Women Entrepreneurs in History: Brownie Wise

Brownie Wise is the reason why Tupperware is an ubiquitous item in modern households. She is credited with the “party plan” system of marketing, a model that companies like Mary Kay still use today.

Wise started out as saleswoman for Stanley Home Products, where she developed a love of marketing and sales. As a single mother in the early 1950s, when Tupperware was still a new product, she came up with the idea that these plastic containers would be better marketed at social events and home parties rather than in the stores. She quickly increased sales through her party plan marketing; before long, her home sales far surpassed store sales. This is when she caught the attention of Earl Tupper, the inventor of Tupperware, who invited her to become vice president of Tupperware Home Parties.

Wise succeeded greatly in this position. She quickly became a household name after appearing in television and magazine ads all over the country. In 1954 she became the first woman to appear on the cover of Business Week.

Wise’s superb marketing methods shaped the face of the Tupperware product and company. Though she passed away in relative obscurity in 1992, her party plan model was influential in shaping business marketing.

Brownie Wise was an inspiration to many women during the pre-feminist culture of the 1950s. Do you have any successful women that inspired you in the past or continue to do so today? Share with us by posting in the comment section below!