Happy Monday, everybody! Today’s guest is somebody super-special–my dear friend (and our pastor’s wife), Shalla Johnson. She’s going to tell you a little about herself here in a bit, but I want to take this chance to tell you some things about her that she would never say.

Shalla and Rich are two of the most loving, giving, big-hearted people I know. They’re the kind of people who will drive to your house in a rainstorm, get your kids, then drive around the city for over an hour looking for some place, any place, that has power so they can feed themselves and your offspring (while 3 of their own 4 are at grandma’s house!) while you drive your husband to the ER with a panic attack.

Shalla is the kind of friend who shows up at your door with a pint of Jeni’s ice cream for your daughter after she bashes her mouth/teeth in a trampoline accident.

They’re the kind of folks who will take a chunk of their hard-earned money and help your girlies go to camp when you can’t afford to send them yourselves.

And on and on and on.

p.s. This pic is almost 2 years old, but I forgot to ask Shalla for a newer one. Everyone looks the same (except the kids are all bigger and somehow even cuter, and Rich has new glasses, and Shalla has gorgeous, super-short hair, and strangers ask her if anyone has ever told her she looks exactly like Halle Berry).

Let’s chat with Shalla! (And find out what awesome prize she has for us!!)

Me: Shalla, Shalla, Shalla. Tell us all about you!

Shalla: I am a wife of a fun loving hubby who is passionate about multi-ethnicity and a mom to three wildly amazing boys and a sweet little girl. I have been a homemaker focusing on our children and making a peaceful home for the past six years and before that spent most of my time teaching first graders.

Me: How did you get involved with Thirty-One? (if you’re unfamiliar with 31, they sell a fun line of bags, purses, and organizational products that you can personalize in all kinds of ways. and this fall, they have a new collegiate sports line for you football fans)

I was invited to a Thirty~One party by my mother a little over two years ago. I had never heard of the company before and was really just looking for a evening to get out and connect with some adults – I mean I did have four kiddos! By the time the evening ended, I knew becoming a consultant was at the top of my list! I signed up a few months later and it has been one of the best $99 investments I have made.

Me: What is the most rewarding/challenging part of your business?

Shalla: I love the fact that Thirty~One received its name from Proverbs 31 – The Virtuous Woman. They are passionate about “Celebrating, Encouraging, and Rewarding” women. It means a lot to me that I am able to stay at home with my kids and contribute financially to our family. It is so rewarding to hear stories of ladies on my team that are gaining confidence in themselves, stepping out of their comfort zones and meeting lifelong friends! The hardest thing is getting on the phone and making phone calls either to thank a customer for having a party or to see if she wants to book a party. I usually have little ones making a ton of noise during the day and the evening I try to not do a lot of work.

Me: How do you balance 31/pastor’s wife/mama of 4/everything else you do??

Shalla: Balancing life is always challenging! Having a supportive family makes a big difference in how I am able to balance or mingle my work and family life. The nice thing about owning your own business is that I get to put forth the time and effort when I choose to – its flexible and I am able to focus on my family and make them a top priority. Reminding myself that my first love needs to be anchored in the Lord and everything else will follow! Sorry I don’t have a magic answer there!!

Me: What advice do you have for someone who would love to get started doing what you do?

Shalla: Signing up to become a Thirty~One consultant is easy! Just visit my website and my contact info is there! If you are thinking about it…some things to think about – Do you have the support of your family? Would you enjoy running your own business? Would you enjoy the ability to pay off some debt? Or the ability to contribute financially to something you are passionate about? What’s been pressing lately is thinking about how I can bless others, whether it be raising awareness for teenage moms or an orphanage. It’s been a renewed passion to see God bless others through this business!

(Note from Marla: Shalla has also given a big chunk of her 31 commission to God’s work in Cambodia. So grateful!!)

(Stole another pic off Shalla’s facebook page. This is her at the annual 31 conference last month. Hot mama!)

And now, the moment you’ve been waiting for! I have fabulous news, friends! Shalla is giving away a $25 GIFT CARD to THIRTY-ONE! Woohoohoo!!

Just like before, there will be several ways to enter the give-away via Rafflecopter below. Just do what it says, then claim your points.

Shalla has also graciously opened up an online party for me on her site. If you want to buy anything (early Christmas shopping!), it’s super-easy to do. Spend $31, and you get 31% off any one product in the new Fall catalog.

Thanks so much for being with us today, Shalla! Good luck, friends!

Last thing: don’t forget the discount code (MARLA10) for 10% off one of Jen’s gorgeous beaded crosses. Offer good through September 15.

a Rafflecopter giveaway