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Franchise Pick

Is Mary Kay Cosmetics a "Cult of Greed"?

by sean on February 9th, 2007

According to CultWatch.Com:

The modern definition of a mind control cult is any group which employs mind control and deceptive recruiting techniques. In other words cults trick people into joining and coerce them into staying. This is the definition that most people would agree with. Except the cults themselves of course!

HowCultsWork.com separates cults into three categories: Religious, Commercial, and Self-Help/Counselling. Of “Commercial” cults, they say:

Cults that use commercial gain as their base are called “cults of greed“. They will promise you that if you join them and follow their special programme for success then you will become very rich. Often they will hold up their leader as an example and explain that if you do what he or she says then you will be successful too. Commercial cults use mind control to get you working for them for free, and to make you pay for an endless stream of motivational tapes, videos, books and seminars all of which are supposedly designed to help you succeed, but in reality are designed to enhance the cult’s mind control environment and keep you believing in their almost impossible dream of success.

Comments from Franchise Pick readers on our recent (Does Pink Stink or is Mary Kay O.K.? ) post raise the question: Is Mary Kay Cosmetics an inspiring business opportunity that empowers women to reach their full potential OR an insidious cult that preys on the hopes and dreams of the vulnerable for their own financial gain? Do you have any experience with Mary Kay Cosmetics? Share your view by leaving a comment.

An ex-Mary Kay director named “Laura” shared this perspective:

…there IS the dark side of Mary Kay. I have seen it first hand. Manipulation, both emotional and financial; deceit in the form of pressuring to purchase unnecessary inventory before the consultant is given her alotted time to make that decision; withholding common known facts such as retention rates which would give the consultant a better picture of the possibility of success (or effort required) before taking a plunge to directorship and on and on - the list is long.

In the last 4 years, I have read hundreds of similar stories whereby the stress involved in perpetual recruiting, telling half-truths, being suppressed to tell the truth crushes the spirit. Not only are their spirit and enthusiasm diminished, the stress takes it’s toll physically. As a former director myself, I can attest to the stress involved in worrying about production (if we will make it this month or not….seemingly watching the month tick away. I’ve seen women pray to God for their next “Emerald Star” ( a recruit who will come in with a $3600 inventory) and use God and scripture to manipulate women into purchases, going on trips they really couldn’t afford, staying with MK even though they don’t want to (God brought you here, he’ll see you thru it type responses) and on and on…THAT is not enriching a woman’s life.

Many a consultant are driven away by abusive members. I’ve also witnessed good people become caught up in the recognition and praise aspect of the MLM and make poor choices about finances and family in pursuit of materialism (mansions, cars, jewelry, money).

MLM’s are very scary. Scary because they preach about God, yet pursue materialism. God said you cannot worship two Gods. Someone is going to lose.

Franchise Pick reader Vicki had this to say:

Many many people HAVE compared MK to a cult… and from my limited experience it is a cult…

People urging everyone to “join us”. Consultants spewing scripts that they were taught about how you can quit your J-O-B because MK will set you free. In order to earn a mediocre income, you have to work harder than any 9 to 5 job I’ve ever had.

I’ll keep my J-O-B.. and the great benefits I get with it as well. MK has no way of enriching my life. I have a better job, and I spend a lot less on other brands of cosmetics that make me look just as beautiful!

LEAVE A COMMENT: WHAT’S YOUR PERSPECTIVE ON THE MARY KAY COSMETICS CONSULTANT PROGRAM? IS IT A LIVELY, SPIRITED SALES PROGRAM , A CULT OF GREED, OR IS THE TRUTH SOMEWHERE IN BETWEEN?

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POSTED IN: BIZ OPPS/MLM, MARY KAY, xBuyer Beware

34 opinions for Is Mary Kay Cosmetics a "Cult of Greed"?

  • My MK Truth
    Feb 9, 2007 at 12:36 pm

    Mary Kay does resemeble a cult in many aspects. Those who are pro-MK will argue that because MK doesn’t have a tragic end result(such as Jim Jones with Jonestown) that I am way off base in my thoughts. Rick Ross, who is a noted cult expert, talks on his site (www.rickross.com) about how MLM companies have cult-like tendencies. In MK, consultants practically worship Mary Kay Ash and the NSDs. Also, they are encouraged to not associate with anyone who does not have a “positive” or supporting view of MK.

  • MK Rules
    Feb 9, 2007 at 2:29 pm

    MK is not a cult! The problems arise when ladies look to MK to fulfill all of their needs…financial, social, and spiritual. You are told you have unlimited earning potential, but not that you will be rich as can be with no work in no time. This is work, not a get rich quick scheme. As far as not being able to take the pressure to recruit, etc, each person is independent and can choose not to do so. If a person needs more confidence to voice this and do as she chooses, MK is not the business for her. You have to be able to make your own good business decisions.

  • Stacie
    Feb 10, 2007 at 7:06 am

    I have been a consultant for 3 yrs. I pursue MK mostly for the dicount, I like Mk skin care products. I have attended monthly training/breakfasts. I do not go to the seminars b/c it is not in my budget and I get no pressure to do so. My director has never pressured me into purchases. She encourages me to succeed, but many employers do the same. I enjoy being a beauty consultant and I do not think I have ever even asked someone if they would like to become one. As far as my NSD, I do admire her, and I admire Mary Kay Ash, but they are not the only successful women I admire. As far as MK being a MLM, I am not sure if it is. You do NOT have to recruit people to make money. If I have 1 twenty dollar sale in amonth, I simply dont make money. If I have a two thousand dollar sale, I do. Granted, if you become a director you have the potential to earn more, but only if that is what you want. MK is a closely knit “family”, but I dont think it is a cult.

  • MKis4GIRLS
    Feb 10, 2007 at 4:13 pm

    Mark Fuller is a perfect example of this. In all seriousness I hope people will watch this movie about MLM. It’s a comedy, but it lets you see into the life of a person who has been sucked into an MLM cult.
    http://www.believethemovie.com
    Mark Fuller instructional videos on Contacting:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUZko6oKt3Y

  • MLMK
    Feb 10, 2007 at 5:27 pm

    Mary Kay is simply sales…straight up. Yes you can spend time recruiting and that is a nice benefit to the business. But the distributors I’ve met that were successful were able to sell the product well.
    BTW MKis4GIRLS, are you a guy or a girl? I can’t tell, your screen name may be sarcastic. You posted on another page that Mary Kay is okay but here you seem to be saying it is a cult. Which is it.
    I watched some of the videos on that website http://www.believethemovie.com and that Mark Fuller guy is pretty funny I have to admit. Maybe you are trying to say that it is a cult if you act like him? When does the movie come out by the way? I’d like to see it.

  • Rachel
    Feb 11, 2007 at 3:24 pm

    I feel bad for the people that have had a negative experience with Mary Kay. I will assure you that a cult is not an accurate depiction of what Mary Kay is all about, nor is it that way in all cases.

    I have had nothing but positive experiences with Mary Kay. I have met a fantastic group of women that I highly respect. I’ve never felt pressured or “preyed upon” as some would say. I have only received encouragement and praise.

    I became a Mary Kay consultant first and foremost for the discount and to meet new people. I have shared my personal experiences with others and have gained some new team members as a result, but I also did not pressure anyone, or portray the company as a get rich easy business. To make money, it does require work.

    For me, much of Mary Kay is job/hobby satisfaction. Being able to help give a woman self confidence through makeup is a gift, that I enjoy giving.

    I will continue with Mary Kay. I love what I do. To me, there is no Mary Kay cult. To those that believe there is, I only wish you the best, and hope that you have a better experience in the future.

  • Franchise Pick - Ex-Mary Kay Consultant Shares Her Experience
    Mar 4, 2007 at 3:15 am

    […] In a recent post (which was prompted by disturbing comments left on Franchise Pick), we asked: “Is Mary Kay Cosmetics a Cult?” This prompted a number of comments that can be viewed on previous posts (”Does Pink Stink or Is Mary Kay OK?” and “Is Mary Kay Cosmetics A ‘Cult of Greed’?”) […]

  • Joan
    Jul 27, 2007 at 7:01 am

    I have been an independent beauty consultant with Mary Kay for about 1 year. I did not give up my job, but added Mary Kay as a hobby/part time business for the opportunity to meet other women and to use and share the wonderful products with other women. I do not feel pressured to sell, recruit or associate only with Mary Kay “people”… it is no get rich quick sceme and, as with any business, the start up takes effort - you can do as little or as much as you want with your business - it is your business - with inventory on hand, I can fill orders and deliver promptly as well as have everything on hand for my own personal use - the product also makes very nice gifts - the product is high quality and priced competitively with other quality products on the market. I do not pressure people to have parties or buy product - I provide information, offer good specials and treat others as I would have them treat me.

  • Strawberry
    Jul 27, 2007 at 3:00 pm

    Mary Kay to me is not a cult. I love there skin care products. My mom is 50, and do not have any wrinkles. I am 28 and I am told I look like I am 18. I do believe that some directors are just to pushy at times.
    I place a order when I get ready and not when I am begged to. I moved so I stepped back from selling, until I got settled in. I am back to selling and I am doing great. I do not focus on recruiting like some do. I no when any of my customers want to sell they will let me no.
    There is no need to pressure anyone. I am going to work my business in a honest way. I do not lie to anyone. I open my shows with saying no pressure to buy. Buy only if you see something you like.
    I make them feel at home. When products are being discounted I let people no that. I just pull them off the shelf and sell them for 15% off. People go in to debt with this business, because they do not speak up for themselves. When my time comes as a director, I will just have to recruit lots of people to make production. I do not want to see anyone under me in debt.
    That is crazy! You should buy products when you are actually selling them. I can only speak for myself and how I run my business. It is a nice feeling knowing my customers still speak to me when the see me. I say hi and never bring up Mary Kay.
    I no if they need anything they will call. I always use e-mail to talk to my customers, must people perfer this method. I no it may take me longer to be a director. I just hand out my cards and that is it. This method works for me.

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  • Rollion Hampton
    Aug 20, 2007 at 3:41 pm

    Opportunity is a strange word. A $4200 opportunity or a $42000 opportunity? The first is a full store with Mary Kay cosmetics, profit level, but it takes work to be successful even with a full store. The second is a SMALL franchise investment, and it takes a whole lot longer to get to profit level than it does earning your weekly paycheck as a Mary Kay consultant. I am a mom of 11. Never could have gotten the money to do an expensive franchise, but I made a paycheck every week, my way, with Mary Kay. Week after week, after week, after week, ad infinitum, 16 hours a week and a consistent paycheck. If anyone doesn’t get that, well I’m sorry. It’s a job. I was willing to do the work. I still am.

  • sean
    Aug 20, 2007 at 4:52 pm

    I am a mom of 11.
    11 kids? God bless you for surviving, much less running a business. Good for you. However, if you ever decided to open a franchise you’ve got the family to staff it.

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    […] Kay Posts & Discussions on FranchisePick.Com Does Pink Stink or is Mary Kay O.K.? Is Mary Kay Cosmetics a “Cult of Greed”? Ex-Mary Kay Consultant Shares Her Experience The Dark Side of Mary Kay Cosmetics? Defenders of Mary […]

  • VEE
    Sep 21, 2007 at 8:59 pm

    This is very interesting! I have been in MK for 5 years and have had good and bad experiences. Mostly good. However, some of the negative things that a lot of you have experienced, I have seen and experienced. There are over 1 million women in MK, they aren’t all looking out for me! Some are clearly in for the money! Let’s be real, this is a business and the purpose of any business is to make money. The difference is what I choose to do with the experience. I want to thank everyone who has posted any kind of negative comment on MK. It has made me look at my own way of doing business and how I want to start doing business. I have been inactive for 6 months because I wanted to take the time to rethink my MK. I do plan to become a director. I want to be a catalyst for change. A positive change. I know all the rhetoric and lingo. I was smiling inside at some of the things said and mentioned. Some things rang very close to home. I do believe in MK and all it has to offer. God first, family second and career third. We all have to take responsibility for what we have done or said. Or NOT done or NOT said. If MK is not for you, and you can truly say you gave it your all, then God bless you! If you are just going by what someone else experienced then shame on you! So if you still have a little hope for your MK business, lets get back in there and take charge and turn this thing around!!! Dont give up! Do something different! Together we can make this company what Mary Kay Ash really wanted it to be!

  • KarenFoster
    Oct 11, 2007 at 11:00 am

    My friend, Tania, just started Mary Kay a few months ago. She is the type of girl who will believe anything and everything she hears if she feels it will change her life in a positive way. She has read everything about Mary Kay Ash, and spews out quotes from her book on a constant basis. She acts like the woman who recruited her is a saint, and treats directors like gods. Tania believes in this company whole-heartedly. She says the woman are so positive and helpful, that she’ll make $10,000 a month in no time. She purchased several hundred dollars worth of products when she began. She sold next to nothing soon after she began, and fugured it was because she could not focus entirely on MK because of her job. So, Tania quite her job and went full-time MK. She believed everything the company told her, which is fine, and did her very best to succeed. Still she made no money, except from family members. She spoke to the woman who recruited her, Bonnie, and she told Tania that perhaps the problem is that she is not outgoing enough. Perhaps she feels intimidated by contacting a whole bunch of women because subconciously she feels like she doesn’t have enough inventory. Tania ate this up. She purchased $4000.00 worth of products with a loan, and must be able to pay back that loan in 4 months. Since that purchase she’s made $75.00. She tries so hard, and believes so strongly in the product and in the company. But if you ask me, my friend Tania is getting royally screwed out of her money. She is being pressured to recruit, but gently. “If you want to go higher up in this company, just recruit somebody.” “Okay, now recruit 5 more.” “Alright, now only 20 more! You’ve almost earned a pin!”
    It’s so lame! Yes Mary Kay has good products, and yes the women there are very kind & energetic. My friend has put so much money into this, money she doesn’t have, and believes so deeply in the company. She stands to get totally crushed by this business, they make it sound so easy, and she believes them. She beats herself up over not being able to do as well as the directors did in their first year. She’s losing money, she’s losing confidence, and the whole time thinking this company is a blessing.
    This company is a joke. The product is great, but the deception of these women is deplorable.

  • Amanda
    Nov 16, 2007 at 6:51 am

    MK is definitely not a cult in my personal opinion. I love the products, I love the business, I love being a consultant. Every woman that I know in the business is just trying to make women feel better about themselves from the inside out. MK is not just about skin care or cosmetics, it’s about a dream that one woman had in the 60’s when women were not the sole providers for their families. Mary Kay Ash wanted to provide for her family and also have time to spend with her children and care for her husband. That is an honorable reason to start a business. Most women that start into their careers have that goal in mind when they go out and try to make sales. All the jewels, money, cars, appreciation, friends, and memories are the incentives of hard work, not materialistic religion.

    Simply saying that MK is a cult is just as poposterous as claiming every successful business is a cult. It’s called work. People have to work to survive - that’s life. Being great at what you do is called talent. Being a talented employee is called success. Haing success in mind when you start a career is called a goal. Notice how cult isn’t anywhere in the picture?

    Mary Kay NSDs are wealthy because they worked hard to get there. They worked hard because there was nothing holding them back and to be successful they had to do it on their own. Every MK beauty consultant is her own boss. That being said - if the consultants are to succeed and make it to the top, they need to be guided and built up by those who are already at the top. The top is lonely and in MK, we all want to share the top together!

  • Anna B
    Dec 1, 2007 at 8:15 pm

    I’ve been a consultant for 4 years and just recently became very active again. When I first started I was in college and held a small inventory to sell to family and close friends. I decided to become more active in selling since my full-time job can be quite boring at times and because my husband is still in school. Essentially, I was bored!!!
    I invested in a bit more inventory this time so I could have products available after facials and classes immediately for my customers. It has been a great decision so far because I’ve been realistic with myself. I made a responsible decision to be more conservative at first and as my business grows so can my investment. If any women have felt pressured I feel bad for them and for those pressuring her. My director encouraged me to be reasonable and consider how much time I would be working my business and what my goals were.
    As for the whole cult aspect. I would like to think that this portion of the definition of cult applies the best: “something popular or fashionable among a particular section of society”. Regardless of whether someone believes it to be a cult or not, it is a group of women who have a common goal and passion. No matter what that passion is for there is always someone who will think you’re crazy for what you believe in.
    I have to say though I love MK products and sharing them with the men and women I know!

  • V Stone
    Feb 1, 2008 at 4:11 pm

    As a former director for 14 years I have to say that Mary Kay is a very cleverly disguised “CULT” You are brought into the fold and praised and nurtured as long as you are producing “orders” for the company. What most people do not understand is that the company does not have a customer base. The only true customers of the products are the “consultants” The company is privately held and therefore all actual facts about retention rate of consultants is withheld. Also true sales figures are not available as the company only has the figures of what the consultants bought at wholesale price. They take this figure and double it to give a false retail figure. They do not take into account all the product that has NEVER been sold. Check out ebay and the internet just to see how much is out there and then think of all the women who bought product like the examples above believing they would be successful too. This is an outdated business model due to the creation of the internet. Mary Kay has been able to keep their sales force in the dark until the internet exposed what really goes on behind the scenes. So I have to say that Mary Kay is a cult and I was brainwashed for years until I was left spiritually, emotionally , financially and mentally bankrupt. It has taken several years of therapy to heal the wounds this company has inflicted. Thanks to web sites such as http://www.pinktruth.com I realize I am not alone in my experiences. Of course as soon as this is printed there will be people “outraged” at my view. This is just another example of the “cult” mentality that anyone with a differing opinion must not be allowed to voice that opinion.

  • Rachel
    Feb 11, 2008 at 11:00 am

    HOW DARE YOU!!!!!!!! Mary Kay is awsome. :P

  • Lilith
    Feb 14, 2008 at 9:20 am

    As a former MK consultant, I can say without a doubt that it is a cult. I belonged to 3 seperate covens and each of them required my money every week to rent a banquet room at a Holiday Inn for meetings in which we sang STUPID songs with hand gestures i.e. Pink Cadilac - oh, the horror. I was subjected to any number of strange and humiliating things had me wondering if it was truly a front for Candid Camera. It felt more like Romper Room lead by a Tammy Fay Bakker-esque Director, one of whom had a sparkly wand that she waived over new recruits to wish them a speedy directorship. I don’t know how many Harry Potter Fans there are in this forum but every Director or wannabe reminds me of Delores Umbridge. The MK weekly meeting motto is “Those who show up, go up!” but in truth it’s really “those who show up, throw up.”

    I gave it 2 very honest tries in which I truly went at it with gusto (the first time I signed up I wasn’t in to it). The company motto is God first, Family second, Mary Kay third but that couldn’t be furthest from the truth. Mary Kay comes first. Period. I was told by every director or recruiter that Mary Kay allows you to move at your own pace but that isn’t true either. They hound you incessantly. They will even go as far to say that God led you to MK and that’s is what you are meant to do. 100% of the women I know involved with MK have left. Several of them have been high earning Directors who became very disillusioned with the company.

  • Dana
    Mar 17, 2008 at 12:33 am

    I am sorry to see that women who truly say they came into Mary Kay for whatever reason now have to down grade a company who has changed and enriched my life and others.
    Mary Kay is like any other J O B. You work you get paid. I have read these opinions and Thank God you did give up and moved on to something else. But you know I have always been taught that when God leads the path and we go walk on that path he will provide, but once we decide to change and go off the path our life begins to change. If God is ready for you to take another journey in life then consultant, director or what ever your title is in Mary Kay he will close those doors the sameway he will with any thing else he prepared for you to do. Seeds of life are planted everyday and then someone else comes and waters so the journey can grow to its fullest. You might have been only the one to plant,water or fill it to the fullest.
    God is apart of this business. And putting your family second and career third is how ALL jobs should be looked at. Because 1st of all we would not be living if it was not for GOD. 2nd Family is always second in my JOB. 3rd if you work then your JOB is your Career.
    Families today are no longer spending time together on the weekends because their parents have 2 or 4 jobs just to pay a mortgage. I would rather take 2 or 3 hours of my Mary Kay and once a week to make money than to NEVER see my kids or husband.
    Which my husband now has to travel 6 to 7 months out of the year with his job because if he does not then he want get paid so do you think he will guit just because he is away from the kids and me and can’t see us! No. This is giving where some think it is taking away.
    I love my career in Mary Kay and would not look back and change because everything I have gone thru with my business has made me the lady I am today. Best wishes to those reading my opinion.

  • Delilah
    Mar 26, 2008 at 9:20 am

    Women are delusional if they think that Mary Kay provides more time with the husband and kids. It’s one of the main reasons I quit. It was the main reason every person I have ever known in Mary Kay quit. They got tired of the constant traveling, the constant facials that went on late into the evening to accommodate women’s working shedules. They got tired of calls from Directors on why they did or didn’t do something or from clients calling at odd hours or during meal time to place an order or make an exchange. The funny thing is, I’ve had several friends make Director and they’ve all said the same thing that “Dana” above said only to have later recanted it all. Some of them YEARS later but they did recant….

  • Angie
    Mar 28, 2008 at 12:13 pm

    I was a consultant for a while. I didn’t very well because my area was saturated with Consultants. On time of that it was a big city area where stores like Macy’s Nordstroms, Bobbie Brown, MAC and Sephora abounded. I suppose Consultants can do well in small towns where the biggest store is miles away. I did not enjoy my experience at all and am $10-15K in the hole for it. What I didn’t like about it was how women who were less fortunate than myself were getting bamboozled into become consultants. These gals couldn’t even afford the $2 meeting dues let alone $1200 worth of inventory. I am a sadder but wiser woman. I don’t knock those who try it. I know I never will again.

  • Tammy
    Apr 10, 2008 at 9:47 am

    Your success depends on you. Having the right attitude takes you a long way and that’s with any situation. Of course, all businesses have ups and downs, productive periods and slow periods. Don’t give up because things aren’t going your way right away. Success does not happen overnight. If you have tried one way that does not work, try another way. Don’t waste time and money, educate yourselves before taking a huge step. It may take time to get off on a great start, don’t invest thousands of dollars if you don’t know what you are doing. If you are interested, attend a meeting, it is free if your are not a member, ask questions, meet up with an Independent Beauty Consultant one on one, test the products, go to the website there are many educational and motivational tools the will help through the journey of Mary Kay. Also, the education and motivation may help with many personal experiences, it has for me. Your character and outlook on life determines if something is right for your, rather it be a relationship, a job, choosing associates or friends. If your are a negative person, of course Mary Kay is NOT for you. If you feel that someone has forced you into doing something by just talking, then maybe your a weak-minded individual. Get your mind right.
    With Mary Kay you work at your own pace. Your success depends on how much time and effort you devote to your business. You shouldn’t feel pressured to do anything you aren’t ready to do. If you do, you maybe your dealing with some personal issues that you might want to tackle before taking another step. Just being honest. It’s true! Reevaluate yourself, do things build your confidence and stay away from negative people. However, before deciding to anything, start business, take a job, get married, seek an answer from God. Pray about it. Mat. 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be given to you as well”. (NIV)
    Mary Kay is not a cult, it is just a way of life.

  • If it is a cult, the individual who defines it as such, makes it so.
    Apr 10, 2008 at 9:56 am

    religion: a system of religious or spiritual beliefs, especially an informal and transient belief system regarded by others as misguided, unorthodox, extremist, or false, and directed by a charismatic, authoritarian leader
    2. religious group: a group of people who share religious or spiritual beliefs, especially beliefs regarded by others as misguided, unorthodox, extremist, or false
    3. idolization of somebody or something: an extreme or excessive admiration for a person, philosophy of life, or activity (often used before a noun)
    the cult of youth
    a cult hero

    4. object of idolization: a person, philosophy, or activity regarded with extreme or excessive admiration
    5. fad: something popular or fashionable among a devoted group of enthusiasts (often used before a noun)

    6. cultural anthropology system of supernatural beliefs: a body of organized practices and beliefs supposed to involve interaction with and control over supernatural powers.
    7. sociology elite group: a self-identified group of people who share a narrowly defined interest or perspective.

  • Delilah
    May 7, 2008 at 6:45 am

    Wow - the definition above definitely describes the Mary Kay business.

  • Shirley Byrd
    May 8, 2008 at 7:52 am

    Mary Kay is a great business if you live in the sticks. If you live in a large city with tons of stores and tons of consultants it isn’t so hot. You can be one of the most positive people on the face of the earth, charming as all get out, you aren’t going to have a big following if there are a bunch of other women selling the same thing. Some Directors tell their consultants that they can sell their products at work. In many places of business that practice if frowned upon. I never really cared for telling people they could “model”. That’s just me. It works for others. Mary Kay a cult? Nah, just another pyramid type of business.

  • Lizzete
    Jun 2, 2008 at 11:38 pm

    OMG, I have been suckered into Mary Kay. I am a new consultant and they do play mind games. It’s a good thing that I researched Mary Kay online to find out if it’s ligit or not. With other websites and other comments I am more aware of what Mary Kay’s gimmicks are. And I will not buy the on the shelf products because that is where they get new consultants. I’m just going to do my first party and hizzle.

  • Jane Piano
    Jul 1, 2008 at 8:48 am

    I used to sell Mary Kay. I learned the hard and expensive way. It difficult to run a “business” when you are not allowed to advertise or have competitive prices. I agree with a previous poster who said she was not comfortable asking people to “model”. Neither was I. My job also forbids selling anything a work. Even the women selling Girl Scout cookies got reprimanded. If you live in a quiet area where the stores are few and far between then Mary Kay is a good business for you. Good luck to all.

  • sean
    Jul 1, 2008 at 1:37 pm

    Business opportunities and franchises often start out designed to enable the rep/franchisee make money. Once they get big and have a powerful brand, it’s often too tempting to pick away at the profitability of the rep/franchisee - just because you can get away with it. Everyone in business pushes to see how far they can go and what they can get away with. If no one pushes back - either out of obedience or complicity - the business model ceases to be viable and becomes a bit pyramidish. What’s sad about MK is it perhaps started as a way to empower women, but seems to deflate self esteem and empty purses quite adeptly. I wonder if Mary Kay and Wal Mart’s Sam Walton are proud, embarrassed, or pissed off when they look down (or up) and see what’s going on with their companies.

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  • Wendy Hamilton
    Aug 7, 2008 at 2:40 pm

    The first comment on this post referenced Rick Ross as an expert. While Rick Ross proclaims to be an expert on all sorts of supposedly dangerous groups and organizations, he has no degree of any kind and is a convicted felon. See:(http://www.richard-ross.info/)
    Rick Ross is considered by other accredited experts in his field to be a self-promoter and has gotten into numerous disputes that have devolved into personal attacks on the part of Rick Ross. See: (http://www.freedomofmind.com/stevehassan/responses/attack_response.htm)

    He seeks out self promotion at the expense of many innocent groups and people. His opinions of Mary Kay a company that has whether liked or not given thousands upon thousands of women a legitimate access to economic independence, should be taken with a grain of salt.

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