Mary Kay
Content
Mary Kay Mary Kay Inc.
Type
Privately held company
Industry
Personal care products
Founded
Dallas, Texas (1963)
Headquarters Addison, Texas Mary Kay Ash, Founder Key people
Richard R. Rogers, Executive Chairman David Holl, CEO
Products
Skin care, cosmetics, sun protection, perfume
Revenue
$2.5 Billion in 2009[1] Independent sales force of over 2 million
Employees
worldwide (2009) [1]
Website
Mary Kay Inc.
Mary Kay Inc. is a multi level marketing company that sells skin care and cosmetics products. Mary Kay World Headquarters is located in Addison, Texas, United States, a Dallas suburb. Mary Kay Ash founded Mary Kay Inc. on Friday, September 13, 1963. Richard Rogers, Mary Kay's son, is the executive chairman, and David Holl is president and was named CEO in 2006.[2]
Contents [hide] • • • •
•
1 Markets Mary Kay is in 2 The products o 2.1 Sales Volumes 3 Cars 4 Earnings o 4.1 Recruiting commission earnings o 4.2 Consultant turnover rate o 4.3 Retirement income 5 Controversial Aspects
• •
5.1 Woolf v Mary Kay Cosmetics 5.2 Liquidator Court Cases 6 Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation 7 In popular culture
•
8 References
o o
[edit] Markets Mary Kay is in Mary Kay Entered the market Year
Market
Year
Market
Year Not Known
Year Market
1963 USA
1993 Bermuda
1997 Ukraine
?
1971 Australia 1978 Canada 1980 Argentina 1984 Pakistan
1993 1993 1993 1993
1999 1999 2000 2000
? ? ? ?
1986 Germany
1993
1988 Malaysia 1988 Mexico 1988 Thailand United 1990 Kingdom 1991 New Zealand 1991 Guatemala 1991 Taiwan 1992 Spain
1993 1993 1993
1992 Sweden
Brunei Chile Guatemala Moldova New Zealand Norway Russia Singapore
El Salvador Hong Kong Kazakhstan Philippines
Dominican Republic Estonia Latvia Netherlands Switzerland
2000 Slovakia 2001 Korea 2002 Uzbekistan 2005 Moldova
1994 Brazil
2006 Poland
1994 1995 1995 1996
2007 2008 2009 2010
Japan China Portugal Finland Czech 1997 Republic
Market
India Fiji Lithuania Armenia
2010
A grey market serves vendors of Mary Kay Cosmetics in other countries.
[edit] The products The original nine skin care products were based upon a recipe from a tanner, allegedly whose skin was much smoother, and clearer than his age would indicate. His daughter took his recipe for hides and began using it on herself. In the United States, roughly 200 products are currently available. In other countries, fewer products are available, because they are reformulated to meet local laws or, more commonly, consumer preferences. For example, Asian makeup is sometimes much
whiter than European makeup. African makeup has traditionally been more ochre than European makeup. Some products, such as Mary Kay Whitener, are created for a specific country, or geographic region. Other products, such as the Mary Kay Limited Edition, are created to reflect seasonal changes. In the early 1990s, recognizing that the majority of both its customers and consultants were women of color, Mary Kay introduced colors that were more suitable for that market. The Mary Kay product line includes products in five categories: facial skin care, color cosmetics, body care, sun protection and fragrance. Mary Kay develops, tests, manufactures and packages the majority of its own products at its state-of-the-art facilities in Dallas and China.[3] PETA celebrated a semi-victory in the cosmetics industry in 1989, when Mary Kay Cosmetics announced a moratorium on animal testing.[4] The sought for victory --- fur coats are not prizes --- came in 1996, when Mary Kay stopped offering fur coats as incentive awards for its sales force [5]. The final push may have been a series of embarrassing cartoons that appeared in newspapers across the country in the years immediately preceding the ban. In 1989 they were published in The Night of the Mary Kay Commandos[6] by Berke Breathed. A famous line from the book reads Even their Uzis are pink. In 1995, to adhere to the laws of The People's Republic of China, Mary Kay opened a plant in Hangzhou to manufacture and package products. A European plant was opened in 1997, in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, to serve the European market but was closed in 2003. In 2009, wholesale sales of Mary Kay products to the consultants exceeded $2.5 billion.[3] This $2.5 billion[3] figure does not account for products returned by consultants to the company.[7]
[edit] Sales Volumes Sales Volumes Year 1963 1973 1983 1989 1991
Wholesale Volume $198,154[8] unknown $300,000,000[9] $400,000,000 $511,000,000[10]
Consultants Directors 318[8] 21,069[9] 195,000[9] 200,000 220,000[10]
0 450(?) unknown unknown unknown
National Directors 0 2(?) unknown unknown unknown
Wholesale volume / Consultants $623.13 unknown $1,538.46 $2,000.00 $2,322.73
1992 1993 1994 1995 1995 Russia 1996 1997 China 1998 China 2001 2001 USA 2001 Mexico 2002
$500,000,000[11] $735,000,000[9] $850,000,000[12] $950,000,000[12] $25,000,000[13] $1,000,000,000[12] $12,000,000[14] $7,200,000[14] $1,400,000,000 Unknown $20,000,000[16]
250,000[11] 325,000[9] unknown unknown unknown unknown 15,000 unknown 800,000 500,000[15] unknown
unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown
$1,600,000,000
850,000
19,000[17]
unknown 120,000[14]
13,000[17] unknown
1,100,000
18,500[18]
2002 USA unknown 2002 China $120,000,000[14] 2003
$1,800,000,000
2004 $1,960,000,000[19] 2004 USA unknown 2004 Canada $125,000,000[22] 2004 United $7,700,000[24] Kingdom 2005 $2,200,000,000[21] 2005 China $300,000,000[25] 2005 USA $1,300,000,000[25] 2005 Canada unknown 2005 unknown Argentina 2005 Mexico unknown 2005 United unknown Kingdom 2006 $2,250,000,000[30] Worldwide 2006 Canada unknown 2006 USA unknown 2006 UK unknown 2007 Canada unknown 2007 USA unknown 2007 $2,400,000,000 [34] Worldwide [34] 2008 Canada unknown 2008 USA unknown 2008 $2,600,000,000[37]
1,300,000[20] 27,000[21] unknown unknown 29,357[23] 661[23] More than 3,500[18] 70[18] [21] 1,600,000 31,000[21] 400,000[25] unknown 715,000[25] unknown 32,820[26] 673[26]
unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown more than 300[17] unknown unknown More than 100[18] 410[20] 210[20] 16[23]
$2,000.00 $2,261.00 unknown unknown unknown unknown $800.00 unknown $1,750.00 unknown unknown
0[18]
$2,200.00
500[21] unknown unknown 17[26]
$1,375.00 $750.00 $1,818.18 unknown
$1,882.35 unknown $100.00 $1,636.36 $1,507.69 unknown $4,257.93
20,000[27]
500[27]
8[27]
unknown
175,000[28]
unknown
unknown
unknown
5,000[29]
140[29]
2[29]
unknown
1,700,000 +[30] 34,272[26] unknown 5000 [32] 31891[26] 700,000
unknown 724[26] 14,000+[31] 140[32] 659[26] 14,000[33]
about 500[31] 18[26] unknown 2[32] 25[26] 215 [34]
$1,323.53 unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown
1,700,000 [34] unknown
unknown
$1,411.76
30,679 [35] 608 [35] 600,000[36] 13,000[36] 1,800,000[37] 34,000[37]
24 [35] unknown 500[37]
unknown unknown $1,444.44
Worldwide 2009 $2,500,000,000[38] 2,000,000[38] 37,000[38] Worldwide 2009 China $600,000,000 [39] 200,000[39] unknown
600[38]
$1,250.00
unknown
$3,000
Notes: • • • •
Dollar amounts are in United States Currency; Dollar amounts have not been adjusted for inflation; Official Mary Kay, Inc. policy is to round up their gross Wholesale volume.; Official Mary Kay, Inc. policy is to round down the number of consultants;
[edit] Cars In 1968, Mary Kay Ash purchased the first Pink Cadillac, where it was repainted on site, by the dealership owner, to match the Mountain Laurel Blush in the compact.[40] It was such a good rolling advertisement that Mary Kay Ash decided to reward her top five producers, by providing them with a Pink Cadillac paid for by the company in 1969. Pink was an obvious color choice --- matching the company's eye and lip color palettes. Since 1980, the shade used by the Mary Kay fleet has been exclusive to Mary Kay. Every two years, a Director or National can requalify for a new Cadillac. When the two year lease has expired, the cars are repainted, prior to being auctioned off. The shade of pink has changed over the years. In 1998, the color was changed to "pearlized pink". In honor of its 35th anniversary, the Mary Kay edition, white GMC Jimmy sport utility vehicle was offered in the United States. In 2007, top Independent Sales Directors can still earn the coveted pink Cadillac. The color of the other cars offered changed to black for Independent Sales Directors and smoky platinum for Independent Beauty Consultants. In the United States, the 2006 vehicle choice consisted of a Pontiac Vibe, Pontiac Grand Prix or a Cadillac. A Mary Kay director that qualifies for a car may choose from a Cadillac DTS, a Cadillac CTS, or a Cadillac SRX. In 2007 the offered cars were Saturn Vue, Pontiac G6, Pontiac Vibe, Cadillac CTS, and Saturn Aura.[41] In 2009 GM announced it would be discontinuing the Saturn and Pontiac lines, forcing Mary Kay to choose new choices for Directors and Consultants to earn. Independent Beauty Consultants can earn the use of a Smokey Platinum Chevy Malibu or cash compensation of $375 a month. Independent Sales Directors can choose a Silver Toyota Camry, Chevy Equinox, or $500 a month. Top Independent Sales Directors can choose between the Pink Cadillac SRX Crossover, Cadillac CTS, or cash option of $900 a month.[42] In 2005 the GM (USA) fleet size was 9,870.[43] In the United Kingdom, Germany, The Netherlands, Spain and Ukraine, the car is a pink Mercedes-Benz. In Argentina, one receives a pink Ford, while in Taiwan, it is a pink Toyota.[44]. In Australia, one gets to choose between a Ford Falcon, or Volkswagen
Beetle.[45] In China, the vehicle is a pink Volkswagen Santana. In the Nordic countries you receive a pink Volvo V50.[46] The specific qualifications for earning the car depend upon the country, and vehicle that is desired. If those qualifications are not met, then the Car Driver has to pay for a portion of the lease of the car for that month. Meeting the qualifications entitles the Car Driver to pay no monthly lease and 85% of the car insurance, or a pre-determined cash compensation award.[47] Since the program's inception, more than 100,000 Independent sales force members have qualified for the use of a Career Car or elected the cash compensation option.[7] It is not known how many Directors select the cash option in lieu of the car, but GM estimates that it has built 100,000 pink Cadillacs for Mary Kay.[40] In July, some of these cars were awarded. More than 30,000 Mary Kay direct sellers descended on Dallas to attend speeches, awards ceremonies and seminars at the Dallas Convention Center to motivate them for the year ahead. The Convention and Visitor’s Bureau estimates they pump $72 million into the local economy. Over the three weeks of seminars, Addison-based Mary Kay Cosmetics will hand out an estimated $6 million in dream vacations, cash rewards — and, yes, those famous pink Cadillacs, said spokeswoman Kirsten Monberg Gappelberg. Despite the recession, Mary Kay Inc. and its international subsidiaries reported $2.5 billion in worldwide sales last year. Its sales force grew by 13 percent and the majority of women who joined were between ages 24 and 35 — perhaps reflecting challenges in the present job market.[48]
[edit] Earnings As a private company, Mary Kay Inc. does not make all of its financial information available to the public.[7] As a consequence, there is very little reliable information about actual earnings by consultants.Nearly 300 Independent National Sales Directors in the United States have earned more than $1 million in commissions.[3] There are two ways for consultants earn money in Mary Kay: • •
Retail sales; Recruiting;
[edit] Recruiting commission earnings "Recruiting commission earnings" reflects the commission and bonuses that one earns from the wholesale purchases of their down line. It does not include income from retail sales and it does not include income from the Mary Kay tools business. A press release [49] claimed the following for Canada in 1999: Of the 16,000+ consultants:
• • •
The majority earned less than $19,000 Canadian; 173 Sales Directors earned more than $19,000 Canadian; 3 national directors earned more than $100,000 Canadian;
In an April 2005 press release, Mary Kay (Canada)[50] claimed the following for Canada in 2004: Of the 29,357 independent Mary Kay Consultants: • • •
2,267 earned more than $15,500 Canadian; 331 Sales Directors earned more than $15,500 Canadian; 8 National Directors earned more than $100,000 Canadian;
In an April 2006 press release, Mary Kay (Canada)[50] claimed the following for Canada in 2005: Out of 32,821 independent Mary Kay Beauty Consultants: • • •
2,356 earned more than $17,000 Canadian; 336 Sales Directors earned more than $17,000 Canadian; 15 National Directors earned more than $100,000 Canadian;
In a February 2007 press release, Mary Kay (Canada)[50] claimed the following for Canada in 2006: Out of 34,272 independent Mary Kay Beauty Consultants: • • •
2,422 earned more than $16,500 Canadian; 362 Directors earned more $16,500 Canadian; 16 National Directors earned more than $100,000 Canadian;
In February 2009, Mary Kay (Canada) claimed the following for 2008[35]: • • •
2011 consultants earned more than Canadian $100 in commission; 304 Sales Directors earned more than Canadian $16,567. 16 National Directors earned more than Canadian $100,000.
In February 2010 Mary Kay (Canada) claimed the following for 2010[51]: • • • •
29,675 people were consultants during the year; 1,878 consultants earned more than Canadian $100 in commission; 276 of the 553 Sales Directors earned more than Canadian $17,471 in commission; 15 of the 23 National Directors earned more than Canadian $100,000 in commission;
For Mary Kay (USA) Nationals, the 2006 median gross income (prior to business expenses) is $75,443.[52]
[edit] Consultant turnover rate A 68.6% per annum turnover figure has been calculated based upon information supplied by Mary Kay (USA) to the FTC.[53] A 85% per annum turnover figure has been calculated, based upon the data supplied by Mary Kay (Canada).[50] That document excludes individuals who earn a commission and are in the company for less than one year. It also excludes individuals who are in the company for more than one year, but do not earn a commission check.
[edit] Retirement income Individuals who qualified as National Director, prior to the age of sixty, are given the status of National Director Emeritus at age sixty five. This status entitles them to a retirement income that is equal to 60% of the average of the best three of the last five years prior to retirement[citation needed]. That monthly is paid to the retiree or their surviving family for 15 years.[citation needed] There is no retirement plan for other consultants.
[edit] Controversial Aspects A number of criticisms have been leveled at the company by current and former Mary Kay Consultants.
[edit] Woolf v Mary Kay Cosmetics Woolf v Mary Kay Cosmetics Court
Northern District of Texas
Full case
Claudine Woolf v. Mary Kay, Inc.
name Date decided 20 October 2004 Citations
Northern District of Texas 301 cv 688-57
Transcripts
http://www.5thcoa.courts.state.tx.us/cgibin/as_web.exe?c05_05.ask+D+800147
Judges sitting Justices Morris, Moseley, and FitzGerald Case history Prior actions
191st Judicial District Court Dallas County, Texas Trial Court Cause No. 00-05612-J
Subsequent
Certiorari Denied 31 May 2005.[54]
actions Case opinions Workplace Rights do not apply to independent contractors.
Woolf v. Mary Kay Cosmetics, was originally decided in favor of the plaintiff, Claudine Woolf. In doing so it marked the first time[55] that workplace rights could be applied to independent contractors who worked from their home. This decision was stayed and then reversed after an appeal. The Supreme Court USA ruled Certiorari Denied 31 May 2005. [54]
In this case, Woolf was terminated from her position as director because her unit failed to make production for three consecutive months. Woolf contended that her firing was illegal, because of her medical condition --- she was suffering from cancer.
[edit] Liquidator Court Cases Mary Kay Inc v Touch of Pink Cosmetics Court
Northern District of Texas
Full case
Mary Kay Inc v Amy L Weber, Scott J Weber
name
and Touch of Pink Cosmetics
Citations
Northern District of Texas 3:2008cv00776
Judges
Judge A. Joe Fish
sitting
In May 2008, Mary Kay Inc sued Touch of Pink Cosmetics, a website that sells product from former Mary Kay consultants at heavily reduced prices. The company claims that Touch of Pink interferes with their business by offering to purchase inventory from discontinued consultants, and that their use of the Mary Kay trademark in reference to Mary Kay products they sell is deceiving.[56][57] On 20 July 2009, Mary Kay Inc sued Pink Face Cosmetics for violation of 15:1051 Trademark Infringement.[58]. The specific issue appears to be the use of the Mary Kay name, in selling Mary Kay products on eBay, and other Internet venues, for less than the wholesale cost of the products.
[edit] Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation Established in 1996, the mission of the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation is twofold: • Committed to eliminating cancers affecting women by supporting top medical scientists who are searching for a cure for breast, uterine, cervical and ovarian cancers. • Committed to ending the epidemic of violence against women by providing grants to women’s shelters and supporting community outreach programs.The Mary Kay Ash Foundation has awarded $22 million to shelters and programs addressing domestic violence and nearly $13 million to find a cure for cancers affecting women in the United States. $3 Million of that came strictly from lipstick sales of two particular colors that were featured from May through October 2009.[3] In May, 2006 The Foundation awarded 13 cancer research grants of $100,000 each to esteemed doctors and medical scientists in the United States. In October 2006, the Foundation awarded $20,000 grants to 150 women’s shelters across the United States for a total of $3 million. Additional information about the MKACF and annual fundraising/donations can be found on their website.As a part of its Pink Doing Green initiative, Mary Kay Inc., planted 200,000 trees in the Bitterroot National Forest in Montana in conjunction with the Arbor Day Foundation and the United States Forest Service.[3]
[edit] In popular culture Lists of miscellaneous information should be avoided. Please relocate any relevant information into appropriate sections or articles. (April 2010) • • •
Mary Kay was parodied as "Lila Lee" in the Murder, She Wrote episode "Murder by Appointment Only." Kathy Bates' character in Fried Green Tomatoes became a consultant and progressed to a pink Cadillac driving Sales Director. Mary Kay was parodied as "Carrie Fay" in the Honey, I Shrunk the Kids episode "Honey, You're So Transparent."
•
•
• • •
•
•
•
• •
The made-for-TV movie "Hell on Heels: The Battle of Mary Kay" shows Mary Kay Ash (played by Shirley MacLaine) and her competition with Jinger Heath (Parker Posey), founder of BeautiControl Cosmetics. In "Hell's Bells," an episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, it is alluded to that Anya is a Mary Kay Consultant. She wears a suit and talks about holding a skincare class. Xander also refers to the fact that she has a pink car. A series of cartoons later published in 1989 as The Night of the Mary Kay Commandos[6] by Berke Breathed. In the Seinfeld episode "The Wig Master", Kramer is lent a Mary Kay pink Cadillac from his parking lot. On an episode of That '70s Show entitled "Eric's Naughty No-No", his Aunt Paula (played by Valerie Harper), Kitty's sister, is a Kathy May Cosmetics Representative, complete with a pink car that was awarded to her for being a top sales representative. In Season 5 of Weeds, Mary Kay Cosmetics is parodied as "You're Pretty Cosmetics." Celia Hodes includes marijuana with the cosmetics she sells as an incentive to her customers. Mary Kay was parodied as "Lady June" in the Designing Women episode, "The Junies", when the character, Charlene, began selling "Lady June Belle" products and eventually meets "Lady June". A subplot of the book Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood features a woman selling a thinly veiled copy of Mary Kay called Beautiere (with a grand prize of a pink Chrysler awarded to prolific salesladies). In the 2009 independent film "Drool", Mary Kay, is parodied as Kathy Kay cosmetics, and Imma Jean drives a purple cadillac to see Kathy Kay herself. The film Were the World Mine features a cosmetic company called "Nora Fay" with whom the main character's mother gets a job.
The Mary Kay Museum is located inside the soaring glass lobby of the Mary Kay World Headquarters. The museum is part history lesson, part tribute and part recognition hall devoted to the life of one of America’s most admired businesswomen, Mary Kay Ash.
A dynamic speaker, motivator and entrepreneur, Mary Kay was recognized for her achievements through numerous awards and honors including: A&E Television Networks aired “Mary Kay” on the Biography Channel. Named one of the 25 Most Influential Business Leaders of the Last 25 Years by PBS and the Wharton School of Business in 2004 Greatest Female Entrepreneur in American History by Baylor University in 2003 2002 Dallas Business Hall of Fame Laureate in recognition of her lifetime achievements as well as demonstrating inspiring business and community leadership, industry vision and service as a business and civic role model in the community 2002 National Conference on Medical Care and Domestic Violence Community Service Award, now known as the Mary Kay Ash Award Most Outstanding Woman in Business in the 20th Century by Lifetime Television in 1999 Texas Woman of the Century in 1999 by the Texas Women’s Chamber of Commerce National Business Hall of Fame election in 1996 by Fortune Pathfinder Award in 1995 by the National Association of Women Business Owners Business Leader of the ’90s Award by the Association of Women Business Owners Circle of Honor Award in 1989 and Living Legend Award in 1992 by the Direct Selling Education Foundation First Annual National Sales Hall of Fame Award in 1989 by the Sales and Marketing Executives of New York One of “America’s 25 Most Influential Women” in the 1985 The World Almanac and Book of Facts Horatio Alger Distinguished American Citizen Award in 1978, an award given to distinguished Americans who have succeeded in spite of adversity
Charming. Spirited. A one-of-a-kind success story. Over the years, there have been many successful business leaders but none as unique as Mary Kay Ash, Founder of Mary Kay Inc. Her accomplishments left an unforgettable mark on American business and opened the door for women around the world to experience success on their own terms.
“You can do it!” These words embody the very spirit of Mary Kay Ash and the Company she created. It’s the spirit she learned as a child growing up in Hot Wells, Texas. When facing new and daunting tasks, her mother encouraged
her with, “You can do it, Mary Kay. You can do it.” Mary Kay Ash did more than embrace this empowering spirit – she passed it on through a remarkable company that would inspire millions in generations to come. That company story didn’t begin until Mary Kay Ash faced a situation all too familiar to women. After 25 years in the direct selling business, Mary Kay Ash resigned her position as a national training director when yet another man she had trained was promoted above her – at twice her salary. Her response was visionary. At first, she started writing a book that would help women gain the opportunities she had been denied. But soon she realized she was creating a plan that would do much more than give advice. It formed the foundation for a new opportunity where women could develop their talents and achieve unlimited success.
“I envisioned a company in which any woman could become just as successful as she wanted to be. The doors would be wide open to opportunity for women who were willing to pay the price and had the courage to dream.” So in 1963, with her past experience, her plan and $5,000 in savings, Mary Kay Ash enlisted the help of her 20-year-old son, Richard, and created Beauty by Mary Kay. It was a first – a company dedicated to making life more beautiful for women. It was founded not on the competitive rule but on the Golden Rule – on praising people to success – and on the principle of placing faith first, family second and career third. It was a company, as Mary Kay Ash often said, “with heart.”
“The success [of Mary Kay Inc.] is much, much deeper than just dollars and cents and buildings and assets. The real success of our Company is measured to me in the lives that have been touched and given hope.” Today her vision, her courage and her unwavering spirit continue to bring women the opportunity to achieve their potential and bring their dreams to life. With more than 1.8 million Independent Beauty Consultants throughout the world, Mary Kay carries on the legacy of Mary Kay Ash – inspiring, enriching and empowering women to do great things. Learn more about the remarkable story of Mary Kay Ash at www.marykaytribute.com.
Mary Kay Cosmetics Mary Kay Cosmetics is a privately held company, founded in Dallas in 1963 by Mary Kay Ash, with just a nine-item product line. From its humble beginnings, the company grew exponentially, and today carries over 200 products. In 2005, Mary Kay Cosmetics reported over $2.2 million in worldwide sales. The company claims to be to have the best-selling line of skin care and color cosmetics in the United States.
Company History The Mary Kay philosophy has always emphasized empowering women and encouraging them to live a balanced life. The company's mission statement stresses God first, family second, and the company third. From a single salesperson, Mary Kay, in a single market, the company has grown to employ 1.6 million independent beauty consultants, working in thirty countries. The company is known for using incentives to motivate its salesforce, the top prize being the famous pink Cadillac. Although Mary Kay died in 2001, her company -- and her vision -- still live on.
Mary Kay Cosmetics Products Mary Kay Cosmetics span a vast spectrum of beauty products, for men and women, including skin care, fragrance, color cosmetics, and spa and body products.
Skin Care Skin care products were the foundation of the company's products. Today, skin care product lines include anti-aging products, cleansers, mosturization products, classic basic skin care, lip and eye care products, and a men's skin care line.
Fragrance They carry a full line of fragrances, ranging from light floral scents to heady, earthy ones. The fragrance line includes "Journey", "Velocity", and "Angelfire" for women and "Domain", "Tribute", and "Velocity" for men.
Color Cosmetics Mary Kay cosmetics color line includes products for lips, eyes, cheeks, and nails as well as foundation, concealers, powders, compacts and applicators, and facial highlight pens.
Spa and Body Spa and body products are designed to pamper and indulge. Included are the "Private Spa Collection", which features a series of scented body washes, candle sets, body mists, and mosturizing lotions. The line's "Body Care" is a collection of buffing creams, cleansing lotions, hand cream, and hydrating gel. "Sun Essentials" include sunblock products as well as sunless tanning lotion.
Where to Buy May Kay Cosmetics Mary Kay Cosmetics are sold exclusively through one of the 1.6 million independent beauty consultants worldwide. Mary Kay's beauty consultants are independent salespeople. You can locate the one nearest you from the Mary Kay website. There's probably one in your neighborhood. Beauty consultants sell via skin care and cosmetics parties, at regional markets, and by catalog. Some even have websites so that you can order from them online. Your products are delivered directly by your beauty consultant, thus ensuring that hands-on service for which Mary Kay is famous.
Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation The Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation, founded in 1980, is a nonprofit organization, dedicated to Mary Kay's second husband, Mel. Its goal is to obtain funding for cancer research, particularly for those cancers effecting women. In 2000, the foundation expanded its focus to include battling violence against women. The profits of Mary Kay's three best-selling books have all gone to the foundation.
What's New Mary Kay Cosmetics continues to expand by adding new beauty consultants and expanding into new markets. New products for 2006 include a special bridal product line, new anti-aging products, and an expansion of the men's product line.
Type
Privately held company
Industry
Personal care products
Founded
Dallas, Texas (1963)
Headquarters Addison, Texas Mary Kay Ash, Founder Key people
Richard R. Rogers, Executive Chairman David Holl, CEO
Products
Skin care, cosmetics, sun protection, perfume
Revenue
$2.5 Billion in 2009[1] Independent sales force of over 2 million
Employees
worldwide (2009) [1]
Website
Mary Kay Inc.
Mary Kay Inc. is a multi level marketing company that sells skin care and cosmetics products. Mary Kay World Headquarters is located in Addison, Texas, United States, a Dallas suburb. Mary Kay Ash founded Mary Kay Inc. on Friday, September 13, 1963. Richard Rogers, Mary Kay's son, is the executive chairman, and David Holl is president and was named CEO in 2006.[2]
Contents [hide] • • • •
•
1 Markets Mary Kay is in 2 The products o 2.1 Sales Volumes 3 Cars 4 Earnings o 4.1 Recruiting commission earnings o 4.2 Consultant turnover rate o 4.3 Retirement income 5 Controversial Aspects
• •
5.1 Woolf v Mary Kay Cosmetics 5.2 Liquidator Court Cases 6 Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation 7 In popular culture
•
8 References
o o
[edit] Markets Mary Kay is in Mary Kay Entered the market Year
Market
Year
Market
Year Not Known
Year Market
1963 USA
1993 Bermuda
1997 Ukraine
?
1971 Australia 1978 Canada 1980 Argentina 1984 Pakistan
1993 1993 1993 1993
1999 1999 2000 2000
? ? ? ?
1986 Germany
1993
1988 Malaysia 1988 Mexico 1988 Thailand United 1990 Kingdom 1991 New Zealand 1991 Guatemala 1991 Taiwan 1992 Spain
1993 1993 1993
1992 Sweden
Brunei Chile Guatemala Moldova New Zealand Norway Russia Singapore
El Salvador Hong Kong Kazakhstan Philippines
Dominican Republic Estonia Latvia Netherlands Switzerland
2000 Slovakia 2001 Korea 2002 Uzbekistan 2005 Moldova
1994 Brazil
2006 Poland
1994 1995 1995 1996
2007 2008 2009 2010
Japan China Portugal Finland Czech 1997 Republic
Market
India Fiji Lithuania Armenia
2010
A grey market serves vendors of Mary Kay Cosmetics in other countries.
[edit] The products The original nine skin care products were based upon a recipe from a tanner, allegedly whose skin was much smoother, and clearer than his age would indicate. His daughter took his recipe for hides and began using it on herself. In the United States, roughly 200 products are currently available. In other countries, fewer products are available, because they are reformulated to meet local laws or, more commonly, consumer preferences. For example, Asian makeup is sometimes much
whiter than European makeup. African makeup has traditionally been more ochre than European makeup. Some products, such as Mary Kay Whitener, are created for a specific country, or geographic region. Other products, such as the Mary Kay Limited Edition, are created to reflect seasonal changes. In the early 1990s, recognizing that the majority of both its customers and consultants were women of color, Mary Kay introduced colors that were more suitable for that market. The Mary Kay product line includes products in five categories: facial skin care, color cosmetics, body care, sun protection and fragrance. Mary Kay develops, tests, manufactures and packages the majority of its own products at its state-of-the-art facilities in Dallas and China.[3] PETA celebrated a semi-victory in the cosmetics industry in 1989, when Mary Kay Cosmetics announced a moratorium on animal testing.[4] The sought for victory --- fur coats are not prizes --- came in 1996, when Mary Kay stopped offering fur coats as incentive awards for its sales force [5]. The final push may have been a series of embarrassing cartoons that appeared in newspapers across the country in the years immediately preceding the ban. In 1989 they were published in The Night of the Mary Kay Commandos[6] by Berke Breathed. A famous line from the book reads Even their Uzis are pink. In 1995, to adhere to the laws of The People's Republic of China, Mary Kay opened a plant in Hangzhou to manufacture and package products. A European plant was opened in 1997, in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, to serve the European market but was closed in 2003. In 2009, wholesale sales of Mary Kay products to the consultants exceeded $2.5 billion.[3] This $2.5 billion[3] figure does not account for products returned by consultants to the company.[7]
[edit] Sales Volumes Sales Volumes Year 1963 1973 1983 1989 1991
Wholesale Volume $198,154[8] unknown $300,000,000[9] $400,000,000 $511,000,000[10]
Consultants Directors 318[8] 21,069[9] 195,000[9] 200,000 220,000[10]
0 450(?) unknown unknown unknown
National Directors 0 2(?) unknown unknown unknown
Wholesale volume / Consultants $623.13 unknown $1,538.46 $2,000.00 $2,322.73
1992 1993 1994 1995 1995 Russia 1996 1997 China 1998 China 2001 2001 USA 2001 Mexico 2002
$500,000,000[11] $735,000,000[9] $850,000,000[12] $950,000,000[12] $25,000,000[13] $1,000,000,000[12] $12,000,000[14] $7,200,000[14] $1,400,000,000 Unknown $20,000,000[16]
250,000[11] 325,000[9] unknown unknown unknown unknown 15,000 unknown 800,000 500,000[15] unknown
unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown
$1,600,000,000
850,000
19,000[17]
unknown 120,000[14]
13,000[17] unknown
1,100,000
18,500[18]
2002 USA unknown 2002 China $120,000,000[14] 2003
$1,800,000,000
2004 $1,960,000,000[19] 2004 USA unknown 2004 Canada $125,000,000[22] 2004 United $7,700,000[24] Kingdom 2005 $2,200,000,000[21] 2005 China $300,000,000[25] 2005 USA $1,300,000,000[25] 2005 Canada unknown 2005 unknown Argentina 2005 Mexico unknown 2005 United unknown Kingdom 2006 $2,250,000,000[30] Worldwide 2006 Canada unknown 2006 USA unknown 2006 UK unknown 2007 Canada unknown 2007 USA unknown 2007 $2,400,000,000 [34] Worldwide [34] 2008 Canada unknown 2008 USA unknown 2008 $2,600,000,000[37]
1,300,000[20] 27,000[21] unknown unknown 29,357[23] 661[23] More than 3,500[18] 70[18] [21] 1,600,000 31,000[21] 400,000[25] unknown 715,000[25] unknown 32,820[26] 673[26]
unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown more than 300[17] unknown unknown More than 100[18] 410[20] 210[20] 16[23]
$2,000.00 $2,261.00 unknown unknown unknown unknown $800.00 unknown $1,750.00 unknown unknown
0[18]
$2,200.00
500[21] unknown unknown 17[26]
$1,375.00 $750.00 $1,818.18 unknown
$1,882.35 unknown $100.00 $1,636.36 $1,507.69 unknown $4,257.93
20,000[27]
500[27]
8[27]
unknown
175,000[28]
unknown
unknown
unknown
5,000[29]
140[29]
2[29]
unknown
1,700,000 +[30] 34,272[26] unknown 5000 [32] 31891[26] 700,000
unknown 724[26] 14,000+[31] 140[32] 659[26] 14,000[33]
about 500[31] 18[26] unknown 2[32] 25[26] 215 [34]
$1,323.53 unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown
1,700,000 [34] unknown
unknown
$1,411.76
30,679 [35] 608 [35] 600,000[36] 13,000[36] 1,800,000[37] 34,000[37]
24 [35] unknown 500[37]
unknown unknown $1,444.44
Worldwide 2009 $2,500,000,000[38] 2,000,000[38] 37,000[38] Worldwide 2009 China $600,000,000 [39] 200,000[39] unknown
600[38]
$1,250.00
unknown
$3,000
Notes: • • • •
Dollar amounts are in United States Currency; Dollar amounts have not been adjusted for inflation; Official Mary Kay, Inc. policy is to round up their gross Wholesale volume.; Official Mary Kay, Inc. policy is to round down the number of consultants;
[edit] Cars In 1968, Mary Kay Ash purchased the first Pink Cadillac, where it was repainted on site, by the dealership owner, to match the Mountain Laurel Blush in the compact.[40] It was such a good rolling advertisement that Mary Kay Ash decided to reward her top five producers, by providing them with a Pink Cadillac paid for by the company in 1969. Pink was an obvious color choice --- matching the company's eye and lip color palettes. Since 1980, the shade used by the Mary Kay fleet has been exclusive to Mary Kay. Every two years, a Director or National can requalify for a new Cadillac. When the two year lease has expired, the cars are repainted, prior to being auctioned off. The shade of pink has changed over the years. In 1998, the color was changed to "pearlized pink". In honor of its 35th anniversary, the Mary Kay edition, white GMC Jimmy sport utility vehicle was offered in the United States. In 2007, top Independent Sales Directors can still earn the coveted pink Cadillac. The color of the other cars offered changed to black for Independent Sales Directors and smoky platinum for Independent Beauty Consultants. In the United States, the 2006 vehicle choice consisted of a Pontiac Vibe, Pontiac Grand Prix or a Cadillac. A Mary Kay director that qualifies for a car may choose from a Cadillac DTS, a Cadillac CTS, or a Cadillac SRX. In 2007 the offered cars were Saturn Vue, Pontiac G6, Pontiac Vibe, Cadillac CTS, and Saturn Aura.[41] In 2009 GM announced it would be discontinuing the Saturn and Pontiac lines, forcing Mary Kay to choose new choices for Directors and Consultants to earn. Independent Beauty Consultants can earn the use of a Smokey Platinum Chevy Malibu or cash compensation of $375 a month. Independent Sales Directors can choose a Silver Toyota Camry, Chevy Equinox, or $500 a month. Top Independent Sales Directors can choose between the Pink Cadillac SRX Crossover, Cadillac CTS, or cash option of $900 a month.[42] In 2005 the GM (USA) fleet size was 9,870.[43] In the United Kingdom, Germany, The Netherlands, Spain and Ukraine, the car is a pink Mercedes-Benz. In Argentina, one receives a pink Ford, while in Taiwan, it is a pink Toyota.[44]. In Australia, one gets to choose between a Ford Falcon, or Volkswagen
Beetle.[45] In China, the vehicle is a pink Volkswagen Santana. In the Nordic countries you receive a pink Volvo V50.[46] The specific qualifications for earning the car depend upon the country, and vehicle that is desired. If those qualifications are not met, then the Car Driver has to pay for a portion of the lease of the car for that month. Meeting the qualifications entitles the Car Driver to pay no monthly lease and 85% of the car insurance, or a pre-determined cash compensation award.[47] Since the program's inception, more than 100,000 Independent sales force members have qualified for the use of a Career Car or elected the cash compensation option.[7] It is not known how many Directors select the cash option in lieu of the car, but GM estimates that it has built 100,000 pink Cadillacs for Mary Kay.[40] In July, some of these cars were awarded. More than 30,000 Mary Kay direct sellers descended on Dallas to attend speeches, awards ceremonies and seminars at the Dallas Convention Center to motivate them for the year ahead. The Convention and Visitor’s Bureau estimates they pump $72 million into the local economy. Over the three weeks of seminars, Addison-based Mary Kay Cosmetics will hand out an estimated $6 million in dream vacations, cash rewards — and, yes, those famous pink Cadillacs, said spokeswoman Kirsten Monberg Gappelberg. Despite the recession, Mary Kay Inc. and its international subsidiaries reported $2.5 billion in worldwide sales last year. Its sales force grew by 13 percent and the majority of women who joined were between ages 24 and 35 — perhaps reflecting challenges in the present job market.[48]
[edit] Earnings As a private company, Mary Kay Inc. does not make all of its financial information available to the public.[7] As a consequence, there is very little reliable information about actual earnings by consultants.Nearly 300 Independent National Sales Directors in the United States have earned more than $1 million in commissions.[3] There are two ways for consultants earn money in Mary Kay: • •
Retail sales; Recruiting;
[edit] Recruiting commission earnings "Recruiting commission earnings" reflects the commission and bonuses that one earns from the wholesale purchases of their down line. It does not include income from retail sales and it does not include income from the Mary Kay tools business. A press release [49] claimed the following for Canada in 1999: Of the 16,000+ consultants:
• • •
The majority earned less than $19,000 Canadian; 173 Sales Directors earned more than $19,000 Canadian; 3 national directors earned more than $100,000 Canadian;
In an April 2005 press release, Mary Kay (Canada)[50] claimed the following for Canada in 2004: Of the 29,357 independent Mary Kay Consultants: • • •
2,267 earned more than $15,500 Canadian; 331 Sales Directors earned more than $15,500 Canadian; 8 National Directors earned more than $100,000 Canadian;
In an April 2006 press release, Mary Kay (Canada)[50] claimed the following for Canada in 2005: Out of 32,821 independent Mary Kay Beauty Consultants: • • •
2,356 earned more than $17,000 Canadian; 336 Sales Directors earned more than $17,000 Canadian; 15 National Directors earned more than $100,000 Canadian;
In a February 2007 press release, Mary Kay (Canada)[50] claimed the following for Canada in 2006: Out of 34,272 independent Mary Kay Beauty Consultants: • • •
2,422 earned more than $16,500 Canadian; 362 Directors earned more $16,500 Canadian; 16 National Directors earned more than $100,000 Canadian;
In February 2009, Mary Kay (Canada) claimed the following for 2008[35]: • • •
2011 consultants earned more than Canadian $100 in commission; 304 Sales Directors earned more than Canadian $16,567. 16 National Directors earned more than Canadian $100,000.
In February 2010 Mary Kay (Canada) claimed the following for 2010[51]: • • • •
29,675 people were consultants during the year; 1,878 consultants earned more than Canadian $100 in commission; 276 of the 553 Sales Directors earned more than Canadian $17,471 in commission; 15 of the 23 National Directors earned more than Canadian $100,000 in commission;
For Mary Kay (USA) Nationals, the 2006 median gross income (prior to business expenses) is $75,443.[52]
[edit] Consultant turnover rate A 68.6% per annum turnover figure has been calculated based upon information supplied by Mary Kay (USA) to the FTC.[53] A 85% per annum turnover figure has been calculated, based upon the data supplied by Mary Kay (Canada).[50] That document excludes individuals who earn a commission and are in the company for less than one year. It also excludes individuals who are in the company for more than one year, but do not earn a commission check.
[edit] Retirement income Individuals who qualified as National Director, prior to the age of sixty, are given the status of National Director Emeritus at age sixty five. This status entitles them to a retirement income that is equal to 60% of the average of the best three of the last five years prior to retirement[citation needed]. That monthly is paid to the retiree or their surviving family for 15 years.[citation needed] There is no retirement plan for other consultants.
[edit] Controversial Aspects A number of criticisms have been leveled at the company by current and former Mary Kay Consultants.
[edit] Woolf v Mary Kay Cosmetics Woolf v Mary Kay Cosmetics Court
Northern District of Texas
Full case
Claudine Woolf v. Mary Kay, Inc.
name Date decided 20 October 2004 Citations
Northern District of Texas 301 cv 688-57
Transcripts
http://www.5thcoa.courts.state.tx.us/cgibin/as_web.exe?c05_05.ask+D+800147
Judges sitting Justices Morris, Moseley, and FitzGerald Case history Prior actions
191st Judicial District Court Dallas County, Texas Trial Court Cause No. 00-05612-J
Subsequent
Certiorari Denied 31 May 2005.[54]
actions Case opinions Workplace Rights do not apply to independent contractors.
Woolf v. Mary Kay Cosmetics, was originally decided in favor of the plaintiff, Claudine Woolf. In doing so it marked the first time[55] that workplace rights could be applied to independent contractors who worked from their home. This decision was stayed and then reversed after an appeal. The Supreme Court USA ruled Certiorari Denied 31 May 2005. [54]
In this case, Woolf was terminated from her position as director because her unit failed to make production for three consecutive months. Woolf contended that her firing was illegal, because of her medical condition --- she was suffering from cancer.
[edit] Liquidator Court Cases Mary Kay Inc v Touch of Pink Cosmetics Court
Northern District of Texas
Full case
Mary Kay Inc v Amy L Weber, Scott J Weber
name
and Touch of Pink Cosmetics
Citations
Northern District of Texas 3:2008cv00776
Judges
Judge A. Joe Fish
sitting
In May 2008, Mary Kay Inc sued Touch of Pink Cosmetics, a website that sells product from former Mary Kay consultants at heavily reduced prices. The company claims that Touch of Pink interferes with their business by offering to purchase inventory from discontinued consultants, and that their use of the Mary Kay trademark in reference to Mary Kay products they sell is deceiving.[56][57] On 20 July 2009, Mary Kay Inc sued Pink Face Cosmetics for violation of 15:1051 Trademark Infringement.[58]. The specific issue appears to be the use of the Mary Kay name, in selling Mary Kay products on eBay, and other Internet venues, for less than the wholesale cost of the products.
[edit] Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation Established in 1996, the mission of the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation is twofold: • Committed to eliminating cancers affecting women by supporting top medical scientists who are searching for a cure for breast, uterine, cervical and ovarian cancers. • Committed to ending the epidemic of violence against women by providing grants to women’s shelters and supporting community outreach programs.The Mary Kay Ash Foundation has awarded $22 million to shelters and programs addressing domestic violence and nearly $13 million to find a cure for cancers affecting women in the United States. $3 Million of that came strictly from lipstick sales of two particular colors that were featured from May through October 2009.[3] In May, 2006 The Foundation awarded 13 cancer research grants of $100,000 each to esteemed doctors and medical scientists in the United States. In October 2006, the Foundation awarded $20,000 grants to 150 women’s shelters across the United States for a total of $3 million. Additional information about the MKACF and annual fundraising/donations can be found on their website.As a part of its Pink Doing Green initiative, Mary Kay Inc., planted 200,000 trees in the Bitterroot National Forest in Montana in conjunction with the Arbor Day Foundation and the United States Forest Service.[3]
[edit] In popular culture Lists of miscellaneous information should be avoided. Please relocate any relevant information into appropriate sections or articles. (April 2010) • • •
Mary Kay was parodied as "Lila Lee" in the Murder, She Wrote episode "Murder by Appointment Only." Kathy Bates' character in Fried Green Tomatoes became a consultant and progressed to a pink Cadillac driving Sales Director. Mary Kay was parodied as "Carrie Fay" in the Honey, I Shrunk the Kids episode "Honey, You're So Transparent."
•
•
• • •
•
•
•
• •
The made-for-TV movie "Hell on Heels: The Battle of Mary Kay" shows Mary Kay Ash (played by Shirley MacLaine) and her competition with Jinger Heath (Parker Posey), founder of BeautiControl Cosmetics. In "Hell's Bells," an episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, it is alluded to that Anya is a Mary Kay Consultant. She wears a suit and talks about holding a skincare class. Xander also refers to the fact that she has a pink car. A series of cartoons later published in 1989 as The Night of the Mary Kay Commandos[6] by Berke Breathed. In the Seinfeld episode "The Wig Master", Kramer is lent a Mary Kay pink Cadillac from his parking lot. On an episode of That '70s Show entitled "Eric's Naughty No-No", his Aunt Paula (played by Valerie Harper), Kitty's sister, is a Kathy May Cosmetics Representative, complete with a pink car that was awarded to her for being a top sales representative. In Season 5 of Weeds, Mary Kay Cosmetics is parodied as "You're Pretty Cosmetics." Celia Hodes includes marijuana with the cosmetics she sells as an incentive to her customers. Mary Kay was parodied as "Lady June" in the Designing Women episode, "The Junies", when the character, Charlene, began selling "Lady June Belle" products and eventually meets "Lady June". A subplot of the book Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood features a woman selling a thinly veiled copy of Mary Kay called Beautiere (with a grand prize of a pink Chrysler awarded to prolific salesladies). In the 2009 independent film "Drool", Mary Kay, is parodied as Kathy Kay cosmetics, and Imma Jean drives a purple cadillac to see Kathy Kay herself. The film Were the World Mine features a cosmetic company called "Nora Fay" with whom the main character's mother gets a job.
The Mary Kay Museum is located inside the soaring glass lobby of the Mary Kay World Headquarters. The museum is part history lesson, part tribute and part recognition hall devoted to the life of one of America’s most admired businesswomen, Mary Kay Ash.
A dynamic speaker, motivator and entrepreneur, Mary Kay was recognized for her achievements through numerous awards and honors including: A&E Television Networks aired “Mary Kay” on the Biography Channel. Named one of the 25 Most Influential Business Leaders of the Last 25 Years by PBS and the Wharton School of Business in 2004 Greatest Female Entrepreneur in American History by Baylor University in 2003 2002 Dallas Business Hall of Fame Laureate in recognition of her lifetime achievements as well as demonstrating inspiring business and community leadership, industry vision and service as a business and civic role model in the community 2002 National Conference on Medical Care and Domestic Violence Community Service Award, now known as the Mary Kay Ash Award Most Outstanding Woman in Business in the 20th Century by Lifetime Television in 1999 Texas Woman of the Century in 1999 by the Texas Women’s Chamber of Commerce National Business Hall of Fame election in 1996 by Fortune Pathfinder Award in 1995 by the National Association of Women Business Owners Business Leader of the ’90s Award by the Association of Women Business Owners Circle of Honor Award in 1989 and Living Legend Award in 1992 by the Direct Selling Education Foundation First Annual National Sales Hall of Fame Award in 1989 by the Sales and Marketing Executives of New York One of “America’s 25 Most Influential Women” in the 1985 The World Almanac and Book of Facts Horatio Alger Distinguished American Citizen Award in 1978, an award given to distinguished Americans who have succeeded in spite of adversity
Charming. Spirited. A one-of-a-kind success story. Over the years, there have been many successful business leaders but none as unique as Mary Kay Ash, Founder of Mary Kay Inc. Her accomplishments left an unforgettable mark on American business and opened the door for women around the world to experience success on their own terms.
“You can do it!” These words embody the very spirit of Mary Kay Ash and the Company she created. It’s the spirit she learned as a child growing up in Hot Wells, Texas. When facing new and daunting tasks, her mother encouraged
her with, “You can do it, Mary Kay. You can do it.” Mary Kay Ash did more than embrace this empowering spirit – she passed it on through a remarkable company that would inspire millions in generations to come. That company story didn’t begin until Mary Kay Ash faced a situation all too familiar to women. After 25 years in the direct selling business, Mary Kay Ash resigned her position as a national training director when yet another man she had trained was promoted above her – at twice her salary. Her response was visionary. At first, she started writing a book that would help women gain the opportunities she had been denied. But soon she realized she was creating a plan that would do much more than give advice. It formed the foundation for a new opportunity where women could develop their talents and achieve unlimited success.
“I envisioned a company in which any woman could become just as successful as she wanted to be. The doors would be wide open to opportunity for women who were willing to pay the price and had the courage to dream.” So in 1963, with her past experience, her plan and $5,000 in savings, Mary Kay Ash enlisted the help of her 20-year-old son, Richard, and created Beauty by Mary Kay. It was a first – a company dedicated to making life more beautiful for women. It was founded not on the competitive rule but on the Golden Rule – on praising people to success – and on the principle of placing faith first, family second and career third. It was a company, as Mary Kay Ash often said, “with heart.”
“The success [of Mary Kay Inc.] is much, much deeper than just dollars and cents and buildings and assets. The real success of our Company is measured to me in the lives that have been touched and given hope.” Today her vision, her courage and her unwavering spirit continue to bring women the opportunity to achieve their potential and bring their dreams to life. With more than 1.8 million Independent Beauty Consultants throughout the world, Mary Kay carries on the legacy of Mary Kay Ash – inspiring, enriching and empowering women to do great things. Learn more about the remarkable story of Mary Kay Ash at www.marykaytribute.com.
Mary Kay Cosmetics Mary Kay Cosmetics is a privately held company, founded in Dallas in 1963 by Mary Kay Ash, with just a nine-item product line. From its humble beginnings, the company grew exponentially, and today carries over 200 products. In 2005, Mary Kay Cosmetics reported over $2.2 million in worldwide sales. The company claims to be to have the best-selling line of skin care and color cosmetics in the United States.
Company History The Mary Kay philosophy has always emphasized empowering women and encouraging them to live a balanced life. The company's mission statement stresses God first, family second, and the company third. From a single salesperson, Mary Kay, in a single market, the company has grown to employ 1.6 million independent beauty consultants, working in thirty countries. The company is known for using incentives to motivate its salesforce, the top prize being the famous pink Cadillac. Although Mary Kay died in 2001, her company -- and her vision -- still live on.
Mary Kay Cosmetics Products Mary Kay Cosmetics span a vast spectrum of beauty products, for men and women, including skin care, fragrance, color cosmetics, and spa and body products.
Skin Care Skin care products were the foundation of the company's products. Today, skin care product lines include anti-aging products, cleansers, mosturization products, classic basic skin care, lip and eye care products, and a men's skin care line.
Fragrance They carry a full line of fragrances, ranging from light floral scents to heady, earthy ones. The fragrance line includes "Journey", "Velocity", and "Angelfire" for women and "Domain", "Tribute", and "Velocity" for men.
Color Cosmetics Mary Kay cosmetics color line includes products for lips, eyes, cheeks, and nails as well as foundation, concealers, powders, compacts and applicators, and facial highlight pens.
Spa and Body Spa and body products are designed to pamper and indulge. Included are the "Private Spa Collection", which features a series of scented body washes, candle sets, body mists, and mosturizing lotions. The line's "Body Care" is a collection of buffing creams, cleansing lotions, hand cream, and hydrating gel. "Sun Essentials" include sunblock products as well as sunless tanning lotion.
Where to Buy May Kay Cosmetics Mary Kay Cosmetics are sold exclusively through one of the 1.6 million independent beauty consultants worldwide. Mary Kay's beauty consultants are independent salespeople. You can locate the one nearest you from the Mary Kay website. There's probably one in your neighborhood. Beauty consultants sell via skin care and cosmetics parties, at regional markets, and by catalog. Some even have websites so that you can order from them online. Your products are delivered directly by your beauty consultant, thus ensuring that hands-on service for which Mary Kay is famous.
Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation The Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation, founded in 1980, is a nonprofit organization, dedicated to Mary Kay's second husband, Mel. Its goal is to obtain funding for cancer research, particularly for those cancers effecting women. In 2000, the foundation expanded its focus to include battling violence against women. The profits of Mary Kay's three best-selling books have all gone to the foundation.
What's New Mary Kay Cosmetics continues to expand by adding new beauty consultants and expanding into new markets. New products for 2006 include a special bridal product line, new anti-aging products, and an expansion of the men's product line.
