Home page

Text size

E-mail this page

SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - The Merle Norman Cosmetics Studio is growing - again.

The Centre Square Mall business, started as a perfume kiosk in late 1996 by owner Kimberly Staples-Lakhani, will expand the size of its store - currently at 1,300 square feet - by an additional 1,000 square feet.

From left, certified esthetician Karine Poirier and registered massage therapist Shawna Allooloo, the latter a native of Pond Inlet, have enjoyed their time at Merle Norman since recently starting work at the studio. - Guy Quenneville/NNSL photo

The increase is due to growing demand for all of the studio's services, particularly laser and electrolysis treatment, according to Staples-Lakhani.

"We're looking at expansion within the Centre Square Mall early this fall," she said, although she was hesitant to specify where exactly since negotiations with the owners of the space are still ongoing.

"I don't believe in saying anything until it's a done deal."

What's clear is the new space is needed as the demand for the studio's services - which includes hair removal and treatment of sun spots, acne and fine lines, as well as massage therapy and retail of items like perfume - grows.

"For all of our services, we can use more space," said Staples-Lakhani. "We've got the staff. We've got the team."

It won't be the first expansion for the studio. After her kiosk in 1996 went over well with Yellowknifers, Staples-Lakhani opened a store in the current location of Diamond Nails.

Staples-Lakhani's ambitions gradually outgrew that space as well, until she finally moved into her current space - beside the former home of A Cut Above - in 2000.

"I've always taken gradual steps over the years," she said. "We cannot take business for granted. You can't assume you have it. You have to work hard at it every day."

Two new staff members recently joined Staples-Lakhani's team, which currently includes 11 full-time employees and will increase by about five when the expansion occurs, she said.

Karine Poirier studied esthetics in Moncton, N.B. before moving to Yellowknife to begin work at Merle Norman. She mostly does pedicures, manicures, waxing and electrolysis.

"I always liked doing makeup on my friends," said Poirier.

Also new to the studio is Shawna Allooloo, originally from Pond Inlet. Allooloo took office administration in college but, after a few years of office work, yearned to do something more hands-on.

She took an 18-month course in massage therapy in Fredericton, N.B.

"I wanted to help individuals," said Allooloo. "I realized massage therapy was a good field to do that in."