TGt Meets...Sam Thompson, Independent Consultant for Arbonne

Meet our latest TGt Meets...Sam Thompson, Independent Consultant for Arbonne. Arbonne is a health and wellness company that sells skincare, makeup and nutrition products that have the most beneficial botanical ingredients from nature with the principles of green chemistry. Sam tells us all about her inspiration to why she wanted to create an Arbonne business!

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself…

I’m Sam, I’m originally from Devon but moved to Bristol to study at UWE 13 years ago and never left. After living in a few different areas in Bristol my fiancé and I have settled in Redland. I’m a vegetarian and love cooking and experimenting with new ingredients. I’m also rather partial to a G&T!

2. Describe your business in one sentence.

Arbonne is a health and wellness company that advocates healthy living inside and out, through the use of its botanically inspired and cruelty-free skincare, make-up, and nutrition products.

3. What inspired you to set up your Arbonne business?

I decided to set up my own business with Arbonne as it encompasses all my passions - healthy living, nutrition and meeting new people. I was not only impressed with their products but also inspired by their ethics and vision. 

4. What do you enjoy about working for yourself?

I love that I never know who I am going to meet. I talk to new people online or in-person on a daily basis so it never gets boring. I am constantly learning new things as well as sharing my knowledge of the business with others.

5. Do you have any competitors and if so, what makes your business different?

Our skincare care products are similar to other premium French and Swiss brands such as Clarins and Lancome, but what sets Arbonne apart is our ingredients and ethics. All of our products are formulated Vegan and Gluten free and, in addition, our nutrition products are also non-GMO and Kosher. Our product standards are very high and validated by independent certification organisations including the Vegan Society, the Non-GMO Project and PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). We have over 2000 prohibited ingredients including animal products or by-products, artificial flavours and sweeteners and parabens.

6. What’s been your biggest achievement to date?

Having the confidence to start my own business. Yes, I have found this scary, challenging and there have been moments of self-doubt. However, this feeling is outweighed by the excitement and knowledge that I am able to help improve the health and wellness of others, while positively contributing to environmental sustainability.

7. How do you like to spend your time off?

I’m a very keen runner, I find it such a great way to switch off and keep fit. I have been lucky enough to get a place in next year’s London marathon so I’m currently training for that. I also love reading – at the moment I’m halfway through ‘Let My People Go Surfing’ by Yvon Chouinard (founder of Patagonia), but I don’t read anywhere near as much as I’d like. This will definitely be going on my New Year’s Resolution list.

8. What are your Top 3 Things to Do / Places to Go in Bristol?

This is a tricky one as there are so many great places to visit in Bristol! I would say my top places are:

• Everyman Cinema on Whiteladies Rd – I just love this place, it always feels like such a treat and it’s great that you can order food and drink to your seat.
• Wapping Wharf – this place is a foodies paradise and has really helped to transform Bristol’s harbourside. There are so many lovely little restaurants – my current favourites are Root & Cargo Cantina.
• Ashton Court – I go there in all weathers – it’s a great place for running and walking. In the summer we like to take a picnic and take in the views of the city and beyond. We’re so lucky to have such a lovely green space in the middle of the city.

9. What are your professional goals?

I would love to grow my business and get to a position where more people are aware of Arbonne and can benefit from our amazing, botanically inspired product range and live a happy healthy lifestyle.

10. Describe Bristol in 3 words…

Exciting, Inclusive, Progressive

Want to find out more about Arbonne then visit https://www.arbonne.com/pws/samanathacthompson/tabs/home.aspx