Bossier City, LA, August 26, 2009 -- Because of the fast growing need for alternative solutions to medicine, there is a developing need for education and resources to assist holistic or integrative practitioners with certifications and continuing education. According to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, their mission is to further the"perception and knowledge of true aromatherapy and its safe and effective application in everyday life." The MDSA will now provide this instruction in addition to direct sales consults.

With the complexities and expense involved with starting a direct sales company, there has not been an opportunity for individuals to receive professional coaching, resources, and education on a shoestring budget before the MDSA. "I started The Multicultural Direct Selling Alliance because I wanted to elevate and diversify the business of direct selling. I became aware of a great number of African American owned and smaller direct sales companies that offered wonderful products and opportunities, yet no one had ever heard of them, " said Veronica Easterling-Thomas, founder and CEO of the alliance network. "Now with the growing trend of "going green," many of my MDSA clients are looking to clean up their product lines by creating a healthier, toxic-free brand. Because of requests for this type of counseling, I have created an affiliate organization to the Multicultural Direct Selling Alliance (MDSA) called the Multicultural Aromatherapy Organization (MAO)."
As a direct seller for nearly 20 years and a leader in the industry, Thomas started coaching women who had their own brand of product and wanted to create a direct sales model or distribution program for their companies. With clients such as Indigofera, Inky Loves Nature, Nirini Candles, Nyenzo, Likisma Aromatherapy, and more recently the Black Enterprise nominated Teenpreneur and Oprah Winfrey guest, Eden Body Works, Thomas is developing a large portfolio of clients contributing to the economic development of women, African Americans, and other multicultural groups.
"The word "multicultural" denotes the practice of giving equal attention or representation to the cultural needs and contributions to all in a group- special emphasis may be given to minority groups under represented in the past. "So, MAO (Multicultural Aromatherapy Organization) is for everyone, but now, African Americans and other ethnic cultures have a platform for holistic therapies, " says Thomas. Labeled as a direct selling and wellness coach, Thomas offers memberships, project development, consulting and coaching services, and a host of resources to assist direct sales, multi level marketing, and distribution companies through the MDSA. Now with the development of its affiliate, MAO, other programs such as aromatherapy certifications, chronic pain counseling, and natural product developing coaching will be added to the list of services. "Having been a direct seller for a number of years, I recognize the importance of training and motivating independent sales representatives, " Thomas says, "the owners of these companies can turn to the MDSA and locate training resources to assist their sales reps. With the establishment of the new organization, direct sellers, massage and other therapists and alternative practioners can utilize this new tool to further their education and become and expert in their field. All can take advantage of the resources and advertising that's included in the membership. I realized that it is unnecessary to repeat what's already been said, so I'd rather share these resources and knowledge with others to help them achieve success in business."

About Veronica Thomas Veronica Thomas is a Certified Herbalist and Aromatherapist, Wellness and Direct Sales Marketing Coach and has represented direct sales companies such as Home Interiors and Gifts, Jafra Cosmetics International, and served as a Unit Leader in Avon, and developed the USA division of Likisma Aromatherapy as a master distributor. Disappointed in the lack of products with truly natural ingredients, she decided to look for an aromatherapy company that provides essential oils so that she can make her own products and holistic remedies for herself and her family. She decided to start teaching aromatherapy courses because of her enjoyment of the art of aromatherapy. Veronica is also a member of the International Association of Coaches, the Shreveport-Bossier African American Chamber of Commerce, Real Sisters Rising and serves as an editor for the fibromyalgia/chronic fatigue site at Bella Online. She has been a guest speaker on company conference calls as well as held her own teleclasses, The Secrets of Direct Selling and Relief Never Smelled So Good. She is the author of the Ebook Direct Sales Makes Cents . She is also the author of the weblog, Speak On It- Direct Selling Product Review and Vanish Despair.