Against All Odds. For Independent National Sales Director Somer Fortenberry, quitting is never an option – not mid-season in a sport, not short of a goal and not when life’s hurdles affect working her Mary Kay business. It was a friend of Somer’s who shared the Mary Kay® products and Mary Kay opportunity with her, while she was busy going to school and working full-time as a newlywed. She quickly fell in love with the changes she saw in her complexion and started her Mary Kay business to make a little extra cash.

Two months after starting her Mary Kay business, Somer attended her first Mary Kay Seminar and she realized that her Mary Kay business was so much more. “I love what I do,” Somer shares. “I’ve grown personally and spiritually and have learned to think and dream bigger than I ever imagined I could.”

Somer has built her business by following the guidance and lead of her mentors. It was at that first Seminar that Somer committed to Mary Kay Ash’s personal challenge to hold 20 skin care classes in a month and that activity propelled her Mary Kay business. From the support and belief of the late Independent National Sales Director Carol Robertson, Somer learned to believe in and empower others. Somer learned the precious principles of the Go Give Spirit from Independent National Sales Director Lynne Holliday, as she welcomed Somer to her events with open arms. And she is grateful for the legacy that her mother-in-law, Independent Elite Executive National Sales Director Emeritus Pat Fortenberry has created.

“Your dreams are worth it,” Somer says. “No matter what obstacle you’re facing, you have to push through!” Somer credits Carol to teaching her this lesson as she shared the importance to, “work your business when times are good so that when times are tough, your business will run itself.” This lesson became a living testimony for Somer when she contracted Lyme’s disease at the age of 25 and again as a single mother. “My Mary Kay business has been a blessing not only financially, but most importantly through the amazing love and care that I received through those hard times.”

Somer beat the odds and has had a full recovery of the disease. She says, “I’m happy and healthy! My new husband, Craig, and my two sons; Noah and Joshua bring joy to my life. I feel like I’m living a fairy tale, only it is real.”