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As I walked into QVC ten years ago, I was hoping to last at least ten days... that would give me enough time to get all the Show Hosts autographs, tee hee hee (seriously, though, that's true).  I remember standing at the front doors that read, "Welcome to QVC". 

As I stood there, people whisked by, all the hustle, bustle and buzz…..I stared at the sign and a huge smile spread across my face. I finally made it, somehow, some way.. I made it. With shaking hands, I took a picture of the sign, with high hopes, I walked into the building and stopped at the security desk, "Antonella Nester here, reporting for duty", I smirked. I dreamt of this day for many years, I watched QVC for decades, I followed the Show Hosts, I knew every product, every guest... I LOVED QVC and so very badly wanted to be a part of it. I was the viewer that they plucked off of the family room couch and put in front of the camera, no television experience, no sales background, no business sense, no NOTHING!! They were taking a big chance on me and I refused to let them down. I had two big fears:

1. Would Mary Beth Roe, Lisa Robertson and the other Hosts be as wonderful as they appear on TV?

2. Can I really do this job, fill those expectations that they hoped for me?

Well, the answer to number 1 became evident right away and has continued to this day: YES, they are even more wonderful than they appear on TV. Always there to lend a hand, give good advice and just generally awesome to hang out with. I still pinch myself when Marybeth and I are having a conversation and I'm looking at her beautiful blue eyes, thinking, "Sheesh, that is Mary Beth frickin’ Roe!!"…. Or the first time Lisa called my home and the caller ID said, "Lisa Robertson", my Hubby and I just stared at it and neither of us wanted to pick it up, "You pick it up………no, YOU pick it up!"……….we wanted it to go to voice mail, so we had proof that she actually called. Tooooo funny!! 

I tried soooo hard to do a good job, I knew I was starting with nothing, just pure passion for the job,,,, it was my dream and I was going to chase it with everything I had. QVC was so supportive and encouraging, but the biggest support I received was from YOU - the Viewers. God bless YOU, as YOU must have had the patience of all the Saints combined.  YOU watched me struggle, learn and make huge blunders, night after night after night. It was YOUR  kindness, YOUR warmth and forgiveness and YOUR endless ways of cheering me on, that kept me coming back. I'm going to be honest with you here, those other Show Hosts make it look so darn easy... IT'S NOT!!  LOL   (Seriously, it's not). The job alone is a handful, but then there are those days that your life isn't going so great, worries about your kids, a sick family member, your dog passes on and soooo much more. You still go on the air and try to give a little smile.  It is YOU who pulls me through those tough days.  It is YOU who makes me feel better... And YOU don't even know it. I remember, before I worked at QVC, I felt a connection with the Hosts………now, as a Host, I feel a connection with the Viewers. I feel like I know you and I take much joy, appreciation and love in counting YOU ALL as part of my friends and family. These ten years have gone by so quickly and I am grateful to QVC for taking a chance on me and I love YOU ALL for letting me be a small part of YOUR life... YOU are a big part of my life. I love you all and thank you so very, very much for being with me all these years.

Xoxoxo,

A

Ps. I did get all the Show Host's autographs... AWESOME!!