No Excuses. Independent Senior National Sales Director Emeritus Candace Laurel Carlson believes there are two kinds of people; one finds a way, one finds an excuse. Candace says, “I’m the kind of person who goes over, under, around, or through any obstacle that stands in my way.”

Early in her Mary Kay journey that tenacity was put to the test when, as a high school English teacher, she requested time off to attend a Mary Kay event and the school denied her request. She resigned on the spot. That choice gave her a life she loved that included an exciting business she could work around her three children.

“Any endeavor takes practice,” Candace says. “You can’t judge your success on how well you start. If you will be patient and practice, you will be rewarded.” This strategy shaped Candace’s Mary Kay business and allowed her to grow into the leader that she is today.

As Candace looks back on her Mary Kay journey, she feels grateful for the increasing confidence and financial security her business brought her. “It has been a privilege and a joy to have spent my adult life associated with a Company founded by a woman who had a heart for other women. I hope the women I was privileged to influence will continue to ’pay it forward‘ by sharing skill sets and instilling belief and confidence in other sales force members. I’m especially proud that my daughter, Independent Senior Sales Director Jenna Marie Larson, will carry on Mary Kay’s legacy.”

Candace says the Mary Kay culture is one of opportunity, fairness, and generosity. In her next chapter, she would like to volunteer in political organizations to help ensure women receive fair treatment in the workplace and physical autonomy and equality in all arenas of their lives. She looks forward to leisure time to cook, read, and travel. Most importantly, though, she looks forward to time to spend with her three adult children; Erica, Jenna, and Reid.