Direct-sales jobs popular for women seeking independence, flexibility and family time

When Emily Colbert decided to start working a second job, she looked into several companies and considered several elements. She wanted a job that would allow flexibility in work hours so she could tailor it around her full-time job, but also not take away from time with her children. Ultimately, Colbert settled on going into direct sales with Mary Kay.

"I don't feel a lot of pressure, and they want you to set your own goals," Colbert says.

Mary Kay Ash started the company some 50 years ago with a goal of providing women the ability to run their own businesses, thus giving them earning power that most women didn't have at the time the company was founded. The company now boasts and annual U.S. revenue of about $3 billion. That's right, billion with a "b."

Colbert also found the compensation structure attractive, because Mary Kay sales people keep 50 percent of the money from products they sell.

Once she started working with Mary Kay, she realized it had another element she liked, which is the company's commitment to a charity targeted at helping women. Colbert says it's a part of the company she respects, and it makes her glad to be part of the organization.

Women apply lipstick during a Mary Kay Makeover Day. (Photo courtesy of Mary Kay Inc.)

"They are on a mission to empower women," she says. A portion of profits from certain products is donated to a charity called Don't Look Away, which brings the problem of domestic violence to the forefront. Funds are used to build shelters around the U.S. to provide a safe place for domestic violence victims to stay.

Sheryl Henley works for Premier Designs, a 30-year-old high-fashion jewelry retailer that began with a focus on single and stay-at-home moms.

"They empower women with the idea that they can help support their families while spending time with them," Henley says. Though Henley started her work with Premier on a part-time basis, over the years, it has developed into a full-time business. "I never dreamed I would be doing this," she says.

Samantha Mlot chose to go with a newer company, Chloe + Isabel, a jewelry retailer that has been in business just five years. Chloe + Isabel supports a charity, I Am That Girl, that helps young girls develop entrepreneurial skills.

"We like to do our business with a philanthropic reason," Mlot says.

No. 1 national sales director Gloria Mayfield Banks is introduced at the Mary Kay convention on July 25 in Dallas. (Photo by Michael Mulvey, courtesy of Mary Kay Inc.)

The company also periodically features a specific line from which some proceeds support victims of domestic violence. Chloe + Isabel encourages its merchandisers to hold special events and donate a portion of their commission from the parties back to charities of their choosing, like the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or research for treatment and curing of endometriosis.

"It's sort of like a fundraiser," Mlot says.

During Mary Kay's recent annual seminar, the company prepared 2,000 care kits for survivors of domestic violence. The Family Place in Dallas was one of 20 emergency shelters across the country that received a donation of Mary Kay products delivered by consultants in an iconic Mary Kay pink Cadillac. (Photo courtesy of Mary Kay Inc.)

Making the job even more satisfying, Mlot says, is the fact that doing the work is enjoyable.

"It's been a lot of fun," she says.

Chloe + Isabel merchandisers show their wares at "pop-up parties," which they might hold at a restaurant, library or even a doctor's office. Merchandisers also give online parties.

During Mary Kay's recent annual seminar, the company showed support for women in need by preparing 2,000 care kits for survivors of domestic violence. The Family Place in Dallas was one of 20 emergency shelters across the country that received a donation of Mary Kay products delivered by Mary Kay consultants in an iconic Mary Kay pink Cadillac. (Photo courtesy of Mary Kay Inc.)

"We consider ourselves social retailers," Mlot says.

Selling online, and at parties in the evenings and on weekends, gives Mlot the flexibility to keep her full-time job in advertising, make supplemental income and spend time with her young children.

"It's my business and I run it the way I want to," she says. The fact that the company designs jewelry for people of all ages makes selling it easy. Mlot bought her 2-year-old daughter a necklace that she wears all the time, but she also has an 85-year-old client. "There really is something for everyone," she says. "Something as simple as jewelry can build confidence in a woman."

Henley says she was surprised at first how wearing accessories can change your mood.

"It's amazing how different you feel when you wear jewelry," she says.