Mary Kay empowers women to do great things.

Mary Kay Ash founded Mary Kay Cosmetics on Sept. 13, 1963, with her life savings of $5,000. Today, Mary Kay is one of the largest direct sellers of skin care and color cosmetics in the world. Mary Kay products are sold in more than 35 markets worldwide, and the company's global independent sales force is approximately 3 million strong.

Ours is a business where selling results from a truly personal one-on-one relationship a friendship.

Mary Kay Ash was ahead of her time, all the time. She changed the world of business by creating more opportunities for women, built a company guided by her values and empowered women by putting them in control of their own future.

Mary Kay Ash launched her business more than 50 years ago, but she continues to be a source of inspiration to millions today. Her values live on in the company she built, and her mission of empowering women is as important now as it has ever been. Mary Kay Ashs lifetime of achievements made her a trailblazing entrepreneur, and her lasting legacy has made her an icon.