WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS, A TREND IN DIRECT SALES

For decades, many women who wanted to start a business with low risk and low investment have found an opportunity in direct selling, which offers them training in various areas.

 

Guatemala, March 8, 2025 – According to the World Federation of Direct Selling Associations (WFDSA), 7 out of 10 direct selling representatives worldwide are women. This sector generated US$180.5 billion in 2023, attracting a growing number of female entrepreneurs thanks to flexible schedules and the ability to generate income according to their personal circumstances.

 

In this context, established companies like Herbalife, the world's number one brand in nutrition for wellness and active lifestyles according to Euromonitor *, stand out for offering an accessible and flexible business model in the more than 90 markets where it operates. In Central and South America, 77% of all Independent Distributors are currently entrepreneurial women who have chosen to run the business part-time or full-time.

 

“ At Herbalife, we offer comprehensive support to our entrepreneurs, accompanying them every step of the way. Our scientists provide them with ongoing information about the importance of a balanced diet, how to use our products, and their benefits. We also offer training in leadership, sales, personal finance, and customer service, among other topics. But what truly sets us apart is our Distributor community: a support network where everyone finds mentorship, inspiration, and camaraderie. It doesn't matter if they've never started a business before; here they have a team that empowers them, along with all the necessary tools to build an independent business ,” says Marisol Ahumada , Regional Vice President of Sales for Central and South America at Herbalife.

 

Support for a successful independent business

In addition to a varied portfolio of foods and/or high-quality supplements with scientific backing ( shakes , teas, fiber, protein bars, among others), one of Herbalife's great differentiators is offering a flexible business model.

Thus, each female entrepreneur can choose whether to run the business part-time, combining it with childcare, a job, or other activities, or full-time, setting her own schedule. This way, she has complete autonomy to manage her routine and decide how much time to dedicate to her business.

Another great benefit is the growth potential that the company's Sales and Marketing Plan offers Independent Distributors, which allows them to qualify for higher levels within the plan, where they can access greater discounts on product purchases, additional ways to generate income and recognition, as well as promotions with prizes such as national and international trips for which they can qualify.

Start a business with purpose, your way

 

In addition to the autonomy to choose how and when to develop the business, women who decide to start a business with Herbalife also find a purpose: to help people achieve their wellness goals through a balanced diet and an active and healthy lifestyle, to live their best life.

 

And that freedom is also reflected in the way each Distributor decides to structure their business, as they can not only decide how many hours they want to dedicate per day or week, but can also choose between different business methods, including:

 

• Direct marketing of products to customers through private messages on social media, WhatsApp, or personal contacts. They can also register customers in the Preferred Customer program, which allows the company to deliver products directly to their homes.

 

• Building a top-down organization (team): forming and leading a sales team, to reach more people and eventually generate additional income from your team's sales.

 

• Clubs: social spaces where they offer preparations of the products (such as smoothies and teas), as well as varied recipes with them (waffles, muffins, snacks, cakes, etc.), and where they also promote an active and healthy lifestyle among the attendees.[IR1] 

Low investment and support from the start

The initial cost to start a Herbalife business is very affordable. It includes a starter kit with product samples and information on how to begin the business.

In addition, the company offers a free training platform and provides a wide variety of materials and tools to support distributors in promoting their products. This allows them to focus on growing their business without wasting time on other tasks typical of traditional businesses.

Herbalife also offers the "Gold Standard Guarantees," which, under certain conditions, allow for the return of unopened products if the entrepreneur decides to leave the business, thus providing even more security for their investment.

 

*Source: Euromonitor; CHed2024, nutrition for well-being and active lifestyle according to weight management and wellness definitions, sports nutrition and vitamins and dietary supplements; % combined RSP share GBO of 2023.

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About Marisol Ahumada

 

Marisol Ahumada is Regional Vice President of Sales for Central and South America at Herbalife, a position she assumed in 2023 after a 14-year career in this leading global health and wellness company.

She made history by becoming the first woman to hold the position of General Manager and Director of Herbalife in Chile, leading a record growth of 107% in sales and 237% in the number of Independent Distributors in 2020. Her leadership was key in the digital transformation and optimization of logistics processes, guaranteeing an even more efficient shopping experience.

With nearly 25 years of experience in sales, marketing, and business development, Marisol is known for her expertise in business strategy, brand positioning, team building, and negotiation. Her impact on the market was recognized in 2021 when she received the title of Leading Woman in Chile from the Business and Professional Women's Association (BPW). 

About Herbalife Ltd.

Herbalife (NYSE: HLF) is a leading health and wellness company, community, and platform that has been changing people's lives with excellent nutrition products and an attractive business opportunity for its Independent Distributors since 1980. The Company offers high-quality, science-backed products to consumers in more than 90 markets through its Independent Distributors, who are entrepreneurs offering personalized support and a supportive community that inspires customers to adopt a more active and healthy lifestyle to live their best life.  

 

The company's products are available through the network of Independent Distributors. For more information, or if you are interested in purchasing the products, or in learning more about the independent business opportunity offered by Herbalife, please visit:  https://www.herbalife.com/es-gt