The cosmetic industry is under fire due to Save Ralph short film, which exposes the industry as animal abuser and bring attention to the problematic animal testing. I had a conversation with a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant (who is also my friend) about the topic (animal testing), in which she quoted the details straight from Mary Kay company:
“Kindly be informed that Mary Kay is committed to the elimination of animal testing! We do not conduct animal testing on our products or ingredients, nor ask others to do so on our behalf, except when required by law. Regulations on cosmetics constantly change, but Mary Kay has never wavered from our commitment to using alternative testing methods. We understand that in China, under certain circumstances, some product categories and new ingredients must be submitted to the government for safety testing, which may include animal testing. When Mary Kay learned of requirements by regulatory agencies in China, we were obliged to follow the law, as we do in every country where we operate. But, rest assured, our commitment to the elimination of animal testing has never changed or wavered. We are working with the Chinese government to demonstrate that alternative testing methods on cosmetics ensure safe and effective products. For more than two decades, Mary Kay has been a global leader in helping develop alternative testing methods for product safety. In addition, we stand by our commitment.”
I took the chance to ask questions about her career as well as other related topics.
Ku Sorfina binti Ku Zurishan, 19 years old, has already had a job she loves and an adequate monthly income, all while still studying at a local university. What more could a girl that young want? However she refuses to stay in her current position and always aims for more – such an inspiration.
Eternally Chanel: What is the best thing about being a consultant at Mary Kay?
Ku Sorfina: Okay, first thing first, Mary Kay Beauty Consultant is different compared to other agents, dropshippers, or stockists of skincare brands. Why? Because being a beauty consultant itself means you must have knowledge of skin concerns, products, and the best solutions in order for people to get their skin goal. So, what is the best thing about being a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant? Actually, there are a lot of things that I gain from this business… but I will highlight on the strong sisterhood, why? Because being in a positive circle, you will be guided by the great mentors and sisters-by-choice. To be honest, I am among the youngest beauty consultant in my unit, but I can treat my sisters-by-choice like my friends, my buddies – they are so friendly, cool, smart, and they will be there whenever I need their help. This is what I can tell you. (Because) I never knew that there is a business which have like, very, very strong sisterhood. We are like one big family. I love them.
EC: How do you manage being a beauty consultant and a student at the same time? Especially when you have several beauty consultants, whom you recruited, to take care of.
KS: Okay, I manage my time – I have my own schedule book which is my planner. Every single thing I want to do, I plan in my planner. So, by doing that, I’m able to balance my Mary Kay business and my education. Usually, I study at night because I want to have my own me-time. During this time, I switch off all social media and focus on studying. As for the beauty consultants I recruited, I usually make time for them during weekends; I call them, I guide them to get sales as well. But, if they have any curiosity, they may ask me directly on any day.
EC: In your opinion, how important is skin health, and why?
KS: In my opinion, it is necessary to have healthy skin to avoid any acne or skin breakout. Not only that, having a healthy skin also makes us feel more confident and comfortable to hang around friends, family members, and even the community, right? We don’t need to be flawless to be beautiful, but skin is the biggest part of our body. So, we must take care of it and make sure it’s in healthy condition and looks fresh.
EC: If I’m not mistaken, Mary Kay mostly uses natural ingredients. Natural ingredients work on skin slower than chemicals (in cheap skincare products) do. As a Mary Kay user yourself, how effective is Mary Kay products?
KS: Yes, Mary Kay uses natural ingredients in the products. I’d like to share my experience of using Mary Kay – as a user, I happily fell in love with Mary Kay products, not because I am a beauty consultant, but because I’ve been using them for 6 months now and Alhamdulillah my skin is getting better. It takes about 1-2 months to see the progress (of Mary Kay effects) on our skin, based on the skin conditions. So, what I must say is that Mary Kay skincare products work very well on my skin and I often see the result shortly!
EC: How do you know what products to recommend to potential customers? Like, what do you do or say during consultation?
KS: I ask them their skincare routine, skincare history (all the previous products they use), and their lifestyle. Then, I suggest the best (product or set) that suits their skin. Every regime in Mary Kay has their own special qualities and ingredients that are specific to particular skin problems. Another thing, in case of any problem, all products come with 90-days-satisfaction guarantee, which means customers can get a new, better product for free.
EC: Have your customers ever complained or cause troubles?
KS: Alhamdulillah, so far all my customers are satisfied with my service and most of them order from me repeatedly.
EC: Personally, which products from Mary Kay do you like the most?
KS: I prefer Botanical Effects and Naturally because I use these two sets and so in love with them.
EC: Do you think Mary Kay is worth it?
KS: Mary Kay skincare is worth every penny. Why? It’s because Mary Kay products can last 6 months and above – so if we calculate, (we’d find out that) we invest only a few ringgits on our skincare. It’s very affordable and worth it.
EC: I saw you posted pictures of yourself wearing a red jacket – the Mary Kay Red Jacket. May you tell us where, or what event were you at, and what is it about?
KS: That was my first time attending a Mary Kay event. That event I posted was at Neo Damansara Hall – we had a virtual career conference as the appreciation of Mary Kay Beauty Consultants’ achievements in Malaysia and Singapore. There were rewards, lucky draw, and advice-sharing with the best mentor in Mary Kay. I was having so much fun and excited to be better and successful like my leaders.
EC: What is your hope for the future?
KS: In Mary Kay, we have a career path which consists of career levels based on our work performance and how good we are in helping and guiding our own unit members to be as successful as we are. My next target is to become a Mary Kay Malaysia & Singapore Sales Director. I want to help people out there to have better life and financial freedom. I hope I can guide many people and make them happy with the changes in their life.
EC: Do you think you will ever stop working with Mary Kay?
KS: For now, I will not stop being a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant, because I love my job and I’m happy with it. Please pray for my journey to help people out there and be inspired by others.
Eternally Chanel 