April 25, 2026, 3:54 PM EDT. Mary Kay Ash, founder of cosmetics giant Beauty by Mary Kay, became the first woman to chair a company listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) when her firm went public in 1968. Journalist Mary Lisa Gavenas' new biography, "Selling Opportunity," chronicles Ash's rise from hardship in Texas to building a billion-dollar direct-selling empire. Despite early struggles including managing family illness and an unsuccessful marriage during the Depression, Ash capitalized on door-to-door sales, overcoming gender barriers in business. Her company remains a major player globally, illustrating a notable story of entrepreneurial grit and female leadership in finance.