People always love a compelling before and after story. It conveys a message of hope and proves how change is possible for every ordinary person. Executive Director 4 Ice Tan’s story is no different. Ice was a hairstylist for 12 years, with a 6-day work week. With no high academic qualification, she knew she could only rely on a skill to make a living. What started as a dream job initially soon turned into just a way to make ends meet when she and her husband, Nesley Wong, began to build their little family and incurred higher expenses. To increase their income, she invested her savings in an online network venture, but lost all the money when the business failed. Adding salt to wound, she was also let go from her job due to a misunderstanding. To put it mildly, it was a bleak period.

That was 2 years ago, and as  would say, it’s always darkest before dawn. Today, Ice and Nesley are Executive Directors 4, building their Melaleuca business on a full-time basis, and earning S$23,597 on average the past year. With this income they have been able to pay off all their debt, go on family holidays and spend quality time with their family.

“I truly believed that Melaleuca could change my destiny, hence I committed whole heartedly to building the business,” Ice shares her motivation, continuing, “I believe no one can change their life if they refuse to change, or remain where they are. Yes, I was devastated when I lost my job, but I soon saw it as a great motivation that spurred me on. By picking myself up and striving to become better than was I was before, I was able to realize the success that I am having today.”

Things are infinitely better for Ice and Nesley these days. They live a life of total wellness, and have a sustainable business with residual income, that allows them to spend more time with their daughter and extended family. “Since I started building the business, I feel like I’ve experienced a complete change. I used to be an introvert, but now, I am sociable and feel confident to talk to strangers. I feel comfortable in being a leader and find that I am getting good at it,” she says, laughingly. Nesley, who was initially worried that building the business meant time away from the family, soon joined her in her Melaleuca journey when he saw how her efforts have yielded great results. The husband and wife pair work together to build a successful Melaleuca business. “As business builders, we must understand and identify the key to our success, and we must do it persistently and consistently. There are no short-cuts and gimmicks to success, only true hard work. This is why we must focus on the 7 Critical Business Building Activities, which are proven to succeed,” Ice shares, imparting the same advice to her team of business builders.

No one business builder is the same, be it in their WHY or their speed of building the business, and this is something the couple understands clearly and are not partial to. Instead, they lead and guide their business builders, based on their own speed and pace, “…There are no short-cuts and gimmicks to success, only true hard work. This is why we must focus on the 7 Critical Business Building Activities, which are proven to succeed.” until they reach their desired goals. “As long as they have the right mindset and attitude, we will do our best to help them,” they share.

With Melaleuca being a business based on people and relationships, Ice and Nesley also make it a point to create a happy and supportive environment for their team that will encourage them to build the business for a lifetime. They ensure they are there for their builders when they encounter any setbacks, and lead by example as they believe it cultivates great leaders. “I will not lead my business builders like a leader but as a friend. I feel it is more cordial and thisv helps to nurture open and honest relationships. We don’t only talk about Melaleuca; we share about our lives too which helps to build strong bonds. A relationship-based business means if you have poor relationships, you are out of business,” Ice states. Building the Melaleuca business has brought about a 180-degree change in Ice’s life. “As long as you are willing to work hard, you will definitely achieve your goals. As long as you do the right activities, you will reach your goals. Your WHY is very important, therefore we need to constantly ask ourselves why do we want to build a Melaleuca business?”

Ice says, explaining she wanted to provide a better life for her family, and knew she was not going to get it from her job. “I use to commute daily from Johor Bahru to Singapore, 6 days a week, for a job that requires me to be on my feet 10 hours daily,” Ice shares. Now? Ice lives her life the way she wants, incorporating Melaleuca into it. “I wake up without having to rush to work. I have quality time with my family, share about Melaleuca with others when I have the opportunity, and meet with my team to catch up,” she continues. Life is full of unexpected turns, but as Ice has shown, when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade! “I am more than happy to share my story, because if it inspires others to not despair, not give up and work hard to make a change in their lives, then I’ve done my part,” Ice says. It has been a very fulfilling journey, thus far, for the couple.

They find purpose in helping more people understand about Melaleuca and the business opportunity it presents, and how they can use that opportunity to further enhance their life and achieve their goals. Ice and Nesley are keen to go further in their journey, and not stop until they become National Directors.