Our story
A history of empowering women
Avon's founder David H. McConnell was a progressive pioneer, an impressive visionary, a courageous game-changer, and above all, a champion of women.
But he didn’t set out to create a beauty company. He was a travelling book salesperson, and offered beauty products as a gift. He soon realised customers were more interested in the free perfume samples than the books.
From a small New York City office, McConnell mixed the company's first fragrances himself, and recruited a team of women to be Sales Representatives.
It was a radical business model in 1886, but McConnell believed in the power of community, and was passionate about giving women the opportunity to take firm control and responsibility for their lives and their families.
Continuing the legacy of our founder
Economic participation is an opportunity that many take for granted today, but also one that some women are still not afforded.
Which is why we continue the mission that our founder started; because when you improve a woman’s life you benefit her family, her community, her country, and ultimately the world.
years before the Women’s March on Washington, and widespread demonstrations surrounding women’s rights.
years before Margaret Thatcher became the first female British Prime Minister.
years before Valentina Tereshkova became the first woman to travel into space.
years before the UN Declaration of Human Rights asserted the equal rights of men and women.
years before Amelia Earhart flew solo across the Atlantic.
years before the first women in the U.K. had the right to vote.
years before Marie Curie became the first woman to win the Nobel Prize.
