Assignment 13A - Reading Reflection No. 1

Miracles Happen - Mary Kay Ash

What surprised you the most?

I was most surprised to learn that Mary Kay kept a strong faith even with all of the unfortunate events that she endured throughout her younger years and that she did not give up on her business concept, even when others did.

What about the entrepreneur did you most admire?

I admire that Mary Kay was able to create a company that encouraged women to gain self-confidence and independence which is something that is very hard for most women, especially during the era in which she was building her business.

What about the entrepreneur did you least admire?

What I did not admire about Mary Kay was her view on how women should dress and appear. She did not believe women should wear slack because it was not “feminine” and she believed that women should always dress to be attractive, i.e. hair, makeup, nails done. I believe you can be a very successful women without having to be all "dolled" up.

Did the entrepreneur encounter adversity and failure? If so, what did they do about it?

Mary Kay faced adversity as the company started during a period when women did not earn the same wages as their male counterparts. Women were expected to work long hours and still take care of their children, husband, and their home. Mary Kay wanted to change that, and she did.

What competencies did you notice that the entrepreneur exhibited? 

Mary Kay had the ability to lead, motivate, encourage women and persevere even in tough situations. Mary Kay also had the ability to allow others to contribute and help run her business.  

Identify at least one part of the reading that was confusing to you.

 In the beginning of the book Mary Kay talks about how she had all of her bottles and labels created and ready to go and later she goes on to talk about how she went to a party where a friend has some beauty products that worked well. She then goes on to talk about how she purchased and formulated those products to be the original Mary Kay products. It is unclear to me if she purchased the products first or if she had her business concept designed and ready to go prior to the purchase of the product.  

If you were able to ask two questions to the entrepreneur, what would you ask? Why?

I would like to ask Mary Kay if her business concept was something that she thought of from the time she was little or if the idea came later in life.

I would also ask how Mary Kay managed to keep such a strong faith while building a successful life.

What do you think the entrepreneur's opinion was of hard work? Do you share that opinion?

Mary Kay’s opinion of hard work was to keep going until you get the recognition you deserve and then keep on going. She never stopped, even in the toughest of times she endured and preserved. I do share a similar opinion.