Mary Kay Ash

This book is about the life and accomplishments of Mary Kay Ash, the creator and founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics. She has long dreamed of inspiring women to have the confidence to achieve their greatest dreams and to let nothing stand in their way. This is how one of the biggest cosmetic marketing company in the world was created.

I was born on May 12, 1918 in Hot Wells, Texas. I was not always known as "Mary Kay". My birth name was Mary Kathlyn Wagner. I am the youngest of 4 children.

Early Years

My mother was a nurse and at one point a restaurant manager. These jobs had long tiring days leaving me to take care of my dad who was very ill with Tuberculosis. While I was only 7 years old, I was put in charge of running the household and taking care of my father.

"You can do it Mary Kay, you can do it!" said my Mom.

In my teen years, I attended Reagan High School and graduated in 1934. With my family's financial hardships, I was unable to attend college. So not long after graduating, at the age of 17, I got married!

I married J. Ben Rogers a local musician. We had 3 children: Marylyn, Richard and Ben. Our marriage was not perfect later leading to a divorce. During this time I was working at Stanley Home Products demonstrating the companies products held at private parties. This is where I learned my skill in sales and passion for climbing the ladder.

After my divorce, I moved from Houston, Texas to Dallas where I got a new job at World Gift Company. I was smart and worked hard but during this time women were not given the same chances as men to advance in their careers. Many a times, I was passed over for promotions that a man got instead.

The Beginning

After experiencing the struggle of being a women in the workforce, I planned on writing a book to help other women know what it's like to be in the business world. While I sat at my kitchen table I divided a paper into two columns: the good things I had seen and the things that needed to be improved in my prior company.

Without even noticing, I had created what will be my most successful venture ever. It would provide women employees with equal opportunity to achieve personal as well as financial success. It was my ideal company, what is now known as Mary Kay Cosmetics.

I only had $5,000 in my savings to start the company. First, I created a patented skin care formula that will keep your skin soft and wrinkle free. I found nine women to help me sell our products. They would throw parties to show the products by giving away FREE beauty treatments in hopes that their friends would then order the products.

My goal was to create a company on the basis of providing new opportunities to women with their own freedom and flexibility. I wanted to empower women by encouraging them to pursue their own destiny. And by doing so, wanted to recognize everyones successes and accomplishments.

Golden Rule and Philosophy:

"Doing unto others as you would have them do unto you."

“We treat our people like royalty. If you honor and serve the people who work for you, they will honor and serve you.” -Mary Kay Ash