Glen Ellyn Moms Village recently interviewed India Hicks and Katie McDevitt for the February Issue of Glen Ellyn Living. In conjunction with that interview, we decided to dig deeper into Katie’s experience as one of seven National Directors for the growing company.
1. How did you learn about India Hicks and what was going on in your life that made you want to take the leap into working again?
I saw a Facebook ad late one night with one of my favorite bags to this day-our Carmen clutch. I put in my information because I wanted to buy the bag. About a week later, I received a phone call from someone from India Hicks asking if I wanted to meet for lunch. I was in the mode of saying yes to everything at the time. The twins had started full-day school, so saying yes was my new mantra. I met the India Hicks representative for lunch, she brought me some samples of the collection, and I fell in love with everything. At the time, I felt like the days were long with the kids in school all day. I was looking for something for me. So I said yes to starting my own business with India Hicks.
2. What was the process to become an Ambassador? And what is the time commitment? Flexibility?
One of the reasons I chose India Hicks is that it is designed for women like me and it is completely flexible. I make my own hours and work when it works for me. I didn’t know how much I would work when I first started. I just took it one day at a time. If someone wanted to be an India Hicks Ambassador, they would reach out to another Ambassador to learn a little more and have their questions answered. The new Ambassador signs up online, buys a starter kit and a new business is born.
3. Have you ever felt torn on family and work balance? How do you balance both on a weekly basis?
I struggle with balance almost daily. I try to schedule my days down to the half hour. I try to schedule everything-laundry, meal prep, phone calls, etc. That helps with the balance. On a bigger level, we have super fun incentive trips. I won the trip to India’s home in England. It fell over my twins’ First Holy Communion. I wasn’t going to miss that, so I went to the trip late. I have always put my family first, and that has helped keep my priorities very clear.
4. What is your favorite product that IH sells?
My favorite piece of jewelry is the Legacy Letter necklace, my favorite bag is our Carmen Clutch or Duchess or Windsor, and I love the belt from our Spring Collection.
5. What is one thing that no one might know about India Hick products?
Every product has a story. India chose this home selling model because she wanted her stories to be told. You can’t learn the story about the Legacy Letter necklace if it is sitting on a shelf. I love that we are a storytelling brand with stories from India’s life in the Bahamas, her life in England and her family life.
6. How in such a short time did you go from an Ambassador to having India Hicks staying overnight at your house!?!
I started with India Hicks almost 3 years ago today. I have built my business one day at a time. I love the Ambassadors and clients I have met along the way. Through the trips, India and I have become friends. It has been an organic, slow-growing friendship. In December, I was promoted to National Director. That was one of the reasons I was asked to host the Indi-Gathering. It was great to have the one on one time with her to talk business and have her meet my family. I have visited her home in the Bahamas and in England, so it made perfect sense that she would stay here.
Glen Ellyn Moms Village loves learning and sharing stories of women in Glen Ellyn. It was such a pleasure to get to know Katie McDevitt’s story. The McDevitt Family has lived in Glen Ellyn for 15 years. Katie is married to Paul and they have five children Patrick, Nora, John, Brian, and Matthew.
Click on this link to read the full story in Glen Ellyn Living.
Feb_2019_Glen_Ellyn_Living.pdf
For extra copies of Glen Ellyn Living magazine please contact us at glenellynmoms@gmail.com
Written By: Patty Cavanagh
This is fabulous! I love women sharing their stories, passions, & wisdom. Congrats to you Katie!!