Mary Kay Inc.'s annual Seminar in Dallas, July 16 - Aug. 1 will celebrate the success of the company's independent sales force. Seminar is focused on recognizing the Mary Kay independent sales force for their achievements while also providing education, inspiration and motivation for the year ahead. The Mary Kay independent sales force now exceeds 2 million members worldwide. For more than 45 years, the cosmetics giant has provided women with an open-ended and unparalleled business opportunity, which in light of the volatile economic conditions, is more compelling than ever before. Mary Kay has seen a surge of women interested in starting their own business resulting in a 22 percent increase in independent sales force members in Q1 2009 compared to Q1 2008. Women of all ethnicities and backgrounds sell Mary Kay products in more than 35 countries.