Simone Pace has sold Mary Kay products for the past 16 years. Pace, independent sales director for Mary Kay in Spartanburg, said she has seen double-digit sales growth during previous recessionary years, and this year is no exception.
“There’s so much interest in it right now,” she said. “Every time the economy goes down, our business goes up. People are looking for more cost-effective products. We have several new people selling locally. Most of them are girls whose husbands have been laid off and they’re trying to supplement their family’s income. Some have jobs, but they’re trying to do a little more on the side to carry them through tough times.”
Pace said Mary Kay salespeople can make up to 49 percent commission on their sales. But that’s not the only reason people are attracted to the business.
“I have the best boss in the world,” Pace said, as she pointed a finger back at herself. “It’s my business and I get out of it precisely what I put into it. I make my own hours. That’s attractive to a lot of people.”
Logo from Mary Kay