In July, 2011 I found out about a brand new direct sales company called To The Nines. I loved the concept of being able to sell brands like Betsey Johnson, LAMB, Sam Edelman, etc directly to consumers through events and my own e-store.
The To The Nines concept was the long-time dream of Nicole Jones, who had very successful shoe stores in Chicago and even wrote a book about her passion (shoes). She went on Shark Tank a couple of years ago but she was presenting it as a franchise piece so they turned her down. But then she got introduced to a man named Kenny Davis.
Kenny Davis has a company called IAMAA Direct. Supposedly he has consulted with direct sales companies like Mary Kay, Beauticontrol, etc. He also supposedly took minor celebrities products to QVC. Supposedly.
So they partnered together and formed To The Nines. Nicole had the relationship with the shoe manufacturers, who LOVE her, and Kenny had the direct sales know-how.
For a few weeks, I began to notice some changes in the business structure company I aligned myself with. I was excited about the business, spent a few dollars on advertising, participated in some events, sold some shoes, just really excited about this new venture. On Monday (September 12, 2011) things started to really get "hot", things were being said, accusations being made. But I have never been the type to get caught up in other people hype, so I remained hopeful, that all this was a result of some misunderstanding and that it was all going to work out.
Things finally came to light this week:
He (Kenny Davis) never paid for the shoes that he received. Never paid the printing company. Never ordered fall shoes. Never gave Nicole Jones the company financial reports (since April). Took over $600,000 from consultants and God only knows where it went (but I have a pretty good idea).
A former employee has told us that he, his wife Tammy Davis, and Keli Teague are NOT to be trusted, they are all liars. I do not know this for sure, but my guess is that they never planned to really have this be a legitimate business. I think they tried to get as much money as they could from reps, then do who knows what. It's called a Ponzi Scheme.
Last night, Nicole Jones gave her resignation from To The Nines. She has not given up on her dream, so stay tuned to see where this story goes. She's an amazing Christian lady and I pray that God will bring many blessings upon her. As for me, I am not giving up on what God Promised me, Nothing worth fighting for is worth having. I am encouraged, and already, I believe that Gos has been working behind the scenes this whole time to set me up with the right connections.
EXCERPTS FROM: FROM THE TRAVELING SHOP GIRL (Stephanie Wilson could not have written what was on my heart any better)
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