06/09/2022
Senior National Sales Director Sylvia Kalicak started with Mary Kay in January 1992, debuted as a Sales Director in April 1993 and as a National Sales Director December 1, 2003. She was one of last National Sales Directors who has had the opportunity to meet Mary Kay.
When Sylvia was sharing her story with me, I was impressed with her “aha” moment which led to her signing her Independent Beauty Consultant Agreement. Newly graduated from the University of Florida in 1990 as a Registered Dietitian, she quickly rose to the position of Director of Health Management. At that time she thought she had everything going for her in her chosen career. One of the nurses in her group was a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant, and Sylvia was impressed with her excitement over her Mary Kay career. As Sylvia did not wear makeup, was making what she thought was good money, and could see a bright future for her in health management, she had no interest in considering a Mary Kay opportunity. One day, Sylvia was forced to lay off this nurse because of budget cuts, and she was consoling her with the fact that she could begin really pouring her efforts into Mary Kay. That was when Sylvia had her “aha” moment. She realized that cut-backs could come to her job, too, and that there really was no security in working for someone else.
As a new Beauty Consultant at her first Seminar, Sylvia heard others talking about Mary Kay with awe and reverence. She was 23 and couldn’t understand why everyone was so impressed. “Oh, please,” she thought to herself, “What is the big deal?” But as soon as Mary Kay stepped onstage, she began bawling as she felt Mary Kay’s sheer presence and the light that radiated from her. Unlike many of the others in the audience, her life had not been changed yet, but she still felt that wellspring of emotion.
Sylvia was privileged to attend one of the Career Conferences at which Mary Kay appeared. Her city, Orlando, had won the right to have Mary Kay in person instead of via video. Once again, when Mary Kay stepped onstage, Sylvia was overcome with emotion because of “what she represented and her way of transferring her love through her essence and her being.”
Sylvia finally had her moment to meet Mary Kay at New Sales Director Orientation. She was among the last group of new Sales Directors to come to Dallas and be taught by her. She stood in a long line and was amazed at the time Mary Kay would spend with each one and take pictures. Finally it was her turn. As they talked, Mary Kay took Sylvia’s hand in hers, and Sylvia thought that she had never felt such soft hands. She felt Mary Kay’s warmth and humility.
Sylvia now realizes how blessed she was to be taught by Mary Kay. Looking back, she realizes that these moments would have been even more precious had she realized that Mary Kay would not be with the Company much longer. In her mind (and in the minds of most of us who knew her), a world without Mary Kay Ash did not seem possible. Every message she spoke was relatable. Sylvia did hone in on Mary Kay’s message of picking up the torch and leading the way by example. “Mary Kay taught us to teach by example, by example, by example!”
Another lesson she felt was important: in training others, the first principle to be addressed is attitude. Without the right attitude, a person won’t get the desired result.
And of course, she learned from Mary Kay that she wasn’t limited by anything but herself and that she was to have a dream. That advice led to her helping open Colombia, South America. She is proud to have the first National Sales Director offspring in that country.
The advice that Sylvia gleaned directly from the mouth of Mary Kay Ash is relevant to everyone. Whatever dream you have in your heart, you can make it happen for you!
