Mary Kay Cosmetics News

Mary Kay Files Lawsuit Against RetailMeNot

Npros.com | 3/25/2015

According to the Mary Kay complaint, filed in U.S.District Court in Dallas: "By listing these purported May Kay "sales" and "codes" on its website, RMN misleads consumers into believing that Mary Kay has a relationship with RMN, that Mary Kay products can be purchased directly from Mary Kay at a reduced price, and that the coupon "codes" are legitimate...[leading] consumers into falsely believing there is an approval, affiliation or partnership between Mary Kay and RMN..."

RetailMeNot released a statement claiming it believes it is in compliance with the law but is prepared to fight the lawsuit. "RetailMeNot, Inc. takes concerns related to third party intellectual property very seriously," the statement said. "RetailMeNot, Inc. continues to believe that it operates in the best interests of consumers and its retail partners by aggregating information to help shoppers save money using its websites and mobile apps. RetailMeNot believes the allegations in this lawsuit are without merit and intends to vigorously contest this matter."

Mary Kay Gives Back During Global Month of Service

Press Release | 4/10/2012

From the young to the young at heart, and the indoors to the outdoors, Mary Kay’s service spanned the globe, including volunteers who:

-- United States: Lifted the spirits of domestic violence survivors during a day of beauty with pampering makeovers, joyful entertainment and inspirational encouragement.

-- Russia: Put smiles on orphans’ faces during fun “play days.”

-- Kazakhstan: Shared warmth and laughter with the elderly at special karaoke events.

-- China: Beautified the environment and removed carbon dioxide in urban settings by planting trees.

-- Brazil: Brought joy to disadvantaged children by playing games with them.

-- Ukraine: Spruced up five cities in one day across Ukraine by cleaning up parks during a “green celebration.”

-- India: Empowered orphan children by teaching them computer skills.

-- Korea: Educated citizens across Korea on the importance of giving blood and where to make donations.

-- Mexico: Increased citizens’ well-being by painting and cleaning run-down buildings.

“Mary Kay Ash always said, ‘Pretend that every single person you meet has a sign around his or her neck that says, Make me feel important.’ Through our Global Month of Service, we are touching lives and showing people in need that they are important -- and that’s priceless,” said Sheryl Adkins-Green, Executive Vice President of Mary Kay Inc. “Making a positive impact in local communities has always been an important part of the Mary Kay culture. We are very humbled by the overflowing generosity of our independent sales force, employees, family and friends as we celebrate International Women’s Day and the contributions of women.”

Community Support Throughout the Years

The Mary Kay Global Month of Service serves as one of the many examples of the company’s long-standing commitment to supporting our communities around the world. Since the company started in 1963, Mary Kay has emphasized the importance of giving back to others. Whether changing the lives of women and children around the world through charitable activities or finding ways to be even more sustainable and green, Mary Kay is making a difference in our communities where we live and work.

Mary Kay Named One of the Top 20 Brands

Press Release | 3/3/2012

Brand Keys, an independent research firm, has studied consumer behavior for the past 16 years and just released its annual Customer Loyalty Index Survey. The 2012 Customer Loyalty Index Survey examined customers' relationships with 598 brands across 83 categories. Mary Kay tied for first as the top brand in the cosmetics category and was listed as one of the top 20 brands overall in the "Brands That Delight" category.

This is the second year that Mary Kay was included on the "Brands That Delight" list. Brand Keys describes a delighting brand as one that excels at offering meaningful experiences with products and services at a higher level than its competitors. According to Brand Keys, consumers demand more from a brand than mere satisfaction with a product's performance. Consumers are also demanding quality experiences and authentic brand values. Satisfaction is now the cost of entry while delight is the new differentiator amongst the sea of competitors.

The overwhelming majority of brands that were included in the "Brands That Delight" list are relatively newer brands that are technology based like Apple, Amazon, Google, Samsung and Facebook. Mary Kay, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year, is not only the brand with the most longevity, but also is the only cosmetics brand listed amongst the top 20.

Mary Kay credits Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants and its product collection as the two primary reasons it received this honor.

"Being recognized as a 'brand that delights' by Brand Keys offers additional validation to Mary Kay's steadfast commitment to offering a great opportunity for women, exceptional customer service and products that are simply irresistible," said Sheryl Adkins-Green, Mary Kay Inc.'s Chief Marketing Officer. "These three critical pillars influence all aspects of our business. We hope that anyone who interacts with the Mary Kay brand can say with confidence, I love Mary Kay."

Mary Kay Advocates for Domestic Violence Survivors

Press Release | 2/8/2012

"Speaking with legislators is an important part of Mary Kay's commitment to ending domestic violence," said Mary Kay Vice President of Government Relations Anne Crews. "Together, with the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence, we can make a difference and help educate lawmakers about the critical needs among organizations and individuals who serve on the front lines of this important issue and horrific crime."

Georgia was named for having the 6th highest homicide rate in the nation for women killed by men. The impact of this violence extends into the larger community, generating public safety and healthcare costs and reducing worker productivity.

"This year we are very excited to be working on positive, pro-active legislation which will address some loopholes in our systems in order to increase victim safety," explained Nicole Lesser, Executive Director of the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence. "There is a serious need for the community, law enforcement, judges, prosecutors, churches, healthcare practitioners, schools, etc. to do their part in addressing domestic violence and sexual assault."

Mary Kay has an ongoing commitment to lobbying for good and working to prevent and end domestic violence. Beginning in the 1980s, Mary Kay Inc. lobbied state and national lawmakers advocating for insurance coverage of mammograms. Over the last 15 years the company has lobbied for the federal Violence Against Women Act, its reauthorization and subsequent appropriations.

Mary Kay Reports Record Year

Press Release | 1/10/2012

The city of Atlanta will see first-hand how Mary Kay independent beauty consultants are achieving success. The city will play host to more than 10,000 leading Mary Kay independent beauty consultants during Mary Kay Inc.'s annual Leadership Conference from Jan. 8-14 at the Georgia World Congress Center.

"We are coming off a strong year because we've seen more women wanting to start a Mary Kay business," said Yvette Franco, Mary Kay Inc. Vice President of U.S. Marketing. "Our independent sales force is more diverse and more women from GenY are joining Mary Kay. The fundamental principles of our business are appealing to women of every demographic group. Young people enjoy the fact that this business offers flexibility. The long-standing appeal of our products combined with the increase in sales force members, have resulted in strong sales for Mary Kay."

Along with hundreds of pink Cadillacs, the weeklong conference is expected to bring more than $15 million in direct economic impact to the city of Atlanta -- making Mary Kay one of Atlanta's largest conferences. Mary Kay's Leadership Conference consists of two back-to-back, four-day conferences designed to support and further develop the businesses of leaders among Mary Kay independent beauty consultants.

Each year Mary Kay holds its Leadership Conference in a different city in the United States. However, the company has held the conference in Atlanta nine times making Atlanta one of the company's most frequent host cities. Attendance for Leadership Conference in Atlanta is up nine percent from previous years.

"We have a long rich history with Atlanta that dates back to the opening of our distribution center in the area in the early 70s," said Annie Josefsen, Mary Kay Inc.'s Vice President of Recognition and Events. "We've held this conference nine times in Atlanta because the city goes above and beyond to make sure every need we have is met. Plus, our independent beauty consultants enjoy the hospitality of Atlanta. From the shopping centers to the restaurants to the hotels, everyone makes sure that we feel welcome. Atlanta is like a second home to us. The city rolls out the red carpet and goes a step further to paint it pink."

Mary Kay Donates 3 Million to Domestic Violence Shelters

Press Release | 9/26/2011

DALLAS, Sep 26, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- --The Mary Kay Foundation maintains commitment to keeping women safe

The downturn in the economy is driving domestic violence shelters to cut much needed services to domestic violence survivors. More than 670 executive directors of domestic violence shelters reported in the third "Mary Kay Truth About Abuse" national survey of the challenges they are experiencing. In response to this call for help and in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, The Mary Kay Foundation(SM) has awarded $3 million in grants to 150 domestic violence shelters in all 50 states. Each shelter will receive $20,000 that will be used to maintain emergency shelter and rehabilitation programs for women and children. With this donation The Mary Kay Foundation(SM) has donated more than $28 million as part of its shelter grant program to domestic violence organizations since 2000. For a list of the 2011 domestic violence shelter grants recipients in each state please visit www.MaryKayFoundation.org .

Domestic Violence Outlook

According to the third "Mary Kay Truth About Abuse" national survey conducted in March 2011, domestic violence shelters indicate the economic downturn has increased demand for services. Shelters also report, the ability to raise funds and provide services will be hampered into 2012. Due to the economy, the survey also revealed:

-- 80 percent of domestic violence shelters nationwide (more than three out of four) report an increase in women seeking assistance from abuse, and most attribute this to financial issues.

-- 89 percent of domestic violence shelters expect their overall situation during the next 12 months will be worse than now, due to the economy.

-- 76 percent of domestic violence shelters (three out of four) indicate their funding has decreased.

-- 65 percent of women in shelters can't find employment due to the economy.

-- 56 percent of shelters note the abuse is more violent now than before the economic downturn.

"The Mary Kay Foundation(SM) is proud to be able to make this great contribution particularly in these challenging times where critical services are necessary to save the lives of women and children," said Karen Rogers, granddaughter of legendary cosmetics icon Mary Kay Ash and vice president of The Mary Kay Foundation(SM) board. "We encourage others to also do what they can to help break the cycle of domestic violence."

The Mary Kay Foundation(SM) receives support to raise funds and awareness from Mary Kay Inc. For example, from Sept. 1 -- Oct. 31, 2011, Mary Kay Inc. will donate $1 to The Mary Kay Foundation(SM) for every new Facebook fan -- up to $1 million. And, consumers can join Mary Kay in its effort to change the lives of women and children around the world through the purchase of a limited-edition* Beauty that Counts(R) Mary Kay(R) Creme Lipstick. In the U.S., from Sept. 15 through Dec. 15, 2011, $1 will be donated to The Mary Kay Foundation(SM) from each purchase of "Give Hope," "Give Joy" and "Give Dreams," lipstick shades to assist the Foundation's efforts to end domestic violence. Both programs will benefit future shelter grants made by The Mary Kay Foundation(SM).

"Mary Kay has made a sustained commitment to bring an end to domestic violence and it is our hope that through education, advocacy, and donations we can help the brave survivors begin a path to recovery," said Anne Crews, Foundation board member and vice president of Mary Kay Inc. "The Foundation's annual grant program can help with the critical needs of domestic violence shelters as part of our ongoing effort to support domestic violence survivors and the individuals who help them every day."

Mary Kay Consultant Wins 15th Car

Npros,com | 7/9/2010

"We are not multi-level; it is a dual marketing plan, what we know in the bad economy is that women will still use their makeup. You can't afford a new dress or new shoes but you will get your lipstick. Personally, my sales are up almost $3,000 this time last year." Stinnett said, as she described the Mary Kay empire that sells products in more than 35 markets worldwide with an independent sales force of nearly 2 million.

"I am positive proof that perseverance pays," she said. "Everybody has ups and downs. Just keep at it, and it will pay off."

Mary Kay Cosmetics Press Release

Press Release | 5/8/2010

Representatives of Mary Kay Support violence Victims

Npros.com | 4/9/2010

Karen Rogers, granddaughter of the founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics was also among them.

According to Tennessee law, individuals suffering from domestic abuse, stalking, or sexual assault do not have the right to break lease agreements even in the interest of personal safety.

Karen Rogers indicated that the movement is about saving lives, not about trying to allow people to get out of an obligation.

The lease-breaking bill has been postponed by a judiciary committee for one week.

Mary Kay Mentioned in Newsweek Article

Newsweek | 11/18/2009

Associates can move up the ladder by recruiting other sellers, and they aim for totems of performance recognition, such as diamond bumble bee pins or pink Cadillacs.

May Kay Sees Thirty Percent Uptick

MSNBC | 3/2/2009

Dan Howard, professor of marketing with Southern Methodist University’s Cox School of Business, said that in a recession, many workers are lured to direct selling. And local direct-sales companies, including Dallas-based Mary Kay Inc., have seen an increase in interest — and even a spike in its work force — in recent months.

Mary Kay has seen a 30% uptick since November in people logging onto the company’s Web page that provides information about becoming an independent consultant, said Rhonda Shasteen, chief marketing officer with the corporation. The company declined to say how many consultants it has added recently, however.

Mary Kay Investing in India

MorungExpress | 1/13/2009

Mary Kay Referenced in Industry Article

KOB.com | 12/2/2008

Mary Kay has been around since the 1960s selling skin care products and make up to women. The company says even in tough economic times women still want to feel good about themselves.

"This is a feel good business that we're in. It's kind of economy proof and a woman will buy a new lipstick and cut down on the prime beef that she was going to get at the grocery store because it makes her feel good and it's something she can purchase for herself," said Lonnie Dennis of Mary Kay Cosmetics.

Mary Kay Looking to Make Green Dollars

CosmeticsDesign.com | 6/19/2008

Cosmetics manufacturers are considering different options to help reduce the environmental damage from packaging from biodegradable materials to reusable containers.

Mary Kay Plans to Launch 20 Products

Economic Times | 4/22/2008

The company would also invest close to Rs 80 crore to set up beauty centres and offices, develop its product portfolio and train beauty consultants in the country. The $2.4-billion Mary Kay is targeting a turnover of Rs 600 crore in the next four years from Indian operations.

State of Nevada Honors the Mary Kay Ash Foundation

Business Wire | 4/20/2008

The Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation (MKACF) was started in 1996 by Mary Kay Ash, the founder of cosmetics giant Mary Kay Inc. The Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation provides funding for research of leading cancers affecting women. In 2001, the MKACF expanded its mission to support efforts to both prevent violence against women and help women who have been victims of abuse.

The Foundation has actively supported the needs of women in Nevada by awarding grants to family violence shelters in Carson City, Elko, Fallon, Henderson, Incline Village, Minden and Reno. Donations to Nevada women’s shelters from the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation have exceeded $182,000.

Mary Kay Rep Earns 14th Pink Cadillac

Asbury Park Press | 4/8/2008

Ehrnstrom recently relocated to the Greenbriar Oceanaire section of Waretown in Ocean Township and stays busy as an independent executive sales director for Mary Kay. She joined the company in 1974. She moved to Lacey Township that same year and raised four children in the community. She became an executive sales director 10 years later.

Mary Kay Featured on Voice of America Broadcast

Voice of America | 3/26/2008

Mary Kathlyn Wagner was born in the state of Texas in nineteen eighteen. For much of her childhood, she cared for her sick father while her mother worked long hours at a public eating place. Mary Kay married Ben Rogers when she was seventeen years old. They had three children before he left home to serve in World War Two. When he returned, their marriage ended. Mary Kay looked for a job so she could support her children.

Mary Kay Shines in Indian Cosmetic Market

Merinews | 2/22/2008

Mary Kay Mexico Unit Shows Strong Sales

Dallas Morning News | 2/4/2008

On Wednesday, Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert toured the Addison-based company's new distribution center, along a modern industrial corridor near Monterrey's international airport, and called it a model for economic cooperation between the "sister cities."

For example, 70 percent of Mary Kay's products sold in Mexico are made at a Dallas plant, and sales here are booming, creating a steady stream of jobs on both sides of the border.

Mary Kay Conference Big for Houston

Npros.com | 1/22/2008

May Kay is hosting is annual leadership convention in Houston from January 23 to 30th at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

Mary Kay plans to make a $20,000 donation to The Old Sixth Ward Neighborhood Association in honor of its founder, Mary Kay Ash, who grew up in the neighborhood.

Mary Kay Cosmetics in the Seattle Times

Seattle Times | 1/21/2008

LOS ANGELES — Altagracia Valdez is dreaming of a perfect pink Cadillac. All she has to do to win it, according to her boss at Mary Kay Inc., is expand her list of "conocidos."

Those familiar connections, she says, can adorn Valdez's 60-year-old hands with diamond rings, pump up her bank account with enough money to pay the bills and buy a house and help her finally enjoy some middle-class financial security.

If Valdez can recruit a sales force of 30 and sell at least $18,000 worth of cosmetics in four months, she can win a free lease and insurance for her first Mary Kay car — not the signature pink Cadillac, but maybe a Saturn Vue or a Pontiac Vibe she can trade in for a Cadillac if she keeps meeting sales quotas. If she falls short of winning the car, she can still earn a promotion if her sales total $16,000. And she can always try again.

Mary Kay Issues Grant To Combat Domestic Violence

PR-CANADA.net | 1/21/2008

The two have joined together in the hope that the reporting series, called "Dangerous Trends, Innovative Responses," will increase public, government and other media awareness of domestic violence, help save lives and diminish suffering.

"Current reporting about domestic violence in other news media does not connect the dots between the specific incidents and the issues underlying the violence," said Rita Henley Jensen, editor-in-chief of Women's eNews, who is herself a former welfare mother and survivor of domestic violence -- two very related issues.

Mary Kay to Invest 20 Million in India

Hindu Business | 9/15/2007

Mary Kay has introduced around 60 products designed specifically for the Indian market through its subsidiary Mary Kay Pvt Ltd. It also has a beauty centre in Delhi to train consultants.

"The company would invest $6-7 million in the first year of operation. In terms of market share we are third in China and anticipate generating same success in India,'' Mary Kay Asia Pacific President K K Chua told PTI.

Mary Kay Forms Partnership with CMA

Associated Content | 7/23/2007

The partnership that has developed will certainly provide enormous benefits to both sides. Mary Kay hopes to reach new customers through their services that they will provide to the Country Music Association. At the same time, the members of CMA hope to reach consumers of Mary Kay that also have a love of Country Music. Mary Kay currently has a network composed of more than 700,000 independent beauty consultants and their customers.

New Mary Kay Products to Brighten Eyes

Fibre2fashion.com | 7/9/2007

The new TimeWise Firming Eye Cream, MK Signature Facial Highlighting Pen, MK Signature Ultimate Mascara, MK Signature Lash Lengthening Mascara, MK Signature Waterproof Mascara and MK Signature Liquid Eyeliner deliver superior results to the most noticeable and the most attractive part of the body the eyes.

“With the growing consumer demand for innovative eye products that deliver multiple results, we've expanded our TimeWise and MK Signature by Mary Kay lines to include a new collection of products focused on the overall appearance and care of the eye area,” said Yvette Franco, vice president of product brand development at Mary Kay Inc.

Mary Kay Launches MKMen in Russia

Cosmetics in Russia | 7/6/2007

Mary Kay Uses Packetshaper

HULIQ - Hickory | 6/3/2007

Mary Kay operates a global business with more than 1.6 Million Independent Beauty Consultants. The company’s mission-critical supply chain system, which operates on a private network, gives planning staff near real-time access to materials forecasting activities, production scheduling, inventory management and fulfillment processing, to name a few. The company also hosts its own Web presence, including personalized "sites" for the Independent Beauty Consultants, together handling well over 90% of all orders. The sophisticated system lets Mary Kay maintain a competitive edge by satisfying demand while keeping production and inventory costs under control—no small task considering the company offers more than 200 SKUs.

Mary Kay Cosmetics in the Springfield Sun News

Springfield News Sun | 6/3/2007

Now the Springfield resident focuses her time on the business of beauty as a Mary Kay sales representative, which has proven to be a good second career. And the pay isn't bad, either.

While Stevens, an independent sale director, doesn't drive a Cadillac, she does sport a Pontiac Grand Prix, thanks to her 5-year-old business and the 75 consultants she manages.

As a director, Stevens earns income from her own direct sales and receives a commission from the sales of each consultant working under her.

"I came to Mary Kay at the right time in my life," she said. I enjoy meeting people and making them feel good about themselves. This just works for me."

Mary Kay Cosmetics, with headquarters in Dallas, was founded in 1963 by Mary Kay Ash. She had a background in direct sales and a desire to establish a direct-sales business that would provide opportunities to women and product lines women were comfortable selling.

The company's independent sales consultants number more than 1.7 million and operate in more than 30 markets worldwide.

Mary Kay in the Bowling Green News

Bowling Green News | 5/1/2007

Enterprising student finds success with selling make-up

University senior Melina Papantoniou goes to classes, works on campus and, oh yeah, has her own business.

Two years ago, Papantoniou became an independent beauty consultant for Mary Kay Cosmetics and now she's in the qualifications stage to become director.

"Being a college student ... is one of the best jobs you can have," Papantoniou said. "With our busy schedules and everything we have going on in our lives this opportunity is extremely flexible."

Papantoniou isn't the only one who appreciates the flexible schedule Mary Kay offers. Lisa Kmiec, sophomore, who became an Independent Beauty Consultant this past fall, said she was able to take three months off from Mary Kay.

"I started in October, but I've been doing it on and off because of school," Kmiec said. "The best part of Mary Kay is really being able to do it when you want to do it or have time."

Mary Kay Featured in the Herald News

Herald News | 4/8/2007

Joliet native Susan Hohlman has been a Mary Kay representative for 25 years. In that time, she has seen the company grow and change.

And while most women envision a Mary Kay consultant as the lady who brings make-up to her clients' homes, showing a small group of women how to care for their skin and change their look, that is only a portion of what today's Mary Kay consultant does.

Following the lead of another sales director out of Texas, in February, Hohlman opened a beauty center, which operates once per week.

Mary Kay Foundation Donates 20K

WISC News | 12/2/2006

The Hope House domestic violence agency got an early Christmas present this month: A $20,000 grant from the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation, the giving arm of the Mary Kay cosmetics empire.

The grant was one of $3 million given to 150 domestic violence shelters in all 50 states, but it will make a big difference here at home, said Hope House Executive Director Ellen Allen.

This year the organization expanded its children's program, hiring a full-time advocate to teach kids about personal safety and protect and counsel the area's youngest victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. They did it, Allen said, before they were sure they'd have the funds to support it.

"We just felt like if we're ever going to make a real difference in the long-term effects of domestic violence we need to do more with kids," she said. "It was a leap of faith."

USO Gives Mary Kay Beauty Treatments

MY SA | 10/24/2006

About 20 women carrying the heavy load of supporting a family with a soldier deployed to war or caring for their injured loved ones at local military hospitals were able to shed their worries Sunday to indulge in some pampering.

While the first USO Spa Day at the USO San Antonio Downtown Community Center may not have gone exactly as planned — a spa service provider and massage therapist had to back out at the last minute — the military wives and mothers were still able to enjoy beauty treatments from Mary Kay Cosmetics and Beauti Control consultants.

Mary Kay Cosmetics in the News

Pensacola News Journal | 10/22/2006

Local women find career happiness with Mary Kay company

Before finding her dream job, Kristen Marks was a practicing attorney. Emily Sims was vice president of a wireless company. Cari Pettit was a human resources manager. And Michele Larson was an administrative assistant.

The four Pensacola Bay Area women traded in their standard salaries, long hours and grueling workload for a job that they say is much more fun and rewarding: selling Mary Kay skin care and cosmetics.

Woman Earns 12th Mary Kay Cadillac

Times Record News | 10/1/2006

Pink has been a monumental color for Denise Kucharski - in good times and in bad.

The Wichita Falls woman has earned her 12th free pink Cadillac from Mary Kay Inc., a feat made possible after 26 years selling makeup and cosmetics for the Texas-based company.

Denise received her pink Cadillac, with a sticker price of $41,900, at Patterson's Downtown, with family, friends and Mary Kay colleagues joining in the festivities.

Her nearly three decades spent selling Mary Kay - building a directorship that consists of more than 280 representatives nationwide working under her - have earned her a dozen Cadillacs painted in a color only Mary Kay can order.

Mary Kay Cosmetics Begins Test Marketing in India

The Econonic Times | 8/23/2006

The US-based $2.2-billion company runs a one-of-its kind career car reward programmes for its top performing sales professionals with customised pink coloured cars. And although its stable is fairly varied including everything from Pontiacs to Mercs, the Mary Kay rewards programme has always been about the pink Cadillac.

According to sources, Mary Kay is starting test marketing in India and will consider going into full-fledged local manufacturing later. It is setting up a wholly owned subsidiary which will import skin care and cosmetic products for test marketing.

Sources say the company will then consider either making its products in India on its own or opting for contract manufacturers. If the test run is successful, Mary Kay will invest between $1-5 million over the next five years for manufacturing related activities...

Mary Kay ring new doorbells

Rockford Register | 8/7/2006

DALLAS — Hope of joining China’s growing middle class drove Xiang Jun Mei, a poor rice farmer’s daughter, to hawk Mary Kay products door-to-door and to everyone she met.

Wang Di started selling the American cosmetics to spice up her days of plodding, wifely chores and to earn the respect of her executive husband.

Both women see in themselves something of the late Mary Kay Ash, the bouffant, pink Cadillac-driving Texan who founded Mary Kay cosmetics in 1963. Increasingly, the company sees its future in these Chinese entrepreneurs.

China is the company’s fastest-growing and second-largest market, and it is expected to surpass the United States in sales in the next 10 years. Growing ranks of Chinese women are donning the Mary Kay uniform of tailored suits, reading Ash’s books translated into Mandarin, holding skin-care classes and professing the blonde matriarch’s go-getter philosophy.

Mary Kay Name David Holl President and CEO

Business Wire | 4/28/2006

In a related move, Richard R. Rogers, son of Mary Kay Ash and Company cofounder, assumed the title of executive chairman of the board. Rogers will continue to provide strategic direction and long-range planning for the privately held company that generated total wholesale revenues of $2.2 billion in 2005.

Mary Kay ordered to pay $26M

Dallas Business Journal | 4/7/2006

Dallas Business Journal - 4:28 PM CDT Wednesday

Mary Kay Inc. was ordered to pay more than $26 million in back royalties to TriStrata Technology Inc. in connection with a patent infringement case.

A state district court in Wilmington, Del., on March 31, denied Addison-based Mary Kay's post-trial motions and ordered the cosmetics company to pay $26.4 million in back royalties to TriStrata, the company said Wednesday.

Mary Kay said in a statement Wednesday that it would begin an appeals process now that a court judgment has been issued in the case.

Mary Kay Cosmetics said the original lawsuit, filed in 2001, is related to products Mary Kay created in the 1990s using its own patented Alpha Hydroxy Acid technology. The company says it no longer markets products containing Alpha Hydroxy Acid technology because anti-aging skin care technology has advanced.