Ep 2. Show Up

In episode 2 of LuLaRich season 1, titled "Show Up," the multi-level marketing company LuLaRoe continues to build momentum, but not without raising questions about their business practices. The episode opens with footage from LuLaRoe's annual convention, where its founders DeAnne and Mark Stidham take the stage to rally their "consultants" and encourage them to dream big.

The episode then shifts to a focus on the experiences of a few LuLaRoe consultants, including Kiki, a stay-at-home mom who has found success with the company, and DeAnne's own daughter, Jordan, who has recently joined the ranks of LuLaRoe's top earners. Through their stories, we see the appeal of the LuLaRoe model: the promise of financial freedom, community, and flexibility.

However, as the episode progresses, we begin to see the darker side of LuLaRoe. Consultant after consultant shares stories of shady business practices, including inconsistent sizing and quality control issues, which have led to frustration and disappointment among customers. Beyond that, consultants are required to purchase inventory upfront, often at a significant cost, with no guarantee of being able to sell it. These problems are further exacerbated by the pressure to maintain a positive image on social media, even if that means masking the true difficulties of working for LuLaRoe.

The episode also addresses LuLaRoe's controversial approach to advertising and branding, which includes the use of religious and patriotic imagery, as well as the company's founder-centric messaging. While some consultants point out the problematic aspects of these marketing tactics, others see them as powerful tools for connecting with customers and building a supportive community.

Ultimately, the episode asks us to question the true motivations behind LuLaRoe's success. Is it a genuine attempt to empower women and foster community, or is it a cleverly disguised pyramid scheme? As the consultants struggle to balance their loyalty to the company with their own financial and ethical concerns, it becomes clear that the answer is not a simple one.

As the episode draws to a close, we are left with a sense of unease about the future of LuLaRoe and the thousands of consultants who have invested so much in it. While the company's founders continue to preach positivity and opportunity, the stories of those on the ground paint a more complex and troubling picture. "Show Up" leaves us wondering what the next chapter of this story will hold.