Meet Sandie Fuenty

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sandie Fuenty and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sandie, as a parent, what have you done for you children that you feel has had the most significant impact?
At a young age we taught them the value of hard work and earning what they wanted. My husband and I owned a HVAC company for over 30 years, and the kids spent many hours at our office and in the shop during the summer. We couldn’t afford daycare or day camps, so they became quite creative at the office keeping themselves busy. When older, our son worked with us on some of the job sites and was able to see the tremendous amount of effort his dad put into the business. We taught them the importance of hard work and the satisfaction that comes from completing a task once started, and always to do the best they could. My husband was honest to a fault, giving discounts on everything, and finally realized he needed to leave the pricing up to me. Our children were able to see mom and dad working together, voicing our opinions, and coming to a solution together. Our children saw hard work and perseverance, and to be able to lay your head down on the pillow each night and be proud of what you accomplished that day.

What should our readers know about your business?
At 75, I have an extensive resume. Out of high school, I went straight into the business world on the administrative side (secretarial). When I graduated from high school, most women did not go on to college. They got married and had kids. I wanted more. 45 years ago my husband became an HVAC Contractor and I ran the business, did the books, bid for corporate jobs, paid the employees, dealt with insurance matters, and the day-to-day acumen it took to hold the firm together. 32 years ago I joined Mary Kay, while still working a corporate job and running my husband’s business. Mary Kay was my sanity and my girl time. I loved teaching women how to take care of their skin, how to solve skin concerns, how to apply makeup to enhance their appearance. I tried to bring the beauty they had hiding inside out of them. Being flexible and adaptable were two necessary traits. Each challenge had to be dealt with head on, or else if left on the “later” pile it became a red flagged item. I would have to say that the “brand” was more about presenting ourselves, and our integrity, than what business we were in. Whether it was in Mary Kay or the construction side of our life, I learned to stand firm in my beliefs, which was not always easy as a woman in construction. Mary Kay and the training and confidence I received took me from being a quiet secretary, doing my bosses’ biddings, to a point where I had enough confidence to stand up and teach a class of 1500 consultants at one of our annual events. I enjoy helping other women be able to find that confident side of themself. The principles of Mary Kay Ash are God first, family second, and career third. The business is based on the Golden Rule. These beliefs fit into my lifestyle and that is why after 32 years, I am still in Mary Kay.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
About a year ago I moved to Huntington Beach from the Inland Empire, after the death of my husband of 51 years. Getting settled in a new house, my daughter and I becoming room mates in a neutral setting. It has taken up much of my time. Also working on finding a new church home, and new business communities to belong to is like starting over from scratch. Thank goodness for Zoom and social media.

My peaceful spot is the beach….anywhere I can smell the ocean and feel the breeze. I would take a visitor there first. we would go out to eat at least once a day at a local food place….try a new one each day. I would take them to Segerstrom Performing Arts to see a fabulous play/musical. Possibly take them on a short cruise to Ensenada if they have never been on one. I have never been to Catalina Island so that would be a highlight for me too. San Diego is always a great place to adventure in. Coronado Island, Gaslamp Square and we would stay in one of the old hotels that were refurbished office buildings.

If we had time I would take them for a day or two to experience Las Vegas.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First I have to say my God, for providing me with a loving husband, directing me to the correct church homes where I could be nurtured. Life has not always been easy, but I know He (God) is always by my side. My husband of 51 years passed away two years ago after suffering the after effects of Agent Orange and Vietnam for many years. During his illness and after his death, my family, my Mary Kay community, and my GSFE sisterhood held me up. And, definitely I would have to say my parents for allowing me to be me in a time when going outside of the box was not looked upon favorably. I’ve always been a quiet rebel in my own way.

Website: https://Www.marykay.com/sfuenty

Facebook: yes I’m on Facebook Sandie Fuenty