276 responses so far ↓

• Migdalia // Sep 11, 2003 at 9:02 am

  This is just one more example of another ‘frivolous suit’.

  When we join this company and we become sales directors, we read and sign agreements that state that our cars and positions are dependent on production and team building. Period. End of story.

  Some women don’t get it, and our law system allows for these lawsuits to take place.

  That is why we are raising a generation of children that don’t take responsibility for their actions. They always blame someone for their misfortunes. If you get sick, and stop making payments on your own automobile, does GM allows you to keep it without making payments until you recover? Others are let go from their ‘true jobs’ for similar reasons.

  We DO NOT work for Mary Kay Inc. That is why I’ve chosen to be an ‘Independent Contractor’. To work when I want and have no one to set hours for me. She even stated that she STOPPED selling to start managing. Where is Mary Kay literature says that, that is an acceptable way of running your business? Other directors and consultants have gone through similar situations and have recovered and gone back to work. Others developed extremely strong units and their people will take over while she is unable.

  Mary Kay Inc is an extremely caring and giving company. They will bend over backwards to help and support all consultants, and she knows that. There were just some things that she did not take to heart while she was part of the company, and now, she never will.

  Now she has the money she wanted, and without having to work for it.

  Good luck to her and her family, and may the Lord watch and keep her.

• andrea pike // Oct 1, 2003 at 1:00 pm

  i was a consultant for mary kay from 1965 until 1980{approx.}i was never happier than the night i met the one and only,MARY KAY ASH.she was a beautiful person with a beautiful heart.you could feel love fill the room when she walked out.genuine love for everyone.how could anyone even think of treating her like that?obviously,this person was not made of material to be a consultant, to begin with. Andrea

• JOAN // Nov 29, 2003 at 11:26 am

  I love Mary Kay. The company is built on the Golden Rule. We are encourage to seek our God first, then take care of our family, and then our career. Mary Kay Ash says that success without your family is failure. I am a consultant of 7 years. In those seven years, I’ve learned that team building is immensely important. My team is like a family. I treat them the way I want to be treated. Therefore, when the director takes ill, the team will strategically work to keep the director afloat. In doing so everyone excels. This is a business where we help each other make money. In other words, the director who filed suit, did not have a loyal team. They allowed her to fail. Perhaps they did not share the Mary Kay vision. May God be with them, because they are representing my company.

• Carole // Dec 25, 2003 at 6:11 pm

  I became a Sales Director in 1993 and in 1995 I suffered an ectopic pregancy. I lost my car. Then in 1996 I was involved in a car accident. I resigned my directorship due to lack of production. I never blamed Mary Kay. I simply could not physically do the job that I had originally done. I left Mary Kay for about 5 years and rejoined in 2000. I rebuilt from the bottom and am now a successful director! My unit debuted on November 1, 2003. I do believe that attitude and emotions have a lot to do with every decision you make.

  Carole

• Kristin McBride // Dec 28, 2003 at 7:16 pm

  I am simply shocked that someone selling Mary Kay, believing in putting God first, Family second and career third could possibly be so selfish as to think that she has the right to change her mind once she got sick and sue the company. I wonder if she considered the amount of money that she still made from the hospital bed charity from Mary Kay or the result of the opportunity Mary Kay afforded her? Mary Kay provides a wonderful opportunity to women at any level to do something wonderful for others. How sad that she is using her sickness as a crutch on which to acquire financial stability. I think she should remember all Mary Kay did for her during the time she was a consulatant and be happy that God gave her that chance at all.

• Meredith DeLeo // Jan 5, 2004 at 8:04 am

  WOW! I can’t beleive this settled. I hope MK appeals and even slaps her with a countersuit! I understand she was unable to work due to an extended illness but 1st of all, she was doing it wrong. She admitted that she stopped selling to focus on team building. I think if she had been doing her business the way we are trained she would have maintained her business and quite possibly her income level. Had she have been an employee at an office and took an extended leave due to her illness she would have been replaced and when she was able to return the company would have had to find her a new position, possibly not what she had been doing previously. Here is a case where she wasn’t fired but merely was forced to ’step down’. The company still was paying commission based on the work of her unit but it wasn’t what she had agreed to when she accepted the position. The company did not “fire” her. She is free to regain her Director title and drive the car for free again.

  I can’t help but mention, if she was such a dynamite sales director why was she only in a grand am? Well, because she wasn’t a dynamite director. She was not doing the business correctly and even though she has been awarded a large settlement, I do not beleive she will continue to be blessed. This just goes to prove that although 90% of us Mary Kay consultants are doing it “right”, there will always we some bad apples! So if anything good comes out of this, I’m glad to know she is no longer training women in this fabulous, life changing career!

• Deb // Apr 4, 2004 at 11:15 pm

  LOVE IT!!!!!!! It’s great to see that Mary Kay Inc is FINALLY being held accountable for it’s selfish treatment of it’s Directors and Consultants. Mary Kay Inc is a Greed Center and the Company appeals to the most disgusting parts of the human spirit - the greedy, selfish, dishonest and superficial cells.

  I work as a Counselor here in California helping former MK Sales Force Members regain their self esteem and get their finances back on track. The stories are endless and just when I think I’ve heard the worst possible - another former Director or Executive Senior Director walks into my office, asking for help - she’s getting out of Mary Kay and her Mary Kay “friends” won’t talk to her anymore and her National Director has shamed her in front of the other Directors. I know the National did this since they was no way to explain this successful Cadillac Director’s decision to leave the Company without making her seem stupid and telling others that she “just lacked ambition”. Unreal.

  Mary Kay Inc brainwashes - their tactics are by no means new but they are VERY effective - their Sales Force and it’s about time they paid for it.

  This was GREAT news when it “broke” and we had a little party in my office with over 200 former MK Sales Force Members - with an ugly pink cake and everything.

  I just hope that more of the dozens of pending lawsuits against Mary Kay turn out like this one.

• Christine // Apr 4, 2004 at 11:22 pm

  Mary Kay women are among the dumbest I’ve ever met. They say they don’t work for Mary Kay - really? You don’t huh? Who writes your commision checks you idiots????

  I’m thrilled that this women won the suit - she deserves it. Kay Kay is a scam - check out more info at http://www.thecomplaintstation.com - I would love to see that behind the times Company (they are the laughing stock of the Cosmetics business) file for bankruptcy - they’re absolute crooks. The Company itself deceives it’s Sales Force by saying they are #1 in the US - NOT TRUE - Avon (which I personally think is a lesser product and do not use) outsells Mary Kay almost 2 to 1 in dollars. That’s a fact and Mary Kay has found ways to sneak around their Consultants since they are too embarrassed to tell them that Avon sells more products per year than Mary Kay. The whole Company is a disgrace.

  This verdict was fabulous - awesome!

• Independent Sales Director, Charlene B. Johnson // Apr 10, 2004 at 5:03 pm

  This is the Day that the Lord has made, WE shall REJOYCE and be Glad in It !

  You know, as women and men standing on the Philosphy of God First, Family Secong and Career Third, coupled with our self esteem, we are to look at situations and not react all the time.

  To my Mary Kay Sisters and Brothers reading this, we all have heard “Mary Kay Business May or May-Not be for you’, however it is your choice. As intelligent professionals of God’s creation we have the know-with-all of learning how to conduct and handle situations from day to day. Yes, life is challenging at times, for if it was not we would be lifeless as we lay six feet under without staying on our bending knees. Choices, a word that so many take lightly. We need to stop and smell the roses. On Sept. 11th the year the United States changed for several churches no longer had empty pews due to men and women feeling sorry for the many lives lost on that day to only for the MOMENT, take a breather to seek God. However, in time, we as people, with freedom of speech have a way of allowing our thoughts to travel-down the path of manipulation as our words are intoxicating based on lack of entire knowledge when things do not go our way. I ask (including myself)that we stop, and Examine ourself. Are we (REALLY) making every necessary effort to change our current life status? Or, are we placing it in words and not rolling up your sleeves getting up and out as a person (in slavery) going to that 9 to 5 job of 40+ hours for someone else to reep true benefits? Or are we speaking the words, “I am doing the work, however nothing is changing” as we go from day to day with the same mind set and no true new direction.

  I myself, have step back to examine my status as a Director with Breast Cancer and Heart Condition to only ask, what am I doing to lead my team and incourage myself from day to day to reach my dreams?

  Yes, the young lady had a health issue and yes, she has won a law suit, but has she REALLY -won…Yes, cheers go out to her of congrulations, as that not so cheers come her way. Self worth, is it in tack or will she place a mask over the truth only to pull it off at night behind close doors? The friendships she had developed as a Mary Kay Consultant I’m sure she found very rewarding not only for her nevertheless for the women’s lives she was changing. Based on all that was said and done, was her unit looking up to her and did they respect her to work hard and carry on-under her kind, loving, true concern qualiteis of true-leadership ? So many questions, yet, no one knows the REAL TRUTH but the young lady and the good Lord above. Jugement, let us not judge, but pray for her and others that speak negative about the Mary Kay Business. Together stand, divided we fall.

  We have choices in life.

• Cassie // Apr 24, 2004 at 10:38 am

  This is in regards to the comment Christine had made. How can you sit there and say that Mary Kay women are among the dumbest you’ve met? Have you met all of them? It’s pretty easy for you to sit there and criticize something that you have no clue about. Have you ever attended a Mary Kay event before? These women are truly a unique bunch of people. Mary Kay gives them a chance to work as hard as they want and to basically earn money at pace and level they feel comfortable with. These women are given chance to meet other women like themselves that they never knew, it also gives them self confidence. Maybe you should actually meet and talk to some women or check out an event before you pass judgment on something that you clearly have no idea about.

• Nichole // Apr 26, 2004 at 1:59 am

  Go Cassie!!! I agree…anyone who has to talk badly about a company or it’s representatives obviously has something about herself or her own company that doesn’t measure up to the company she talks badly about. In order to make herself feel better, more important, etc., she has to talk down on something or someone else. Personally, I see how Mary Kay Cosmetics changes lives of consultants and customers in such an amazing, positive way- and anyone who has anything negative to say about this company is just plain ignorant to what it is truly about. As the saying goes, “They know not that they know not”. So, I guess that is how it is for her and a few others, but as for me……..NO WAY AM I LETTING THE AWESOME MARY KAY OPPORTUNITY SLIP THROUGH MY FINGERS!!! God has his hand on this company! >>….N!cH*LE

• College Student // May 11, 2004 at 1:54 pm

  Hey Everyone..

  I’m a college student and am writing a research paper on why or why not is mary kay a good product to sell… This paper is due on Friday, May 14th. I want to write it just before than though… Could anyone give me some website/books/personal experience ect to help me out with my research paper?? I want to try to get this done SOON!!

  Thanks! I’ll check this site out tomorrow and Thursday!!

• Jason Bright // May 14, 2004 at 11:25 pm

  My wifey just joined Mary Kay a few days ago. She is truly inspired by the OPPORTUNITY to do something for herself. She wasn’t hunted down by a Mary Kay rep; she wanted to join, did her research, weighed the pros and cons, and made a reasonable decision based on the facts.

  What’s my point? My point is this. It doesn’t matter what opportunity you choose to take advantage of, the truth remains that, opportunities will only take you as far as you take them. There are no free rides in this world. Some people, naive in thought, seem to think that because they spend a few hundred dollars on a business venture, they’re are supposed to be guaranteed something monetary in return. This is the most ignorant assumption in the world. I’ve spent close to 100,000 dollars on business ventures, that because of circumstance, were forced to close operation. I am now engaged in a business where I literally spend about 15 dollars to make an average of 350 dollars. The bad part of the whole American Dream is that millions of people dream it the wrong way. Mary Kay is a chance for some women to find a niche in something that they actually like; a niche that can also bring along with it fringe benefits, like cars and money, etc, etc. The only limitations that Mary Kay presents, are the ones that you set for yourself, as with any entrepeneurial venture. I’ve never seen my counterpart so excited; I am going to make sure that she is surrounded by motivated, positive individuals, whether they are Mary Kay reps or not.

  It’s time for a wake up in America. Stop blaming our under-achievements on others. The best feeling in the world is taking something, like Mary Kay, from the ground up, and taking complete control over your life forever. My wifey will be one of the examples for all who believe that the American Dream is achieved by taking advantage of an open opportunity, and then making the best of it, she has my complete backing and love.

  I believe in success, and I believe in the Mary Kay opportunity. If you don’t, keep gossiping and punching a clock.

  All love to CJW and her new quest in the world of Mary Kay. As a note to anyone considering joining Mary Kay: if you have the desire, will-power, and the sacrificial spirit it takes to accomplish a goal, you’ll be fine. It’s been said that real opportunity only knocks at your door twice; is this the first or second for you?

• Former Consultant, "Melanie" // Jun 3, 2004 at 7:12 am

  I was a third-month Director-in-Qualification (DIQ) when I decided to end my Mary Kay career. With my full-time job, my family and my desire to return to my graduate studies, it was just too much for me. I spent 11 months building my unit.

  I have nothing bad to say about the company or the experience I had. What a great company it is, and I continue to use the fabulous products (the TimeWise is AWESOME!). I can see how former consultants would come away with a bitter attitude, saying that consultants are “brainwashed,” “desperate,” or incapable of holding down a “real job.” But there is only the level of brainwashing that you allow. If you believe in the product, believe in yourself, and enjoy selling cosmetics and building a unit of strong women to help you, then it’s not brainwashing - it’s encouragement and motivation for something you already like to do. If, however, you don’t like the product or if you’re not really into a career based on selling cosmetics and helping your unit members do the same, then yes, your brain is being washed if you stay in it and keep it up out of fear that someone will call you a quitter.

  My experience was all-around positive with the company, and if you’ve ever had an interest in cosmetics, go with Mary Kay. It’s proven, and the rewards can be great.

• Brand Spankin' New in Mary Kay // Jun 28, 2004 at 5:19 pm

  I just joined Mary Kay kind of by accident. I went as a guest for my friend because she asked me to and they had a drawing. I won the kit so I guess now I am selling Mary Kay products. I am a bit scared right now and confused about the whole thing. I am concerned how they say if you don’t want to do it that all you have to do is sell your stuff back but you are no longer allowed to come back. Kind of concerns me that if you become Mary Kay sisters, why family would just disown you so easily just because you decide that you just won’t be able to do it after all. I haven’t even had my first sell yet because I just got the kit on Saturday 6/26/04. I have so many questions and yet not sure who I would ask to get honest answers from. I would like to ask someone things and not get a sales pitch. I do think Mary Kay could work if you put the effort into it so its not that I don’t believe it is possible because I do think it is. Anyway just thought I would put something in.

• Mende // Jun 30, 2004 at 4:26 am

  You said it right on Jason! I wish all people could see from a different perspective than their own. My husband is also very supportive. I joined MK to meet people and make friends. But I’m earning money along the way with is a huge bonus.

  As far as being brainwashed. Get over it!! If you’re so weak minded that you fall prey to a little pressure to do what you’re not comfortable doing. Why that would be YOUR fault, not Mary Kay> Actually, if you do what everyone tells you to do. Buy inventory, work hard, speak to everyone within 3 feet of you. As hard as those things may be… You WILL succeed in Mary Kay. If you’re a nice, out going, honest, hard working person who LOVES and believes in the prodcut, then YES, you will succeed!! If you want to sign on and sit down and let the money roll in. Get over it. People will NOT knock on your door looking for MK. You must work your business. As in any job that happins not to come with the standard benefits, if you can’t do the work. You dont’ get the pay. Think about it. With all the tax write-offs you get with MK, couldn’t you get yourself some disability insurance? Or a better savings account? To protect from this sort of thing? It’s no ones fault if you fall ill and are unable to do the job. I cannot stand this game we play in this country. Holding others accountable for OUR faults and shortcomings.

  If you’re blaming someone else for your lack of success in MK, maybe you should have a conversation with the one in charge. We are, after all, to put Him first!!!!!!

  Mende

• ron reyniers // Jul 5, 2004 at 7:42 pm

  Didn’t anyone see Bryant Gumble’s June 3rd 1998 CBS show called The Public Eye?

  Claudine’s story was the focus but there were many complaints of Mary Kay discriminations, one about a Director with two decades of dedication only to be discarded like orange rind. The cult fallout to this national embarassment caused a knee-jerk firing of a revered woman CEO named Amy DiGeso who they would claim took the company in a direction they didn’t want to go and so she had to go. Yet they are a private company and as such have private mandates. The order to implement a no exceptions policy was delivered by a private owner named Richard Rogers and his now screwed over sidekick John Rochon. The fact they fired Amy over a cry Woolf story and then still fight tooth and claw, shows a propagandist cult that is holier than thou. Yeah Mary Kay was a great lady but her dream company became a nightmare for many. I was discriminated against over a job related disability and I was an employee. If MK women knew the true nature of their disrepectful old boys club, they’d run for the hills.

• Betty // Jul 23, 2004 at 10:02 am

  My clients have threatened to sue me because I sold them Mary Kay Cosmetics.

  Read the rest of the article here.

  Therefore I have quit selling Mary Kay and will be assisting in their lawsuit against the company.

  http://edumacation.com/MaryKayOpinion200

  I am tired of hearing people talk about God out of one side of their mouths and lying and not being accepting of any other religion but their own.

  Everyone in Mary Kay talks about God, but all I have heard is hate for everything that is not of their religion.

  You do more for your director then you do for your community.

  Make women pretty, but put their lives in danger is disgusting.

  If you don’t believe the article, call Mary Kay yourself and ask if they use the brains and spinal fluid of the animals in their products.

  They will tell you they are working on new formula’s and if that is acceptable to you to forgive a company that would lie and put your families in danger, then you deserve everything that befalls you.

  Turn a blind eye and a deaf ear and you are letting others destroy what God has given.

• Kdg // Aug 29, 2004 at 9:10 am

  I have been in the MK business for approximately 4.5 months and I LOVE it! I also have a Real Estate and Cosmetology license and in Real Estate you have to figure everything out for yourself, Advertising, promotions, leads etc. In MK they offer all of the ideas to get new clients, it is up to the individual to pursue it. Saying that, Everyone is Responsible for their own work habits and ethics! It is not brain surgery on how to make money in this business! Follow what your director has told you and you will succeed, keep close to your heart all that your National Director has shared with you and you will succeed! After only a few months in the business I am a Team Leader submitting for DIQ. I am a soft seller and I believe this can take a person a long way. GOD doesn’t intend for us to lie to each other and take our FAMILY for granted. Our CAREER is for building relationships with others, after all this is what makes the world go round! Best of luck to everyone in for the journey of a lifetime!!

• Princess // Oct 1, 2004 at 2:49 pm

  All of you who are saying these negative things about Mary Kay have no idea what you are talking about. Christine has not a clue what she is talking about. Her statements alone show that she is actually on of the dumbest people around. Mary Kay stands behind their consultants and behind their products. I belong to a fabulous unit. I have a great Director who has all her unit members in mind at all times. She is so willing to give us ideas and to do what she can to help us achieve our goals. I love Mary Kay products. There are going to be people who are jealous of your success no matter where you go. I think that it is a shame that these people who have never been a part of Mary Kay have the nerve to say such terrible things. I am appalled that this woman sued Mary Kay and even more so that she won. This never should have happened. This was simply another case of someone looking for the free ride. Unfortunately, she got it. For all of us out there who are actually working for what we have, give yourself a pat on the back. You are the true meaning of Mary Kay. As far as this all Mary Kay consultants talk about is God, well that is completely untrue. If you can be brainwashed by someone, then that is your own fault. These are some of the most wonderful women that I have ever met. They do not have a mean word to say about anyone. I think that you should step into the Mary Kay Company and see what it is really like before you go spouting off because you like to hear your own opinion. The only thing that I regret about Mary Kay is that I did not get involved in it until after the fabulous Mary Kay Ash had passed away. I would have loved to have had the chance to see her and meet her. She was an amazing woman.

• Roslyn Yearwood // Oct 2, 2004 at 7:35 am

  I hope the women who won the lawsuit realizes that “what goes around comes around” Have you really won? Just remember “You get what you deserve”. And for the people who say Mary Kay consultant are dumb. It takes one to know one.

• Dayma // Oct 4, 2004 at 5:20 pm

  I have been selling Mary Kay for almost a year. No one has ever made me feel bad for not being the top seller in the unit. I am encouraged and given ideas on how to improve my business. In order to sell Mary Kay you sign an agreement. All the information on selling Mary Kay and the requirements needed to be met to maintain your consultant status is stated. When you sign the agreement it is up to you to maintain your end of the bargain and if you do not then your consultant status is revoked. You agree to this with your signature. You are told you are a part of Mary Kay but it is up to each individual to keep up their own business and consultant status. The requirements are not set so high that someone whould find it terribly difficult to stay at consultant status. However, if you don’t honor your end of the agreement how could anyone expect the other party to do something you cannot. All the women of Mary Kay I have met have been great people. Yes, at the meetings the unit director has reminded us of Mary Kay’s philosophy of God first but no one has ever pushed religion on me. I choose to put God first.

• Jennifer Clinkscales // Nov 8, 2004 at 4:46 pm

  I have been a MK consultant for about 2 months now, and am still as excited about it as I was the day I signed my agreement. I have never been a “sales person”, but do have a great deal of knowledge in being a consultant for a company and having a home-based business. Although there is no “perfect” company, I do feel that this suit was very ridiculous. First of all, a consultant IS NOT an employee of the company and DOES NOT get the same benifits as if he/she was an employee. Independent consultants of most companies have to file his/her own taxes, do not get paid vacation or sick time, and most of the time don’t get health insurance (if they do they pay more than the average employee). Some businesses give perks or bonuses to the consultants, like Mary Kay. If you sell X amount and have X many people in your team, you get a commission check, a car, etc. Mary Kay, Inc. is very upfront about what they expect the team leaders and car drivers and directors to do. There is nothing hidden from the consultant. If you don’t produce, you don’t receive. Mary Kay, Inc. is a company like any other, they need people to use their service and buy from them…they intice the sales force by giving them perks. If the sales force is not producing profit, they don’t get perks. It’s as simple as that. I would also like to comment on Deb’s remarks. Although I am glad that there are people out there that help others get out of debt and counsel them on the emotions they feel when they are in debt, I don’t agree with all she has to say. I bet most of the women (men) she deals with that have been MK consultants have had debt or spending problems before and also self-esteem problems. It is not Mary Kay, Inc. fault if a consultant doesn’t know how to control spending. Mary Kay offers a chance to either carry inventory or not; it’s the consultant’s decision and it’s the consultant’s fault if they rack up thousands of dollars of debt. Learn how to organize, plan, budget, forecast, and most of all, SELL! If you can’t, you don’t need to go blamming the business. Every business has to know how to do these things. If they don’t, they will probably fail, and they can’t blame anyone but themselves.

• Jeannie Guadagnoli Wray // Nov 11, 2004 at 8:00 pm

  I have been an MK INDEPENDENT consultant for over 4 years now. There are definately things about the company that I don’t agree with; i.e., all the product changes (continually), the techniques the corporate sales (marketing) uses to get the INDEPENDENT consultants and directors to purchase more inventory, the way the “INDPENDENT directors” “help” new INDEPENDENT consultants “decide” what and how much inventory to buy. Let’s not forget that is how the directors get their paychecks (by how much their team buys). HOWEVER, we all sign a contract and in that contract, the business is very clearly stated that as a INDEPENDENT consultant, director, etc., you are entitled to NOTHING if you are not selling. I am very sorry that Claudine had cancer (she fought it and won, isn’t that enough for her?), but she’s directing her anger in the wrong direction. It wasn’t MK’s fault that she got cancer and MK doesn’t owe her anything because she got cancer. Again, Claudine fought the cancer and won… Cluadine has her life and her son, but she’s letting it fly by her with this ridiculous (because of the contract we all sign) law suit. I believe Claudine was given a second chance and I feel badly for her that she’s choosing to spend her second chance with such anger. I hope and pray she finds peace for herself and for her family. “God first, family second, career third” (maybe she wasn’t paying attention).

• Billie // Dec 2, 2004 at 12:18 am

  Mary Kay is what you make of it. It is your own business. Mary Kay, Inc. does not provide the CEO for your business. You are the CEO of your business. Whether you fail or succeed is up to you. I have my ups and downs, my successes and doubts, but I realize that the doubts are alot bigger than my Mary Kay business. All the doubts and fears we experience are reflections of how we feel about ourselves. Our insecurities hold us back in Mary Kay, just like they would anywhere else. The difference in Mary Kay is the support, sharing and encouragement. We are taught to be successful, happy people–not just in our business, but in life: relationship advice, parenting tips, how to overcome fears. I have learned lessons from Mary Kay that I will remember all my life. Mary Kay built her business to help women achieve success. This is part of the reason the company itself does not distribute cosmetics. With Avon, you can purchase products directly from the company; in Mary Kay, you can only purchase from a consultant. In response to the Avon comment above: I believe you that Avon has more sales, but Avon sells much more than just cosmetics (We don’t sell Christmas ornaments, for example.) Mary Kay claims to sell the most skin care and cosmetics combined. The products are incredible. I have always been skeptical in nature, but my customers experiences have sold me on the products. Some of the people who have written in are so angry. I used to be like that. I remember when Denise Austen got on my nerves–now I love her. When you’re happy, you tend to see the good in people. I think if Mary Kay were alive to see this lawsuit, she would have compassion. This lady may have won 11 million dollars, but I guarantee you, if you were to walk up to her on the streets today, she’d just as miserable now as she ever was (and probably complaining about some other injustice). My mom has been working for the same employer for 20 years with no benefits. She was in an accident and spent $300,000 in medical bills. She never blamed or sued her employer, because it’s not in her nature to do so. I am met some of the best women I will probaly ever meet in Mary Kay. I have also met women in Mary Kay who did not share the humanistic philosophies upon which the company was built. Whether you build your business on love or hate will be evident. If and when I give up my business, I will certainly not spend my time throwing “I hate Mary Kay” Parties, eating ugly pink cake.

• Wanda // Dec 8, 2004 at 11:31 am

  I ran across the web page quite by accident, and frankly, the opions expressed here are disturbing. I understand the appeals court reversed the verdict in Oct 2004, but I’m still dissapointed with the reaction from the Mary Kay consultants on this site. I am not a MK consultant, but I could have been a potential customer. I was interested in possibly purchasing some MK products and was looking for a consultant to buy from, when I found this article. Based on the opions on this site I could not conciously buy from this company now. Ms. Woolfe built a business for MK and brought them profit. Wether or not she is an “employee” or not, is besides the point. She and all of you bring your skill and talent for the profit of MK INC. MK Inc. is a company to do business for a profit. Period. Yet, the feeling I get from many of the opions here, is it is closer to a religion. Corporate greed has many faces, and one of them is “employee” loyalty. It seems very obvious to this professed outsider, that MK Inc. is very successful is getting the “employee” buy-in and loyalty. Proof of that is in the statements left here.

  “WOW! I can’t beleive this settled. I hope MK appeals and even slaps her with a countersuit”-Meredith deLeo

  “I hope the women who won the lawsuit realizes that “what goes around comes around” Have you really won? Just remember “You get what you deserve”-Roslyn Yearwood

  “I am appalled that this woman sued Mary Kay and even more so that she won. This never should have happened. This was simply another case of someone looking for the free ride. Unfortunately, she got it”-Princess

  These are just a sample of some of the statements I found disturbing. Freeride? Ms.Woofle had cancer, and she could have not only lost her life, but the life of her child. Hardly a “freeride” from not being able to work. How heartless some of these opinions are. Ms. Woofle brought MK Inc money, and she was dying. MK Inc. did nothing to help her. Not the God I certainly would worship, or defend.

  -I could have been a customer, but not from the likes of you.

• Tammy // Dec 9, 2004 at 8:51 pm

  To my sister consultants who are posting comments on this issue - kindly step back for a moment before you do so! Please remember the principles which shape our Mary Kay businesses and lives, and moreso consider that if we indeed respect and uphold the values that Mary Kay exemplified and inspired us with…much of what has been said here would not have been said. Mary Kay would not have reacted in some of the manner of fashions I have seen here nor would she have approved of it. Please govern your input with wisdom.

• Dee // Jan 26, 2005 at 8:57 pm

  We are not employed by Mary Kay, Inc. We sign a contract stating so. She was not fired from the company because we are only required to submit a minimum order of $200 wholesale per year to stay active with the company. As far as meeting the requirements for the cars, that also is an agreement that you sign. And if it were not possible for a woman with a family and cancer, speak to National Sales Director Rena Tarbet and let her know it can’t be done. She’ll let you know otherwise…she’s done it…and is still doing it. Cancer or not. We make decisions in our lives. If you choose to be positive, you’ll make it. If you choose to be negative, you won’t. It’s all up to you. Whether you say you can or you can’t, either way, you’re right.

• Gloria Buchman // Feb 16, 2005 at 3:41 pm

  Wow! This poor woman had to endure a horrible time in her life, only to be slapped in the face by the Mary Kay Corporation. I don’t blame her for suing. For the record, Mary Kay products are overpriced, horrible products. As an official “Beauty Consultant” for the entertainment industry, I always advise my clients to purchase make-up at your local pharmacy. It is just as good as the high priced make-up in the mall, and far, far better than the Mary Kay junk sold by their “Beauty Consultants!”

• Rich // Mar 1, 2005 at 1:18 pm

  This message board is amusing. The fact is, the jury was presented with evidence, given instructions on what Mary Kay’s responsibilities were to its contractors, and then deliberated and came to a consensus on Mary Kay’s liability. If Mary Kay’s practices in relation to this particular case were not actually unfair, then the verdict can be overturned on appeal. But apparently the jurors thought she had a case.

  Companies that function by commissioning agents rather than hiring employees are typically bottom line enterprises where the people at the top profit disproportionately from the work of the people on the bottom. I don’t know anything specific about Mary Kay, but it wouldn’t surprise me at all to find that Mary Kay is precisely this kind of business. Not a scam, per se, but neither is it any kind of company I’d want either myself or my wife to be involved with. Apparently, Mary Kay overstepped the bounds of fair employment practices by terminating this sick woman, and did so egregiously if the amount of the award to the plaintiff is any indication. Good for her. And to suggest that she is a woman who is chronically bitter and unhappy just because you are aware she filed one lawsuit is a pretty arrogant statement. Especially considering that the one lawsuit that she filed was SO persuasive in its merit to the jurors who deliberated over it.

• Joie // Mar 1, 2005 at 10:21 pm

  the dialogue presented here is incredibly interesting. in my opinion, each and every thought, each and every opinion is correct, from all sides of the argument. i am new in this mk business and based on what i’ve read here i believe i’ll stay in. only one comment above is borderline not true… don’t think you will enjoy healthy skin by using maybelline-like product from your local rite aid. just not true. one thing i know exclusively from 20 years of wearing the mk product(and mind you, i’ve only been a consultant 2 months) — it is very much worth the few extra $$ to maintain healthy skin. i came to this site looking for clever and exciting, fun ways to get women together and get the product on their faces. i see i won’t find answers here as the air is rather thick. but what is truly clear — it takes all types to make the world go ’round. remember, you get what you pay for. have an awesome day! j.

• KC // Mar 31, 2005 at 7:47 am

  I am getting ready to join MK for the second time. It took my recruiter 2 mos to answer all my questions and for me to make the decision the first time. It’s HARD WORK. And I worked hard. However, I realized it wasn’t my life goal. I learned so much about running my own business through the MK experience. And I am a college graduate. (Pretty dumb person, huh) I did not work for MK. I worked for myself. Even as I built my team, I continued working. When I lost recruits, that was their decision, not mine, not the company. I base my new business on the Mary Kay way of running a business. I am rejoining, because this is the only product I know how to use. I got tired of tons of stuff from my “local pharmacy” cluttering my drawers. I use the minimum of MK. My four children use it on their own. Three are Kindergarten and younger. I understand that if I don’t sell, I don’t make money. But at least I’m not supporting my local Walmart who’s goal is to put all the little people out of business. I won’t sell this time around. The company says I don’t have to. I also won’t be given team members, commission checks, cars, trips, prizes etc. Because I’m not WORKING for them. Any successful team leader, sales director or higher knows, you don’t get anything given to you by not working your business. I feel bad for this lady. But she didn’t work for Mary Kay any more than I work for my suppliers. And obviously she didn’t understand how her business worked. Oh, and for the counselor helping past MK consultants. Give me a break. Mary Kay was the only positive thing in my life, I think that’s one of the reason’s I’m signing up again. They obviously had other issues. And just the connection of MK to blame it on. I know my depresion isn’t because I was a MK consultant. To the new recruits, you will get out of this exactly what you put in to it.

• Shelly // Apr 5, 2005 at 2:02 pm

  It is hard to read these remarks. Whether you like MaryKayInc. or the products or your neighborhood consultant - what real difference does it make? The question here is ethics. If you don’t like the products then don’t use them. If you don’t think MK is smart business then don’t join. If you think the consultants are brainwashed then pray for them. Just keep the Main thing the Main thing. Everything else is irrelevent. People have the right to make choices. We have the responsibility to stand by those choices even if we regret the outcome.

  Should MK be held liable - I don’t know. I do know that when I had my daughter and had to have an emergency C-section my employer did not pay the extra cost. Nor did I get disability for lost wages. I’m not saying MK should not help this woman. But I do know one thing. I am going to do some investigating on my own so that I can make an educated, mature, adult decision for MYSELF. everything else is irrelevent.

• Laura // Apr 13, 2005 at 4:48 pm

  MK walks a very fine line with regard to ‘employees’ or ‘independent contractors’. I believe a directors 6 page agreement that she doesn’t get to see until 2 weeks AFTER she becomes a director is far more along the lines of the company ‘directing and controlling’ her business than the company wants to think. SIX PAGES of fine print - shoot, you can’t even leave the country for over 60 days or you are in violation of your agreement and can be de-directored. WHAT harm would it have been for the company to give this woman compassion and let her slide in production until she was well. She worked hard to become a director - other companies give ‘leaves’ of absence in crisis cases - what’s the big whoop? MK certainly wasn’t going under because of this director. For a company which preaches God and family and enriching lives of women - they sure don’t follow thru when the rubber meets the road! For anyone who’s upset about MK who has been in it and find it not represented as they wished it was - we have formed a group for MK Survivors and have many directors over there dissed by corp! It’s MKSurvivors@yahoogroups.com

• cnc // Apr 14, 2005 at 1:40 pm

  As a Senior Director of 4 offspring, top director and recruiter in Natl, area, I am ASHAMED at these comments against Claudette’s justified lawsuit and I thank God that you aren’t in my unit.

  It is HIGH time that MK corporate recognizes that they can NOT continue to take away directorship that NEVER rightfully belonged to them in the first place. It is the Director who works her tail off to build the unit and area NOT MK, it is the Director who puts her blood sweat and tears into her unit NOT MK. If it were NOT for the Director, there would be NO MK. You would think that by now MK would offer the Director compensation for her HARD WORK instead of stripping her of everything SHE worked HARD for!

  It is also HIGH time that MK show ALL consultants the Directors legal binding contract that the director gets to see AFTER she makes Director (2 weeks later!). Don’t believe me? Call MK legal dept and ASK for a copy! They keep it a secret otherwise no one would sign it!

  May God forgive your incensitive, heartless and Godless comments against a pregnant young Director who fought a courageous battle against cancer with NO help or compassion from MK (the company for women, yeah right). You have NO right to judge anyone less YOU be judged. I hope you remember your heartless comments when YOU are held accountable and judged for YOUR words. You’ll find out the hard way what Claudette suffered and I pray that God has mercy on you all.

  cnc

• Mimi // May 14, 2005 at 1:03 pm

  To Christine and others:

  Obviously you are unaware of the fact that Mary Kay actually owns Avon! Yes, you guessed it, that wise business woman knew what she was doing. So, guess that makes this company #1 and #2 !!

  Also, Mary Kay is the #1 selling brand again this year. They are the number one brand of skincare and cosmetics combined. Avon doesn’t have this kind of skincare line. Mary Kay has a focus on skincare and an extensive line.

  Oh, and the person that said Mary Kay uses some strange things line spinal fluid or whatever…please! That is just ridiculous. Mary Kay doesn’t use or test on animals. Some of you people will go to any lengths (even lies) to make your point sound stronger. Kind of disgusting and sad.

  A Mary Kay consultant works for herself. Guess what? She doesn’t have to work at all! Just like your nine to five job, if you don’t work…you won’t get paid. Pretty simple. Only difference is…I like the people I work with…ALL OF THEM! How about you? How’s that jerk of a boss treating you? Percentages tell you that most often they are not treating you very well.

  Some of you are making way too big a deal of this. If a woman wants to go into Mary Kay, what does it matter to you. It’s not some devil worshiping group. Geez, get back to reality folks! Let me tell you though… how many times has your job felt like it’s some slave trade? Hmmm?

  Just because someone else has made a good choice for themselves, don’t hate them. You can have the same opportunity. If it fits, then fine. If not, then fine. What’s the big deal. Some of you are just not cut out to handle such an opportunity. maybe you were raised and are around a controlling male environment that suppresses you? I don’t know! Search yourself ladies.

  Oh, one more thing… the Mary Kay business plan is taught at Harvard University! Now go ahead and tell me what idiots they are as well. Come one, tell me!

  To Christine and others:

  Obviously you are unaware of the fact that Mary Kay actually owns Avon! Yes, you guessed it, that wise business woman knew what she was doing. So, guess that makes this company #1 and #2 !!

  Also, Mary Kay is the #1 selling brand again this year. They are the number one brand of skincare and cosmetics combined. Avon doesn’t have this kind of skincare line. Mary Kay has a focus on skincare and an extensive line.

  Oh, and the person that said Mary Kay uses some strange things line spinal fluid or whatever…please! That is just ridiculous. Mary Kay doesn’t use or test on animals. Some of you people will go to any lengths (even lies) to make your point sound stronger. Kind of disgusting and sad.

  A Mary Kay consultant works for herself. Guess what? She doesn’t have to work at all! Just like your nine to five job, if you don’t work…you won’t get paid. Pretty simple. Only difference is…I like the people I work with…ALL OF THEM! How about you? How’s that jerk of a boss treating you? Percentages tell you that most often they are not treating you very well.

  Some of you are making way too big a deal of this. If a woman wants to go into Mary Kay, what does it matter to you. It’s not some devil worshiping group. Geez, get back to reality folks! Let me tell you though… how many times has your job felt like it’s some slave trade? Hmmm?

  Just because someone else has made a good choice for themselves, don’t hate them. You can have the same opportunity. If it fits, then fine. If not, then fine. What’s the big deal. Some of you are just not cut out to handle such an opportunity. maybe you were raised and are around a controlling male environment that suppresses you? I don’t know! Search yourself ladies.

  Oh, one more thing… the Mary Kay business plan is taught at Harvard University! Now go ahead and tell me what idiots they are as well. Come one, tell me!

• april // Jun 16, 2005 at 7:11 pm

  This is just a diplay of how some people just what money without working for it. It’s sad, and our childrent are learning this, bad work ethic. What do you think the children are learning from this law sut, find a way to make money without working no matter the cost,that is what they are lerning. Thats sad. If you stop working at any jop they would have let you go becous you are not doing your job, this applys here you don’t work you don’t get pay. That’s all there is to it. I just can’t belive that the courts fell for it.

• melissa // Jun 18, 2005 at 10:11 pm

  To the person who said Mary Kay owns

  Avon- AVON and Mary Kay are not affiliated in any way WHATSOVER!

  To all here who have bittnerness and a grudge against Mary Kay, I am truly astonished at the level of hatred and lack of personal repsonsibility. As a Senior Director for 9 years now I must say that Directorship is very rewarding when I work! Directors who rely soley on their units to carry them often find themselves disappointed. I would like to comment on Ms. Woolf- I am from the same NSD Area she was in. For those of you out there who think you “know” about Mary Kay, let me enlighten you. This woman DID NOT LOSE ANY MONEY by MK “Taking her directorship”. I can say this because a Director who IS NOT MAKING PRODUCTION IS MAKING CONSULTANT PAY- no ifs, ands or buts. If your unit does less than $4000 you only get 9% and bonuses don’t even happen until your unit reaches $5000 for the month and if she wasn’t making production then she was doing less than $4000. Where is the money she lost?? Did she truly think MK should pay her commission on sales that her UNIT did not make?? If Ms. Woolf was worthy of her position and a strong, loving leader her unit would have RALLIED around her to make it happen. The fact that they didn’t- speaks VOLUMES. I didn’t know her peronsally but I know others who did and frankly from what I hear she wasn’t a likeable person. THat is neither here nor there because the fact is her lawsuit was unwarranted. The fact that a jury agreed with her means NOTHING. Take O.J. and Michael Jackson for examples. The laws regarding “Independent Contractors” are very clear. The DSA and ALL other Direct Selling companies had/have an interest in this verdict (which was overturned by theway because the LAW is clear). There is nothing unethical about companies that use Independent Contractors- nothing!! I am so astonished at the masses of uneducated people out there who spout off about things the OBVIOUSLY know nothing about.

  Mary Kay, Inc is like every other company out there- about making money. True that MK is also about so much more but the $$ is the bottom line and THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT! That is the American Way- Entreprenuership!! $$ makes the world go round! Selling is a noble profession! Everything you have and do in this life is because SOMEONE SOLD SOMETHING.

  Those of you that so clearly “hate” MK- I believe your real problem lies with yourself and how you feel about you. Blaming and pointing fingers and being angry serves no one. If you don’t want to be associated with MK- GREAT- then MOVE ON. But don’t try to HURT the women who remain in MK. If you are the caring people you say you are then WHY would you purposefully do and say things to damage the reputations and finances of the GOOD women who are in MK. It is truly shameful and your words and stories say MORE about YOU than they do about MK.

  Have a nice day!

  Melissa

• Carmin // Jun 26, 2005 at 9:36 pm

  I was a Mary Kay consultant, my recruiter manipulated me, and others into bankruptcy. They push these women so hard that they abuse the women that they were sopposed to “help”. My Mary Kay recuiter has almost destroyed my marriage. I wish that I had never met her.

• Heidi Bates // Jul 1, 2005 at 9:09 am

  I am currently looking at becoming a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant. I have felt some pressure, but nothing that I would consider unbearable. I would describe it as energetic enthusiasm. I haven’t committed to the idea yet, because I’m still researching the possible pros and cons. But after finding this site and reading all the posts I am not deterred in pursuing the business for myself.

  I consider myself to be a kind-hearted woman of integrity and poise. That may sound proud, but I am proud of the woman I am and so far, the women I’ve met in Mary Kay seem to share those qualities.

  I think the bottom line really ends up being that while commission checks are cut by the Mary Kay Corporation, their amount is up to us - the consultants. To me, Mary Kay sounds like a wonderful partnership of exceptional products/corporate kindess and hard work from the sales force.

  I am currently working full time as a Broker’s Assistant in a Bond Broker Firm… It’s not a bad deal, but it’s not super fulfilling either. I learned this job from scratch after having NO experience in finance whatsoever. If I can succeed at this with hard work and diligence, then I know I can succeed doing Mary Kay. If I don’t… I’ll know it was because I didn’t work hard enough. Just like if I didn’t work hard enough at my full time job to understand my responsibilities, I would have failed.

  It really is up to me.

  Heidi

• Lewis // Jul 2, 2005 at 10:26 am

  I am the husband of an Independent Sales Director who has been a Director since 2003 and a consultant since 1992.

  I find it interesting that, although this news article is from 2002, the discussion here about it still goes on. I guess this shows just how emotionally people feel about Mary Kay Inc. Just for reference and those who want an update, Ms. Angela Alioto (the lawyer for the plaintiff) later ran for mayor of San Francisco. Also, the California courts later rescinded the Texas jury decision and revoked the award, leaving Ms. Claudine Woolf (the plaintiff) with nothing. The whole sordid story can be found at this link:

  http://www.cob.sjsu.edu/facstaff/malos_s/CA%20Employment%20Law%20Letter%2011-1-04.pdf

  To be honest, I have mixed feelings about Mary Kay. I agree somewhat with those who take a more negative view of the company and somewhat with those who take a positive view.

  On the positive side, the company really is very supportive and helpful to their consultants. The whole lawsuit thing surprises me because I have had nothing but positive experiences with the corporate office, and being a Director’s husband I interact with them frequently. And those who make the point that a consultant or a Director are independent contractors and responsible for their own businesses are correct. This is consistently and constantly spelled out for everyone in excruciating detail.

  The product is also excellent. I use the men’s skin care and the men’s vitamins and I love both products. All the rest of the products are well researched and developed, and manufactured with quality. It is really an excellent product and the consultants really are taught and helped to sell the product as the base of their business.

  On the other hand, those who question the psychological aspects of Mary Kay are also correct. In my home, what I think of Mary Kay is pretty much irrelevant as far as our relationship goes – Mary Kay is my wife’s life and I am confident that if I ever placed her in a position where she had to choose between Mary Kay and me I would probably lose. I have heard others say that Mary Kay is more of a religion than a company. I would probably agree with this as well. It’s tough to be a husband of a dedicated Mary Kay consultant or director because any doubt, question or honest disagreement that you might have about Mary Kay runs you the risk of being classified as an “unsupportive husband,” a group just above pond scum on the food chain.

  The things that bother me most about Mary Kay, however, are monetary in nature. The psychology of Mary Kay discourages real questions about money. Many top directors and consultants are more than willing to tell you their GROSS earnings (e.g., my top commission check was $30,000 or my sales last month were $2,500). All the rewards and commissions that are touted at the weekly meetings, trainings, and annual seminars are based on gross earnings as well. But no one ever talks about NET earnings. For years I’ve been asking to see a Schedule C of one of these people, but have yet to be obliged.

  After 13 years of doing this, my wife has never posted a taxable income on her Schedule C of more than $3000. Last year’s was $2,600. Most years are losses. And she is a Director, with more than 30 consultants working under her (about a dozen are “active.”). Her gross income is fairly large, but her expenses are huge. A big part of those expenses are credit card payments on the debt that she has to keep paying off and racking up to maintain inventory levels and maintain her Director wholesale quota when her consultants don’t order enough within a quarter.

  Contrast this to my business, which I started on 1 January 2004 (only a year and a half ago) after being laid off from a corporate executive position. For 2004, my first full year of business, I posted a taxable income on my Schedule C of $52,400.

  It’s important also to distinguish between Mary Kay corporate and the top levels of the independent sales force. Those top levels are personified by the National Sales Directors (NSDs) of Mary Kay. Like all salespeople, they are independent contractors as well, but all the rest of the sales force is under them. They are the ones who control the tone and direction of the sales force and who are responsible for a lot of the attitudes and philosophies discussed by previous postings.

  I love and appreciate many of the things said by the NSDs, but some of them really infuriate me. Rena Tarbett, who is no longer as prominent as she once was, particularly angered me. She would say things like “when it comes to asking your husband about getting your kit or buying your product, just remember that it’s easier to beg forgiveness than to ask permission.” In other words, just do it and tell him about it later. Now, I’m not the kind of man who expects my wife to be subservient and “ask permission” about anything, but I do expect that in a healthy relationship couples discuss major purchases and commitments together before taking the plunge. Another gem is this: when asked about average income, Rena Tarbett used to dodge the question with this response, “why talk about average? Do you want to be average, or do you want to be the best?” It’s funny that all of these things were in her tapes, talks and seminars, and that she pushed the sales of these tapes, talks and seminars so much that I’m convinced that how she made her real money, not from any work within Mary Kay itself.

  In recent years, NSDs have moved away from the old-school Rena Tarbett hard-line pushiness, but I still get the feeling that most NSDs make their money from the Mary Kay lecture circuit. And that’s the key to understanding Mary Kay – the customer isn’t the person purchasing the product. It’s the individual consultant. I really am hard pressed to believe that consultants make any money whatsoever. But there are lots of people making money off the consultants. The corporation does. In fact, from what I can tell of their financial and tax structure, they actually identify the consultant as the end user. In fact, even their “tax assistance program” (consultants don’t pay sales tax on the stuff they sell to their customers; the company calculates the sales tax for them and pays it when the wholesale order is purchased) which is touted as a benefit to the consultant is really an accounting device that makes it easier for Mary Kay corporate to financially categorize the consultant as the end customer.

  The high-level senior directors and NSDs make their money off the consultant as well. All during the year the NSDs and the company promote the annual seminar in Dallas. Since the consultants and directors are all independent, they have to pay all expenses themselves, including a registration fee. And they always say the same thing: “Don’t say you can’t afford to go to seminar – you can’t afford NOT to.” Thus convincing the consultant to part with the little bit of hard-earned cash she does have to attend a half-week or so of speeches, presentations and ceremonies from NSDs.

  And the NSDs who perform independent workshops and seminars, who sell their own materials, tapes, videos and DVDs all adopt that same attitude, thus increasing their own bottom line.

  Like I said before, the product is excellent. It’s a quality product that’s well researched, designed, and produced. It works well. But the real thing that Mary Kay and Mary Kay’s NSDs are selling is motivation, not skin care or cosmetics. And I would love, some day, somewhere, to see the Schedule C’s of all the Mary Kay consultants and directors in the company and be told that the majority of them, or even 30 or 40 percent, show a taxable income of enough money to truly live on. Somehow, however, I don’t think that will ever happen.

• Jennifer // Jul 3, 2005 at 12:40 am

  First off, let me say that I have been with Mary Kay for over 18 years, have chatted with the wonderful Mary Kay herself one on one by invitation (with my husband for over two hours in her office), have won cars, been a Director and am again this year a member of the Queen’s Court of Personal Sales. I’m not saying this to impress anyone, I just want you to know that I’ve been around the business awhile and have seen and experienced many things here, 99% of them very positive.

  While I agree with alot of what Melissa says, I have to object to the fact that she feels that Ms. Woolf would have made her production while she was ill if she was liked by her unit members (not sure of the exact wording, but that was the gist of it). I am no longer a Director, but when I was, there came a time that production was a problem, no matter how much my unit members loved me, the orders didn’t come in. You can’t squeeze blood out of turnips and when you have something as life threatening as cancer to focus on, especially being pregnant, you are not going to be recruiting new people. If those consultants (i.e. Ind. Contractors) you already have are doing what they want with this business, (and not necessarily what we want them to be doing) how can we expect them to “carry us” if the numbers don’t add up. I certainly wouldn’t want somebody going in debt to float my production.

  I agree with the other Senior Director who posted about taking away a person’s “Directorship” for lack of production. Anyone who’s been through it, knows how devastating it is. Number one, if someone isn’t making production, but chooses to continue to work, alot of the time for free, with adoptee’s, as well as her own people, promoting the MK products and opportunity, then the company should let her continue to do so. It costs them nothing unless she produces, in which case, she is doing what she is “supposed” to do to earn her keep. They benefit far more from having her as a Director.

  I had to let my Directorship go after a number of family problems didn’t allow me to focus the way I had previously been able to in order to keep new recruits coming in. Consequently, I couldn’t make production and as much as I loved the position, wasn’t going to go in debt to remain a Director, as many others do. This was in early 1998 and the company was not one bit supportive or helpful in working with me to keep my Directorship (they have since changed that stance, as I personally know people who have been given a lengthy period of time to get it together). At that time I was the only Director in a rural area (within a two hour radius) and had nearly 40 adoptee’s that regularly attended my meetings, along with a few of my own people. I was making very little on my Directorship, but pressed on because I love the company and really wanted to see others, as well as myself succeed. I held regular training sessions, Monday night meetings, recruiting events and anything else I could think up to help my adopted car drivers, and the rest of the consultants move up the ladder. The damage that was done when I lost my Directorship was certainly not worth whatever the company thought they gained by taking it. These 40 or so consultants were extremely de motivated because, as several of them later told me, they felt that if I, who in their eyes was MK in the area, couldn’t make it, how could they. At that point they no longer had regular meetings or recruiting events to attend or someone to train their new consultants locally. Many of them eventually left MK and became customers of mine.

  I love this business, so I have continued, but it took the wind out of my sails for awhile (along with everything else that I was dealing with). When my life settled down, I went on to become a Flight Attendant, which was a lifelong dream of mine. I still do that, along with MK and love it.

  Most of my best friends today are MK Directors, some very successful and others struggling. Often times the struggling ones aren’t doing things much differently than the successful ones (some are working much harder). Work is the biggest part of this business, but another part of it that can be a major factor is luck. If you happen to recruit that right person, it can make all the difference in your climb up the ladder. I have witnessed this among my Director friends, who also agree with me.

  I can sympathize with Ms. Woolf–being “demoted” is a horrible thing to go through–almost like losing a part of yourself. I personally would never call anyone who made Directorship a failure, most have worked darn hard to get there. The company is fortunate to have people who will continue to work that hard for the little bit that some of them make. I also can attest that others make a very good income. I hope that one day the company will realize the damage they do by letting these “cream of the crop” people go. Statistically, most people who lose their Directorship also leave the company, and it’s usually not on a good note. Ms. Woolfe’s case was an extremely poignant example of this, especially for a company who touts itself as being a huge supporter of cancer and women. This was a huge PR mistake on their part. On a smaller scale, how many current and future consultants and customers are also lost as a result of this policy? I saw what happened in my case and I didn’t speak negatively about the company, I only told those consultants who asked what happened, but in as positive a manner as I could. Most were shocked that this could happen once you had “made it” and especially to someone whom they liked and viewed as successful.

  Anyway, sorry to ramble, but I accidentally stumbled upon this board tonight while looking for something else and had to comment. To end, I would encourage anyone thinking about a MK business to go for it, it can be a wonderful experience. I can’t imagine how my life would be had I not decided to join this company. Yes, it has a few flaws, as does any company, but overall they are a very top notch organization, as are most of the people who have been here for any length of time.

• Kim // Jul 6, 2005 at 5:38 pm

  Good Luck To Everybody.

• Sara // Jul 8, 2005 at 1:24 pm

  MK Director Melissa,

  It is the pinkos like you that drive consultants like me into bankruptcy. I respect that you as a director CHOSE to be a director and used everyone around you to make your monthly production.

  Lets be honest, the reason MK is the #1 selling brand in America is that the consultants and directors determine MK’s sales. NOT the customers. I am in $10,000 in debt because of a pushy director who called me MONTHLY to tell me I had to be part of a team that keeps production every month. Her production. Nothing in it for me except furthering her climb up the MK ladder.

  It must be VERY rewarding to represent a company that doesn’t give one hoot about the individual in the sales force.

  How admirable!

  -Sara

• Melissa // Jul 9, 2005 at 8:19 pm

  Sara- you are a perfect example of someone who doesn’t know how to take personal responsibility for her actions. No matter how many times you say it or how many different ways, your Director is NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR DEBT. You are your own person and a grown woman who could have said NO. You could have chosen to be RESPONSIBLE with your finances. I don’t care WHAT your Director said to you about team spirit blah blah blah- YOU spent your money unwisely not her. Admit you are soley responsible and move on!

• Sara // Jul 10, 2005 at 1:10 pm

  MK Director Melissa,

  Tell me honestly, would you be where you are today without the women you call your “team” buying you into directorship?

  Didn’t think so.

  MK is all about cult thinking, cult behavior, and cookie cutter mentality. There is no originality. Every answer to every question is scripted and drilled into the sales force.

  Anyone who doesn’t conform to the pink way of thinking is deemed negative.

  Mary Kay cosmetics does NOT care about you, your family, or your children. As long as you worship Mary Kay Ash as the God of the universe you are fine. When you start to question MK tactics you are blackballed.

  Really interesting.

  I choose to now RETURN my $10,000 worth of worthless inventory to the company and tell them that MK sucks monkey balls.

  Have a great life, my friend.

• Cami // Jul 10, 2005 at 1:10 pm

  Melissa, Did you or did you not know that TimeWise was changing formulas when the company announced a selling challenge last Fall? They did, and they did that to get rid of all the old product. Did you NOT notice how the old timewise didn’t make it to the Pink Sale?

  Also, were you NOT aware that the Lipsticks were changing this year as soon as January (after Leadership) and how long did you wait to tell your consultants? Is it NOT true that Mary Kay deliberately started a program that offered an incentive to place the inventory order within 15 days of signing the agreement that helped Mary Kay get rid of their current lipstick inventory.

  It is this kind of behavior by the company that drives consultants to make decisions that are not beneficial to their personal business, but they do NOT know it at the time.

• sick of the pinkos // Jul 11, 2005 at 11:15 am

  1) Ms. Bates (July 1, 2005) seems fake. She purports to be considering a MK career, then states, “… while commission checks are cut by the Mary Kay Corporation, their amount is up to us - the consultants.” I don’t know _how_ many times I heard that _exact_ line from my sales director!!

  2) Melissa’s July 9, 2005, post demonstrates clearly that as soon as you question a dedicated MK fan, they instantly turn to vicious accusations of, “it’s _your_ responsibility.”

  In my experience, MK is full of such contradictions and fabrications. They will twist anything to get it to serve their own purpose. In fact, angry responses may even be justified by quoting the Bible, where Jesus overturns the tables of the moneychangers in the temple, by saying, “It’s righteous anger.”

  Selling the products may keep you away from MLMness, but being involved with this company on any level deeper than that is dangerous.

• Karl Wiegandt // Jul 11, 2005 at 1:59 pm

  To those who blame Mary Kay with forcing you into Bankruptcy, you have not mentioned that there is a 90% buyback rule on products that were purchased by the consultant. There are so many responses to these comments that I would like to make, but will abstain for many reasons. The company has been wonderful to my wife and I and I am so I have nothing but good experiences. One thing is that those that are rewarded are those that work. My wife works this as a full time job, and probably more hours than most pprofessions. There is a reaon why there are salaried jobs and self-employed jobs. Those that work hard in this career will reap the rewards far greater than the income potential. And the schedule C comment is ridicous as a good manager of his or her company sees the need for proper money management and will not on a continuous basis lose money because they are putting too much into the business. Does your wife claim all her CASH sales to the IRS, if not then that is a huge reason for this business. Feel free to e mail me any questions that you may have. If this is the only problem that MAry Kay has had in its 43 years of existance, then I think it is a remarkable record.

• Cami // Jul 11, 2005 at 3:05 pm

  Karl, are you in fact Dacia’s husband? Then of course you are drowning in Pink. Please read my comments below and ask Dacia the same things I asked Melissa. Do you think that Mary Kay is a wonderful company still?

• Karl // Jul 12, 2005 at 6:51 am

  Cami,

  I understand your comments, yet i do not think that there is anything wrong with the companies procedure. They do a great job of promoting new inventory on a quarterly basis to keep up with the market and keep the interest of all consultants. Of course there are going to be times when they need to do special promotions and giveaways to move the old and bring in the new. Have you never purchased anything on sale from any department store or grocery store? It is what all companies do on a regular basis and am confused at your hostility for these common procedures.

  I am very proud of my wife and HER HARD WORK. Please do not fault her for using her abilities to make an enormous impact on thousands of lives across the united states. Maybe it would better serve you to channel all this energy in a way that would help out those around you, rather than chatting in a forum about the few negatives of a company which frankly has done little wrong in its existance. As I stated earlier 1 lawsuit in 43 years is a remarkable record. Mary Kay REWARDS those that work hard and I would dare anyone to work as hard as my wife does and see the rewards (not financial) that you would reap.

• more than one lawsuit // Jul 12, 2005 at 10:12 am

  This original post just happens to be about one lawsuit. There’s the patent infringement lawsuit that MK lost ($26m to Neostrata), and the suits going back and forth between MK and Rogers’ predecessor, John Rochon.

  Not that “1 in 43 years” isn’t bad… but look at the content of these suits: wrongful dismissal/confusing “employee” and “independent contractor,” patent infringement, and the stinky battle between a guy who made money and a guy who spent money (http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3862/is_200403/ai_n9361848/pg_1)

  It’s not that Dacia didn’t/isn’t working hard. It *IS* about the other side of the story… the people who are being taken advantage of, the brainwashing attempted, and the bill of goods that many of us were sold in the name of our own dreams.

  Some people were hurt very badly. For so long, no one has spoken up. Mary Kay has been the one non-MLM-MLM. So many people out there saying it’s not an MLM. It *IS* an MLM, and it borders on cult-like behavior.

  People _can_ make money in this business. But, it’s not all sweet-smelling roses. All this talk of “Enriching Women’s Lives” is a crock. Dacia simply found the right number of women who were willing to plunk down thousands of dollars in inventory to start their own businesses. Oh, and she probably has sold a lot of product herself along the way.

  Dacia may be operating with the best of integrity. However, that would be in the minority. It’s the majority that we would like to warn people about. Not the minority.

  I personally have no problem with women who run successful Mary Kay businesses. However, I _do_ have a problem with Mary Kay women calling me a failure because I _chose_ not to continue mine.

• Rachel Suddeth // Jul 12, 2005 at 10:13 am

  > To those who blame Mary Kay with forcing you into Bankruptcy, you have

  > not mentioned that there is a 90% buyback rule on products that were purchased by the consultant.

  You mean on “Section 1″ products (samples, catalogs, motivational materials, & class supplies, all of which consultants pay for, are excluded) that were purchased by the consultant within the last 12 month, less shipping and the cost of any prizes awarded you by Mary Kay, will be refunded at 90% of their cost at your most recent order (so items that have been discontinued & reduced are refunded at lower prices.) Yes, there is such a policy, and the recruiters will mention it big-time as they are recruiting you, but if you ever hint that you want to take advantage of it, they will pull out all the stops to discourage you from using it. Some consultants were told is was only good for their first year (it is really a rolling 12 months.) Many are guilted … their recruiter who they consider a friend will get charged back for their return. They are told how they can make more money by selling it even at a discount (if only anyone would buy the stuff!) They are told how they can never be in Mary Kay again if they do the return. All of these arguments lead many consultants to wait too long and lose eligibility for the refund.

  > One thing is that those that are rewarded are those that work.

  And then again, there are those who work hard at it and are not rewarded… actually lose money. Maybe they have the wrong personality for the business, but sure enough when getting recruited, they were told that didn’t matter.

  Your wife has received tons of publicity because she is the rare exception in this business. We’ve heard from many many consultants and directors who worked hard, long hours, and ended up with far less than they’d have made at a regular job, in the majority of cases actually losing money.

  > My wife works this as a full time job, and probably more hours than most pprofessions.

  Hmmm… and they told us when selling us the opportunity that we could have more time for our kids, and make good money working fewer hours than a regular job.

  > Does your wife claim all her CASH sales to the IRS, if not then that is a

  > huge reason for this business.

  So you are saying this is a good business for people who don’t mind cheating on their taxes?

  -Rachel

• thanks for the info // Jul 12, 2005 at 11:19 am

  Thanks you for all the information and I wish you the best

• more than one lawsuit // Jul 12, 2005 at 12:33 pm

  This original post just happens to be about one lawsuit. There’s the patent infringement lawsuit that MK lost ($26m to Neostrata), and the suits going back and forth between MK and Rogers’ predecessor, John Rochon.

  Not that “1 in 43 years” isn’t bad… but look at the content of these suits: wrongful dismissal/confusing “employee” and “independent contractor,” patent infringement, and the stinky battle between a guy who made money and a guy who spent money (http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3862/is_200403/ai_n9361848/pg_1)

  It’s not that Dacia didn’t/isn’t working hard. It *IS* about the other side of the story… the people who are being taken advantage of, the brainwashing attempted, and the bill of goods that many of us were sold in the name of our own dreams.

  Some people were hurt very badly. For so long, no one has spoken up. Mary Kay has been the one non-MLM-MLM. So many people out there saying it’s not an MLM. It *IS* an MLM, and it borders on cult-like behavior.

  People _can_ make money in this business. But, it’s not all sweet-smelling roses. All this talk of “Enriching Women’s Lives” is a crock. Dacia simply found the right number of women who were willing to plunk down thousands of dollars in inventory to start their own businesses. Oh, and she probably has sold a lot of product herself along the way.

  Dacia may be operating with the best of integrity. However, that would be in the minority. It’s the majority that we would like to warn people about. Not the minority.

  I personally have no problem with women who run successful Mary Kay businesses. However, I _do_ have a problem with Mary Kay women calling me a failure because I _chose_ not to continue mine.

• Marjorie Mar // Jul 19, 2005 at 11:57 pm

  I can’t believe the complaints against Mary Kay. We have a consultant in our unit who sent her inventory back but was reinstated after a special appeal to corporate by our director. She earned her car and will debut on stage as a new director all in less than a year. She also has a DIQ in her unit.As far as being pressured into buying inventory I never have experienced that at all. I have been asked but if I felt this was not in my best interest I always said no and never felt any repercussions from it.When I became a consultant, I was given a superb product to proudly present to my customers.I was not given a cacoon to crawl in and be coddled. Where in the corporate world is there such a phenomenon.I also understood that if my business is to succed it is up to me. As far as changing product lines frequently, what’s the big deal. I just pretend it doesn’t exist until the original line is sold. Another thing,What’s the big deal about changing lip colors. I don’t get it. It doesn’t prohibit you from selling the old colors. Grow up guys. If you put 100,000 into a macdonald franchise and it fails , whose fault is it?

• Sick of the pinkos // Jul 21, 2005 at 6:33 pm

  Marjorie,

  I am about fed up with pinkos like you. I hope you die in your pink bubble. In fact, I hope you and your product go to hell.

  Mary Kay sucks BIG monkey balls.

• Pink terminator // Jul 22, 2005 at 8:23 pm

  Hey Marjorie!

  I have just 2 words for you. BITE ME.

• Marjorie Mar // Jul 23, 2005 at 1:40 pm

  Dear Pink Teminator and Sick of Pinkos,Your respomnses speak volumes.

• Sick of the pinkos // Jul 24, 2005 at 6:48 pm

  Dearest Marjorie,

  SO DO YOURS.

• Sick of the pinkos // Jul 24, 2005 at 6:49 pm

  p.s. Marjorie,

  Ever heard of SPELL CHECK????

• lk // Jul 26, 2005 at 4:54 pm

  Remember, Mary Kay is an opportunity. No one, No one can make you do anything. Be in charge of your own destiny and be responsible for your actions, whether you approve or disapprove of Mary Kay.

• Misty Williams // Jul 29, 2005 at 12:21 pm

  Mary Kay Cosmetics is horrible. These women infiltrate churches in order to get new recruits. That is despicable! Church is for worshipping God, not trolling for new recruits for some silly cosmetics “business opportunity”.

• LouAnnda // Jul 30, 2005 at 11:49 am

  I guess I just wanted to weigh in on this discussion as I understand both sides so well. I came across this discussion group totally by accident in searching Mary Kay on the internet.

  I was in Mary Kay over 13 years ago and the National Court of Sales and Recruiting. I walked across stage in Dallas, received a gorgeous diamond ring and met Mary Kay at her beautiful home at a special reception. It was a surreal experience. I was THE up and coming superstar in my unit, and starting to qualify for my directorship.

  I, too, totally bought into the MK experience, believed in the MK philosophy, was accused of cultlike behavior, etc. MK offered me recognition for my efforts that I had not received before, a belief in my abilities that no one else had held for me.

  I was also in a spiraling marriage with a very wealthy, controlling alcoholic. Being in MK gave me my self confidence back, my own money, recognition and self esteem. Enough, in fact, to have the guts to get a divorce. It was then that it all fell apart. I was on hold during my divorce and not performing at the level that I had been, although I certainly had not quit. I thought I was experiencing a difficult time and would get emotional support from the women around me in MK. That is what is preached constantly, women supporting other women. Intead, I was shocked when the directors above me, that I admired and loved, started to recruit my customers and team members out from under me. My whole team fell apart.

  I was so stunned, so embittered, that I quit MK and sent everything back.

  I then went on a quest to find a myself, along with a new career.

  I sold Avon for awhile and was their top salesman too. Sick of the sales game, I decided to go back to college and finish my BA in Social Science, and then I went to law school, but didn’t like being a lawyer. I got my real estate license and you want to talk about crossing the line of independent contractor status! That was a joke! Then, I went to work as a social worker, 12 hour nights, no schedule, in a group home. I am sick of it all. No one seems to appreciates the hard work that you put in. No one appreciates your intelligence or any innovative thinking. All they want is a gofer for as cheap as they can get, with as little benefits as they can get by with.

  So, I bought an acreage and isolated myself from the world, except family. Now, I find myself getting bored with pulling weeds and perfecting gardens and am starting to miss people and wanting to make money again.

  I find myself strangely being drawn back to the MK world. Not by anyone else, I don’t even know a MK consultant anymore, just my own desire. Something unfinished, if you will. If I do it, I know it will be hard work. But, I also know what the benefits are and what can be accomplished. I just wouldn’t be as niave about it again.

  I am remarried to a man that runs his own business. If he gets sick, we are screwed, plain and simple, there is no one to help, so I understand that side of it too. I also am aware that when a MK consultant reaches a certain level, particularly directorship, there are promises made by the company beyond what a independent salesperson has, that evidently was not followed through on. It is an abhorrent case, considering that MK and the MK company has been so entrenched with cancer research, and particularly breast cancer research. Where was this woman’s support? Like me, I think she discovered the dark side of MK way too late.

  There is no reason that a MK consultant or director should not be able to apply for a leave for a special circumstance and that the other members of her unit should not be encouraged to pull together just as they had by the help of other directors, etc. That would be a simple and direct way of doing it. There are answers to this problem, and they are not difficult ones. What happened to this lady was wrong, that is all there is to it.

  I also understand and agree with what many of you are saying about the pushiness of some MK people and some of the approaches that they use. In my mind, there is just no excuse for that kind of behavior. I never did it, although I was encouraged to and was successful doing MK my own way. I was definitely considered assertive, but did not find it necessary to walk up to people when I was out and about, or go to functions so that I could recruit. If you are working MK full time, you don’t have time for all that crap. You find your recruits at skin care classes and among good customers. I find it very unclassy to walk up to someone on the streets, or anywhere else and push MK on them. What a turnoff that would be! Someone is interested or not, in the product or opportunity, or not, go on to the next one. Don’t make people that you know take off running when they see you!

  On reflection upon my own experiences, I do believe that in many ways, it is what you make it. It is not my fault that these directors did what they did to me, however it was my own disillusionment and reaction to that disillusionment that made me quit and not theirs.

  I still harbor a lot of resentment all these years later, and even though I am thinking of doing MK again, I plan to look for someone from the ruby division to sign up with, and out of town. If I should do it, I will send in my contract with a qualifying order and start from there. My husband says to think about it as he knows that I will go full guns on it again. I am going to take the next few months, deep clean the house, clean out my office and get it ready, get my sales and recruiting packets together and look for someone in Feb. and sign up March 1, 2006. (Because I do not want to start in winter. Ugh!) Then, build over March to June and get ready to start qualifying for directorship again the new fiscal year. And, I will be what they were not, and know better to count on anyone else, besides myself.

  Thanks for listening. It has helped a lot to be able to write it all out.

• Marjorie Mar // Jul 30, 2005 at 11:29 pm

  Dear LouAnnda , Sounds like you have a bright future ahead of you. Go for it.

• Jano // Aug 2, 2005 at 7:23 am

  Far more than 1 lawsuit

  Mk has certainly been involved in more than one lawsuit by consultants. I can recall reading an article about Mary Kay sales directors in Working Woman magazine featuring a black sales director called “Tommie” showing her mink and pink cadilliac. This article I read in the library I think it was back in the 80s/90s mentioned a lawsuit against MK by about 3 women for overexagerating the profits to be made from sales. Since Mk is a privately held company, sometimes its hard to get details. And most times these things are settled out of court.

  It is rare that average women will see fit to challenge such a large corporation with the resources of Mary Kay. In addition, prior to the internet such lawsuits probably did not get the exposure. Frankly there have probably not been that many lawsuits against MK involving consultants, but certainly more than one.

  Mary Kay is a corporate entity, not a benevolent parent. When it came to business, Mary Kay Ash could be tough. Mary Kay corp sued and was sued throughout their history, from Beauticontrol litigation from the 80s, to the more recent alphy hydroxy lawsuit loss mentioned in this thread.

  Karl I know that you are a supportative husband and I applaud your wife’s success. You have seen the beneficial side. A number of women who posted here have seen a different side.

  Signed, Jano a former MK consultant and paralegal

• Sick of Pink // Aug 2, 2005 at 12:46 pm

  Mary Kay says your family is most important. However, Mary Kay fails to realize that not all women are married and have kids. What about those women? Or do they just not exist according to MK?

• Bamabee // Aug 3, 2005 at 9:15 am

  WOW! What a lot of emotion on this page. You know, I agree that it would be a generous display of caring for MK to have given this woman extra time to recover before taking her directorship. Having said that though, business is not charity. You either perform or you don’t. That’s what is so great about it. If you succeed you know it was your own efforts. If you don’t succeed, it’s a heartbreak, but that’s the breaks kid. Nobody owes you a second chance, even in the worst circumstances. It’s business. It’s about making money. Don’t believe me, ask the IRS. They say if you haven’t made money in the first three years, you’re not a business. Business = money. MK is a great organization that provides a positive environment for making money, but they are not responsible for you or me. I do believe that some recruiters acting in their own interests (money) use shady tactics. But, the company spells everything out in black and white. My responsibilities and their responsibilities. It sounds like someone trusted their recruiter instead of the contract in front of them. As any one who has ever faced a drill sergeant on the first day of basic training knows, recruiters don’t always tell the truth. Buyer Beware. You have the right to be angry, you also have the responsibility to be smarter next time you start a business, and not get sold on emotion and then blame everyone else because you made a bad decision. I think you should rejoin MK and sell that product and become a success by doing it the right way. Don’t lie to anybody, encourage people to buy more inventory than they can afford or encourage them to go into debt. You can avoid all these things and be an example. You don’t have to do it their way. And Wow, with $10,000 worth of inventory, you could have a great time doing it the ethical way. You could even lead a movement to change attitudes or you could do it just to show ‘em.

• Bamabee // Aug 3, 2005 at 9:46 am

  I would like to apologize for my comments of just a minute ago. I’ve thought about what I said, and I think I was being harsh. If you don’t want to sell MK, I think you should take it all out the backdoor and make a bonfire with it. I wouldn’t want all that stuff staring at me. I’d be hostile, too.

• single mom // Aug 4, 2005 at 7:27 pm

  I am consultant of less than a year and I love the product. The department store products never made my skin look and feel so great. When I made the choice to sell Mary Kay I went in with my eyes open. No one made me order anythng. I order all on my own. The only reason I can see this lawsuit happend is because the consultant wanted to reach her star status every quarter so she ordered more than she was selling and she got sick. Her inventory sat there. She could not service her customers so they went else where. If you are not working your business how can you expect to reap any rewards. Alot of people have made some comments here, good and bad. I am not a so called “church goer” but I do believe God or whom ever you spiritually worship has alot to do with how you see the world. Since I have been with Mary Kay I can honestly say I have personally grown. I am a single mother and do recieve child support but that does not mean he pays when he is suppposed to. At Christmas time he had not paid for 2 months. Mary Kay made it possible to give my little girl Christmas. I do work a full time job too and help my widowed mother around the house. Mary Kay didn’t fail this woman, she failed herself. I have learned so much from my director and about myself. We support each other, cry together, laugh together, cheer each other on. Everyone starts from the same place. If she lost her directorship its because she was working her business the wrong way, training her people the wrong way. If it wasn’t for an opportunity like this, how many women out there who are in abusive realtionships or like myself a single mom might be on welfare. This business is what YOU make of it. I am also a cosmetologist, I work for commission. If I am not cutting hair, i make no money. Same principle with Mary Kay. If I’m not selling, I’m not making any money. All the women I have met have their own obstacles, from special need child to being vision impaired or handicapped. I had my doubts too about the company and i’ve done my research and I believe this company is the right choice for me. Everyone is entitled to think what they want, thats what’s great about free will. I have not been brainwashed or maybe I am because I try to think for myself and be positive. Yeah I’ve been thru therapy for depression, taken anti-depressants( don’t tell Tom Cruise)but since Mary Kay I feel better and no longer take them and I feel great about myself and life. Those of you who seem to be bitter about the opportunity Mary Kay has for women must have lots of wrinkles from frowning and scowling everyday. Too bad your narrow-minded. Even the Grinches heart grew 10 sizes.HEE HEE. God Bless.

• Living Pink and Loving it // Aug 10, 2005 at 4:18 pm

  Wow! Lots of opinions to read about this one! First of all, I have to lead with a little background on me. I’ve been a consultant for nearly 6 years. When I joined, I SOUGHT OUT someone to sign me up! I had used the product for 4 years, and loved it. Being a professional accountant, I knew an in-home business was a great tax write-off, not to mention getting my own products at a discount.

  Now, I have a few comments of my own experience with MK I’d like to share, and comments some dealing with the pure ignorance and sense of entitlement I’ve read in some of these posts.

  I EARNED my free car in May, and I’m currently in DIQ. I have around 240-250 customers, and 14 personal team members.

  My director, who is now an NSD, NEVER, EVER, NOT ONCE, forced me, or anyone else, into inventory. She NEVER pushed me or anyone else into anything we didn’t want to do. Was our unit kept aware of our goals for the year and month? Yes! Were we notified by her when we become inactive? Yes! That’s her job to keep you informed! And guess what? When you sell product, YOU just made MONEY! Cash in your pocket, right now. Did she profit from you ordering? Yes! And why shouldn’t she? Her job is to train you, lead you, motivate you, answer your questions, help YOU be successful, to whatever level you want. I can’t tell you how many times that selling product put gas in my car or bought some groceries because I was out of my day-job money, and payday was still a week away. Need some money? Hold an appointment or get on the phone and do some good customer service. I can’t tell you how many times a customer has said to me “I’ve been needing to call you, but I keep forgetting. I need this, and this, and this.” Too easy!

  My director has said adamantly many, many times she does not want ANYONE ordering product just to order