Episode 226 -- Mary Zimmerman -- The Heart Behind the Makeup: A Story of Faith and Business

Stacked Keys Podcast

Mary Zimmerman's extraordinary 29-year journey with Mary Kay Cosmetics reveals the beautiful intersection of faith, family, and entrepreneurial spirit that has defined her remarkable career. What began with winning a gift basket at a bridal fair transformed into a life-changing business opportunity when Mary, then a government social worker and military spouse with three young children, took a $100 leap of faith that would forever alter her family's trajectory.
The path wasn't always smooth. Mary vividly recalls the emotional toll of her previous career – crying before work, stomach pains, and the desperate desire to be home with her children. When a Mary Kay consultant asked three simple questions: "Do you like people? Do you like the product? Are you willing to learn?" Mary found her answer. Within six months, she was earning enough to resign from her government position, beginning a business journey that would see her through raising four sons while building one of Mary Kay's top 1% of sales units nationwide.
Throughout our conversation, Mary's commitment to her core values shines through. "God first, family second, career third" isn't just a catchphrase – it's her lived reality. This philosophy guided her through the challenges of military relocations, community skepticism, and the constant evolution of her business from paper planners to virtual consultations during COVID (which surprisingly became her unit's highest-earning year). Through it all, Mary has earned an impressive thirteen Mary Kay career cars, a tangible symbol of her consistent excellence and relationship-building skills.
What makes Mary's story truly compelling is her approach to business as ministry. She views each skincare session as an opportunity to connect deeply with women, creating safe spaces where vulnerability and authentic conversation flourish. "When you sit with a woman face to face and she takes off her makeup... she's going to tell me so many things that she doesn't even realize she's telling me," Mary shares. These "paychecks of the heart" – witnessing transformations in confidence and spirit – sustain her through cancellations and disappointments.
Ready to discover how faith, perseverance, and a passion for uplifting others can create both professional success and personal fulfillment? Listen in as Mary reminds us all to find joy in every day and shares wisdom only decades of balancing ambition with authentic relationships can provide.
Subscribe now for more inspiring conversations with women who are changing their worlds through passion, purpose, and unwavering determination!

Music "STOMP" used by permission of artist Donica Knight Holdman and Jim Huff

Chapters

1. Episode 226 -- Mary Zimmerman -- The Heart Behind the Makeup: A Story of Faith and Business (00:00:00)

2. Welcome to Stacked Keys Podcast (00:00:21)

3. Mary's Path to Mary Kay (00:02:16)

4. Balancing Motherhood and Business Growth (00:07:14)

5. Navigating Pandemic Transitions (00:10:05)

6. Skincare for All Ages (00:17:47)

7. From Military Family to Community Builder (00:25:34)

8. Leadership, Joy, and Family Values (00:36:18)

9. Finding Joy in Everyday Life (00:49:16)

10. Thirteen Career Cars and Counting (00:57:51)

11. Closing and Podcast Information (01:07:11)