"Meet Kim Rucker, SVP and General Counsel of Avon Products, Inc. and Mother of TWO!"

as told by Butterfly co-founder Bradi Nathan

Avon is synonymous with beauty. It congers up the image of savvy women bringing cosmetics into the homes of women across the globe. As you know, direct selling appeals to women because of the flexibility it offers, particularly in the lives of so many mothers. It is no wonder that there are now nearly 6 million Independent Avon Sales Representative across the globe! Avon's line extends beyond beauty products to include: fashion jewelry and apparel and generates over $10 BILLION dollars in annual revenue. As the world’s largest direct seller, you can find comfort and trust in representing the Avon brand.

One such Avon employee is Kim Rucker, SVP and General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of Avon Products, Inc. Kim directs all of Avon’s legal operations which include matters relating to corporate governance, compliance, litigation, contracts, government affairs and intellectual property. No small feat for an individual, proving that working mothers can achieve greatness both personally and professionally. We honor Kim this month as she shares her journey as the SVP of work and home.


BN: Did you know what you wanted to be as a young girl? How did your parents support your dreams?

KR: The beauty and the blessing are that I had support to both dream and see opportunities rather than obstacles. My parents were interacially married and they divorced when I was very young. They gave me the most essential gifts parents can give a child--from my father, unconditional love, an intellectual curiosity and ritual of reading, including the bible. From my mother, a love of the human spirit, incredible work ethic and grounded faith. They loved me and believed in me.

BN: What do you love about the work you do?

KR: I have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in people's lives. I am part of a company that understands and invest in the magic of women. You change a woman, you change a family and you change the world. From my legal perspective, I take complex problems and find meaningful solutions. I get to lead, teach, listen and learn.

BN: Butterfly’s foundation is built on empowerment and mentorship. What kind of role does mentorship play in your life?

KR: Mentorship has been one of the most critical ingredients in my life. I have been blessed with tremendous mentors in all aspects of my life. Mentors come from all walks of life, shapes, sizes and colors. I have learned the power of learning from others as well as the importance of watering those relationships. As my mentors often hold my hand to guide me, I must also hold the hands of others to guide them.

BN: Who is Carolyn Muhammed?

KR: Carolyn is one of my mentees. I have mentored Carolyn for many years now. She was a street smart, smart mouth kid with dreams but a bad attitude and a lot of baggage. I give her tremendous credit for evolving like a butterfly to a focused professional woman always trying to improve herself.

BN: What type of coping mechanisms do you implement in your own work/life?

KR: The most important mechanism--which I am not always successful at employing consistently-- is self care. In general, women are the worst at caring for ourselves. If the airlines did not remind us in the event of an emergency to put our masks on our loved ons first, we would try to put oxygen masks on everyone else and perish in the process. We do the same in our lives.

BN: How did having children affect your work-life, if at all?

KR: Having children profoundly affected me. It was a whole different and profound kind of love. Sleep initially went out the door as I was committed to breast feeding and the family bed, while not letting a ball drop at work. I became even more expert at time management and decision making. I learned over time not to be bashful, but to embrace my whole self which included being a mom. The best statement on balancing happens to come from my current boss, something like, I don't make all the meetings or events, but I never miss the important ones for work or my children....I call it ..the art of prioritization but not perfection.


BN: As a mother of two young children, what type of role model do you hope to be to them? What are some of your favorite mommy moments?

KR: I want them to know that I love them and believe in them. I want them to have healthy self esteem and be decent human beings. I want them to see in me a balance among the spiritual, emotional and physical beings--with a thirst for living a life that matters.

I have so many favorites...let's see...

--Years ago, during a particular stressful time when I was planning my sons fourth birthday and managing multiple urgent board meeting, I had a recurring dream, though at first it felt so real that I was not sure if it was a dream. I dreamt that I had to organize an urgent board meeting on a Sunday afternoon. I was home alone with my three year old son. I was trying to wrap up the final arrangements for his special birthday cake on one line and trying to get all the directors on the call on the other line. I clicked the wrong line and was telling a few of the directors how to make the Lighting Mc Queen birthday cake with the right colors!

--My daughter, Savannah Rose, mimics everything her big brother does. I was very worried during potty training as she insisted on standing up and facing the toilet, leaning in to "go like a boy"....my best girlfriend calmed me down and said eventually she will get it and turn around and sit down. Just relax. And she did.


BN: Rumor has is you like the group “Earth, Wind and Fire.” What is it about their music that appeals to you so much?

KR: If you listen to Earth, Wind and Fire, and aren't moved....something is wrong! They speak to your soul, an elegant combination of soulful, spiritual and inspiration lyrics and melodies. They just make you feel uplifted.


BN: What’s a typical day like for you and could you imagine it any other way? Do you go home and cook dinner for your family?

KR: The fact that there is very little typical about my day is what makes it exciting. I move at lightening speed often travelling internationally, managing my staff, providing counsel to various constituents, keeping abreast of new developments, comprehending the business and strategic priorities, keeping up with my family, friends and mentors, playing games and wrestling with the kids, trying to connect with my husband, work on the tread mill and getting to church.

I have wonderful support from my husband who is Mr. Dad. A very deliberate decision to have him anchor the home front. I also have terrific help at home. I have never been much of a cook.


BN: Does the “grass is always greener” cliché apply to you at all?

KR: Nope. I am blessed and it is pretty green where I am at. Beside, I am too busy to look over the fence.


BN: Why do you think Avon has achieved such incredible success?

KR: Incredible mission, great leadership, committed associates and tremendous global presence.


BN: What do you have say to mothers who are looking to contribute to their household income?

KR: It is a wonderful opportunity to have both independence and a real earnings opportunity. It is a way to turn our natural social relationships into a real business opportunity.


BN: Describe an Independent Avon Sales Representative?

KR: hey generally want to make a difference in their lives and the lives of other women.


BN: How do you believe a site like Butterfly can help women today?

KR: Letting women know that we are powerful and special. We must take care of ourselves and each other. We share so many struggles and opportunities, and therefore we can learn a lot from each other. We must link arms to make sure our children are raised with good souls.


BN: Do you have any last pearls of wisdom for our Butterflies?

KR: So much in our life experience can be both a burden or a blessing. It is all about the attitude with which we confront life which makes the blessings trump the burdens. Moreover, we must sometimes comprehend that often the burden is just a stop--a shaping ground, development weigh station-- on the way to the blessing. We can learn a lot from butterflies.