It all began with a bad eyelash extension experience, during which Joann Donnelly almost needed surgery.
Years later, she now owns two beauty shops in Babylon Village. That’s because it was during her recovery from the extension experience that Donnelly researched methods to better care for her lashes, and help the healing process along.
That’s also when she discovered her overall passion for eyelashes.
Donnelly, who holds a psychology degree from SUNY Old Westbury, ventured from her field of study to enter the aesthetics field. Soon, others were calling her to help with their own eyelash issues.
“My reputation became the one who fixes mistakes,” said Donnelly.
From 2011 to 2013, Donnelly worked out of her home, even when she wasn’t physically working on people.
“I was obsessed with learning about eyelashes,” she said.
In 2013, she went brick and mortar and opened Little Lash Boutique on 29 Deer Park Avenue in Babylon Village.
While specializing in eye lash extensions, Little Lash Boutique also offered eyebrow extension services.
But, as Donnelly explained, lash and brow extensions are two different experiences.
“Getting lashes are like getting beauty rest; you wake up and your eyelashes are done,” she said. “While brow extensions are more fun and interactive service.”
As her clientele continued to grow, Donnelly knew she wanted to branch out with her brow extensions.
So on April 8, she and her crew added a second location, just a few storefronts away at 23 Deer Park Avenue that focuses solely on eye brows.
Little Brow Boutique has now set up shop in a store that was formerly a family shoe repair shop for over 56 years.
“Little Brow Boutique is the extension of Little Lash Boutique,” says Donnelly.
Editor’s Note: The original version of this report has since been revised for accuracy.
Top: Little Brow Boutique’s grand opening ceremony on April 8. (courtesy)
