David H. McConnell didn’t originally intend to create a beauty company. A traveling book salesman, he founded Avon in 1886 after realizing his female customers were far more interested in the free perfume samples he offered than in his books. During his bookselling days, McConnell had also noticed that many of his female customers were isolated at home while their husbands went off to work. So he purposely recruited female sales Representatives. McConnell believed they had a natural ability to network with and market to other women, and a passion for his products. At a time of limited employment options for women, the Avon earnings opportunity was a revolutionary concept. It marked the start of the company's long and rich history of empowering women around the globe.
Avon Founder David H. McConnell offered women a rarity in 19th century America: a chance at financial independence. ... more
One of the most enduring and iconic images of women's entrepreneurship is the Avon Lady. For more than 125 years, Avon Representatives have brought beauty into women's lives ... more
Time and again, the company has innovated this ancient form of selling, tweaking its direct-selling model to fit seamlessly into Representatives' and customers' lives. ... more
Fergie, Joe DiMaggio and Helen Hayes seem an unlikely trio - a current rock star, a legendary baseball player from the ‘50s and the “First Lady of the American Theatre. ... more
Thousands of shades of pink have comprised Avon's palettes for blush, lipstick and eye shadow over the years. ... more
95 Years before the first woman was appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court ...
77 Years before the first woman traveled into space ...
76 Years before the first woman took the reins of a Fortune 500 company ...
34 Years before women in the U.S. had the right to vote ...
17 Years before the first woman won the Nobel Prize ...
Avon offered women the opportunity to be CEOs of their own businesses and control their economic destinies.
Avon has been empowering women for more than 125 years.
For in-depth corporate archives, please visit Avon's online digital archive collection at the Hagley Museum. Click here to launch the site.
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