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Garry is a young black professional, Florida State and UNC Law grad, and attorney currently residing in Miami, FL.

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Think Pink, or at least Think Possibility

After spending the last few months considering what a good part-time gig to supplement my state salary would be, I found myself invited to and attending a co-worker’s Mary Kay party. I thought I would indulge her, buy something fairly inexpensive, and get on with life. Three days later I found myself signed up as an Independent consultant and planning my own Mary Kay party. I assure you, Mary Kay is not for everyone. But apparently, it’s for me.

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Creative Commons License credit: lindsayhickman
Mary Kay

The pitch you have probably heard in some form before. Work your own hours. Be your own boss. Supplement or replace your income. Enjoy significant tax breaks. Get the pink Cadillac (or the $900 monthly car stipend - which is what I want). It had always seemed a little “special” to me in the past. Even now, I marvel that this is how I have chosen to spend free time. But, there is more. More than my sometimes overly analytical, cynical and skeptical mind had anticipated.

A few days ago we talked about default settings, and I shared how mine tended towards the negative. Well, it would be disingenuous not to share with you how just over a month with Mary Kay has boosted my confidence, given me a broader vision for myself and my possibilities and revealed true business skills I was not fully utilizing. Whether I continue past the point of paying off my school debt and funding my upcoming trip to Hawaii I cannot say. But, I can assure you the lessons and skills I am learning will last me a lifetime.

I share this because the picture the media and watercooler conversations are painting these days are bleak. True: gas prices are high. And, some of us may be like other typical Americans who, rather it be because of mortgages, lay offs, stock declines, etc., may be a missed pay check or two away from financial ruin. However, we always have a choice. We can focus on what is missing, or we can believe for what is possible. We can put our faith into action, pray and then move our feet, or wait for life to come for us. The only drawback to that is, sure, good things come to those who wait, but only what is leftover from those who hustle. So, whether it be doggedly continuing that search for your dream job or using your natural talents and skills to pad your income and make extra dough, find a way to view any financial strain, any challenge you may be facing, as an opportunity for growth. An opportunity to fully realize your ability to overcome any and all situations.

P.S. - Of course, if you read something you like and would like to know more about Mary Kay drop me a line at gbevel@marykay.com.

There Are 4 Responses So Far. »

  1. I can vouch for Garry as a great Mary Kay consultant! His customer service is personable and efficient! I got my products super quick!

  2. Side. Hustle. Not mad at you dude, for real.

  3. I signed up to be an independent consultant once. It wasn’t for me. Despite my bubbly personality and long list of friends and associations, I just didn’t have it in me to plan make-up parties.

    But I’ve told my boyfriend that he should do it - several times. He’s such a metro man and really takes his skin care seriously and thought he could make some great money and hip is other men friends onto it….Not to mention all the ladies who would be willing to buy product from a man.

    I knew my idea was worth salt.

  4. I've actually been considering doing Mary Kay for quite some time as I love makeup. It's just that I can act shy when I'm in unfamiliar territory…weird, I know, but I just think you need to be more outgoing to do something life this. This would be a great side hustle.