An attitude of gratitude. Independent National Sales Director Emeritus Shelly Gladstein’s name says it all. She is truly “glad” about everything in her life … her rise to the top as a Mary Kay Independent National Sales Director, her children, who grew up with Mary Kay values, and the many lives she touched through her Mary Kay business. “You live life a lot more fully with a grateful heart,” says Shelly. “You feel your cup is always full, and you have plenty left over to fill other’s cups.”

Shelly freely pours confidence and encouragement into everyone around her. Inspiring other women to achieve their best brings out her best — and she learned it from a couple of pros. “I was lucky to have been mentored by two National Sales Directors: Independent National Sales Director Emeritus Nancy Sullivan and Independent Elite Executive National Sales Director Emeritus Anne Newbury. They taught me how to have fun with my Mary Kay business and how to look for the good in everything.” Shelly received the Company’s coveted annual Go-Give® Award at Emerald Seminar 2003; an award given to a person who demonstrates a positive attitude and an unselfish devotion to others.

Shelly’s positive attitude was passed on to her two beautiful daughters — “a benefit,” she says, “of raising them in a Mary Kay business-centered household. It’s great to hear your children on the phone encouraging their friends, and you know how they learned that.”

As an NSD Emeritus, Shelly shares, “I'm so grateful for this life that I now have. If Mary Kay Ash hadn't had the courage to do what she did, none of us would be here. I am forever grateful to have been one of her National Sales Directors. Mary Kay taught me volumes about life, about people, about leadership and about love.”

“I always loved the idea Mary Kay had that each of us wears a sign that says, ‘make me feel important.’ And ‘if it's to be it's up to me.’ She felt that God planted the seeds of greatness in everyone, and it was up to us to reach within ourselves and bring those seeds into fruition. Mary Kay taught me how to be more positive, how to see things fully, not just from my perspective, but from the other person’s also. And that sometimes they forget how great they are, and they need to be reminded. That idea has permeated my entire life.”