Margaret has been saying “Avon calling!” since 1968.
Five decades and around 75,000 doorknocks later, Avon veteran Margaret Cook delivered her last order this month, and she says it was with a heavy heart.
The 84-year-old grandmother-of-four began her career in door-to-door sales way back in 1968 when she wanted to earn extra money to take her three little ones on a beach holiday.
Story continues after podcast link
Want more amazing celebrity gossip? Listen to the latest episode of Woman’s Day Uncensored, where the team tell all on the latest set of worrying photos of Bec and Lleyton Hewitt amidst split rumours, they also lift the lid on the new Studio 54 documentary, plus they share exclusive details from their shoot with presenter Tania Zaetta, who is pregnant with twins at 48!
“Times were tough, and I wanted something with flexibility while the kiddies went to school. I never missed one single campaign in 50 years!”
Margaret proudly tells Woman’s Day from her home in Brisbane’s North.
The 84-year-old has always been proud to sell the products – and uses them herself.
When the global beauty company, which first hit Australian shores in 1963, announced in February it will withdraw by the end of this year both here and in New Zealand, Margaret and more than 21,400 other Avon representatives were filled with great sadness.
“I still have a couple of my original clients. My husband left me when I was very young, so as a single mum it was a wonderful way to make friends and earn a living at the same time,” she says.
Celebrating 50 years.
“I still have a couple of my original clients. My husband left me when I was very young, so as a single mum it was a wonderful way to make friends and earn a living at the same time,” she says.
But while she’s heartbroken to say goodbye to Avon when it officially shuts later this year, Margaret admits she almost didn’t make it through her first day.
Margaret today.
“I parked our ’67 Holden, and I had my two-year-old, Warren, at my side. We got as far as the gate, and a growling boxer dog came at us. I ran like the wind!” she says.
Margaret says she’s always been proud to sell cosmetics that don’t break the bank. “Avon must be doing something right – I’m almost 85 and I look pretty good!” she laughs.
Margaret in 1968.
Her skincare advice?
“Cleanse and moisturise twice daily, drink lots of water and apply sunscreen.
“I also love a cheeky glass of bubbles!”
