Avon: Empowering Women for 120 years

When one talks about "the company for women", only Avon comes to mind. For 120 years, Avon has distinguished itself for remaining ever constant and ever changing to women's needs; it continues to provide women with high-quality products and opportunities to improve their lives, and adapt to their varying needs.

Indeed, Avon continues to evolve. From being a trusted brand of women's beauty products, Avon is now known for empowering women through opportunities that allow them to improve their lives and their finances. Nowhere else can one witness a company that totally understands and nurtures women.

As Avon marks 120 years of empowering women, the company is presenting 12 Filipinas who, with their own stories, serve as inspiration to others who want to fulfill their dreams and enjoy a better quality of life. These Franchise Managers and Franchise Dealers, armed with determination and a positive attitude, have Avon's unwavering support. Truth be told, what makes these 12 women a distinguished group from their equally successful Avon colleagues and fellow awardees is their ability to rise above seemingly insurmountable challenges. Their stories here confirm that hard work, determination, and perseverance are key to improving one's life.

Las Piñas-based Franchise Manager Josie Coja's college education took a backseat when she got married at age 18. With determination and a supportive husband on her side, Coja finished schooling. When she was invited to become an Avon CBC, she asked for formal training on Avon's products and processes. She became a Franchise Dealer that same day, and went on to win the Most Promising FD Award that same year.

Exceptional leadership and teamwork is Franchise Manager Marlyn Cunanan's success. From her San Fernando base, Cunanan is generous with her know-how and complements to her sales team. She shares the very same trust to her team that Avon gives her. And just like Avon's ever-constant and ever-changing qualities, Cunanan quickly adapts to and rises above any situation, and delivers a top-quality performance.

Betty Torres moved heaven and earth to uplift her family's life. After doing odd jobs, it was with Avon that this lady from Taft shone. Torres' persistence and dedication as an Avon Lady allowed her to acquire properties and other investments for herself and her loved ones. This Franchise Manager proves that a true Avon Lady not only has the smarts but also the heart.

Malolos Franchise Manager Marilyn Feliciano put through her nine siblings while struggling to finish her studies herself. When Avon opened its doors in her area, Feliciano grabbed the opportunity and made the best out of it. Thanks to her business acumen and management skills, she continues to thrive as an outstanding Avon Lady.

Loida Rosales, a Franchise Manager from Batangas, knew from the start that her family's welfare came first. As a teenage working student, Rosales was watchful of her spending habits and skillful of her job as an Avon CBC. She persisted as a Franchise Dealer and completed various trainings. The outcome: her very own Avon boutique while still in college! She showed that keeping one's head up during tough times brings in positive results.

Franchise Manager Linda Villanueva from Iloilo began as an Avon CBC in 1983. With her enthusiasm for her job and desire to succeed, her Avon business grew. She even became a President's Club Silver Circle member in the process. Although she met personal and financial road blocks along the way, she persisted and learned from her experiences. Now wiser and better equipped, Villanueva leads a happier life filled with family, friends, and Avon.

Edsa's Isabelita Atanacio also experienced bumps on the road. She juggled various jobs all at the same time: sewing clothes, selling plastic bags, manning a moviehouse ticket booth, and selling Avon items. When her husband got laid off from work and the moviehouse closed down, plus kids to send to school, Atanacio went full-time with Avon. This Franchise Dealer's determination and hard work earned her a President's Club Silver Circle Membership and a Consistent Collection Leader.

Fire may have gutted her earlier possessions but it sure didn't consume Fely de la Cruz's passion for work. As an Avon Franchise Dealer, de la Cruz grew as a person and as a businesswoman. Not only was she able to receive awards, undergo valuable trainings, have over 100 CBCs, and put up her own boutique, this Avon Lady from Dagupan leads a more comfortable life with her beloved family.

Franchise Dealer Esterlina Cubil of Bacolod credits her confidence in Avon and her sales team for her success in "the company for women". Her reputation for overcoming serious challenges, both personal and financial, has earned her the respect of her colleagues. She unselfishly shares her knowledge and encouragement to those in need. Even her happy family would agree.

Independent-minded best describes Franchise Dealer Gloria Dones of Las Piñas. She set out on her own at age 16, running various jobs simultaneously. She excelled best as an Avon Lady, showing remarkable results in record time. She was soon inducted to the President's Club and won the Annual Achievement Award. She has no plans of slowing down. In fact, she wants to become a Senior Executive Unit Manager in five years.

Marina Rivero of Cebu began earning for the family coffers as a fish vendor. Realizing that the job was not enough, Rivero became an Avon CBC and successfully played the part. Her persistence, passion, and positive attitude helped make her a Franchise Dealer and President's Club member. Even better was being able to send her kids to good schools and invest in lasting possessions.

Shaw's Digna Villanueva had a husband in Saudi Arabia, and worked in a garments factory and for Avon to add to the family's income. Wanting to spend more time with her kids, she focused on Avon and worked hard at it. The sacrifices paid off: her kids went to school, her sales increased, and her life got better.

These 12 women portray the different faces of triumph over adversity, and are worthy examples of how goals can be met and dreams can come true. Avon supports women such as these who value hard work as a tool for success and who provide inspiration for countless others. Avon helps make it all happen with its ever-constant support and ever-changing ability to keep in step with the times and their needs for a better life.