Freedom, flexibility and opportunity. “I drove 200 miles through a blinding snowstorm to experience my first Mary Kay facial,” Independent National Sales Director Emeritus Mona Butters recalls. “I truly believe it was a divine appointment and that God called me to success and not failure.”

That facial led Mona to sign her Independent Beauty Consultant Agreement, and she began an illustrious Mary Kay business. Within three months, she matched her yearly salary as a speech pathologist and decided to pursue the Mary Kay opportunity full time. “I was so excited about the freedom, flexibility and opportunity to build my own business,” Mona says. “Growing up, I watched my dad as he loved his work, and I admired my mom’s happiness in the home. I wanted both.”

Mona was able to attend her sons’ sporting events while enjoying a lifestyle with financial security and first-class trips. “The Mary Kay opportunity has given me the chance to put God first, family second and be fulfilled in a business that supports women while allowing me to grow personally,” Mona says.

Looking back at her successful business she shares these words of wisdom: “I have found that the pain of discipline is easier than the pain of regret. I have learned that with God’s help, and with determination and persistence, we can make it happen. Has it been easy? No. Has it been worth it? Yes! The joy of being involved in the lives of others as they discover how great they are is exciting for me.”

Thirty-eight years of leadership lessons and skills has clearly prepared Mona for whatever the next chapter holds – whether it involves, coaching, teaching, fundraising and volunteering in her community or working with poverty-stricken children of the world. “Thank you Mary Kay for a blessed lifestyle, a rich, rewarding culture and a generous retirement.”