake the class. Here is the most disgusting part that made me realize this was a total scam. We three students were supposed to meet our "Boss" for a "Business Lunch". This "leader" drove up to the insurance center to pick us up in NOT a Rolls Royce, Bentley, and at the very least an Audi, NOOOOOO! "Leader" showed up in a Toyota. Was the dinner at a sit dance fancy restaurant? Oh, HELL, NO! It was at Wendy's, and this scumbag made us pay for our own meal. I didn't mind paying if it was with friends or people I trust, but this leader refused to pay. The final red flag was when I asked for a business card and he said he NEVER carries them on him! This "leader" guy bragged that he WAS a multi-millionare with a huge mansion, BUT he looked worse than a rusty old Ford Tempo. Luckily, I only lost $200 some dollars. I hope this was helpful. Thank you for uploading this video!

[@sharonwiller]

I was recruited into Arbonne during college and spent the last $500 I had on supplies. I still have products from years ago because I don’t want them to go to waste. But oh my god did I feel cheated and wronged. Not to mention my “mentor” would blow up my phone CONSTANTLY and try to act as a mother figure (which I already have a fantastic one so it felt weird) and coach me through Arbonne and life in general. Never again.

[@jenmatt1923]

My Mom still has Mary Kay product from probably 15+ years ago. 😔

[@sharonwiller]

@@jenmatt1923 we have Pampered Chef items that are as old as me. My mom refuses to give them up lol