Ding-dong, Avon calling.
The unemployed are answering.
Home-based businesses such as Mary Kay, Avon and Pampered Chef are experiencing a surge in popularity as the nation’s unemployment rate rises.
“Women are flocking to us because they are being thrown out of jobs they were loyal to and they were working hard,†said Cassandra Rhodes, a sales director for cosmetics company Mary Kay. “They are looking for something that we’re able to give them, which is the fact they are in control; they are their own boss.â€
And who wouldn’t want to do these businesses? They throw parties, bake cookies and try out new shades of lipstick all while earning cash bonuses, vacations and cars.
Women such as Ms. Rhodes, 52, who lives in Hixson, say people — mostly women — of all ages and education levels are suddenly interested in selling products through direct-sales businesses. These days, those businesses can mean selling everything from jewelry and make-up to cookware and candles.
“The women who come into this and work it like they work another job are probably going to get rewarded two, three, four times what they are making at another job,†said Ms. Rhodes, who started selling Mary Kay cosmetics from her home 24 years ago.
Photo by spankmeeehard