Spotlight On:

Mary Kay Cosmetics

Tireless Volunteer and Intrepid Adventurer

Each month on the first Tuesday morning, as the Business-to-Business Breakfast begins, she’s greeting newcomers at the door and making them feel welcome. You can find her in the background at every Goleta Valley Chamber of Commerce event—whether it’s the Lemon Festival or a business workshop—helping out with a smile. In fact, Michelle Bischoff, an Independent Sales Director for>Mary Kay Cosmetics, is one of the Chamber’s most generous and tireless volunteers, having served as co-Chair of the Ambassadors program for the last year, along with Drew Wakefield of Ramada Limited in Goleta.

A Santa Barbara native, Michelle graduated from Bishop Garcia Diego High School in 1994 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from San Diego State in 1998. She then decided to travel the globe as a flight attendant for United Airlines, based out of Washington, D.C. After two years, this fearless adventurer and world traveler moved overseas to Melbourne, Australia, where she worked as a pharmacist technician and Shiseido counter manager, learning the ins and outs of sales in the cosmetics, skincare, nutrition, vitamins and healthcare categories.

An Entrepreneurial Leader is Born

Upon returning to her hometown, Michelle became involved in Mary Kay Cosmetics (MK) through a family friend, determined to succeed in this direct sales business from the start. Drawing on her beauty sales background, she became an Independent Sales Director in only four months, performing in the top 2% of producers and winning herself a charcoal grey Pontiac G6.

Michelle now helps lead a team of 30+ local MK representatives, supporting them to be just as successful. She shares that she is continually inspired by her clients, which in turn drives her to achieve even more on their behalf.

“I am a giver by nature and very focused on customer service,” says Michelle. “I particularly love talking to other women, complimenting them and helping them to recognize their inner and outer beauty. There is nothing more fulfilling than the look of amazement on a client’s face when she sees her reflection after a makeover.”

Goleta Valley Chamber Key to Her Success

She credits her involvement as a highly visible Ambassador in the Goleta Valley Chamber of Commerce with expanding her customer base, resulting in an increase of sales over the last year.

“I have definitely added more customers through the Chamber, including personal clients and corporate/executive gifting customers, which is my specialty. People are often surprised to hear that MK is not just a cosmetics company with a #1-selling skin care line, but also offers many great business gift ideas, for holidays, birthdays, recognition awards and more.”

Michelle points out that her personal MK website at www.marykay.com/mbischoff makes these products very accessible for her customers because they are able to shop on their time and have their orders delivered the next day.

Says Michelle, “I am so fortunate to have a career where I can make money while working with my friends and colleagues, while enriching women’s lives at the same time.”

And the Goleta Chamber is very fortunate to have Michelle co-chairing its Ambassador Team. Thanks so much for all your tireless volunteering, Michelle!