Written by SuzyQ

I returned my inventory in 2007 using a form that Pink Truth created, because Mary Kay was of little help if you wanted to send back products. I think I got about $3,000 back.

My senior director did not know. She knew I had lost my director status but was excited to tell me I was still a team leader and could build a unit again. I was her first director, and my God, the money I made for that woman. She got the commission hit in June. Perfect! We haven’t spoken since.

When I was heavily into Mary Kay, I was told to burn my bridges (RN, therapist credentials) and so I did. Mary Kay Ash (was that six or seven husbands?) did not want her directors to “work” so I let my licenses and certifications go inactive. After I returned my product, MK math did its work and my blue check was nowhere near what I had expected and counted on.

I needed a job, I had no credentials. I was hired by a company that called people for donations for progressive candidates and organizations. No resume needed. I was working with a bunch of idealistic young adults. They were very kind and welcoming to me. I was making $9/hr. No insurance, no anything. Mucinex and Advil got me through. I had to declare bankruptcy.

It was the most humiliating period of my life. I went from 18 initials behind my name and a career I was proud of… to feeling like a totally wasted loser.

On my resume, I stated I had a leadership role in a large cosmetic direct sales company. I had a huge gap from the regular workforce during my years in MK and wanted to explain it. I mentioned soft transferable skills like leadership, mentoring, sales, organizational skills, public speaking and networking. Somehow it worked.

I interviewed for a job at a non-profit organization helping domestic violence victims. I didn’t get it. A month or so later, I got a call from the director telling me she had a perfect job for me. (It was!) I did the interview and got the job. Tracy (Pink Truth founder) sent me gift cards to get a new wardrobe. (Bless you REAL good!)

The job paid better than the previous job and I was able to restore my licenses and credentials at considerable personal expense of time and money. But I got those darn credentials back in spite of the terrible, terrible Mary Kay advice.

This is the first time I have acknowledged this on this forum. I do it now because the Mary Kay peeps who “stumble onto” this page need to know what is happening now. Have professional help with your resumes, return your product while you can and GET THE F OUT!