All About Me
I have been an Independent Beauty Consultant since 2003. I am currently a Senior Consultant on the verge of Star Recruiter. My Red Jacket hangs in my office daring me to put it on! The goal is to wear it by June 1. 
My ultimate goal in life is to work from home. I believe I can reach that goal in due time — even though those around me do not.
Prior to joining the Mary Kay independent sales force, I was teaching and performing ballet and working part-time. When I was no longer able to teach dance and I made the difficult decision to stop performing, I wanted to find something else I could identify with. So far, this seems to be it. 
My Former Life:
Before this 9–5 rat-race and the discovery of Mary Kay, I was a ballet dancer. Dance was all I knew. It was pretty much all I did from ages 4-26! Sure, I took piano lessons, gymnastics, sang in the choir, and performed in plays; but first was DANCE!
Was I any good? Perhaps. It’s a matter of artistic opinion. Where did I dance? All over! I danced at The School of Cleveland Ballet, University of Cincinnati, Cleveland State University, and last (certainly not least!) The Joffrey Ballet School in New York City. I danced semi-professionally with a company in Ohio from the time I was a senior in high school until I retired in 2002.
I lived, breathed, ate, slept nothing but dance. It was my passion; my purpose; my identity. Everyone who knew me knew I danced. I performed regularly at local theaters. People in the community would recognize me from my shows. I was even asked to sign “autographs” for children in restaurants! Yea, kind of odd, I know, but kids see you on stage and then they see you out and about and they get excited.
Dance was my first true love (yes, not a man — DANCE). This was what I lived for. I conditioned, worked out, you name it. I danced 30+ hours a week. I was in some excellent shape! Many relationships didn’t last because of my career. Men just don’t like to share when it comes to time! I was dedicated.
So, how come I don’t dance anymore? Why did I stop? What happened? Lots of things happened. After my summer in New York, I wanted to move to NYC and dance. My parents said, no. College was the way for them or the highway. They said they would not support me if I didn’t go to college. I was 19. I could not afford NYC alone. I stayed in Ohio and continued college while dancing here. I enjoyed it, but I knew I had missed the boat. I began auditioning for companies and schools. To no avail. I was too old for the schools (yep, you’re over the hill after 21 in the dance world!). I decided that if I wasn’t making real money in a more established company by age 25, then I would stop pursuing dance full time. I continued to dance until I was 27. By then, the politics were getting to me. There was too much drama and people in the company just weren’t genuine or nice anymore. Most of the people I had danced with in the past had either retired, quit, or moved on. So, in 2002, I was going to quit during the summer, but stayed on to perform in Cinderella. I was going to quit after the performance. My new boyfriend (now husband) encouraged me to stay on and do The Nutcracker that winter. I did–thinking he would come watch! He did not. It was his loss. It was probably one of my best performances. Fitting as it was my last.
I still hold a special place in my heart for dance. Sometimes I feel nostalgic for my “dancing days” as I like to call them. 
It was one of the happiest “eras” of my life thus far. I still dance when there’s a class available that I can squeeze into my schedule.
How I Learned About MK
In 2003, I was working part-time for a university. I had recently retired from dancing in a professional ballet company and was teaching ballet twice a week at a non-profit community organization. In April of that year, I was invited to a Mary Kay party. I had heard of Mary Kay, but I didn’t know it was skin care. I thought it was julst makeup. Had I known it was skin care, I probably would have turned down the invitation. Why? Because I didn’t trust any skin care after what a particular mall brand did to my face. I had horrible rough scars on my cheeks that my mom thought was rosacea. I was using Clean & Clear by Johnson & Johnson and didn’t dare moisturize in fear of a nasty breakout that might cause more scarring.
So, I went to this Mary Kay party expecting to just play with makeup. Much to my chagrin the woman wanted us to wash our faces first! I was leary, but figured one time wan’t going to melt my face off so I did it. Surprisingly, it felt wonderful. I was too afraid to buy it–worried it was a first time fluke. I bought the foundation. I was out of my usual stuff and the MK actually matched my skin tone perfectly. That was that.
Next, in May, a coworker handed out invitations to a “Step into Spring” party at her house. She was a consultant herself. I had been warned to “watch out” because she might try to sell me Mary Kay. Well, I’d tried it at the other party and liked it so I went to her house, too. (Note: I was completely unaware of consultant loyalty–that first lady didn’t try to keep my business.)
When I got to the Spring Party, I was asked to draw a slip of paper from a bag. The color of the paper determined my discount for the night! My color corresponded with 45% off! Not bad! (I guess I just wasn’t meant to pay full price!) I bought a mascara and Satin Lips Set. Off I went.
June came and went and I found out I would no longer be teaching ballet. I wasn’t making tons of money, but $20 per class was a nice supplement. The non-profit organization had lost its funding and wouldn’t be receiving its grant money. Back at the university, I was trying to switch to full-time with zero success. The man running our department was not nice about it at all and acted as though I didn’t know my position was part-time. I had even gone to HR and asked them how I might switch. They told me exactly what to do. It was the dept. head that was being difficult. I started thinking of other things to do. I wasn’t dancing anymore. Dance was a HUGE part of my identity. I knew I didn’t want to go back to that life. I had closed that chapter. I had too much time on my hands and wasn’t making enough money to simply take up a hobby. Besides that, I wanted to feel I had a PURPOSE. At least dancing had given me that.
In late June I learned that one of my best friends from high school was a Mary Kay consultant and my best friend (different friend) was hosting a party for her. It set wheels in motion! I liked the Mary Kay products. It seemed like a job (although, I had no idea how to get that job–I really thought you had to apply!). There seemed to be a purpose to it.
I went to a facial in July–just after my birthday. I finally broke down and bought the Basic. I told my friend I thought I wanted to sell Mary Kay. What were the qualifications to do that? (I thought you had to be qualified; after all, nobody EVER asked me if I wanted to do it) My friend gave me a tape called “Discover Something More” and told me to listen to that and to come to her Success Meeting the following Tuesday.
I listened to the tape on the way to the meeting. I thought it was kind of odd. Kind of cheesy from the outside. I got to the meeting and was met with tons of enthusiasm! I was seated at a round table with other guests. My director was conducting the skin care class. She recognized me from when I was in kindergarten! I thought it was funny since I was then in my late 20’s! The skin care class was fun. My director was very nice. I was listening to the other director who was training the consultants in the room. What I heard AMAZED me. I heard women being NICE to each other. SUPPORTING each other. CHEERING for each other. I couldn’t believe it. Most women were not so nice. I worked with very catty women. I had gone to school with girls who were jealous or had a chip on their shoulder or just liked to be mean. These women were nice and they were nice to me. I felt like I belonged! So, I signed up that night! And I have NEVER regretted it. I’m enjoying EVERY moment!!! Oh yea–and those awful scars and red marks? GONE!
Linda J
MJ
Jessica
beautyinpink
elaine
Stumble It!
I was always curiuos how people come up with these, well lets say cool titles for their blogs, i don’t have any imagination
In your case.. Shades of Pink.. WOW!
Hello.. Love your web site. I was looking for a review of the new mineral foundation. I asked my MK rep for a few samples and can’t wait to try it. Are you still as happy with it now as you were when you wrote the reveiw?
Hi Susan! Yes, I’m still lovin’ the mineral powder. I’ve found that I like it best on its own. I tried it over the liquid foundation and felt too made up. I think it covers well enough on its own without adding concealer. Everyone will have a different opinion, but those are my findings. I hope you like it as much as I do!
shades!!
You and I have something in common besides MK! We both had a love affair with dance!!
I too used to dance but abandoned it for more “realistic” expectations. I started in middle school (dance, gymnastics, pagents and cheerleading lessons are a right of passage for us southern girls) and was fortunate enough to dance through college because my minor was speech and drama, so I got to be in numerous productions. But after college I entered into world of grad school and 9-5 and I let it go. I cant complain, but I can totally relate to missing that feeling of perfoming and everything that goes with it. There is nothing like it! Some of my happiest moments were when I was singing and dancing on stage.
Anything that had to do with the performing arts was my weakness! My idols back in the day were Lola Falana, Rita Moreno, Debbie Allen and even Gene Kelly and Fred Astair! My favorite movie and soundtrack growing up was “Fame”, I even used to wear my leg warmers to class, not just because I thought it was cool, but we actually had rehearsal afterwards so I had to have them on.
I guess I am telling my age, but oh well
Anyway thanks for your bio, it really brought back some good memories.
That’s awesome, foreverpink! My dance heroes were Gelsey Kirkland, Maria Tallchief, Martha Graham, and Robert Joffrey. I have others, but I’m drawing a blank on names right now. My brain is fried–it’s been a rough day at the office!
Would you believe I have not seen Fame in its entirity? I really need to do that. I loved Flashdance–even though it was a total fairytale.
But, hey, I am happy you enjoyed my bio. Thank you.
Shades of Pink~There is something for you on my blog!
WOOF!
Aaaahhh~another answer to a question: you have been in MK since 2003.
Gotcha!
WOOF!
I had just sent you an invite as a friend on NaBloPoMo. I was just about to come here and let you know and you had already posted on my site! Too Cool! Woohoo!
Hee hee! I was trying to figure out how quickly that all happened!
I added you. Thank you!
I truly love your website. It’s awe inspiring. I was looking for a pro Mary Kay website because I was so bummed by the anti Mary Kay sites and blogs. Your site is refreshing to a struggling consultant who is not sure about whether or not to pursue this business after reading all the negative hateful anti MK comments. I know you have a lot of positive resources, but I’ll appreciate your response to this message, for extra encouragement. Thanks.
Hi Ann! Thank you so much for visiting and for your kind words. The very reason I decided to create my blog was to counter all the negative opinions that are on the web regarding MK. We can be positive here and still be realistic. How long have you been a consultant? I’ve been doing this for nearly 5 years now. There are times I have doubts about my business, but it boils down to determination and persistance. It’s not an easy business, but it’s certainly not impossible. Welcome and please visit often!
~Shades of Pink~
Just by chance happened upon your site. Love it!! I can’t begin to tell you how thankful I am to see a positive site out there. Thanks!
Hi Cyndi, thanks for stopping by!
Shades,
I am touched by your bio…I truly love your website, and will be reviewing it frequently.
I remember you from way back now - this incarnation of your blog is a much more attractive one - did you design it yourself?
Well, thank you, Lee. My brother designed it. He’s a graphic designer.
I’m happy to see you like it. Do you also post under the screen name “Scam”?
No - I think you have me mistaken with someone else.
Oh, OK.
Just wanted to thank you for that link
LOVE dance, LOVE Flashdance and Fame! Glad I took time to read your bio. Stopped over to say that I have a little something for you over at my place. With much appreciation, enjoy!
http://pinkbiz.wordpress.com/a-gift-for-you/
Pink Biz
I love your site; thanks for your honesty and optimism. I am a middle school teacher and tell everyone that I sell MK to support my teaching habit. It supports it more emotionally than financially. Education can be a very discouraging field and MK always bolsters my spirtis.
Hi Carla, thank you for stopping by!
I agree. MK is a great escape from the downs and outs of the average day job; at least , it is for me. 
I know that when I have a bad day at the office I feel highly motivated to work my MK.
I found your site through LinkReferral. Great information. Our company is launching a new product this fall. I would greatly appreciate your input, as a skincare professional. Much success to you!
Hi! I’ve been toying with the idea of becoming a consultant - I even purchased my starter kit. I’ve been on the fence about whether or not to pursue it once I read all of the information on the internet. To say the least, I was appalled at all the negative opinions of Mary Kay! The negativity certainly got the best of me and I’ve had doubts about my decision - until now! I came across your blog as well as Balanced Mary Kay……thank you for all of the positive energy and “real” information regarding Mary Kay. I am still not so sure about what to do, but I am so happy to see that many women have had positive experiences selling Mary Kay. Thank you!
Veronica…Welcome!!! What would you like to know? There are many women on here and on balanced that can help you or give you information to point you in the right direction. I hope that we can answer whatever questions you have. Again welcome and welcome to MK.
Bren
Veronica, thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words.
We are all here to help each other. That is one of the things I love most about being involved with Mary Kay. Let me just say that this business truly is what you make it. Best of luck to you in whatever you choose to do with your business. 
Thank you for the kind welcome ladies! I guess my concern about possibily embarking into Mary Kay is that I do not know many people as I am currently a stay at home mom and my extended family is not very interested in Mary Kay. My fear is that I do not know enough people to get started! Does that sound silly?
I suppose that I will need to step out of my comfort zone and really put myself out there in order to gain clients. Does anyone have advice? I would appreciate any insight before I take the leap and buy inventory!
Hello again, Veronica! No! That does not sound silly at all. I think many people who start a home based direct sales business feel as you do. The first thing my director has us do when we are new (and I tell my team to do this, too) is write out a 100 names list. Write down the names of 100 women you know with skin. If you get stumped, ask friends for help. I did this. I was amazed that I was able to get 100 names. What I learned was that I knew more people than I’d realized. This also helps you think outside your inner circle.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
Your family might not be interested in MK, but they might know people who are. I found out that my aunt is a long time Mary Kay customer! You never know.
Once you have your list, call some people and tell them about your business. Mary Kay does have what’s called the “Power Start Script.” I’m not a big fan of scripts, but you could peruse it and change it to fit your personality. If you want the script let me know. I can send it to you.
I am not a very outgoing person. This business has allowed me to really come out of my shell. Start writing down names. When you reach 100 tell your director. My director gives us a bee pin called the “booking bee pin.” She’s prize oriented.
Oh! And don’t stress about inventory. Yes, there are perks for ordering it soon after signing up; but if you are unsure, do what is comfortable for you. Get some appointments booked first. See how they go. You can do this. The biggest thing to keep in mind is to not get discouraged if someone says no. Hope this is helpful to you!
Thank you Shades of Pink! Your post has really helped!! At this point I’m going to look at Mary Kay as a means of coming out of my shell and to better myself. As a stay at home mom, I believe I’ve lost my self confidence and somehow “lost” me! This may be a great way to get out there, meet people and overcome some of my shyness. In the meantime, maybe I’ll make some extra cash! At this point, I’m only going to do a $600.00 inventory order.
Thank you for the encouragement! It is so nice to come to a blog where the people are so positive! Keep up the great work!
Veronica…Shades gives you GREAT ADVICE. Also when you are ordering I don’t know if you have the little pin that has MK on it if you don’t get you one it is in section 2 also get a bumper sticker for your car. I have had ladies see my pin and approach me or they see the bumper sticker and approach me. So just don’t give up. It does take getting out of your comfort zone and it might be a good thing to do that. Anyway I hope this helps also. One more thing always ask for referrals when you do sell to someone. With your family ask them if you can practice on them, what I mean by that is ask them if they will let you facial them you just never know once you get it on their skin they might like it. Just an idea.
Godspeed on your success
Brenda
“…even though those around me do not.” precisely why you should never stop. -g
i believe i saw you dance to “the planets”. My favorite was Uranus (inside joke).it is good to hear you’re doing well.
Hmm…do I know you in “real life,” soulequinox? I did dance in The Planets AGES ago!
ages ago…. have i gotten so old. i brought flowers that day. giselle remembers. what is real anyway??? when you danced, you created a world that became real to your audience. i was a fan of dance.i still am.
nope… never met.
ever consider choreography? never completely surrender your identity or your passion. guarantee it might be werth looking into. i found myself on your sight while following a thread on breast cancer and the three day. the style of writing seemed familiar so i read the bio… oddly familiar. i do wish you the best in your en devours and will continue to follow the blog….p.s. if there is life after dance, think there’s dance after life???
ok, you know me..mike says hello, greg is now 6foot 2, and i am working as a nurse. 4 other rugrats and married 7 years now(who’d a thunk)still working to the r.n. next. hopefully in 6 yrs i’ll be teaching nurse’s.(scary, i know.) be good to you. have a good vacation.
OK. You’re exactly who I thought you were.
Good to hear from ya! Sounds like you’re doing quite well, too.
happy new year!! soul told me about your site, great work. pink rules.
Happy 2009! Clever clever screenname.
Pink does rule. 
Thanks for visiting!
Hello Shades of Pink:
What a nice Site! I have stumbled on you quite by accident as I was looking for different NSD sites to use as part of my online Master Team to get me and keep me motivated. As the most respected Personal Development leaders of our time tell us - reach “up” for your mentors. I am an accidental Red Jacket -I do mean that literally - 4 girls just asked to be signed up for various reasons and I recruited 1 - my sister. After 16 mos, we are all still around. However, it is time for me to fish or cut bait, which brings me to a big reason for surfing for Mary Kay successful thinking people…I believe I need a power partner - has anyone gone down this road? Was it beneficial, successful? I am so glad I stumbled upon this site. Thank you.
Yay!! Beauty consultants unite!! Check out my blog, let’s link them together!!
Hi Shades!!
Well wishes for your ending 2009 and 2010 start with the desires of your heart! Sending wonderful thoughts your way to let you know I was thinking of you. We haven’t ’spoken’ in a very long time. All the more reason to say Happy New Year my MK sister!
I am up early this morning completing my Mary Kay inventory before my day gets started with a huge breakfast for all. Already I am excited to move ahead with New Year New You appointments on my books, and I have already begun sales for Valentine’s Day right after Christmas. I have a definite huge selling goal that I must track to accomplish what it is that I want to achieve. I even decorated my office with hearts and cupids already to keep the focus. Definitely making a shift in my business this year to achieve what I know I’m capable of doing.
Excited to hear back from you,
Pink Biz
So great to hear from you! Life has been more crazy for me than anyone could imagine! Seriously, it was an awful 2009 with unexpected family illnesses/circumstances for over 6 months which sidetracked me like never before. I just had to bolster up and make life, job, and business work among the myriad of that haphazard craziness.
My weekly plan sheet came out of hiding and my prayers went up. My recruiter also had a very difficult family situation with repetitive family illness. So, we both carved out non-negotiable days and times that were strictly MK, and got family on board with our plan. Incorporating MK into the LIFE happenings became a must. Every aspect of life was fast forwarding or so it seemed without our consent. It was our MK business that we could actively control and maneuver. Thank goodness we could take charge and ground ourselves among crisis in and out. That felt good, so did the rewards. Hope this helps you while your life is happening too! MK hugs!!!
Pink Biz
Just to let you know that I have included your blog to 100
Helpful Work At Home Blogs URL HERE.
Would love to get your feedback, and if you find it useful
please feel free to share it with your readers.
A link back is very much appreciated.
All the best,
Marianne
Hello,
Just to let you know that I have included your blog to 100
Helpful Work At Home Blogs URL HERE.
Would love to get your feedback, and if you find it useful
please feel free to share it with your readers.
A link back is very much appreciated.
All the best,
Marianne
Thank you, Pink Biz! That is very encouraging and inspiring. I’m so happy for you! I think I am now in a position where I can get my business going again.
You’re welcome! Non-negotiable took on a whole different meaning for my recruiter and myself. We had heard that term frequently (as you also) from directors, but it really struck a cord inside both of us when we were challenged with life swallowing our dreams at every turn. For me, I fought to get on track with MK. I know you will too! Today is a new day. I love it! You are ready to rock Shades. Have a wonderful 2010! Take charge, I believe in you!
Ok, I have a question. It is my understanding that we as MK Consultants cannot use the name MK in any way other than with something produced BY the company. Really, I’m not being glib or confrontational…but how is it you’re able to do a blog and use the MK name?
That’s an excellent question, Laura. What we can’t do is us Mary Kay or any variation of the company name in the web address. We have to use company approved linkage to our websites. Writing a post with testimony is not forbidden in Legal Ease. I read it often. I’m really not here to sell to the masses online. Mary Kay doesn’t work that way. I do refer my existing customers and potentials here to read about what I do and the work involved. The purpose of this site is not to sell, but to educate. I do use company approved linkage on the one page. I have not received any customers as a result of this site; just good friends in other consultants who enjoy reading it.
hi Shades,
My boyfriend who had finished reading the Miracle happened book by Marykay sent your site to me as 1 of my assigment readings. Worth it.
He once shared the MK catalog to his collegue and started getting orders. He got his product gift from me!I have stopped doing my MK biz fulltime as I am now working abroad. He just knew that MaryKay is my second love..and he makes all effort to direct me in enriching womens lives again thru our beautiful MaryKay mission and business.
more power and Godbless you more too.
amor