One of the most popular scrapbooking companies is Creative Memories, even though the company has struggled in the past. With thousands of consultants in the United States and Canada, chances are you can find a Creative Memories consultant nearby to help you make scrapbooks your family will treasure.
A Scrapbook Industry Pioneer
Creative Memories was founded in 1987 by Rhonda Anderson and Cheryl Lightle in St. Cloud, Minnesota. The company provided an at-home business opportunity for people with a passion for scrapbooking. With workshops and in-home "get togethers," Creative Memories consultants shared scrapbooking tips, journaling ideas, encouragement, and inspiration. They conducted demonstrations for both new and experienced scrapbookers while selling products in the Creative Memories line.
Creative Memories was largely responsible for the huge growth of scrapbooking in the 1990s. Unfortunately, when the market became saturated with product manufacturers, Creative Memories struggled to compete. Many women preferred lower cost mass market alternatives that didn't require locating a personal consultant. The growth of digital scrapbooking also hurt the company's bottom line, as they were primarily a paper scrapbooking company.
Creative Memories filed for bankruptcy in November 2008 and April 2013. The second bankruptcy lead to a dramatic restructuring of their product line. Instead of the quaint, homespun look they were previously known for, the company introduced a modern and clean product line known as Ahni & Zoe by Creative Memories. Ahni & Zoe literally translates to "Beautiful Life."
Ahni & Zoe by Creative Memories
The Ahni & Zoe line is designed to reflect current scrapbook industry trends. For example:
- The company's Fast2Fab album line is intended to suit the needs of the busy scrapbooker who doesn't want to fuss with individual page layouts. It is pre-assembled with preprinted double-sided pages so all you need to do is add your photos and journaling. Each album has room for 70-75 photos, but refill pages can be purchased if needed.
- The Slide-In Albums offer a little more creative freedom. Page protectors are designed for 4x6 photos, and journaling cards with various preprinted accents can be purchased to add a decorative touch to each page.
Consultant Opportunities
At its core, Creative Memories still relies heavily on its consultants. With the restructuring, consultants earn 40% on their personal sales. When they recruit others to join their teams they earn additional commissions and become eligible for added team development bonuses.
New consultants must register online to begin selling Ahni & Zoe by Creative Memories. There is a $139 enrollment fee, which includes product samples and marketing materials. A personal website is provided on a trial basis, with the option to continue web service for a $10.99 monthly fee.
Consultants may work part-time or full-time.
The company is dedicated to giving back to the communities in which consultants live and work through such charities as Habitat for Humanity.
Visit the Join section of the Creative Memories website to learn more about the opportunity.
Hostess Opportunities
If you have friends and family who also enjoy scrapbooking, you can earn free products by hosting a party. Hostesses earn 10% to 20% of party sales in free product. They can also receive any one item at a 50% discount.
Creating Keepsakes for Future Generations
Whether you purchase products from Creative Memories or even become a consultant, the philosophy behind the company is one that should be admired. It is important for all to keep track of memories, to have a place where future generations will be able to see what was important and how lives were spent.
