Profile by David Groom Carolyn Stent Tyana Peacock Mrs. Eldridge is among the company's top 2 percent in sales.

Back to Table of Contents | Back to Main Index Previous Profiles | Send mail to The Voice Mary Kay consultant enriches women's lives Amanda Eldridge created a studio in her house, where she gave Voice editor Carolyn Stent a makeover. -Daniel Stent, photo. Mary Kay Cosmetics' mission statement, "enriching women's lives," describes what the company did for Multnomah Bible College's assistant human resources officer. Since July of 1995, Amanda Eldridge has worked for Mary Kay, the top skin care and cosmetics label in the United States for eight years running. She is among the company's top 2 percent in sales. In December, 2000, she qualified to become a Mary Kay car winner and received a red Pontiac Grand-Am on Feb. 16, 2001. Mrs. Eldridge was introduced to Mary Kay products in 1992, while she was a student at MBC. During parents' week she helped a parent, Virgie Eldridge, move her belongings into a guest room. After the two women talked for a while, Virgie offered to do a Mary Kay makeover for Amanda. After the makeover, Virgie told her son, Kelly, about Amanda. Soon afterward, Kelly, who was also an MBC student, and Amanda Eldridge started dating and married later. Mrs. Eldridge worked in the registrar's office at MBC and at a local investment firm before she found she had a knack for sales. She contacted her mother-in-law and asked how she could start working for Mary Kay. Mrs. Eldridge bought her first Mary Kay makeover kit for $100. She then started doing presentations in her home and for her friends. The best way to find clients is by word of mouth, Mrs. Eldridge said. "We are women, and we share with other women," she said. "We share the best asparagus recipe we've ever found. And we'll share the best facial moisturizer we've ever found." Like many consultants, Mrs. Eldridge wears a small gold circle pin on her coat. She said people who notice the pin and want a Mary Kay consultant often approach her. "I had someone in Casual Corner practically leap across the counter and grab my lapel," Mrs. Eldridge said. "I said, 'OK, I'll be right back. I have things in my trunk.'" People invite Mrs. Eldridge into their homes for Mary Kay parties. "What better than to have your girlfriends hang out with you while you paint your nails right and get free stuff?" Mrs. Eldridge said. Most consultants store their supplies in a closet, but Mrs. Eldridge set up a studio in one room of her house where she does individual makeovers for people. She said a Mary Kay makeover involves two things: teaching women how to care for their skin and customizing products to their skincare needs. She begins a makeover by asking a client to fill out a profile that helps her determine the client's skin needs. Then she talks about the cosmetics as she guides her client through the steps of applying them. "Remember, blend is your friend," she emphasizes. Mrs. Eldridge said Mary Kay does free makeovers because it recognizes that buying skincare products and cosmetics is an investment. Mary Kay Ash, founder of the cosmetics company and a born-again Christian, had two main philosophies. No. 1: God first, family second, career third. No. 2: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. This philosophy allows Mrs. Eldridge to share the gospel and make money at the same time. She remembered two women whom she trained with. "We were in the car, and one of the women said to me, 'I don't know about this God thing. Do I have to do that as part of my presentation?' "I said, 'No, you don't have to, but you have to realize that it's an integral part to this company.' The two women sat in the driveway for 45 minutes listening to Mrs. Eldridge explain the gospel message. She was grateful for the opportunity to share. She views her job as a chance to make women feel special and important. "It's not about me," she said. "It's about [my client] and her needs." In the past six years, Mrs. Eldridge has gained 17 recruits of her own, including Sharon Morrow, a resident director at MBC. Morrow said, "Amanda is extremely encouraging. There's no pressure, but she is inviting and supportive." In 2000, Mrs. Eldridge was consultant of the year in her unit of 200 women. She attained this status by being top in wholesale purchases, retail sales and team building. She hopes soon to be a national winner and director. "It is nice to be rewarded monetarily and to make a living," Mrs. Eldridge said. "It's nice also to get the prizes and recognition." To be a director, Mrs. Eldridge has to have 30 recruits in her team and meet a sales quota within a four-month period. The directors receive a new pink Cadillac and make six-figure incomes. Mrs. Eldridge said, "Directorship is a tool to reach and impact more lives than I would as a consultant. And that would be my ultimate goal." 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