Avon, the leader in direct selling since 1886

Avon began in 1886 as the California Perfume Company, whose founder, David McConnell, discovered that bringing his perfumes directly to his customers - mostly women - was much more effective than traditional selling methods. His first "Representative" - then called a General Agent - was Mrs. P.F.E. Albee of Winchester, New Hampshire, who traveled by train, horse and foot to sell Avon and recruit other Agents. That was the beginning of Avon's heritage of empowering women by offering financial and professional opportunities in a time where little existed - it would be another 34 years before women could even vote! Today, Avon continues to provide economic opportunities for women worldwide.