Co-Owner Explains Why Montrose is 'Very Famous' in World of Merle Norman Cosmetics

Kim Kelly, co-owner of Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio at 2341 Honolulu Ave, was appointed to the Montrose Shopping Park Association Board at its Sept. 5 meeting.

Before she was appointed by a vote, Kelly spoke for a few minutes about her business and some of the interesting facts about it, including that it is one of the top stores in the franchise, which has approximately 2,000 locations.

"Merle Norman was a woman, she started in Santa Monica and felt that women should have their own busineses, so the whole company is based on that. We’re sold in stores, not in department stores and not at home parties," Kelly told the board.

The company was started 83 years ago and Kelly's mother opened up the Montrose location in 1979. Kelly said she has worked at the store since she was 19 years old and took over as owner along with her sister 21 years ago when her mother retired.

"In the Merle Norman world, Montrose is very famous. We are no. 5 in the company in sales," Kelly said. "No. 5 is a pretty cool thing, because we are only open Monday through Saturday. No Sundays, no evenings. The stores that we are up against that are above us are mall studios."

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