9 Business Icons who Faced Utter Failure

Mary Kay Ash

Company: Mary Kay Cosmetics

In 1963, Ash resigned from Stanley Home Products after working for 25 years there. She did so out of frustration, as the firm overlooked her promotions. Even the men, whom she used to train, used to get through the rank. She started writing a book upon women’s business plan, but soon realized, it was meant for her.

So she started her own business – Mary Kay Cosmetics. Out of rage to prove the world of a women’s will power, she ended up doing the cosmetics business well. The company made $ 2.5 billion profit worldwide in 2009.

Ash believes in the fact that, “For every failure, there's an alternative course of action. You just have to find it. When you come to a roadblock, take a detour. Some of the best business ideas come out of personal experience”.