Mark is an offshoot of Avon specializing in cosmetics, jewelry and clothing aimed at young women. Like regular Avon products, Mark is sold by individual representatives.
Heitker said Ring approached her at work at the mall and the idea immediately appealed to her.
Her parents, who were supportive of the idea, paid the initial fee and told her they hoped she did well.
"I had no idea this business would escalate to be this great," Heitker said. "I was looking for extra money for college. I am of course working for all these goals (but) when I saw my name (in the top two), it is very exciting."
But Ring said it wasn't luck that propelled Heitker to second in the nation for sales.
Ring said Heitker sat down with her father, a businessman, to develop a plan, considering the percentage of earnings she intends to reinvest along with other business basics.
"She has absolutely blossomed. She is just fabulous," Ring said. "For her to be able to say she has run her own business, that can do nothing but help her in the future."
In fact, Heitker's current rank might be a direct result of her latest sales push -- a holiday open house.
"When my friends were so interested in what I was selling, I thought, 'Who else can I sell to?'" Heitker said. "I was looking for something to really boost my sales. It was my mom's idea to have an open house."
Heitker said she invited people from school, telling them a little about Mark. But she didn't just let them pick out products -- she designed displays throughout the house, wore Mark clothes and gave out door prizes.
But Heitker isn't just raising money for herself. Her first fundraising effort helped earn money for cross-country uniforms. The second, called Kisses for Devin, is a Valentine's fundraiser raising money to send to fellow classmate Devin Reid, who is battling cancer.
For each lip product she sells, Heitker will forfeit her portion, 40 percent, to the Reid family. If a customer wants the entire profit of all the products he or she is buying to go to the Reid family, Heitker will willingly agree.
"Beth took it upon herself to do it herself," Rind said. "I've got girls at almost every high school (in the area), but few have embraced it the way Beth has."
Individuals interested in purchasing from Heitker can do so online at www.mymarkstore.com/eheitker. Both Heitker and Ring can also be found at the Advocate's Feb. 17 Bridal Show at the Reese Center.
Ring said other young women interested in selling Mark can contact her at (740) 364-1062 or susan.ring@avon.com. Girls must be 16 to sell the product and 18 to sell it without a parent co-signing.
