Pretty in pink: Patty gets her Mary Kay car

By Maggie Plummer

Patty Stevens, left, and Launa Benson had fun last week picking up the brand new Pontiac Vibe Patty's earned through her Mary Kay consultant work. (courtesy photo)

PABLO — "I like to be busy."

That's the understatement of the year, from dedicated Mary Kay consultant Patty Stevens, who got her brand spanking new car, courtesy of Mary Kay, last Wednesday.

The bright red 2007 Pontiac Vibe had a total of 6.6 miles on it when Patty picked it up at Mission Valley Auto.

It's a leased vehicle, and Mary Kay pays everything except 15 percent of the insurance, Patty explained. "I've earned the use of (this) car," she added. "I just have to keep working, to continue doing what I've been doing. That's very doable for me, for anyone."

Mary Kay Inc. is one of the largest direct sellers of skin care products and cosmetics in the world.

Patty also works full time at the Salish Kootenai Housing Authority.

For her, Mary Kay has become more than just a second job. Initially, she became a consultant because she wanted to get the makeup discount and earn some extra money. But her Mary Kay work has changed her life, she says.

Patty feels that the support from Mary Kay got her through her tragedy when her son was killed last year: "I had consultants from all over the U. S. writing me letters and cards. I even got a letter from the company, and they knew more about my son's condition at the hospital than my family did. The local consultants were really supportive, as were my clients."

The best part for her now involves having Mary Kay consultants working with her: "You're not in it alone. It's a team, and you work as hard as you want to work. I help the team members achieve. I'll help them earn a car, too. Their success is what makes me feel good."

Patty's sales director, Launa Benson, says that when Patty joined her team about two years ago, she earned her car after four months but took the cash compensation.

This time around, Patty decided to take the car. She is the only one besides Launa who has earned a free car.

"Patty is a genuine person," Launa said. "She truly wants to make a difference in people's lives, and that's why she is so successful and driving a free car."

The sales director feels that the big secret to Mary Kay success is "just having the attitude that we're going to go out and make people feel good...that's what's in our heart."

The two of them work at it by going to motivational meetings and trainings.

Patty's come a long way. She has made her way out of two failed marriages, one of which was an abusive relationship. "My self esteem had to come back," she said.

She hopes to show other women that Mary Kay success can happen for them, too. "Other women don't have to work for someone else," she commented. "There are a lot of women unhappy in their jobs, but they are sole providers and feel they have to stay in those jobs. When you have this as a job, it builds others' self esteem and yours too. It's so cool."

Patty notes that it's pretty easy to get into this business: "Most things cost a lot to start, but a Mary Kay starter kit is $100, that's it."

The best part of all, according to her, is the flexibility in her Mary Kay work hours. "This is an ideal job for someone who likes to work their own hours, has a family, and is involved in things," she explained. "You pick and choose your hours. I work about eight hours a week. You work as hard as you want to work."

According to Launa, "we look for people who are not the salesman type."

It's unbelievable how busy the Mary Kay consultants are in the Ronan and Pablo area, the sales director said. "We need more consultants, that's how busy we are."