The BTF Heritage

Independent Elite Executive
National Sales Director Emeritus
Carolyn Ward
Houston, TX

FORMER OCCUPATION:
Homemaker

HIGHLIGHTS:
Began, November 1966; Independent Sales Director, April 1968; Independent National Sales Director, August 1976; Independent National Sales Director Emeritus, 2005; Charter member and Top 10 National Sales Director nine times; President’s Circle/Inner Circle 16 times

Generous rewards. Like so many women who cherish their families and children, Independent Elite Executive National Sales Director Emeritus Carolyn Ward wanted a job that didn’t seem to exist. "I wanted one where I could be my own boss and work when I wanted to work," Carolyn says. "I also wanted a job that would pay me what I was worth."
When she found Mary Kay Inc., it seemed too good to be true. "I had no idea at the time that this opportunity would open doors for me, or that I was taking the first step up the ladder of success by making a commitment of determination," Carolyn recalls. "And while my children were still small, I was able to work my Mary Kay business around them."
While this ultimate opportunity has rewarded her generously, it also has affected those around her. "It has touched the lives of my children in such strong and positive ways," Carolyn says. "They have grown up knowing that anything is possible if you want it badly enough, and that success is something that comes through hard work and dedication."
Carolyn attributes her success to maintaining a positive attitude in life. And looking back, she couldn’t have chosen a better business. "I love this Company, what it stands for and the unequaled opportunity it gives to women. I know I am exactly where I am supposed to be."

Independent Senior National Sales Director Emeritus
Sue Kirkpatrick
Avon, Indiana

FORMER OCCUPATION:
Homemaker

HIGHLIGHTS:
Began, March 1975; Independent Sales Director, April 1976; Independent National Sales Director, June 1992; Million-Dollar Sales Director nine times; Monthly Go-Give Award February 1979; Inner Circle ten times.

Faith, family, business. More than anything else, it was Mary Kay Ash's philosophies that led Independent Senior National Sales Director Emeritus Sue Kirkpatrick to a Mary Kay business. "Tears streamed down my face at that first Seminar because I knew I wanted to live like that," Sue recalls. "I had found a place where I could build a successful business without sacrificing the other things that were important to me - faith and family."
By holding five to eight skin care classes per week during her first two years as an Independent Beauty Consultant, Sue's Mary Kay business began to grow. "I shared the Mary Kay opportunity with the quality people that I met at those classes, and now we have a National area of caring, goal-oriented, self-motivated, sharing women that seem like extended family," Sue says.
When her husband, Kirk, lost his job due to a corporate merger, he became an original "Mr. Mom," allowing Sue some additional time to quickly build her Mary Kay business. "He and the children helped me stay organized and did everything else they could to help me become a success," Sue says. Though their children are now adults, Sue says, "We have both enjoyed the benefits of co-parenting and now grandparenting." Her husband's encouragement and support helped Sue as she grew her multi-million-dollar Mary Kay business.
While she enjoyed Mary Kay perks such as traveling and awards for 39 years, Sue's true joy came from passing on the philosophies that first attracted her. "I enjoy the relationships that have been built on the wonderful philosophies of Mary Kay Ash herself," Sue says. "Mary Kay taught us what really was important in life: If it’s not about people, it’s all just stuff."
"Life is just too short, so my trademark expression is: “Let's go with the flow,”" Sue says. “Nothing is really any big deal, unless it has to do with life or death. Some efforts never payoff, some pay for a while and some pay for a lifetime. The lifetime payoffs make the “nevers” and the “a whiles” worth it. The women I’ve poured into who will carry on Mary Kay’s dream after I retire are women of excellence who will continue to make a difference. Its passing on the legacy that is the lifetime payoff for me.”