Kentucky Merle Norman Franchise Owner Wins Major Local Award

As plugged-in small business owners, Merle Norman cosmetics franchise owners are a big part of the cultural fabric of the communities they serve

When the Richmond [KY] Chamber of Commerce handed out its annual awards recently, there were a lot of local businesses receiving well-deserved accolades. Among them was The Boutique at Merle Norman, which took home the Small Business of the Year award, which according to local media is given to “businesses that have experienced increased profitability and success while also exhibiting community spirit, cooperation and civic involvement.” 

Franchise owner Jill Williams, who co-owns the boutique with her husband, took the opportunity to thank those gathered, and also to encourage shopping locally during the holidays and throughout the year.

Franchise’s long history is recognized

According to the local coverage, The Boutique at Merle Norman opened in 1963, and is one of the community’s oldest continuously running businesses. The Williams’ purchased the franchise  in 2017 and have been adding new product lines while also finding ways to contribute to the community. Those efforts have included being a member of Richmond’s annual breast cancer awareness event, Paint the Town Pink, and supporting God’s Outreach, Richmond Area Arts Council, Liberty Place Recovery Center, the Patty A Clay Auxiliary and more.

“This is such a great example of who Merle Norman cosmetics franchise owners are, and what they do for their communities,” says Travis Richards, Vice President of Franchising. “When you live and work in a community, you really want to do the best you can as a resident and as a business operator. Franchise owners like the Williamses make everyone at Merle Norman very proud.” 

Building strong businesses for almost 100 years

Being engaged community advocates is nothing new for Merle Norman cosmetics franchise owners. In fact, it’s a business model that stretches back to the company’s founding. When she was instituting such practices as “try before you buy,” founder Merle Norman herself was engaging with customers and asking them to trust her and her products.

“A Merle Norman cosmetics studio is a business for someone who wants to be out front, creating a successful business for themselves while helping women find the products and services to make them look and feel beautiful,” Richards says. “And it’s also a business tailor-made for someone who wants to be part of the larger local business community, doing the work that makes our cities and towns great places to live.

For almost a century, Merle Norman has been creating beauty with high-quality, affordable skin care products and services. At the same time, it has allowed thousands of franchise owners to build successful businesses. Why not make now the time to open a Merle Norman franchise, or add our exciting line of products to your existing retail business?  

Learn more about the Merle Norman cosmetics franchise opportunity

For in-depth details about owning a Merle Norman franchise, download our Free Franchise Opportunity Report. You also can learn more by visiting our research pages.