Mary Kay Founder Believed She Was a ‘Better Mother’ Working Outside the Home to Build Her Cosmetics Empire

**Mary Kay Ash: Pioneering Women in Business Through Cosmetics**

Mary Kay Ash, a trailblazer in the cosmetics industry, founded Mary Kay Cosmetics in 1963. Her journey to success was built on decades of direct sales experience with various companies, which she meticulously honed before establishing her own brand. Today, Ash is remembered not only for her business acumen but also for her commitment to empowering women financially at a time when opportunities for them were limited.

The story of Mary Kay Ash’s life and achievements is explored in detail in “Selling Opportunity: The Story of Mary Kay,” authored by Mary Lisa Gavenas. This insightful book delves into Ash’s strategies and her vision for creating a supportive work environment that enabled women to flourish both professionally and personally.

One of the primary hurdles Ash encountered was persuading women to join the workforce, especially when their husbands expected them to prioritise domestic responsibilities. To challenge these conventional attitudes, she urged her sales team to “Let someone else do the woman’s work.” This advice was intended to encourage women to delegate household tasks, thereby allowing them the time and energy to focus on their own careers and families.

Ash firmly believed that working mothers could be more effective in their roles. She often reflected on her experience raising her three children—sons Ben Jr. and Richard and daughter Marilyn—and argued that her brief absences actually made her a better parent. “When I was away from my children for a few hours a day, I was a better mother than when I was there all day long,” she shared. Mary Kay noted that this approach allowed her to appreciate her children more and approach motherhood with greater patience.

Throughout her career, Ash maintained that a clear hierarchy of priorities contributed to her work-life balance. She once articulated it succinctly: “God first, family second, career third.” This philosophy guided her as she navigated the demands of being a single mother and a businesswoman. Her early experiences with Stanley Home Products demonstrated how balance could be achieved, as she managed to rise to the challenges of motherhood while also pursuing her professional ambitions.

In one of her reflections, Ash recalled attending Stanley parties as a means of supporting her family financially. She needed flexibility, saying, “I needed a method by which I could earn money and not be gone eight or nine hours a day.” The parties typically lasted about four to five hours, yet the income earned could rival that of a full-time job at that time.

Her dedication to her work involved a relentless pace. Even after a long day of responsibilities, Ash would prepare dinner for her children, leave them with a babysitter, and head out for evening parties, often fitting in two engagements on a good night. Her remarkable stamina became the blueprint for what would later flourish into Mary Kay Cosmetics.

Mary Kay Ash’s commitment to helping women become self-sufficient not only transformed her own life but also opened doors for countless others. As her company grew, it became synonymous with opportunity for women across the globe, providing them the chance to gain financial independence on their terms.

The legacy of Mary Kay Ash endures today, inspiring new generations of female entrepreneurs. “Selling Opportunity: The Story of Mary Kay” is now available, offering a comprehensive look into her life and the strategies that made her a pioneering figure in the business world. Through her story, readers are reminded of the importance of empowering women and the ongoing relevance of her vision in today’s workforce.