40 Great Years with Avon

This registered nurse still finds plenty of time for – and earnings from – her Avon business.

Jean Small
Many Representatives wonder how they can integrate Avon into their lives given other work and family commitments. For Jean Small, that concern has been successfully answered.

For close to 40 years, this Maple Shade, New Jersey resident has weaved a part- time Avon career into a busy schedule that has also included a husband, three children and career as a Registered Nurse.

Her children are grown now, but in the latest phase of Jean’s working life, she’s helping to raise three grandchildren, putting in hours as a semi-retired nurse, and managing her Honor Society level Avon career, which has grown steadily since day one.

Over her decades-long Avon career, she has promoted herself as a Representative at the many local businesses and offices she frequents. “What started off as a hobby has grown into a solid livelihood,” says Jean. Indeed, this youthful grandmother maintains her Honor Society business with Award Sales in excess of $20,000.

Inheriting a Family Tradition
Interestingly, Jean got her Avon start from her husband’s grandmother. “Grandmother Mary gave everyone in the family Avon brochures to share with everyone we knew,” says Jean. So, without even fully realizing it then, Jean started out as Mary’s helper. By the time Jean’s first child came along in 1971, becoming a Representative herself an obvious choice for since she wanted to stay home and still make money.

“I’m still involved with Avon because I really like the Customers I serve,” says Jean. “They’re my friends now”. That assessment echoes the Avon tradition as a relationship-based enterprise.

With the assistance of six of her own helpers, Jean distributes 120 brochures a campaign. She’s pleased that many in her loyal Customer base spread the word about her business, and that new Customers often call her first. She’s also thrilled that, after all these years, the experience of long-term association with Avon has enriched her life as much as anything she’s ever done.