A dream come true. For years, Independent Executive National Sales Director Emeritus Karen Piro looked for the perfect job. "I remember teaching reading groups and daydreaming about a glamorous career filled with travel, excitement and advancement," Karen recalls.

When she left teaching and entered the business world, she knew she found something that better suited her, but when she discovered the Mary Kay opportunity, her world turned around.

"I was able to quit my full-time job and become a full-time Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant," Karen says. "Our two children were born after I began my Mary Kay business. Thanks to the flexibility of the opportunity, I was able to combine being a business woman and a full-time mom without sacrificing either."

As an NSD Emeritus, Karen reflects that her Mary Kay journey has prepared her to handle whatever comes her way in life. "I have learned bounce back ability and not to sweat the small stuff. I have learned to go beyond what is comfortable in order to grow, and that it is important to keep growing, no matter our age! I have learned that to those whom much is given, much is required, and that it is important to live a lifetime of giving to others. I will be passing along to our grandchildren the importance of having a positive attitude, living a life of integrity, with priorities in order, and being excellent and courageous in whatever path they choose," Karen explains.