Getting My Hands Dirty

When joining a new organization it's very easy, expected even, to keep your head down, blend in, and learn the ropes. While at Mary Kay I had a unique opportunity to do the opposite. I was encouraged to jump in and get my hands dirty. This led to me touching social media, packaging design, email design, on-site product shoots, and even model selection. As each week unfolded I found myself chatting with the CMO, shadowing the video team, and learning about prop styling and lighting. I lived and breathed the products. I connected with those in sales and understood the infectiousness that is Mary Kay.

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The Room

Then one day came an opportunity to participate in one of the proudest moments of my career. I heard there were closed sessions happening, all catered towards the new rollout of the TimeWise 3D Foundation, one of the first of its kind. Somehow, I found my way into those sessions. I observed and listened, knowing I was out of my depth and that it was a privilege just to be in the room. The sessions continued and bore no fruit. Hour after hour, the team still came up short narrowing down a campaign slogan, a big idea.

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The Idea

At this point I became antsy, because an idea was burning a hole in my mind. I could see it so clearly: "It's what's underneath." I made this connection because the primary selling point for this product was that it used IntelliMatch technology to match the product to your undertone. No more underpainting or mixing to find your perfect shade. Mary Kay had found the tech to handle that for you.

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The Pitch

We reached the final session and they called out once more for ideas. Being the least senior in the room, I looked around and locked eyes with my superior, making sure it was okay to throw my hat in the ring. Timidly, I said my idea, and I watched it spark excitement in everyone in the room like a contagion you didn't want to cure. From there, the rest was history.

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What Came After

We all got to work selecting models and aligning on how the rollout would work across web, print, and social. It was a mastermind to behold and partake in. Mary Kay recognized my work later that year by awarding me with its Brand Maker and Game Changer award.

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The Takeaway

Let this be encouragement to not let seniority level limit your impact. Grace the rooms, be respectful, and bet on yourself. You never know what that little idea in the back of your head can birth.