Born in 1887 Merle Nethercutt Norman was a pioneer of her generation. In the early 1920s Merle studied medicine and chemistry in a small college based in California. As the 20s evolved so did the trend for cosmetics and skincare due to women in silent films, with their cupid's bow red lips and kohl rimmed eyes. Merle paved her own path as she knew working in a factory or a receptionist wasn't in the cards for her. In the 1920s only 10% of married women were working so Merle decided to start her own business. She created 3 products right inside her kitchen, All Purpose Cold Cream, Miracol and Powder Base. She began giving samples and selling her products to her friends and neighbors and by 1931 she had saved enough money to rent a small studio by her house in California. In her studio she showed and let customers experience all her products and this is where she established the try before you buy method. By 1934, 94 independently owned and operated studios, all led by women, were throughout the United States and Merle Norman became a franchise company. During WWII Merle Norman was asked to support our troops and established machine gun oil and other items. In 1951 Merle Norman broke ground on a new building that is still home to Merle Norman today in Los Angeles, California. In 1959 Merle Norman received the Good Housekeeping award. In 1972 Merle Nethercutt Norman passed away and left her business to her nephew JB Nethercutt, he then passed it to his son, Jack and his wife Helen. Jack and Helen have a son, Travis who has also joined in the business and all three run the business today. As of today, there are over 1100 Merle Norman Studios throughout the US and Canada all mostly led by women. Merle Norman is celebrating its 90th Anniversary in business and we are so happy to be a part of their history.