Air Force Veteran Finds Success in Cosmetics Industry

Jeanette Deatherage transitions from military service to 41-year career with Mary Kay

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Jeanette Deatherage, a former Air Force electronics specialist and public affairs officer, has found success in the cosmetics industry after a 41-year career with Mary Kay. Deatherage's journey has taken her from a Wisconsin dairy farm to the rigors of military service, before ultimately transitioning to the beauty business in 1985 when faced with an overseas deployment.

Why it matters

Deatherage's story highlights how the discipline and skills gained through military service can translate to entrepreneurial success in the private sector. Her ability to balance her Air Force Reserves duties with growing her Mary Kay business over 28 years and 13 relocations as a military spouse demonstrates the resilience and adaptability required to thrive as a small business owner.

The details

After five years of relentless effort, Deatherage earned her first iconic Mary Kay vehicle in 1990. She continued to serve in the Air Force Reserves while building her cosmetics business, proving her model was as mobile and resilient as the troops she once served alongside. Deatherage's final 'deployment' brought her family to Coral Springs, Florida in 2020, following her husband's successful treatment for Stage 4 prostate cancer in 2017.

  • Deatherage began her Mary Kay business in 1985 after being faced with an overseas deployment to the Philippines.
  • Deatherage earned her first iconic Mary Kay vehicle in 1990, five years after starting her business.
  • Deatherage served in the Air Force Reserves for 28 years while growing her Mary Kay business and relocating 13 times as a military spouse.
  • Deatherage and her family moved to Coral Springs, Florida in 2020.

The players

Jeanette Deatherage

A former Air Force electronics specialist and public affairs officer who has had a 41-year career with Mary Kay cosmetics.

Craig Deatherage

Jeanette's husband, who was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic prostate cancer in 2017 but has since had successful treatment.

Mary Kay

The cosmetics giant that Jeanette Deatherage has worked for over the past 41 years.

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What they’re saying

“I had no goals when I began. It took some years to get going and have success.”

— Jeanette Deatherage, Mary Kay Consultant (TAPinto.net)

“After 40 years in the industry, I want to be the best consultant I can be for our clients.”

— Jeanette Deatherage, Mary Kay Consultant (TAPinto.net)

What’s next

Deatherage is now focused on rebuilding her local client base in Coral Springs with the goal of reaching the top tier of Mary Kay's consultant rankings.

The takeaway

Deatherage's story demonstrates how the discipline and skills gained through military service can translate to entrepreneurial success in the private sector, even in an industry as different as cosmetics. Her ability to balance her Air Force Reserves duties with growing her Mary Kay business over nearly three decades is a testament to her resilience and adaptability as a small business owner.