Earlier this summer, I became a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant. I was — and still am — very excited. However, when I told a friend that I was an Independent Beauty Consultant, he was less than thrilled for me and attempted to convince me that the whole ordeal was a scam (a scam that's been around over 50 years? Yeah. OK.). So many people have so much negativity in regards to Mary Kay. Believe me, I know because I did a TON of research before I signed my new consultant agreement. Despite all the negativity from outsiders, I think Mary Kay is INCREDIBLE! Here's why.

1. Mary Kay was a real woman!

So, this was news to me and a lot of other people, but Mary Kay was a real woman. (Betty Crocker wasn't, FYI) Mary Kay Ash founded the company after she had retired from many years of working in direct sales. She was working on writing a book about her experiences and decided to found the company to take the best things from various companies and turn it into a wonderful career opportunity for women/mothers.

2. It's founded on the Golden Rule!

Helping others is a HUGE part of Mary Kay. Myself and other consultants loooove pampering other women. Being a woman is stressful and we know this, so, we pamper. In addition, we share the opportunity of becoming a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant with other women in case they are looking for a new source of income.

3. The product!

I have yet to find anything that I don't absolutely LOVE (Night Solution anyone?). Everything is so high quality and it's at a reasonable price. It's honestly the best. I never feel like I'm trying to sell anything. I just share my honest-to-goodness love for the product and people love that I love it!

4. Faith first, family second, career third.

This is the way things are in Mary Kay. Mary Kay Ash believed that when your priorities are in this order, everything works. When they're not in this order, nothing works.

5. The people!

I saved my absolute favorite for last. Every woman that I have met through Mary Kay is SO INCREDIBLE. They are all kind, caring, loving, helpful and just all around wonderful and fantastic! We all help one another and we all have a goal of doing good. This is just so wonderful to me in this world that we live in where so many women tear each other down. In Mary Kay, we build each other up and empower each other.

Honestly, Mary Kay isn't for every woman, and that is OK. But for me, it is exactly what I need in my life right now. I love everything about Mary Kay. People are always going to be negative. I just choose to rise above it because Mary Kay is honestly incredible. There are so many positives to Mary Kay, those I've already listed and so many more (free cars, anyone?!). Mary Kay is just the best for me.