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Celebrating Black History Month: Employee Spotlight 
As a pioneer in the beauty industry, we have always believed that beauty is for all, no matter your skin colour, hair type, or body type. We pride ourselves in celebrating an inclusive community and value our employees of all backgrounds. In the midst of Black History Month, we were honoured to connect with one of our incredible Avon Team Members and learn more about her story.
Read on as Avon’s National Sales Account Executive, Evelyn Crawford Smith, shares her thoughts on Black history and her own career journey.
Name: Evelyn Crawford Smith
Title/Role at Avon: National Sales Account Executive Contender Group (US)
How long have you worked at Avon? 15 years
We want to hear your story. Tell us more about yourself.
I am a proud mother of two: Jeffery is an artist and disabled veteran and Aeria is an event planner, plus I have one fur kid, Oso, five grandchildren and one grand pup. I live in Jackson, Mississippi: one of the cities with the largest Black population in the USA. To give back to our community, I became a member of our Veteran of Foreign War Affairs. During my downtime, I relax outside of work – I love line dancing, traveling and spending time with the kids and grands.
What advice do you have for people looking to start their careers or become a leader?
Follow your passion. If it’s something you are passionate about, then it’s not like work. Your passion will drive you. What does Black History Month mean to you?
Celebrating our culture and all the accomplishments. Thinking back to how my grandparents would feel sends chills all through me. The excitement of how this month impacts my children's and grandchildren's lives as they appreciate and see all the accomplishments and sacrifices made by other African Americans.
Who is a person in Black history that influenced or shaped your career/life or that particularly resonates with you?
John H. Johnson, founder of Fashion Fair Cosmetics, Ebony & Jet Magazine, and the Ebony Fashion Fair Models: As a kid, I would watch him in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. I would say, “One day, I am working for that company.” I actually had the pleasure of working side by side with Mr. Johnson — he flew me into the main office in Chicago several times due to my performance discussing business plans and what was next for my doors over dinner. One of my largest takeaways from every meeting was his motto: “If it doesn’t make money, it doesn’t make sense,” — and that was how I worked as a Fashion Fair Account Executive.
We are grateful to foster a diverse and culturally rich environment at Avon. As we continue to honour Black History Month, we encourage all to celebrate, value and reflect on the contributions and accomplishments of the Black community not only this month but every month.
Read on as Avon’s National Sales Account Executive, Evelyn Crawford Smith, shares her thoughts on Black history and her own career journey.
Name: Evelyn Crawford Smith
Title/Role at Avon: National Sales Account Executive Contender Group (US)
How long have you worked at Avon? 15 years
We want to hear your story. Tell us more about yourself.
I am a proud mother of two: Jeffery is an artist and disabled veteran and Aeria is an event planner, plus I have one fur kid, Oso, five grandchildren and one grand pup. I live in Jackson, Mississippi: one of the cities with the largest Black population in the USA. To give back to our community, I became a member of our Veteran of Foreign War Affairs. During my downtime, I relax outside of work – I love line dancing, traveling and spending time with the kids and grands.
What advice do you have for people looking to start their careers or become a leader?
Follow your passion. If it’s something you are passionate about, then it’s not like work. Your passion will drive you. What does Black History Month mean to you?
Celebrating our culture and all the accomplishments. Thinking back to how my grandparents would feel sends chills all through me. The excitement of how this month impacts my children's and grandchildren's lives as they appreciate and see all the accomplishments and sacrifices made by other African Americans.
Who is a person in Black history that influenced or shaped your career/life or that particularly resonates with you?
John H. Johnson, founder of Fashion Fair Cosmetics, Ebony & Jet Magazine, and the Ebony Fashion Fair Models: As a kid, I would watch him in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. I would say, “One day, I am working for that company.” I actually had the pleasure of working side by side with Mr. Johnson — he flew me into the main office in Chicago several times due to my performance discussing business plans and what was next for my doors over dinner. One of my largest takeaways from every meeting was his motto: “If it doesn’t make money, it doesn’t make sense,” — and that was how I worked as a Fashion Fair Account Executive.
We are grateful to foster a diverse and culturally rich environment at Avon. As we continue to honour Black History Month, we encourage all to celebrate, value and reflect on the contributions and accomplishments of the Black community not only this month but every month.