About the Mary Kay Company

Among direct sales companies, Mary Kay is one of the best-known. Many Mary Kay sales representatives worldwide have found that selling the company's products enables them to earn money while handling their other priorities, such as taking care of their families.

Founder

Mary Kay Ash founded the company that bears her name in 1963, at age 45. Success came quickly: Wholesale sales hit $1 million in two years.

Salespeople

Consultants who sell Mary Kay products market directly to customers, buying the products at wholesale prices and selling them at retail prices. They build their customer bases through traditional routes, such as networking.

Worldwide Brand

Mary Kay cosmetics are sold in high volumes worldwide. In 2008, the company estimates that total wholesale sales reached $2.6 billion.

Products

Mary Kay representatives sell many types of beauty products to men and women alike. The line includes moisturizers, fragrances, makeup, sunscreen and other items.

Headquarters

Addison, Texas, just outside Dallas, is home to the world headquarters of the Mary Kay brand.

References

• Mary Kay Company: Company Quick Facts
• New York Times: Mary Kay Ash, Who Built a Cosmetics Empire and Adored Pink, Is Dead at 83