Mary Kay Ash
1918-2001 · American · 20th Century
Known for: Built a $3 billion cosmetics empire empowering women through direct sales
Retired from 25 years in direct sales after being passed over for men she'd trained. Started Mary Kay Cosmetics in 1963 with $5,000.
Built one of the largest direct-sales companies, famous for pink Cadillacs. Warm, evangelical about empowering women, fiercely competitive.
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