It’s so hard to believe that a little over 100 years ago women didn’t have the right to vote in Canada.

Fun fact: Did you know that Manitoba was the first province to allow women to vote provincially? That was in 1916, and soon after, females got that right in other provinces as well (and then federally in 1918). It’s so strange to think that our gender was held back from so many things centuries ago. Fast-forward to 2019 and females are taking over the world, becoming notable figures in politics, business, and entertainment. It is so crazy to consider that we weren’t given any of these opportunities 100 years ago (and even sadder to think that females still aren’t given certain rights in some countries).

In honour of International Women’s Day, which is celebrated every year on March 8 (today!), I wanted to highlight one total boss babe who created a company that is still rocking today.

It may be common now to see a female head up a company, but that was something rare in the 1960s. You guys may be familiar with Mary Kay as they’ve been around forever and I love talking about them (read my latest post on their At Play® pencils here), but the founder, Mary Kay Ash was totally ahead of her time when she started Mary Kay Cosmetics over 50 years ago.

After experiencing inequality in the workplace, Ash launched her business in 1963 and disrupted the idea of “business as usual”, turning the male-dominated workplace upside down. The cosmetic pioneer dedicated her life to empowering women and putting them in control of their own futures, and her company is now operating in over 35 countries worldwide.

The thing I love most about Mary Kay Cosmetics isn’t the makeup (it is fabulous by the way!), but how they really help independent beauty consultants exceed and support their lifestyles. There are over 3.5 million Mary Kay independent beauty consultants in nearly 40 markets around the world, the majority of which are women. The company is designed to work with a woman’s current lifestyle, and many of the beauty consultants sell products on a part-time basis to supplement their incomes. It could be money for their next dream vacation, saving for their child’s college tuition, or even spare shopping money. Independent beauty consultants can earn up to 50 per cent* on everything they sell and it’s one of the highest-income earning percentages in the direct-selling industry. The company also offers perks to top-earning independent beauty consultants, such as trips, cars (that iconic pink Cadillac), and gadgets and jewelry.

Although I’m not a seller for Mary Kay, I do appreciate the total girl power that the company relays in their business model and how the business was started – and named after – a female. They also do a number of charitable efforts every year aimed at giving back to women and children. The brand’s largest global cause marketing initiative is its Pink Changing Lives℠  campaign, of which they have donated millions of dollars from the worldwide sale of Pink Changing Lives℠ products to help change the lives of women and children around the world. Locally here in Canada, Mary Kay Cosmetics Ltd. supports the Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation to help women living with cancer through the Look Good Feel Better® program, which gives women cosmetics and teaches them how to use them. They also provide grants to women’s shelters and community outreach programs to help end violence against women.

As for the makeup itself, I have so many Mary Kay® products in my collection, but some of my favourite items are the Chromafusion™ eyeshadows, the lipsticks, the TimeWise Repair® Lifting Bio-Cellulose Mask, and the Makeup Finishing Spray by Skindinavia. With that being said, pretty much everything I have tried from the brand has been phenomenal and they offer the products at such an affordable price point. Some of the brand’s bestselling products include their Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover, the Ultimate Mascara™, and the Clear Proof® Deep-Cleansing Charcoal Mask (I have this too and love it!).

The first International Women’s Day was held in 1911 and was supported by over one-million people. The purpose of this day is to recognize females worldwide and typically there is a theme every year. For 2019, it is to help forge a more gender-balanced world and I truly believe that by supporting and recognizing female-founded businesses that helps to balance the boardroom, the government, media coverage, and more. When you purchase Mary Kay cosmetics, you’re doing so much more than getting new makeup. You’re supporting women, mothers, girlfriends, daughters, friends… You’re supporting a company that was created by a female for females. And that, my friends, is girl power.

How are you celebrating International Women’s Day?

Also, keep an eye out on my Instagram later today for a Mary Kay giveaway which includes items from the spring 2019 collection!

Please note, this post is sponsored. All opinions are my own.

*50% gross profit calculation based on suggested retail.

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