May Kay Ash was an American businesswoman and entrepreneur who founded Mary Kay Cosmetics, a company that became known for its iconic pink Cadillacs and its successful network marketing model.
Ash was born in Hot Wells, Texas in 1915 and grew up in a poor family. She faced many challenges and setbacks in her life, including the early death of her father and a difficult marriage, but she never let these obstacles hold her back.
After working a series of low-paying jobs and raising a family, Ash decided to pursue her dream of starting her own business. In 1963, she founded Mary Kay Cosmetics with just $5,000 in savings. She named the company after her two granddaughters, Mary and Katherine.
Ash's business quickly took off, thanks to her innovative approach to sales and marketing. She believed in empowering and supporting women, and she implemented a system of direct selling in which independent contractors, or "beauty consultants," could sell Mary Kay products directly to customers. This allowed the company to bypass traditional retail channels and reach a wider market.
Ash also believed in the power of positive thinking and self-motivation, and she instilled these values in her employees and consultants. She famously told them to "fake it until you make it," encouraging them to believe in themselves and their abilities even if they were feeling unsure or overwhelmed.
Ash's leadership and vision made Mary Kay Cosmetics a household name and a pioneer in the world of direct selling. The company is still going strong today, with millions of consultants and customers in more than 35 countries around the world.
Ash passed away in 2001, but her legacy lives on through the success of her company and the countless women who have been inspired by her story. She remains an inspiration to entrepreneurs and businesspeople everywhere, and her message of empowerment and self-belief continues to inspire generations of women.
