Deb Barker is cruising around in a brand new 2011 Chevrolet Equinox, thanks to some hard work and even more persistence.

Barker recently received the keys to the new car because of her success as a senior director for Mary Kay, the global skincare company.

After 27 years of working overtime hours at previous jobs, Barker’s son told her about sales opportunities he heard about with Mary Kay. She signed up that night.

In nine years, Barker has advanced from sales consultant to senior director, and has had six different cars provided to her by Mary Kay due to her success with the company. She said her next car is the pink Cadillac, which she will have within a year.

Barker said her next goal is to be the national sales director by 2013.

Barker’s training center is on South Third Street in Ironton.

“This has changed my life,” Barker said.