Entries are now being accepted for NAUMD’s awards recognition programs: Image of the Year Awards®, Best Dressed Public Safety Awards®, Rising Star/Young Leadership, and Innovation Awards. You can submit your favorite programs here. Winners will be announced the evening of May 4, 2021, during the association’s annual convention in San Diego.
Wondering if you have an award-worthy program? Let’s take a look back at a past winner for ideas and inspiration:
In 2009, the association awarded Mary Kay with an Image Award in the service category. May Kay was no stranger to the competition; the cosmetics company had won many times before, even receiving an “Image of the Decade” award way back in 1990.
By changing its program each year, Mary Kay has managed to turn the ordinary into the unexpected, the traditional to the contemporary. In 2009, Mary Kay had approximately 1.7 million Independent Beauty Consultants in well over 30 global markets. Mary Kay Sales Directors are independent contractors. The purchase of the ensemble – a fine, worsted suit and accessories – is a choice. The opportunity to wear the sales director suit motivates Independent Beauty Consultants to move up on the career path almost as much as any other incentive. Because the sweater colors, collars and buttons are distinctive, they herald the specific achievements of each Independent Sales Director.
The 2008-09 program was colored in the hottest fashion color of that season – espresso brown. Designed by Brookhurst, the wool worsted Tissue Crepe suit featured a cut-away elongated silhouette shaped with intricate princess seams and detailed with tonal satin piping. Jackets were available in two lengths, and skirts were available in five lengths, ensuring that every sales director had an option that met her style. This program offered three different styles of skirts: seven-panel tulip, pencil with double back pleat, and ankle length with elegant peplum back detail. The collection also included optional accessories. Most notable were the matching espresso brown sleeveless shells, baroque paisley oblong silk scarves and a feather pin in hues of berry pink and espresso brown.
Of course, the Mary Kay program represents a classic approach to uniform wear. Today, there are numerous other ways to further a brand and increase public awareness. We’ll take a look at these in future issues of the Pulse.
To learn more about competition rules, visit www.naumd.com, or contact Steve Zalkin, steve@naumd.com.
