Pink bottles and shiny black containers adorn the vanity in junior Abigail Newman’s room. If you look closely, stacks of boxes fill her closet all bearing one name: Mary Kay, Inc.
Mary Kay Ash created Beauty by Mary Kay in 1963 with only $5,000 and a written set of goals. In a time when most women found it difficult to make it in the professional sector, she hoped to create a company in which any woman could have the opportunity to succeed. Now the company claims over two million consultants around the world.
For Newman and six other women at Hillsdale College, being a Mary Kay consultant is more than an after-school job. Under the direction of Associate Professor of History Dedra Birzer, these students learn about the importance of business and independence while providing many women in the Hillsdale area with quality products and service.
Birzer became a Mary Kay consultant six and a half years ago through the persuasion of one of her former students.
“I decided I wanted to give it a try. I realized I had the same cosmetics from my wedding eight year before,” Birzer said. “I thought I could help moms with small children like myself. I thought I could also help students.”
Thus, Birzer’s Brainy Beaties was born. Presently, the group consists of eight current Hillsdale students and 11 graduates.
Junior Michelle Smith became a Mary Kay consultant in November of 2010 after going to one of the “beauty school” nights Birzer throws every Tuesday.
“One of the girls in my hall won a facial with [Birzer]. That was the first time I tried Mary Kay. Mrs. Birzer told me she thought I would be good at it,” Smith said.
She has been selling ever since. Although the business can be difficult to manage at times as a student, the principles of the company help keep consultants on track, she said.
“It’s OK if something doesn’t work out,” Smith said. “If you keep going, you’ll have some sort of success. You have to tell yourself you can. That is what the company is founded on, that and [Mary Kay’s] Golden Rule. It says faith is first, family second, and career third.”
Smith’s dedication paid off. She has since earned back all the money she first invested into the company and is now making a profit.
“I knew going in if I wanted to make any significant money, I would have to put money in,” Smith said.
Newman joined the business in April of 2011 when Birzer provided her with the opportunity. She agrees with Smith that being your own boss can be hard to handle at times.
“It’s been stressful,” Newman said. “It’s the sort of business that thrives under full time attention, and, as a student, I cannot afford that. I’m just being honest. But it has introduced me to the world of business, the opportunity to deal with other women and get to know them personally, and be in a position of leadership and actual influence.”
Leadership and influence were also some of the reasons why sophomore Mary Kimmel decided to join the business.
“I would say I’m really academic and bookish, so I don’t have a lot of real world smarts,” she said. “That’s why I kind of did it. Getting some practical sense has been good.”
Kimmel’s big sister in Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority is also a consultant.
“We joke that it runs in the family,” Kimmel said.
All three women agree that being a part of Mary Kay instills confidence within each and every consultant and gives them the opportunity to make individuals feel beautiful about themselves. Being self-employed develops skills they can take with them after college and into any field of employment they each choose.
“You have enough people to support you, and you can motivate yourself. You can still be successful,” Smith said. “It also gives you confidence. The company is supportive. It’s about praising people toward success.”
The quality of the people and the quality of the products keep consultants and customers loyal to Mary Kay, Newman said.
“Even if I’m not a representative for the rest of my life, I will likely use the products for the rest of my life,” Newman said. “They are that good.”
Birzer, as the director of the unit, says she always tries to be a source of support for all of her girls. Her position creates a unique and special relationship with her students as well.
“I love having college students to work with. My Mary Kay business has allowed me to get to know students in a different way,” Birzer said. “It’s been a really great way to keep in touch with alumni as they move from being students to being friends.”
rturnbull@hillsdale.edu
