“I finally found a job I don’t want to retire from”

When Belinda Clarke was little, there was one scent she associated with her mother above all others: Avon Topaze perfume. “When I was young, we had a family friend who was an Avon rep – she had an old Quality Street tin full of samples I was allowed to rummage through,” says Belinda, now 62.  

“My mum used Topaze, which was in a little yellow pot, and the smell always reminded me of her. Sadly, she passed away when I was 10, and Avon doesn’t sell that scent anymore. But recently, I found some online and bought some, so every now and then I’ll put on Mum’s perfume and take a moment to remember her.” 

With 135 years of history behind the brand, millions of people hold cherished memories of Avon, from the “Avon lady” arriving at the door clutching classic beauty products such as the Skin So Soft and Platinum ranges, to the memorable, “Ding Dong! Avon calling!” slogan. 

Today, Avon is still going strong and has launched a retail website to supplement the iconic catalogue. And for thousands of people like Belinda, working with the brand is still a fantastic way of gaining some extra income, as well as making new friends and connecting with the local community. 

“I’m a firm believer that you should work to live, not live to work, and Avon has given me my life back,” says Belinda, who is an Avon sales leader. “I’ve got my business, my customers and my team, which all keep me busy. But the best thing about working with Avon is the flexibility. You can be a rep part-time, full-time, in your spare time, or just as a hobby.  

“When I started out five years ago I was looking after my elderly father but I was still able to build my business. I’ve also got the freedom to go for long walks, visit my daughter, or go on holiday at cheaper times of year. 

“It’s very sociable – as an Avon rep, you become part of people’s lives. I’ll often stop and have a cup of tea with customers and my team members get so much out of it too. One of them loves dogs but doesn’t own one so she walks her customers’ pets to get some ‘doggy time’. Another uses a mobility scooter so she just pops her catalogues in the basket and off she goes, which gets her out and about. 

“A lot of people ask when I’ll retire and I think, ‘Why would I want to?’ I’ve got a great income and, when you love what you do, you don’t count the hours.” 

Despite the common image of the “Avon lady”, there are also plenty of male reps, too – like John Prosser, 73, who has been working with the brand since January 2019. Like Belinda, John is part of the Achievers Team, one of Avon’s fastest-growing and successful teams.

“When the last company I worked for went bust I wanted to keep busy, so I signed up with Avon to help top up my pension,” John says. “I knew nothing at all about cosmetics when I started out – but you don’t need to, because the Avon name is so well known.  

“My wife Christine and I started out earning from sales by distributing the catalogue locally but now we’re sales leaders with our own team under us. It means we can earn a bit more – one month, with bonuses, we managed to earn over £6,200 – and believe me, if we can do it, anyone can!” 

While John is happy with the lifestyle he and Christine have enjoyed thanks to working with Avon – “We’ve had around 10 weeks abroad this year, as well as helping one of our grandsons buy an Xbox” – he believes the benefits of being an Avon rep aren’t just financial. 

“Handing out brochures gets me out of the house and meeting people,” he explains. “But my real passion is supporting the members of my team to get what they want out of their business. Some are surprised by what they can achieve, because they haven’t had an opportunity like this before, and it’s that personal development side of it that I really enjoy. 

“When you join Avon under a sales leader, you’re not alone – we’re always here to help and support our team.” 

As an added bonus, the Prossers use their 30% discount to buy gifts for friends and family, as well as using the products at home. “We love Avon Skin So Soft, the handwash, sun protection and shower gel, and I can’t tell you how many Avon lipsticks Christine has in her bathroom cabinet!” John says. 

“Although I’m 73 now, I’ve always said I’m not retiring, because why should I if I’m doing something I enjoy? If you’re thinking of becoming an Avon rep, I say you’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain.” 

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