Miracles Happen: The life and timeless principles of the founder of Mark Kay, Inc. by Mary Kay Ash
1) You read about an entrepreneur:
- What surprised you the most?
That it was only a $4,500 investment initially that got her business up and running. In these times, money is always the first thing that comes to mind when starting any sort of small business ad to see this woman start with so little, especially after the loss of her husband, is nothing short of astounding.
- What about the entrepreneur did you most admire?
Her family connections and priority to keep them at the utmost top. She believed fully with her heart that this was meant to be her path and explained this to her children as well. Enough so that even her son said, “I think you could do anything in the world you wanted to.” Following it up with “Here’s my savings. If it will help you in any way, I want you to have it.” (pg.5-6) She was very upfront about her ideals and her goals, and aimed this book initially as a type of self-help book, that ended up helping herself into building her own company.
- What about the entrepreneur did you least admire?
The focus on appearance from a woman working in business.Understandably so due to her business line being in cosmetics and makeup, but still. She herself said that she limited those who she works with in the book based on appearance. She even turned down a woman who had her PhD, which I thought was absolutely absurd considering you’d think she would be able to relate to a woman doing what it takes to be successful.
- Did the entrepreneur encounter adversity and failure? If so, what did they do about it?
The loss of her husband whom she had married at 17 was the biggest shining moment that pushed her to continue in my opinion. Outside of, earlier on in the story, being surpassed by a man that she trained regarding a promotion she felt she deserved.
2) What competencies did you notice that the entrepreneur exhibited?
She had a fight-or-flight mentality, often mentioning her incentive to not fail was to simply not work under someone. I think there were opportunities that could’ve become better had she taken a little more time researching and investing, but that’s also the difference between the 80s and 2020.
3) Identify at least one part of the reading that was confusing to you.
I wouldn’t say it was as much as one part, but understanding the time that this book was written. We have made leaps and bounds in equality throughout the decades, but to see some of the main focuses be on appearance instead of other avenues really confused the heck out of me.
4) If you were able to ask two questions to the entrepreneur, what would you ask? Why?
If you could go back and invest in women that were fighting the same fight, but with education, would you?
Why: Because I want to see if she has the ability to see past someone’s outside look before judging if she would work with them or not.
Here in 2020, Mary Kay’s has slowly been surpassed by other cosmetic lines. Is there anything you would add or get rid of sooner to ensure the company can succeed for a longer amount of time?
5) For fun: what do you think the entrepreneur's opinion was of hard work? Do you share that opinion?
She has a very strong mindset that working just as hard as men was hard work. She has the I can do anything as long as I pour my heart into it mindset, that ultimately could’ve led to her demise. Luckily it didn’t, but truthfully it sounds like hard work, a great support system and good luck was the keys to her success.Understanding the timeliness of these observations. Currently, agree with this day and age? No.
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