Merle Nethercutt Norman (January 15, 1887 – February 1, 1972) was an American cosmetics magnate, chemist, and philanthropist.[1] She was the founder of Merle Norman Cosmetics and was one of the early business pioneers of franchising.[2][3]
Early life and education
Merle Mozelle Nethercutt was born in Logansport, Indiana. Her family later moved to South Bend, Indiana where she graduated high school. In high school she was a public speaker and musician.[4] She attended a teachers' college and taught in the South Bend school system for several years. Nethercutt later enrolled in the University of Chicago to study chemistry.[5]