Blissful Beauty Blog

It All Began with David H. McConnell – Avon’s Founder

In 1886, 34 years before women in the U.S. earned the right to vote, Avon’s founder, David H. McConnell, helped give them the chance to earn an independent income. He didn’t set out to create a beauty company. In fact, McConnell was a traveling book salesperson who offered fragrance samples as an additional perk to his female customers.

He saw that these women were more interested in the free perfume than the books, and the California Perfume Company was born and would later become Avon. Since women had a passion for his products and loved networking with other women, McConnell was inspired to recruit them and Persis Foster Eames Albee (Mrs. Albee) became the first Sales Representative and is considered the first “Avon Lady”. Interested in becoming a Representative? Join now.

Leading The Way

Founder David H. McConnell started Avon based on the revolutionary concept that women could earn an independent income, run their own business and contribute to their community.

Avon played an active role in war-time efforts, awarding the Avon Medallion of Honor to service women and nurses, and calling for action and support. Like many industries, Avon retooled half its factories to produce products for the war effort including insect repellent and gas mask canisters. Avon supported the Red Cross and made supplies and first aid kits during World War II and Avon was an official sponsor of the Statue of Liberty’s centennial makeover in 1986.

Why Representatives Choose Avon

“This is the company that puts mascara on lashes and food on tables. That fights wrinkles with one hand and breast cancer with the other.”

Avon invented social selling and promotes female entrepreneurship through a diverse community of sales Representatives who are passionate about sharing our award-winning products. Best sellers include skin care, beauty, fragrance and personal care, featuring iconic brands such as ANEW and Skin So Soft, as well as fashion and accessories.

For over 135 years we have been empowering women through economic opportunity, and cultivating positive lives in our efforts to end breast cancer – making lives beautiful for our Representatives and our community.

Have you thought of joining Avon? If so, come work with me!