Cosmetician Mary Kay is a well-known name in the beauty industry. She is an American businesswoman and entrepreneur who founded Mary Kay Cosmetics, Inc. in 1963. Mary Kay was a pioneer in the direct selling industry, and her company has become one of the largest direct sellers of skin care and color cosmetics in the world. The acronym ASH stands for 'American Success Story Honoree, ' which is an award given to Mary Kay in recognition of her success as a businesswoman.