Q. Which cosmetic company was an original member of DSA (Direct Selling Association) in 1910, empowering women in the workforce before they had the right to vote? 

A. AVON.  Originally the California Perfume Company, the first female Avon Lady was Mrs. P.F.E. Albee, a widow from Winchester, New Hampshire. She began her chime-ringing career selling the company's popular Little Dot Perfume Set, and she recruited other women, training them as door-to-door salespeople.  By 1887, there were twelve women employees selling a line of eighteen fragrances. And the numbers kept growing and growing. In 1939, California Perfume Company name changed to Avon Products, Inc. Today, despite the scores of expensive, prestigious American and foreign brand-name cosmetics, Avon ranks first in sales nationwide, with Avon Ladies ringing doorbells from coast to coast.