Living so much of our lives online as we do today—videos, memes, influencers and friends supply no shortage of inspirational messages aimed at lifting people up and moving them forward—it can be hard to imagine a time before personal development, a time before the introspective work of improving oneself was even considered valid, let alone mainstream.
Mary Kay Ash, along with her children Ben, Marilyn and Richard, founded her namesake company in 1963 with the goal of designing an opportunity that could change the future for women. Since then, the company has undergone a number of pivots and innovations, but has steadfastly held to the original vision Mary Kay laid out when she built the family company with her own life savings.
In celebration of International Women's Day we wish to honor the innovative women who have driven the growth, evolution and advancement of direct selling for well over a century. And to acknowledge the influence that all women have as decision makers.
The heartaches suffered, hurdles cleared and groundwork laid by direct selling’s extraordinary founding sisters are but one turn of a spinning wheel of inspiration. The next empowering turn comes from the bold, creative and tenacious spirits of these 35 current day female founders, whose modern leadership and vision reflects many of the ideals and principles of their predecessors.
The names say it all. Walt Disney. Henry Ford. James Cash Penney. Iconic Founders and CEOs who came to personify the brands they led in the minds and hearts of their employees and the world. This phenomenon is perhaps even more prevalent in direct selling, where there is a long and storied tradition of charismatic leaders who have become synonymous with the companies they helm.
Mary Kay Ash, the legendary business executive and philanthropist, was among the honorees of USA TODAY’s Women of the Century list. To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment and women’s right to vote in the United States, USA TODAY released the Women of the Century USA TODAY 100, a list of female icons in entertainment, politics, […]
In 2020, Mary Kay Inc. will celebrate milestone anniversaries in some of its most important markets around the globe. The iconic Mary Kay Ash, with humble roots in small town, Texas, founded her namesake brand in 1963. The brand quickly developed into a worldwide phenomenon with millions of independent beauty consultants in nearly 40 countries. […]
In 2020, Mary Kay Inc. will celebrate milestone anniversaries in some of its most important markets around the globe. The iconic Mary Kay Ash, with humble roots in small town, Texas, founded her namesake brand in 1963. The brand quickly developed into a worldwide phenomenon with millions of independent beauty consultants in nearly 40 countries. […]
Go-to-Market Strategies for Women Entrepreneurs: Creating and Exploring Success details some of the most successful and powerful women over the last fifty years, including Mary Kay Ash. Sheryl Adkins-Green, chief marketing officer for Mary Kay Inc., contributed the opening chapter and shares time-honored principles and “keys to success” from Mary Kay Ash, one of the world’s […]
The Mary Kay FoundationSM recently announced a $500,000 grant to fund a groundbreaking global fellowship program with long-time partner UT Southwestern Medical Center. The new one-year fellowship will offer up to five international post-doctoral researchers the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge cancer research at the world-renowned UT Southwestern facility in Dallas, and allow them to continue research […]
Mary Kay Inc. announced the 35th Anniversary Edition of Mary Kay on People Management is available for sale at all Half Price Books locations and online through their website. In celebration of the anniversary, 35 percent of profits from the book’s sale will benefit The Mary Kay FoundationSM. Thirty-five years ago, in 1984, Mary Kay Ash had already established […]
An icon in both the beauty and network marketing industries, Mary Kay has been focused on empowering women since its inception in 1963—long before female empowerment was mainstream news. Mary Kay Founded: 1963 Headquarters: Dallas, Texas Top Executives: David Holl, CEO Products: Skincare and cosmetics Today, with millions of consultants worldwide, 1,500 corporate employees and […]