The Mary Kay way. “I'd heard that 80 percent of all money earned was earned by people who were in sales, so I set out to find what I could sell.” That’s what eventually led Independent Senior National Sales Director Emeritus Mary Diem to a Mary Kay business.

Her college professor suggested she call one of his former students, who had become an enthusiastic Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant. Once she made the call, Mary felt she was taking the first step on her way to sales success. What she recalls as one of the most rewarding moments of her business was a conversation she once had with Mary Kay Ash. “I mentioned to her that my production had fallen during the time I was going through a divorce. She took my hand and, without any concern for the production, asked how I was doing. We talked about relationships and how they affect women. I was so touched. I knew this was a dream company. She taught us to have big dreams! She created a company where others could make their dreams become reality, too. I am forever grateful to her for that.”

Mary proudly looks back on some of the Mary Kay dreams she’s realized: “I went to my 10th high school reunion in a pink Cadillac. I earned and surpassed the top monthly commission check that I first saw in Applause^® magazine. I went to my 25th high school reunion as an Independent National Sales Director.”

Mary’s leadership lessons include several she is carrying with her into the future, as an Emeritus. “One of the most important things is confidence; also, liking what you do, running ahead and being surprised when you turn around and see that people are following you! I believe having a good sense of humor and the ability to laugh at yourself is an endearing quality, which also makes you very human and approachable.”

“Mary Kay taught us, by her example, that allowing others their time to shine was far more rewarding than shining the light on self. The ability to make someone smile and feel good about themselves is a lifelong lesson I will always strive to follow. Last, but not least...I learned to have an attitude of gratitude and to be grateful for each memory, each person in my life and each breath I take.”