From Books to Beauty: The Incredible History of Avon (1886 to 2026)
- Ady Jones (Avon Man in a Hat)
- Dec 1
- 3 min read
By Ady Jones (The Avon Man in a Hat)
We often talk about the "Gig Economy" or "Side Hustles" like they are new inventions of the 21st century.
But the truth is, Avon invented the side hustle 139 years ago.
Long before the internet, before women even had the right to vote in the US or UK, this company was giving people the power to earn their own money and build their own businesses.
As we look at the modern, digital brand we represent today, I think it’s important to look back at where we came from. Here is the incredible History of Avon—from a book salesman in New York to a global beauty giant.
The History of Avon: The Accidental Beginning (1886)
Believe it or not, Avon didn't start with makeup. It started with books.
Our founder, David H. McConnell, was a door-to-door book salesman in New York. To encourage people to talk to him, he mixed up small rose-scented perfumes to give away as gifts.
He quickly realised something interesting: his female customers were far more interested in the perfume than the books!
In 1886, he pivoted. He launched the California Perfume Company (which would later become Avon) with a radical idea: instead of selling through shops, he would empower women to sell to their communities.
The First "Influencer": Mrs Albee
Long before Instagram influencers, there was Mrs P.F.E. Albee.
She was the very first Representative (or "Depot Agent" as they were called then). At 50 years old, she travelled by train and horse and buggy to recruit other women. She proved that the model worked. She created a system where women could earn financial independence at a time when most employment doors were firmly closed to them.
Becoming "Avon" (1939)
As the company grew, McConnell introduced a new line of products inspired by the beauty of Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of his favourite playwright, Shakespeare.
The name stuck. In 1939, the company officially became Avon Products, Inc.
The British Arrival (1959)
Avon officially launched in the UK in 1959. It quickly became a cultural icon. The famous "Ding Dong, Avon Calling" campaign launched in the 1960s and became one of the most recognised advertising slogans in British history.
For decades, the "Avon Lady" was a pillar of the local community, bringing beauty and a chat to doorsteps across Britain.
The Digital Revolution (2020s and Beyond)
Fast forward to today. The heart of the business remains the same—relationships—but the tools have completely transformed.
We have swapped the heavy bag of samples for the Avon ON App. We have swapped knocking on doors for sharing digital brochures on WhatsApp. We have evolved from a door-to-door company into a social selling powerhouse.
Be Part of the Next Chapter
When you join Avon today, you aren't just joining a makeup company. You are joining a 140-year legacy of empowerment. You are walking in the footsteps of millions of entrepreneurs who chose to take control of their own earnings.
The history is incredible, but I believe the future is even brighter.
👉 Want to write your own chapter in this history? Learn more about joining our team on the [About Us] page.
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