Simply Beautiful Lashes, McKinney

Simply Beautiful Lashes' owner Amy spent 20 years in the corporate world before deciding to open her own lash studio. The decision was a big one, but it only took one client to convince her that she'd made the right choice. A woman who had recently undergone chemotherapy for breast cancer visited her studio in hopes of receiving a fan of fluttery extensions to boost her own eyelashes, which were just beginning to grow back. Since the woman's lashes were still weak, Amy could only apply relatively short, thin extensions, creating a look that was more natural than dramatic. “When she looked into the mirror she broke out into tears,” Amy recounted. “I thought she was upset, but they were tears of joy—she said for the first time in years she felt like a woman again.” With that, she knew lash extensions were her calling.

Amy, a self-described perfectionist, has made every effort to ensure her spa is worthy of her customers' time and money. From the soft music and warm lighting from Himalayan salt-crystal lamps to the 320-hour, 80-application training process required of her licensed lash professionals, each element of the business strives to make every lash application an enjoyable one. The lash artists use only synthetic-mink extensions and formaldehyde-free, medical-grade adhesives, and apply lashes one by one. The result is a look that's not only natural and elegant, but often forgoes the need for mascara, eyelash curlers, and beauty tips from Snuffalupagus.