POWERED BY MARY KAY: MOUNT EVEREST CLIMBER INSPIRES WOMEN WORLDWIDE TO DISCOVER WHAT THEY LOVE

Mary Kay Flag to Fly on Everest Summit as Mountaineer Katrina “Kat” Follows Attempts Speed Record

DALLAS – APRIL 15, 2014 – In the span of 24 hours, accomplished climber and motivational speaker Katrina “Kat” Follows will attempt to climb not one, but two of the highest mountains in the world. Among her expedition gear will be Mary Kay® skincare products and a Mary Kay branded flag to wave high in mid-May on the summits of Mount Everest and Lhoste, the fourth highest peak in the world. Supported by Mary Kay, Follows’ journey of dedication and perseverance is inspiring women worldwide to discover what they love, aligning with the iconic beauty company’s new global branding campaign.

Currently en route to the Mount Everest base camp, Follows is part of Alpine Ascents International's 2014 Everest climbing team. The organization leads expeditions that have become benchmarks of quality in the climbing community. A UK native, Follows conquered the Seven Summits – summiting the highest peak on each of the continents and has traveled across the world inspiring others with motivational speeches. In her latest adventure, Follows will attempt to set a speed record for climbing two 8,000 meter summits in less than 24 hours.

“I am passionate about women setting goals and stretching to achieve their dreams, no matter how big or small,” said Katrina Follows. “This expedition is fully powered by Mary Kay and I’m excited to use and share the company’s skincare products on my climb but even more important, I know that Mary Kay believes in the power of dreams. I am honored to attempt what may seem like an unattainable goal if it means inspiring thousands of women to discover and pursue what they love.”

After summiting Mount Everest for the first time in 2006, Follows’ quest to climb the highest mountains on the planet began. Her mission is to join the handful of women who have reached the summits of the 14 mountains around the world with peaks soaring more than 8,000 meters. Throughout her current trek, Follows’ apparel will feature Mary Kay branded patches on the exterior of her expedition gear.

“Mary Kay’s new campaign invites women to discover what they love to help them feel beautiful, confident and connected,” said Sheryl Adkins-Green, Mary Kay Inc.’s Chief Marketing Officer. “For Kat, that means scaling the highest mountains in the Himalayas in record time. Her journey embodies our 50th anniversary messaging that One Woman Can™ and is an inspiration to any woman who has ever had a dream or goal in life. Discover What You Love™ celebrates the inner and outer beauty of women and we are thrilled to support and follow Kat’s journey.”

Follows is chronicling her adventures on Instagram through her handle @K2KoolKat with the hashtag #MaryKayJourney. Daily cybercasts for the entire Everest team are also posted by Alpine Ascents International.