Guest AuthorRecently, I had the opportunity to go to Washington, D.C., and visit with members of Congress and their staff to talk about something that I truly believe in. Herbalife.
Many have probably heard of Herbalife and may think it is just another nutrition or dietary supplement company. But to me, Herbalife has been life changing — physically, financially, emotionally and spiritually.
But now Bill Ackman, a billionaire hedge funder manager, is threatening what myself – along with almost 55,000 other Floridians – have worked so hard to build. He is on a crusade to destroy Herbalife, claiming that it is nothing more than a pyramid scheme.
On Tuesday Ackman conducted a livestream Internet presentation about what he contends are the fraudulent practices of the company. In the days before the presentation, Ackman had vowed to deliver a “death blow” to Herbalife.
Ackman stands to make a considerable profit if Herbalife stock plummets. However, after Tuesday’s presentation, Wall Street seemed unimpressed with his assault on Herbalife. The company’s stock rose dramatically in value.
Two and half years ago, I was working at a stressful job in a hospital with terminally ill patients for little pay. My job took a toll on my health. I was overweight and just did not have the time or energy to devote to improving my lifestyle.
Then, my sister introduced me to the Herbalife products. At first, I was extremely skeptical and was hesitant to go to one of the nutrition clubs or try the products. But, my sister persisted and I am glad she did.
The moment I stepped into a nutrition club, I was immediately at ease. Everyone was healthy, happy and above all else supportive of one another. And, after trying the Herbalife products, I immediately felt a boost of energy. I began losing weight and living an overall healthier lifestyle.
My friends and family immediately noticed the results and I was happy to share with them my experiences with Herbalife. While I never thought I would personally sell Herbalife products, just four months after starting to use the products, I attended an Herbalife Opportunity Meeting and decided this was a tremendous opportunity to supplement my income and help pay my bills.
In just under three weeks, I sold out my first entire order of Herbalife stock. After the success I had, I decided to take a risk and quit my job, open a nutrition club and sell Herbalife products full time.
Today, I know that was the right decision. It relieved me of my stressful, low-paying job and gave me the independence to be my own boss. Most importantly, it gave me the opportunity to help my friends, family and others achieve their health and fitness goals through Herbalife products.
Ackman’s claims about the company couldn’t be further from the truth. The fact is, Herbalife empowers people and gives them not only the tools to achieve their health and wellness goals, but the tools to be financially independent and contribute to the economy as a small business owner.
I hope that my recent trip to Washington, D.C., helped members of Congress understand just how Herbalife can changes lives – like it did mine – and that the baseless claims of one man should not shut down a company that has helped so many people better their lives.
Since that first day I started using Herbalife products, I have never looked back. It has truly changed my life for the better and I am thankful to have had the opportunity to share my story with members of Congress and all Floridians.
Ximena Bentancourt is a South Florida resident and Herbalife member. Column courtesy of Context Florida.
