The choice is right. Independent Elite Executive National Sales Director Emeritus Kathy Helou’s I-story takes the prize. She first heard about Mary Kay® products while she was a contestant on "The Price is Right" game show. Instead of a car, she won an assortment of Mary Kay® products valued at $56. "I was 27 years old, wore very little makeup and was a sun worshiper," Kathy recalls. "I also was on medical leave from my job, having been diagnosed with anorexia nervosa. I cannot imagine all that I would’ve missed had I not won that prize on that game show in 1979,” Kathy exclaims. “I’m so thankful for the greatest opportunity in the world for women.”

Kathy was so impressed with the products that she purchased more from an Independent Beauty Consultant. She finally started her own Mary Kay business, and what a business it has been! Kathy was the first Independent Sales Director to reach the $2 Million-Dollar sales mark, was a Mary Kay Inner Circle National Sales Director for numerous years and earned her way to the title of Independent Elite Executive National Sales Director, with seven Independent National Sales Director offspring, before debuting as an Emeritus. “The legacy I’m most proud to leave will live on in the hearts and minds of the amazing offspring National Sales Directors in our Legacy of Grace family,” Kathy says. “I am indebted to and so proud of Phyllis Sammons, Heather Carlson, Sue Uibel, Elaine Kimbel Williams, Melody Fox, Jeanie Tamborello, and Bridget Shaw. I believe Mary Kay’s legacy and the Legacy of Grace family are secure in their capable hands and hearts.”

Kathy’s love for her business comes not from how much in commissions she’s earned, but how it’s affected her family. "During my 37 years as a Mary Kay businesswoman, both of my daughters, Jordan and Sidney, came home from the hospital in a pink Cadillac and were influenced greatly by Mary Kay’s philosophies and principles. I believe they were shaped by her Godly principles and that has made them the strong, goal-setting, caring and creative women they are today. I am extremely proud of them.”

Today, Kathy says she could write a book with what she learned in her Mary Kay journey, and adds that many of the things she would say to a new Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant are the same things she would say to all new Mary Kay Independent National Sales Directors: “Never dig up in doubt what’s been planted in faith in your heart. Only take advice from someone with whom you would trade places. Inactivity is the darkroom where negatives develop. Stay in motion, doing the right things to move you to your next step. Make it your mission to serve others and it will serve you well. And lastly, a bible verse that has rested on every single datebook of mine since day one and, 37 years later, still does: Commit your work to the Lord.”