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  • Counting our Blessings

    by: Posted

    Today's guest blogger is Darrell Overcash, President of Mary Kay U.S.  Darrell Overcash joined Mary Kay in 1996 as Vice President and General Manager for the North Central Branch.  In January 2006, he became President of Mary Kay U.S., and his current responsibilities include all areas of the Company that directly support the success of U.S. and Canadian Independent Sales Force members.  Darrell graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., in 1983, and is also a Charter Member of the Texas Women’s Museum. 

    I‘m so excited that Christmas is right around the corner.  Now, I may be too old to get excited about unwrapping gifts, but my wife and children aren’t.  (That reminds me: I haven’t finished shopping yet!) But there are many other reasons I’m excited.  This is the time of year when people in general seem happier, more understanding and more forgiving.  Maybe it’s because of all of the celebrations or the familiar songs we hear every year. Or maybe it’s the spirit of caring, sharing and forgiveness that envelops us.  Whatever it is, I like it!  It just seems easier to forget about all of the other things going on in the world around us. 

    If you’re anything like me, the holidays are also a great time for reflection.  The end of another year is near, and a new year is about to begin.  My teenage children like that; me, not so much.  Regardless, I like to remind myself of the many wonderful things that have happened over the course of the past year.  I also take some time to think about what I could have done differently during the last 12 months, personally and professionally, so I can be better prepared for the future possibilities that are to come. 

    As I reflect upon these things, inevitably, I’m reminded of how blessed we are.  We’re blessed as a nation, as a Company and as individuals.  Yes, I know we’re still working our way out of a global recession, and I know many people have been through and continue to go through difficult struggles because of our economy.  Unfortunately, there are times when we do have to look harder to find a silver lining, but it’s there. 

    I know this article won’t post for a few days, but as I write it on December 7, Pearl Harbor Day, I’m reminded that we’re still a free nation after more than 200 years.  We’re a nation that provides hope and belief for a better future for other nations, as well.  I’m so proud of the brave women and men in our Armed Forces at home and abroad who fight for our right to remain free.  We can never thank them enough, and I hope you join me in praying for their safety. 

    I’m reminded that we’re part of an amazing Company.  We give hope to thousands of women around the world.  We’re a Company that does well by doing good, and that doesn’t happen by accident.  It happens by all of us being committed to the principles and values upon which Mary Kay Ash founded this wonderful Company back in 1963.  It takes hard work, and every single one of us who are part of Mary Kay Inc. has a responsibility to continue to live those principles by example.

    And I’m reminded that I’m personally blessed.  I have a beautiful wife and two loving children.  I know I said they’re teenagers, but they’re loving teenagers!  Each day, I have the opportunity to work with some of the most brilliant women and men in America, including our amazing Independent National Sales Directors, who faithfully carry the torch for Mary Kay’s mission; our Independent Sales Directors, who are the dream makers for their units; our Independent Beauty Consultants,  the heart and soul of the Mary Kay independent sales force; and our dedicated staff of employees who work tirelessly behind the scenes to support our independent sales force.  I’m humbled to be associated with every one of you because you carry on Mary Kay’s legacy and have made the Company what it is today.

    Is it any wonder that we have a bright future?  I love this time of year, but I’m so excited about the new doors that will open for us next year.  Regardless of whether you’re part of the Mary Kay “family”  as an independent sales force member, customer or employee, I hope you’ll join me to make 2011 our best year ever! 

  • The Spirit of Giving

    by: Posted

    Jennifer Cook, Mary Kay Inc. Executive Support and Museum Director

    Today’s guest blogger is Jennifer Cook, who has literally spent a lifetime at Mary Kay Inc.  Having been with Mary Kay Inc. since 1971 and working closely with Mary Kay Ash as her administrative assistant for over 25 years, Jennifer is totally committed to passing on Mary Kay’s values and legacy which are the cornerstone for the success of Mary Kay Inc. Jennifer has served as the Director of the Mary Kay Museum, is a member of the Board of Directors of the Mary Kay Ash Foundation and also serves as a permanent member of the Company’s Culture Committee, which is committed to preserving the philosophies and principles of Mary Kay Ash. 

    The season of giving is upon us, and how blessed we are at Mary Kay Inc. to be a part of a Company whose mission is to enrich women’s lives.  When Mary Kay Ash started this Company in 1963, she had no idea the impact that it would have worldwide.  Her goal was simply to give women in the Dallas area the opportunities she had been denied.  As the Company grew, Mary Kay began to receive letters from independent sales force members across the United States telling her how their lives had been changed because of their associations with Mary Kay Inc.  Not only were they able to help their families financially, but they began to experience personal growth and self-assurance as they developed Mary Kay’s “you can do it” attitude.  As the numbers grew and the Mary Kay philosophy of giving permeated throughout this organization, Mary Kay Ash realized the effect that this Company could have on a cause.
     
    This spirit of giving has now become a worldwide force.  Just recently, I was looking back over the 2010 MKWorld newsletters (our global corporate publication), and my heart was touched to read about all of the good work being done in Mary Kay’s name around the world.  I thought of how proud she would be that our organization is changing lives in so many countries.  When something touched her, she would say “that it warmed the cockles of her heart.”  How blessed that heart would be to read all of these wonderful stories of giving.  Mary Kay Inc. is making a difference, as these headlines announce: “Kazakhstan Babies Get New Hope”; “MK Mexico Helps Hurricane Victims”; MK Korea Opened 9th, 10th Pink Dream Libraries”; “In Moldova, Beauty Battles Human Trafficking”; “MK US Advocates for Victims of Domestic Violence”; and “New Schools Serve Nearly 2,000 Sichuan Children.”  These are just a few of the charitable campaigns taking place worldwide.  And we are being recognized for these philanthropic efforts.  Social Responsibility Awards have been presented to Mary Kay China, Mary Kay Kazakhstan and Mary Kay Ukraine. 
     
    Each country is doing its part to share the “Go-Give” spirit, and these works are impressive.  But when you consider them collectively – and for an entire year – there is only one word to express what we’ve achieved: WOW!  As 2011 approaches and I continue to peruse my copy of MKWorld each month, I won’t just scan over these stories of caring, giving and sacrifice.  I will look at them as part of the overall global impact that we’re having. I’ll be reminded with pride how Mary Kay planted a seed in Dallas, Texas, in 1963 and how that seed is changing lives for the better across the globe.