Perpetuating Mary Kay Ash's Dream of Enriching Women's Lives

It was September 13, 1963. A visionary womanbuilds character. Having a reason for our goals makes
named Mary Kay Ash opened her doors to Mary Kaythem even more powerful.
Cosmetics, unlocking potential that existed withinAnother secret to the Company's success with
many women but was previously unknown orwomen is Mary Kay's motto- "God first, family
unnoticed .Could she have possibly imagined thesecond, and career third." I have built my business
number of lives she would change? The influence ofthis way and I can tell you not only does it work, but
just one woman had an impact on millions of womenit makes happier mothers, and better wives, too. The
around the world.Golden Rule principle was so successful in building
I am one of them. I have had the privilege of notMary Kay Cosmetics that many other organizations
only being part of the independent sales force forand companies modeled that approach. For example,
half of the history of the Company, but also haveBusiness Networking International (BNI) founded by
had the ability to learn and interact from the founderDr. Ivan Misner uses the motto- "Givers Gain".
herself! What started in a small storefront in DallasMary Kay said, "You can't out give God". Her
Texas has grown to a billion dollar Company in 37generosity really came from the heart and continues
global markets!beyond her life with the Mary Kay Ash Charitable
What secrets to developing women did Mary KayFoundation that supports cancers that affect women
Ash possess? How was she able to build a globaland domestic violence.
sales organization using the principles of the GoldenWhat I believe was Mary Kay's most outstanding
Rule? Why have so many women chosen to buildtrait was her ability to make you feel as though you
customers for life with Mary Kay and how did theywere the only one in the room when she spoke to
do it? Mary Kay Ash said, "The success of Mary Kayyou: (even in a Conference Arena of thousands!) She
Inc. is much, much deeper than just dollars and centsalways said to imagine that everyone wore a sign
and buildings and assets. The real success of ourthat said "make me feel important." The ability to do
Company is measured to me in the lives that havethis came from an experience that Mary Kay herself
been touched and given hope."had when she was in direct sales many years ago.
Mary Kay learned at a very young age the power ofShe waited in a long line to speak to the President of
someone believing in them before they had the abilityher Company. By the time she was shaking his hand
to believe in themselves "You can do it" Thesehe was not listening to what she was saying, instead
words were said to Mary Kay by her mother whenhe was looking over her shoulder to see how many
she was just a child. She had a huge responsibility ofmore people were waiting in line. Mary Kay made a
taking care of her sick father while her motherpromise to herself that she would never do that. I
worked. Those very same words became familiar tocan tell you from experience that she never did.
all of us as she encouraged those of us in the salesMy last personal experience with Mary Kay was a
force that very same way.special dinner that I qualified to attend at our
"How can people appear to have everything and yetLeadership Conference. Those of us who know Mary
be discontented? Perhaps they have stoppedKay can tell you that she never ate at those kinds of
dreaming. I believe each of us needs a reason to getfunctions. Instead, she went around talking to each
up in the morning. We need something toone of the guests, listening to what they had to say
anticipate...something that really excites us!" - Maryand of course making them feel important. When it
Kay Ashwas my turn to speak to her, I got all sentimental
Goal setting is not something that comes naturally toand thanked her for what this business had done for
women. Mary Kay Cosmetics is set up with goals forme and for my family. Mary Kay took her tissue,
each step of the career path. We learned from Marywiped my tears and after listening to everything that
Kay herself how to have the ability to be a bigI had to say just said, "Pass it on". I promised her
thinker and the courage to set big goals. Setting andthat I would.
achieving goals builds confidence while falling short