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NT Bureau
Chennai, Sept 14:

        Mary Kay Inc, the direct sellers of skin care and cosmetic products, has set up its subsidiary unit in Gurgaon near Delhi. With the addition of India to its global portfolio, the Dallas-based firm has operations in over 30 markets worldwide.

        'We anticipate the same success in India that we are experiencing in other Asia-Pacific markets,' said K K Chua, president of Mary Kay Asia-Pacific. 'We now have more than 3.50 lakh beauty consultants in the region and it is rewarding to note the dream launched nearly 45 years ago by the founder Mary Kay Ash continues to enrich the lives of women and their families around the world,' he said.

        Privately held Mary Kay Inc has plans to invest nearly $20 million in India over the next five years with the first phase of the operation being focused on New Delhi, Chandigarh and Ludhiana. The Indian subsidiary Mary Kay Cosmetics Pvt Ltd would be led by country manager Hina Nagarajan who had previously worked in high-profile companies, including ICI Paints and Nestle India Ltd. She holds a Masters degree in Business Administration from IIM Ahmedabad as well as a business degree from New Delhi University.

        Speaking at the official launch of the company in Delhi recently, Nagarajan said, 'women from a variety of cultures throughout the world are embracing a career in Mary Kay for it affords them a chance to own their own business, determine their own level of personal and financial success and proceed at their own pace.' The company also provided them with the flexibility of being able to set their own schedules while keeping life's priorities in their proper order.

        Mary Kay's India headquarters would be in Gurgaon and the company plans to open its first Beauty Centre at Saket in New Delhi. To begin with, the company would offer more than 60 high-quality skin care products and cosmetics with additional products expected to be launched in early 2008.

        More than 1.7 million consultants own their Mary Kay business in 30 global markets. The company generated a wholesale revenue of $2.25 billion in 2006 and its sales grew rapidly in recent times, especially in China, Mexico and Russia. 'The opening of Mary Kay in India is another milestone as we continue to work towards the founder's dream of making the business opportunity available to women across the world,' said David Holl, president and CEO, Mary Kay Inc.