Comments on: Is Mary Kay Cosmetics a "Cult of Greed"?

By: Jenny

Jenny — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 00:46:57 +0000

Well, this is interesting. I am a Sales Director with Mary Kay and love it. Yes I’ve had bad days, days I wondered if I was doing the correct thing. Days I wanted to quit, but I have much more good days. Mary Kay is a job! I think all the bent out of shape, sarcastic, mad women you hear and read on this site and others are just victims and like to blame when things don’t work out the way they think. The reason they “Don’t work Out” is because they “Didn’t work it like a job” And That is the Pink Truth! You get as much out of anything and you put into it. Sorry for all those who didn’t like MK, but you know what thats why our company offers 90% buy back, I gaurantee you there not any other business that would do that. Be Blessed in whatever venture you put your whole heart into!!!

By: Wendy Hamilton

Wendy Hamilton — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 21:40:54 +0000

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.

By: iKAYBOT: RESISTANCE IS FUTILE!

iKAYBOT: RESISTANCE IS FUTILE! — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 17:41:49 +0000

[...] Is Mary Kay Cosmetics a “Cult of Greed” (32 Comments) [...]

By: sean

sean — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 20:37:51 +0000

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.

By: Jane Piano

Jane Piano — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 15:48:09 +0000

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.

By: Lizzete

Lizzete — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 06:38:57 +0000

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.

By: Shirley Byrd

Shirley Byrd — Thu, 08 May 2008 14:52:38 +0000

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.

By: Delilah

Delilah — Wed, 07 May 2008 13:45:23 +0000

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

By: If it is a cult, the individual who defines it as such, makes it so.

If it is a cult, the individual who defines it as such, makes it so. — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 16:56:47 +0000

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.

By: Tammy

Tammy — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 16:47:09 +0000

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.