Contributed by Diana L. Straub
Mary Kay Open House
10/24/2020 - 10AM, 10/25/2020 - 12PM
Diana L. Straub, Mary K Consultant
5099 E Blue Lupine Dr. Wasilla
FREE Admission
The crisp cool autumn air has arrived. Alaska gardens have been put away and we are preparing for the holidays to arrive. This is often when we begin thinking about mailing Thanksgiving goodies to our loved ones and friends serving in the military stationed overseas. May I suggest 2020 to be a little different regarding your holiday calendar? May I be bold in suggesting all of your holiday items for November and December be mailed by November 15, 2020? The by-product could be an exceptionally relaxing Thanksgiving and December, perhaps even welcoming 2021 in a more calm manner than previous years.
In 2019, USPS delivered about 8 million packages between Thanksgiving and the New Year. This 8 million does not include FedEx, UPS, DHL or other delivery options; only USPS. Last year many people shopped both in stores and online. This year I personally believe there will be more online sales for holiday giving than any previous year due to complications of COVID-19. Alaska is more open for business than many other states. Imagine the burden on USPS, FedEx, UPS, and DHL if we all wait until after Thanksgiving to begin our holiday shopping and mailing this year. I encourage you to complete your holiday shopping before Thanksgiving this year.
When shopping for gifts, think local! I once learned from a Mat-Su Borough report that one dollar spent in local businesses of the Mat-Su could add as much as $1.50 to our local economy. Remember your local artisans, micro-businesses , home/party businesses and coops while you are gift purchasing. These businesses often depend on gift/craft shows to sell their goods and this year many of those shows have been cancelled. These type of businesses have done their best to shift how they serve you the customer and many are offering clever new ways to do business with them.
I have been an Independent Beauty Consultant with Mary Kay Cosmetics for nearly 30 years. In the past, I met with my clients face to face at their home or in my studio. Today, I meet with clients on Zoom and FaceTime for virtual facials! I send a goodie box full of samples to each participant, then on a designated day and time we all meet on Zoom and enjoy a fun facial together. I have found it to be just as much fun, and perhaps the personal connections made are at an even deeper level than the in person facials. When you hostess a party with me between now and Thanksgiving I am offering additional gifts and prizes as are many of the other in-home party businesses. This is a good time for you to party & shop!!
You can also download Mary Kay apps for your smartphone. The Mary Kay Skin Analyzer app will analyze your skin and make product recommendations after you snap a picture of yourself. The Mary Kay Mirror Me app lets you experience color trends and hundreds of products. Mary Kay eCatalog will allow you to see a variety of catalogues. Most direct sellers have apps for their companies so if Pampered Chef is what you are looking for contact Mary Ann Johnson from Wasilla. If you would like to give food contact Jean Stanefski with Tastefully Simple also in Wasilla.
Tis the season for open houses by appointment and virtual parties! Enjoy the personalized shopping experiences offered by me, your Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant, as well as the many other direct sellers in our community. My first holiday open house will be October 24th and 25th, beginning at 10am on Saturday and noon on Sunday at my studio on 5099 E. Blue Lupine Drive, Wasilla AK 99654. Reservations can be made at 907-841-7245.
I wish you a happy and healthy holiday season.
Diana L. Straub
Independent Beauty Consultant
Cosmetologist
Aesthetician