Think Pink: Liz Lange and Mary Kay

Mention the name Mary Kay Cosmetics, and the response often is “Oh, the lady with the Pink Cadillac?” What people may not know is that Mary Kay Ash built a billion-dollar Fortune 500 Company from a life savings of $5,000, while simultaneously creating a vibrant business philosophy.

Using her background in direct sales and marketing, Mary Kay devised a plan for women to be personally and financially fulfilled. Her concepts are taught in Harvard Business School classes and her leadership skills have set an example for scores of women striving to create their own niche. With the appeal and charisma of a pop star pushing personal growth, Mary Kay once said, “Don’t limit yourself. Many people limit themselves to what they think they can do. You can go as far as your mind lets you. What you believe, remember, you can achieve.” The mantra was heard. Fans range from members of her 800,000–strong sales force to leading names in the fashion field.

Liz Lange, founder and president of Liz Lange Maternity, and guru to those navigating the nine months to motherhood, is one of Mary Kay’s admirers. Lange made news as the first designer to partner with Nike for a hip maternity line, and then turned industry heads when she closed a deal with Target to create stylish maternity clothes at affordable prices.

Lange speaks with enthusiasm about Mary Kay. “She was the ultimate feminist, empowering women by giving them a way to make their own money, not to mention a great motivator and entrepreneur. Her actions were bold and groundbreaking.” So were Lange’s when she changed the profile of pregnancy clothing by introducing stretch fabrics and a more fitted look to reflect a contemporary sensibility.

“Mary Kay was so ahead of her time,” Lange says. “I read her book and connected with her views. She believed that you should stay in touch with the needs of the customer. I agree, and regularly get feedback from reading all the emails I get. Mary Kay ran her business like a family. I have 35 employees, and I feel that you have to remember that business is made up of people. Like Mary Kay, I believe that loyalty, morality, and doing the right thing make up the essence of your company. You need to care about more than your company’s bottom line.”