DALLAS, Jan 09, 2012 -- While a sluggish economy continues to undermine the job market and business growth, cosmetics powerhouse Mary Kay is breaking records reporting a 15 percent increase in sales in 2011.The city of Atlanta will see first-hand how Mary Kay independent beauty consultants are achieving success. The city will play host to more than 10,000 leading Mary Kay independent beauty consultants during Mary Kay Inc.'s annual Leadership Conference from Jan. 8-14 at the Georgia World Congress Center.
"We are coming off a strong year because we've seen more women wanting to start a Mary Kay business," said Yvette Franco, Mary Kay Inc. Vice President of U.S. Marketing. "Our independent sales force is more diverse and more women from GenY are joining Mary Kay. The fundamental principles of our business are appealing to women of every demographic group. Young people enjoy the fact that this business offers flexibility. The long-standing appeal of our products combined with the increase in sales force members, have resulted in strong sales for Mary Kay."
Along with hundreds of pink Cadillacs, the weeklong conference is expected to bring more than $15 million in direct economic impact to the city of Atlanta -- making Mary Kay one of Atlanta's largest conferences. Mary Kay's Leadership Conference consists of two back-to-back, four-day conferences designed to support and further develop the businesses of leaders among Mary Kay independent beauty consultants.
Each year Mary Kay holds its Leadership Conference in a different city in the United States. However, the company has held the conference in Atlanta nine times making Atlanta one of the company's most frequent host cities. Attendance for Leadership Conference in Atlanta is up nine percent from previous years.
"We have a long rich history with Atlanta that dates back to the opening of our distribution center in the area in the early 70s," said Annie Josefsen, Mary Kay Inc.'s Vice President of Recognition and Events. "We've held this conference nine times in Atlanta because the city goes above and beyond to make sure every need we have is met. Plus, our independent beauty consultants enjoy the hospitality of Atlanta. From the shopping centers to the restaurants to the hotels, everyone makes sure that we feel welcome. Atlanta is like a second home to us. The city rolls out the red carpet and goes a step further to paint it pink."
