Torch, Spring 1986

1 I The Times· and the Seasons by Pat Landers Dixon A few years ago, I wrote about the free enterprise system in the TORCH: the article was about a very positive and successful experience in that system. Sometimes there is anotherfacet ofparticipating infree enterprise: retrenchment and rebuilding. After all, one can be free to fail and to learn. Kay Fanning, President of LEANA INTERNATIONAL, INC., shares her experience in that other side of the free enterprise system. T he year was 1979 and my husband and I were sailing at full mast. At age 36, we were on the verge of achieving many of our ambitions. Robert had a successful part-time farming operation on our 400 acres, and it appeared that he was close to achieving his goal of full-time farming after working two jobs for many years . My business as a franchise holder with Fashion Two Twenty Cosmetics was growing and in 1978 had grossed over $750,000 in sales. Although we were far from being wealthy, we possessed many of the things we had worked so hard to get. Suddenly, we entered troubled waters: one crisis after another hit! The first was in the summer of 1979 when I discovered a lump in my breast. Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and the resulting nausea taught me lessons in trust, patience, and the power of prayer. At about the same time, the farm situation started to deteriorate rapidly with interest rates soaring and prices plummeting. Next, our rental business was negatively affected by increased cost of gas heat. Then the majority stock of Fashion Two Twenty was sold to a Saudi Arabian businessman. Kay Fanning Until 1979, our experience with free enterprise was mostly smooth sailing - successful and rewarding. Since that time, we have suffered the other side of free enterprise - disappointment, retrenchment, and starting over. Since Fashion Two Twenty forced franchise holders out through a Chapter 11 decision, we started a new· cosmetic business (LEANA INTERNATIONAL, INC.). In a period of five years, we had to sell our apartments, auction our farm equipment, sell our condo in Florida, and sell some of our land. Rough seas describes very well our life during that time. We have been tossed to and fro by the devil and his fiery darts: financial entrapment, clouded managerial philosophies, an "I can" attitude instead of a "through Christ" attitude, and general confusion in all areas of our lives. However, the shore is now in sight; the storms have calmed; and we're learning to steer again . As captains, we've logged those failures only to learn a few lessons: 1. Always trust in the Lord (Psalm 4). 2. Listen and apply His truth (Isaiah 55:2). 3. Be prepared and willing to suffer for Him (I Peter 3: I4) . 4. Allow yourself to be perfected by your mistakes (2 Corinthians 7) . 5. Realize that the ability to comfort others comes through your own tribulations and in experiencing the comfort of God (2 Corinthians I :3-4) . 6. Remember that your business is His business and that you are only stewards (Luke 12:35-48 and Ecclesiastes 5: 10-17). Would we do it again? WEARE! 11