Mary Kay Museum – Addison, Texas
You can do it! These words embody the very spirit of Mary Kay Ash and the Company she created. It’s the spirit she learned as a child growing up in Hot Wells, Texas. When facing new and daunting tasks, her mother encouraged her with, “You can do it, Mary Kay. You can do it.” Mary Kay Ash did more than embrace this empowering spirit – she passed it on through a remarkable company that would inspire millions of women for generations to come.
That company story didn’t begin until Mary Kay Ash faced a situation all too familiar to women in the 1960s. After 25 years in the direct selling business, Mary Kay Ash resigned her position as a national training director when yet another man she had trained was promoted above her – at twice her salary.
Her response was visionary. At first, she started writing a book that would help women gain the opportunities she had been denied. But soon she realized she was creating a plan that would do much more than give advice. It formed the foundation for a new opportunity where women could develop their talents and achieve unlimited success.
So, in 1963, with her past experience, her plan, and $5,000 in savings, Mary Kay Ash enlisted the help of her 20-year-old son, Richard, and created Beauty by Mary Kay. It was a first – a company dedicated to making life more beautiful for women. It was founded, not on the competitive rule, but on the Golden Rule, on praising people to success, and on the principle of placing God first, family second, and career third. It was a company – as Mary Kay Ash often said – “with heart.”
The Mary Kay Museum is a part history lesson, part tribute, and part recognition hall devoted to the life of one of America’s most famous businesswomen, Mary Kay Ash. It’s located inside the soaring glass lobby of the Mary Kay World Headquarters in Dallas. It’s the opportunity to experience the dream that began more than four decades ago and has been enriching lives ever since.
The museum showcases the many accomplishments and innovative business ideas of Mary Kay Ash. The museum also includes a theater where you can experience motivational speeches by Mary Kay Ash. It culminates with the Keepers of the Dream Independent National Sales Director Hall of Honor, an impressive tribute to the top achievers in the independent sales force who carry the dream of Mary Kay Ash into the future and around the world.
With 13 being Mary Kay’s lucky number, it’s no surprise that her office and the executive offices are located on that floor. Her office is beautifully maintained as it was when she led the Company. The oval receptionist area features columns and panels made of Pearwood. The base of the columns is marble imported from Turkey. The receptionist’s desk outside Mary Kay’s office features in layed bumblebees. Here are some other Fun Facts about the 13th floor.