Avon was founded in 1886, by traveling salesman, David H. McConnell. At that time, he wasn’t selling cosmetics, but merely offering it as an extra gift when purchases were made. Realizing that the cosmetic gifts were more popular than the actual product he was selling, he set out to start a radical new business model. He started by creating fragrances and hired women to act as sales representatives. It was quite revolutionary for its time, seeing as women were not really expected to earn money or pursue a career in that time. His first sales representative was Persis Foster Eames Albee, who travelled by buggy and recruited more women for Avon. By 1887, there were 12 female sales representatives who marketed McConnell’s 18 fragrances. In 1905, they brought out a magazine, called Outlook, which shared sales tips and news on the company. Only a year later, they product offering expanded so much, that they were able to launch a complete Avon catalogue! By 1957, there were an astounding 100 000 sales representatives, bringing in $100 million of sales.
McConnell’s legacy still lives on. Today, there are millions of entrepreneurs (women and men!) who sell Avon products in more than 100 countries. They are empowered to be their own boss and create financial freedom. There are many stories from women around the world, who changed their own financial situation by becoming a sales representative for Avon.
Avon falls under the Health & Beauty category, along with other stores such as Clicks, Dis-Chem and Justine.
For more information, visit their website avon.co.za.