Navigating an Awkward Mary Kay Situation - Advice Needed!

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Discussion Overview

The thread discusses a situation involving a Pampered Chef consultant, Angela, who encountered an awkward interaction with a Mary Kay consultant after mentioning her friends' negative experiences with Mary Kay products. Participants share their perspectives on the appropriateness of Angela's comments and the subsequent fallout, including whether she should reach out again or let the situation be.

Discussion Character

  • Opinion-based
  • Anecdotal
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, suggests that Angela's honesty about her friends' feelings was appropriate and that the Mary Kay consultant may have misinterpreted her comments.
  • Another participant shares their experience of feeling that new consultants might not know how to handle negative feedback and suggests that Angela could try to meet face-to-face to resolve the issue.
  • Several users mention that they believe Angela did not do anything wrong and that she should let the situation go, as she has already apologized.
  • One participant expresses skepticism about the Mary Kay consultant's decision to cancel the shows, suggesting it might be an excuse to avoid the event.
  • Another participant reflects on their own negative experience with a Mary Kay meeting, noting that it felt overly scripted and not genuine.
  • Some participants comment on the sensitivity of Mary Kay consultants, indicating that they may take criticism personally.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on whether Angela's comments were appropriate and whether she should reach out again. While some participants support her honesty, others feel that the situation should be left alone.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects personal experiences and opinions regarding interactions between consultants from different companies, particularly in the context of potential conflicts and communication styles.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants navigating similar interpersonal dynamics with representatives from other companies may find the shared experiences and viewpoints relevant.

A
acherry
Gold Member
Messages
153
Hi Ladies & Gents,
So I need ya'lls help!!! I normally switch shows with other consultants alot (i.e., they book a show from me, I hold a show for them)...well I was at a fair and had a Mary Kay consult. next to me..she was real nice..just started w/ the company (2 months).. Well..she wanted to book a show...which was great...but then she talked to her recruiter (doing the booth w/ her) and then I ended up having to book a show for her...I had already mentioned that I have like 20 friends doing MK...AND I just had a MK show last month, which the consultant was ummm...not very good...so my friends are a bit anti-MK right now...
So...as I was talking to her..I mentioned that I had just had a MK party...and that my friends were a bit anti-mk b/c it wasn't a good experience (in my mind I felt obligated to mention that, b/c I know what its like to have anti PC people at a show, and I would prefer to know before hand, so I can come prepared)....
so she mentioned a pedicure party, and I thought that was great...
WELL....1 week passed and she calls me...and leaves a voicemail..saying that when I said my friends were anti-MK...it bothered her and that she didn't think it was appropriate for me to say and so she thinks its best if we cancel both our shows.... I was perplexed....I called her back ( I really liked her...but after the voicemail...I was a bit upset)...and left a msg saying, "I'm sorry you feel this way, I just mentioned that b/c my friends had a bad MK experience, so you would know, they are really excited about the pedi party, but if you don't want to do it, I understand, and I apologize for my comment. I'd still like to do the parties, but understand if you don't. Please call me."
So 1 week has passed, and I haven't heard anything...well...she live in my neighborhood, so I don't want bad PC vibes for me...so what do you think I should do? E-mail and inquirer or let sleeping dogs lie...

Granted, maybe I shouldn't have said that my friends were a bit anit-mk...but we had been at the fair for about 3.5 hrs, I thought it was a good communication between us...so I thought I'd be nice and let her know she might have a crowd of people with lots of questions...b/c the other party MK party we just had wasn't good at all...

So...let me know...watcha ya'll think... For the record...I feel terrible abt it, I'm not normally someone who sticks her foot in her mouth...but I guess this time I did...but we all make mistakes...
Anyway..thanks for all your input!!
Cheers,
Angela
 
Personally I would let it go. You have said your appologies... there really isn't anything else you can do. You didn't do anything wronge, you were just telling the truth.
 
I think you did the right thing by letting her know about the attitude your friends might have at her show. It sounds like she is taking it the wrong way, or her director is feeding her info that is incorrect. Maybe you should call her again and see if you can meet face-to-face, since you felt you both had a good relationship while at the show. Maybe by talking it out together you can find a resolution and still be able to hold your shows.

Good luck!!
 
I can totally see your side of it, and like you I would want to come prepared to a party knowing that I might get comments. But, if she just started with the company maybe she doesn't know what to say to make the vibe positive. Plus it sounds like she is saying whatever she feels, then talking to her recruiter and doing what the recruiter says is best. I think it is best just to let it go and maybe try again next summer!
 
I don't understand why she would even do the Mary Kay show for you in the first place. EVERYONE I've talked to in MK has stressed how they do not poach other consultant's customers.
 
I don't want to stereotype people, but I went to an MK meeting as a model one time - at least that's what my consultant was calling it. It turned out to be just a big recruiting hype. And it was rather scary - they were like a bunch of little clones of their Director. Matching outfits, etc. - that alone made me run the other way!!! So, I just got the impression that they don't do a lot of thinking for themselves, but that could be just the group I witnessed! I'm sure there are plenty of "normal" MK consultants out there!
 
I would just leave it be...and quite honestly, I find that most MK consultants get offended very easily are are very sensitive people...
 
It sounds like maybe the MK rep is just making excuses for not doing the show. Maybe she decided she couldn't have a PC show for you and just used what you said to make an excuse to not do your show. You never know. I don't see any harm in giving her another call if you really liked her. If you leave another message and don't hear back from her I guess its her loss. :rolleyes:
 
I dont believe you did anything wrong in letting her know. Maybe since she's new at MK she got nervous thinking no one would like her or buy anything and rather than do a show where you know no one is interested, she feels she can book someone else. I think she shouldnt have acted that way but hey, you live and learn. I'm sure the date you had set aside for her will be a rewarding one for you! :)
 
loreedfk said:
And it was rather scary - they were like a bunch of little clones of their Director. Matching outfits, etc. - that alone made me run the other way!!!
Click to expand...

OMG that is too funny:D You have made my day!!!!!
 
Angela, I do not think you did anything wrong. You developed a relationship with the Mary Kay Consultant and thought you could be honest with her. You did not give an anti-Mary Kay line, it was a word against the consultant. With experience she will learn to say, "I am so sorry they had that kind of experience. I am really looking forward to having a great time with you and your friends."

I would just leave her alone for a while. Hopefully you will bump into her one day and maybe the two of you can redevelop your relationship.

Thanks!
Lisa
 
Last edited:
Lisa: I think your post was well put.

I don't see anything wrong with calling the other lady back and leaving a message saying, "I'm not sure if you got my other message, but just wanted to let you know that I talked to some of my friends and they really liked the pedi idea. I don't want to bug you, but I wanted to give you one last call so you don't miss out on this opportunity, so please give me a call if your still interested." If she doesn't call then that's ok, too.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I feel uncomfortable with a Mary Kay sales pitch?

If you feel uncomfortable during a sales pitch, it's important to communicate your feelings politely but firmly. You can say something like, "I appreciate your enthusiasm, but I'm not interested at this time." Setting clear boundaries can help ease the awkwardness.

How can I handle a friend who is pushing Mary Kay products on me?

If a friend is persistently promoting Mary Kay products, consider having an open conversation with them. Express your feelings honestly and let them know that while you value their friendship, you’re not interested in the products. A true friend will respect your wishes.

What should I do if I accidentally agreed to host a Mary Kay party?

If you’ve agreed to host a party but are having second thoughts, it’s okay to back out. Contact your friend or the consultant and explain that you’ve reconsidered. You can suggest an alternative way to support them, like attending a party instead of hosting.

How can I gracefully decline a Mary Kay invitation without hurting feelings?

You can decline a Mary Kay invitation by expressing gratitude for the invite while clearly stating your decision. For example, say, "Thank you for thinking of me! I really appreciate it, but I won’t be able to attend." This approach shows kindness while maintaining your boundaries.

What if I feel pressured to buy products at a Mary Kay event?

Feeling pressured to buy products can be uncomfortable. Remember, you are not obligated to make a purchase. Politely decline any offers and focus on enjoying the social aspect of the event. If the pressure continues, it’s okay to leave the event early.

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