that began over six decades ago in department stores.
In 1977 I had the opportunity to meet Jackie Brown who has shaped my career path twice in life. Sharon, Jackie’s oldest daughter, introduced me to her mother. At that time in my life, I was disgruntled with the politics of teaching and coaching, and Jackie offered me a business opportunity that I could not refuse. After she buffed one nail, I was hooked on a product that fit my active lifestyle. I was also impressed that Clint Murchison, the founder of the Dallas Cowboys, was a member of the Board of Directors when Jackie purchased the company. I also had faith in Jackie’s leadership of this new direct sales company because she had experience in two national cosmetic companies. Jackie helped launch Mary Kay Cosmetics in 1963 as one of the first 10 sales consultants and as one of the first two sales directors. After leaving Mary Kay, Jackie led Beauticontrol Cosmetics as the first President.
Life has twists and turns, and my husband and I returned to West Texas in 1983 to be near our parents to raise our three-year old daughter Chelsea. I returned to teaching and later retired in 1996 as a public information officer for the Texas Department of Transportation. However, for the past four decades, I’ve learned that the positive attitude I developed after being introduced to Jackie, as well as my faith, has guided me through several difficult challenges in life.
I kept in contact with Jackie, learning that the company had changed names from Marcel Germaine and Jackie Brown Cosmetics to ImagePerfect. The marketing shifted from direct sales to television home shopping: QVC and the Home Shopping Network. As Jackie approached retirement, she completed her college education and began a career as a writer. Jackie’s first book, “Ask Me About Mary Kay,” was released in 2010. During this time, ImagePerfect ceased to operate.
In February 2011, I contacted Jackie, asking her to pray for my daughter. Ironically, Jackie’s daughter Sharon and I once again had a common bond. Both our daughters had successful brain surgeries seven years apart by the same neurosurgeon in Dallas.
In September 2012, Jackie offered me another business opportunity, and I’m proud to say that I’m President of Marcel Germaine, sharing the original nail care system that brought us together in 1977.
Patsy Rainwater-Maddux
Marcel Germaine President
