Beauty is how you Feel: Amazing Lash Studio
In the beauty industry, businesses must keep up with the latest trends seen on celebrities and super models. One of the hottest trends right now is eyelash enhancement. While this may seem like a new trend in Topeka, it has actually been around for quite some time in other parts of the world.
Janney Duncan would have these semi-permanent eyelash extensions placed every year when she returned to China to visit family and business associates. She loved having thick, luxurious lashes that did not require mascara or messy, uncomfortable glued false lashes. However, when she returned to Topeka, she could not find anyone that could maintain the look for her, so she would have to go back to the dreaded mascara tube.
Then finally, in 2017, Janney discovered an Amazing Lash Studio in Kansas City that could provide the quality lash extension services she had only been able to find in China. She was wowed by the whole experience.
“From the time I walked into the studio, it was like I was being pampered,” Janney said. “I loved everything from the way the studio looked to the services they provided.”
Driving home from Kansas City, inspiration struck. Why not bring that experience to Topeka? No one else was offering this service. However, already operating a successful business with her husband, Janney knew she could not open and operate a franchise on her own.
She approached her son, Chen, about being her business partner in this new endeavor. Through extensive research, they discovered the market potential in Topeka was worth the risk, so they purchased an Amazing Lash Studio franchise in 2018 and opened the studio at 2615 SW 21st St. in December of that year.
Chen says he did not even think twice about going into business with his mother.
“It's part of the Chinese culture to respect family,” Chen said. “I want to be close to my mom, and I can’t think of a better way to do that than to be in business with her.
Through extensive research, they discovered the market potential in Topeka was worth the risk, so they purchased an Amazing Lash Studio franchise in 2018 and opened the studio at 2615 SW 21st St. in December of that year.
Chen, who has another full-time job, is the majority owner and manages the franchise on the side as he learns what it takes to run his own business. He says he is fortunate to have a great example to follow.
“My mom is incredible,” Chen said. “I am so fortunate to learn from someone who is already so successful in business.”
But Janney argues that she is the one who is benefitting the most from this business arrangement.
“With this business, we work together. We get to know each other more,” Janney said. “I get to see him grow and thrive and spread his own wings. He has changed so much just since we opened the business.”
At Amazing Lash Studio, every detail from the decor’s colors to the crystal chandelier are meant to give the client a pampered experience.
While they enjoy taking on this endeavor together, it is not all fun and games. Opening a franchise is hard work. You have to find the right location. You have to hire the right people and know when to fire those who do not make the business better. You have to attract new clients and build a customer base that will keep coming back. None of those things are easy.
People may not realize what serious business eyelashes are. All lash stylists at Amazing Lash Studio have to be certified estheticians or licensed cosmetologists. Once hired, they go through extensive, proprietary training, working on models to practice the patented techniques until they are deemed qualified to provide services to clients.
And that is when the “experience” begins. Walk into Amazing Lash Studio and the hot pink accents and chandeliers promise a pampering experience.
lash consultant will help you determine the services that best fit your needs. You are then escorted to one of 12 private suites with soft lighting and music to help you relax while an expert lash stylist meticulously applies lash extensions to each individual lash. Once your eyelashes are complete, the stylist will instruct you on how to care for them
and then will follow up with you later to make sure you are satisfied with your result.
“Our customers are our best advertisers,” Chen said. “We just want people to look and feel amazing. We will do whatever it takes to keep our customers happy.”
That approach seems to be working. After the soft launch last December, the business quickly grew to more than 150 members, with more people discovering the studio every month—mostly by word of mouth.
