More Than Makeup: How Kelly Cooper Built a Legacy on Faith, Family, and "Washing Faces"

SOMERSET, Kentucky (SPA) — Twenty-two years ago, in a consignment store in Barbourville, Kentucky, a young woman dropped her name into a facial box. She wasn’t looking for a career, and she certainly wasn’t looking for glamour. Kelly Cooper was a BUSY mom, working 2 jobs and traveling to EKU as a pregnant graduate student, dealing with morning sickness. She had stopped to deliver candles on her way to school, saw the facial box, and was simply hoping to win a relaxing spa facial.

          As it turns out, the spa facial was followed by a makeover including full glamour! "I didn’t have the heart to tell her I didn’t wear makeup," Kelly recalls of the consultant who called her. "I played college softball, and I just didn’t wear makeup or know anything about skincare. I grew up with brothers— a total tomboy, usually wearing a ball jersey. I was the last person on this planet who would be interested in a makeover or this opportunity.”  That single appointment sparked a journey that would transform Kelly from a frugal, reluctant participant into an now Independent Mary Kay Cadillac Sales Director. But for Kelly, the transformation has never been about sales figures. It is about the ministry of confidence and passing it on.

The Power of a Reaction

         The catalyst for Kelly's career wasn't the product itself at first, but the way it made her feel—and how others saw her. After that first makeover, she went home to her husband with a face full of glamour, something completely out of her comfort zone. "He stopped in his tracks and just kept saying, 'wow… just wow!'" Kelly says. "It was awkward at first, but I could tell he meant it, and I knew I wanted that reaction from him more often." That spark of confidence quickly fanned into a flame when Kelly, working as a youth counselor, was asked by her boss to teach a "self-esteem workshop." Despite her own insecurities, she purchased a Mary Kay starter kit in order to have the materials she needed to teach the class. Kelly was blown away by the reaction from her girls. She witnessed her hardest teens, who had experienced trauma and conflict, suddenly soften, bonding over colors and compliments. It was a beautiful experience, Kelly admits.

        "I learned that a smile is the prettiest thing you can wear, and true beauty will thrive on connection," Kelly reflects. "I guess you could say that my lack of self-confidence truly is what set me on this path to empowerment."

"Jesus Washed Feet, We Wash Faces"

        Faith is the bedrock of Kelly’s business. While driving long hours for grad school, she listened to inspirational CDs from her Mary Kay director to combat negative self-talk. On one specific drive, listening to a story of a woman sharing her faith through her business, Kelly was moved to tears. "I had to pull over at a gas station to wash my face, because I literally cried so hard," she remembers. Although she had been baptized at 14, she rededicated her life on the side of that road. “I wanted a closer relationship with the Lord, and everyone I knew in Mary Kay was always so happy and led by their faith.” She now views her work as a spiritual calling. "Jesus washed feet, we wash faces," she says. "It is truly an act of love and connection that we all crave." She loves watching the bond of grandma, mom, and daughters gathered around the table. “It creates great memories that every generation appreciates.”

The Shift: God First, Family Second, Career 3rd.

          For years, Kelly balanced a successful career as a therapist and case manager alongside her growing business. However, a family move, some health concerns, and demanding schedules eventually forced a re-evaluation of her priorities. “My husband had taken a new job out of town, and our family dynamic was off. It was chaos having 2 kids in 2 different school districts, one being a senior and the other starting middle school as “the new kid.” I was working significant overtime and carrying a lot of Mom guilt. There was so much to be done to move, and I just couldn’t do it all. “I loved my job”, Kelly admits, but she wasn’t honoring her values of God 1st, family 2nd, and career 3rd.  After hearing a sermon titled “Count Your Marbles”—which emphasized that parents only have 18 summers with their children—Kelly realized how quickly time was passing, and she felt a spiritual nudge to be home. “It was a terrifying leap of faith, but Mary Kay allowed me the flexibility to work from home during the day so I could be available to run with our sports schedules at night.” What she thought might be a temporary cushion to get her family through this next transition ended up being an explosion of growth. “It was crazy,” she admits- “I was packing boxes for our move, in between parties and facials in my basement. Everyone wanted a makeover, and it was so fun! Not only did my customer base grow, but I started adding new team members and soon discovered that I also love the leadership of this business. As my confidence grew, so did my business.”

Giving Back to the Community

          The heart of Kelly’s business beats for her community. Proceeds from sales support efforts to find a cure for women’s cancers and aid domestic violence shelters across the nation. Locally, the impact is tangible: the Bethany House recently received a $20,000 grant for new playground equipment—a grant from Mary Kay that Kelly got to sign off on personally and is near and dear to her heart.  Additionally, for the last seven years, Kelly and her team have participated in the local "Queen for a Day," providing free makeovers for women in recovery. "I am surrounded by the best team of women ages 18 to 83, and I can proudly say that every single one of them has a heart of gold," Kelly says. "They all shine so bright." This maternal leadership style has earned her a special title. "My hubby has coached for over 20 years, and his first team nicknamed me Momma Coop," she shares. "That has stuck with me, and now all my girls call me that, too. It makes me one proud Momma."

The Ripple Effect of a "Yes"

          Kelly Cooper’s story challenges every misconception about her industry. It is a story of how one woman’s "Yes" has led to over 100 more "Yes’s." “It amazes me how other people’s dreams are really attached to mine,” Kelly says. “Often, people forget how to dream. They just live to pay bills or go through the motions. I want to teach them a different way of life and pass it on! I want everyone to be successful and find their own balance—whatever that might look like to them.

         As she looks toward a year of big goals, Kelly remains grounded in gratitude for the community that has supported her. Her daily motivation is found in her favorite scriptures: Jeremiah 29:11, the promise of hope and a future, and the prayer taped to her laptop from Isaiah 6:8: "Here I am, Lord, Send ME!"

 "Every day I wake up grateful for this opportunity," Kelly concludes. "I pray whoever is meant to find me will do just that, and I can be of service.”

**Only the top 1% of the Mary Kay Independent sales force earn the use of a career car through their Mary Kay business. To learn more about the Career Car Program visit:  https://www.marykay.com/en-us/sell-mary-kay/career-car-program.***

*Any earnings or money claims are true about Kelly & her team only. Your success or the success of others will be based on your work ethic, talents, and abilities, as each individual works independently, and Mary Kay is not responsible for their success or lack thereof. If you do not already have a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant or would like more information:

Contact Kelly Cooper @ www.Marykay.com/kelly10 , or visit the Mary Kay website to find a consultant near you.