A Husband’s Perspective on Direct Sales: An Honest Conversation with Jared Ledford
Today’s blog is a special one.
We’re diving into a conversation that is sorely missing from the direct sales space…
👉 A husband’s honest perspective.
I recently invited Jared Ledford — my upline’s husband and a huge force behind their Color Street success — onto the podcast for a candid interview. Jared is deeply involved in their business, handles much of the backend operations, and has a truly unique insight into what it looks like when a couple builds a direct sales business together.
And let me tell you…
This episode was GOOD.
This blog post recaps all the major points — especially the ones every social seller (and their spouse!) needs to hear.
Listen to the episode here:
How Jared and Jessica Got Started in Direct Sales
Before Color Street, Jared and Jessica experimented with different direct sales ventures — nothing stuck long-term. He worked 50–60 hours a week in commission-based sales, and Jessica was advancing in her nursing career. Life was busy, timing never felt right, and commitment to side opportunities wasn’t fully there.
Sound familiar? 😅
But once they had kids — three children in 13 months! — everything shifted. The desire for time freedom, income flexibility, and something they could truly build together became stronger.
And when Color Street appeared, the timing aligned. Jessica saw the opportunity, brought it to Jared, and even though money was tight and life was chaotic…
👉 They decided to go for it.
Not because they had extra time.
Not because everything was perfect.
But because they communicated openly and decided to take a chance.
The “Right Time” Myth — And the Real Truth
Jared hit this point hard:
“The right opportunity doesn’t matter if it’s the wrong timing for YOU.”
Every woman in direct sales needs to hear this.
You can’t force commitment. You can’t force success. You can’t force belief.
But you can watch for alignment — or create it by being honest with yourself and your partner.
Everything they tried before Color Street taught them something they later used to shine today.
Why People Jump Between Companies — and Why It’s Okay
Jared said something powerful:
“Switching companies doesn’t make you flaky. It makes you human.”
He compared it to switching careers:
- You try something
- You learn
- You pivot
- You grow
- You find what fits
The stigma in direct sales is huge, but Jared emphasized the importance of being honest and transparent when shifting. People respect integrity. And your next opportunity might be the one that clicks.
Talking to Your Husband About Direct Sales: Jared’s Advice
This part alone is worth bookmarking. 🔖
Most women in this space struggle with one thing:
➡️ How do I talk to my spouse about wanting to start (or grow) a direct sales business?
Jared had the BEST advice:
1. “You don’t need permission. But you do need communication.”
This is GOLD.
You’re not asking for “approval.”
You’re having a conversation about:
- why the opportunity matters
- what the investment looks like
- what support you might need
- how it aligns with your family goals
2. “Ask for help, not permission.”
Oof. Let that sink in.
Many husbands simply don’t understand what you’re doing or what you need — because we don’t ask.
Most men WANT to support their wives…
They just need clarity and inclusion.
3. “Share the why behind the time you’re investing.”
If you’re disappearing to work your biz every night, but your spouse doesn’t know why — resentment builds fast.
Explain:
- “I’m doing this because I want to save for Disney.”
- “I’m doing this to help cover the car payment.”
- “I’m doing this to build something for our family.”
Purpose creates partnership.
What If Your Husband Doesn’t Support Your Business?
This was a tough but necessary part of our talk.
Jared was very clear:
Some husbands don’t support their wives because of fear, misunderstanding, or insecurity.
Others simply don’t get it… yet.
But lack of support is often rooted in lack of communication, not lack of love.
And when it truly IS deeper than business?
That’s a relationship issue — not a direct sales one.
Either way, having the hard conversation matters.
How Jared Became Involved in Their Team
One thing that sets Jessica and Jared apart is how they run their business as a true partnership.
Here’s how the duties break down:
JESSICA → customer relationships, sales, team culture
JARED → admin, backend systems, team support, tech, recognition, middle-management
He puts it perfectly:
“Jessica is the CEO. I’m the operations manager.”
This division allows them to:
✔️ scale
✔️ duplicate
✔️ support their downline
✔️ maintain momentum
✔️ stay consistent even when life gets busy
And it WORKS.
Their team feels supported.
Their leaders feel seen.
And their business has grown because both strengths are being activated.
How to Get Your Husband Involved (Even a Little)
According to Jared, start small.
Ask for help with:
- packaging orders
- taking items to the post office
- watching the kids during a power hour
- helping with inventory
- learning basics of your comp plan
- brainstorming ideas
- celebrating wins with you
- tech tasks like labels, forms, or spreadsheets
The key?
👉 Make it a team effort — not a solo mission.
And again… ASK.
Men don’t read minds. 😅
Jared’s Final Thought: Communication Over Everything
We wrapped our conversation with this truth bomb:
“You can’t build a business in secret and then wonder why your spouse isn’t supporting you.”
Talk.
Share.
Invite them in.
Ask for help.
Celebrate together.
Whether your husband becomes fully involved like Jared or simply cheers you on from the sidelines, communication will always be the foundation.
Want to Connect with Jared?
You can find him on Instagram:
👉 @jaredledford
He’s always willing to chat, especially if you’re navigating the “husband and direct sales” dynamic.
Want to Hear the Full Interview?
Watch or listen here:
🎧 Passports, Profits and Pixie Dust Podcast
📺 YouTube – watch here
It’s packed with insights for women in direct sales, Etsy shop owners, boutique owners, coaches, network marketers — ANYONE building something from home.
If you loved this blog, screenshot it, share it to IG stories, and tag me!
Let’s get this much-needed conversation out into the industry. 💛