Episode ## Transcript
Hey everyone, it is me, Lisa, and welcome back to another episode of The Other 99%. I am here today with my friend Melissa, whom I met through the Modern Direct Seller Academy. I’m so excited for her to share her story and insights with you. Let’s jump right in! Melissa, why don’t you share a bit about yourself and tell us what led you to direct sales?
Melissa: I’ve always dreamed of writing and podcasting but didn’t know where to start, so this is exciting for me! My name is Melissa Thury, and I live in Jamestown, North Dakota, with my husband, Jeremy. We’ve been married for 14 years, and we have two daughters—Ramsey, who just turned 13, and Mary, who will be 9 in March.
We love traveling, camping, playing games, and, of course, reading. I joined Paper Pie—back when it was Usborne Books and More—in November 2017. I thought about it for a year before deciding to take the leap. I loved the products—we already owned so many! One day, I realized how much I could’ve earned in commission for the products I’d bought from someone else. That’s when I decided to go for it.
But as I look back, the discount had very little to do with why I’m still here. Sure, I’ll take 25% off, but it’s the community, the people I’ve met, and the extra income that really keep me going.
Lisa: The reasons we join definitely evolve over time, don’t they? I started for the discount, too, but I stayed for the people and the growth. For our listeners in Canada, Paper Pie is still Usborne, right?
Melissa: No, the name change applies to the U.S. only. It was a way to reflect the full range of products we offer now—puzzles, learning palettes, STEAM activities, and more—not just books.
Lisa: That makes sense! Now, what’s your favorite product from your company?
Melissa: My favourite product changes with our season of life. When I joined, I was obsessed with the My First Reading Library. It’s a 50-book collection that really helped my girls become strong readers. Now, I love the Learning Palette. It’s been a game-changer for my youngest, who was recently diagnosed with ADHD. It allows her to learn while staying active. Personally, I’m a huge fan of anything by Sally Rippon, an Australian author. She’s written fantastic books for all ages, including a great read for adults called Wild Things, which explores literacy and learning challenges.
Lisa: That’s amazing! Reading is such an essential skill, and it’s heartbreaking to see how many people fall through the cracks, especially when they don’t have access to quality books and resources.
Melissa: It’s true. I’ve seen this firsthand at in-person events. It’s disheartening when parents push their kids away from books toward toys or gadgets that will be forgotten in a week. But I love seeing kids interact with books—picking them up, flipping through the pages, and getting excited about reading. That’s why I love working with schools and libraries and attending live events. It’s a lot of work, but it’s where my heart is.
Lisa: I totally get that. I remember when my kids were younger and would come home saying, “Mom, it’s the book fair!” They were so excited to browse the shelves and choose their books. It’s an incredible experience to see that joy in children.
Lisa: Now, let’s rewind a bit. You started in 2017, and you mentioned joining for the discount. Looking back at your first year, what do you think you learned that helped you grow your business?
Melissa: Oh, I jumped in feet first, thinking I had to do everything myself. I built my own party scripts and figured things out as I went. But in hindsight, I wish I had leaned into my team more and allowed myself to be coached and mentored.
I also spent too much time trying to be someone I wasn’t. I thought I had to emulate the top performers in the business to succeed. But over time, I realized I just needed to be myself. As I’ve grown, I’ve embraced authenticity, and that has made a huge difference. Comparison truly is the thief of joy.
Lisa: That’s so relatable. People are drawn to you because of who you are, not because you’re trying to mimic someone else. Being authentic is key.
Melissa: Exactly. And I think many new direct sellers assume they have to do it all alone. But there’s so much support out there—your upline, sidelines, even people outside your company. Some of the best lessons I’ve learned came from other direct sellers who shared their strategies, which I adapted to fit my business.
Lisa: That’s such a great point. Direct sales is direct sales—it’s just a different product. Now, have you faced any major obstacles in your business, and how did you overcome them?
Melissa: Absolutely. I think we all face challenges at some point. Early on, I was juggling a full-time job, working 40-plus hours a week, and trying to build my business during lunch breaks, in grocery store lines, and after the kids went to bed. At one point, I was working 60-hour weeks as a project manager while still running my business. It was exhausting, but I made it work because it was important to me.
But my biggest challenge came in 2022. We moved to a new city, and my husband had to relocate three months ahead of us, so I was essentially single parenting. On top of that, I started a new job, and then we unexpectedly lost my mother-in-law. The emotional toll was overwhelming, and I completely lost interest in my business.
It wasn’t until 2023 that I felt ready to recommit. That experience gave me a new perspective—it reminded me that people matter. My focus shifted to building connections and showing love and support within my community.
Lisa: That’s so powerful. Sometimes those tough seasons give us a better understanding of what others are going through and help us lead with empathy.
Melissa: Exactly. It taught me to approach my business with more grace—for myself and for others.
Lisa: You mentioned earlier that you were a project manager. How do you think your strengths from that role translate into your business?
Melissa: Organization is definitely one of my biggest strengths. While my house might look chaotic, my office is completely organized, and I always know where everything is. Time management is another key strength. I make it a priority to work efficiently so I can focus on my family when my kids are home.
Lastly, I’d say authenticity. People appreciate when you’re real and honest with them. That’s something I’ve leaned into more over the years, and it’s really helped me connect with my audience.
Lisa: Those are such valuable strengths, especially in direct sales. Now, when things feel stagnant in your business, how do you stay motivated?
Melissa: Community is everything. My two tribes—my book community and the Modern Direct Seller Academy—keep me accountable and inspired. Having regular check-ins with like-minded people pushes me to keep going.
Also, my passion for literacy keeps me motivated. Paper Pie gives me a platform to share that passion and make a difference, which is so fulfilling.
Lisa: That passion really shines through. For someone just starting out in direct sales, what advice would you give them?
Melissa: Lean into your team and use the resources available. You don’t have to do this alone. There’s so much support if you’re willing to reach out. But reflecting on my own journey, I wouldn’t change anything. Every challenge I faced taught me something valuable.
For anyone starting out, I’d say this: Don’t let this business become a source of stress. It should bring you joy, not headaches. Let your team support you, and don’t hesitate to ask for help.
Lisa: I completely agree. As a leader, I always tell my team, “I’m here for you. You just need to reach out.” But I’m also not the type to chase people because everyone’s journey is their own.
Melissa: Exactly. You can’t want success more for someone than they want it for themselves. That’s been a hard lesson, but an important one.
Lisa: Now, my favorite question! What’s your favorite quote or piece of advice that you think every direct seller needs to hear?
Melissa: I have two favorites. First, “If you don’t ask, the answer is always no.” This applies to everything in direct sales—whether it’s asking someone to host, buy, or join your team. Give people the opportunity to say yes or no.
Second, as a huge Friends fan, I always think of Ross yelling, “Pivot!” Our industry is constantly changing, and you have to be willing to adapt. Change is hard, but refusing to pivot is choosing to let your business stagnate.
Lisa: I love both of those! And it’s so true—change is inevitable, especially in direct sales. You’ve shared so many great insights today, Melissa.
Melissa: Thank you, Lisa. I’ve really enjoyed this conversation.
Lisa: Before we go, can you share where listeners can find you online?
Melissa: Absolutely! I just launched my website, Roots in Reading, and my blog, Planting Seeds. It reflects my passion for literacy and how it’s rooted in everything I do. You can also find links to my Facebook page there.
Lisa: Your website is amazing—it’s so clean and easy to navigate. Thank you so much for being here, Melissa. I know our listeners will take away so much from this episode.
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