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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
Born and raised in the often dry, windy cold of Apex near what is now Iqaluit, Kimberly Staples-Lakhani has always known the importance of protecting her skin from harsh weather.

Merle Norman Cosmetics Studio owner Kimberly Staples-Lakhani walks the runway at the Yellowknife franchise's 15th anniversary celebration on Wednesday, Nov. 16. - courtesy of the Yellowknife Chamber of Mines

Now 49 with a still porcelain-like face, the entrepreneur has shared her beauty secrets with throngs of Yellowknife women, as her Merle Norman Cosmetics Studio and Spa, turns 15.

"All women want to feel and look beautiful," Staples-Lakhani said. "Hot sun, hot air, and cold can play real havoc on your skin. So, that's what I try to share with customers, family, and friends--take care of your skin."

More than 100 customers attended the Merle Norman 15th anniversary celebration last Wednesday evening in Centre Square Mall, which--decked out in bright red balloons--looked more vibrant than it has in years; as attendants enjoyed free makeovers, massages, product samples, live music, appetizers, and a wine bar run by the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce.

"Kim is a very creative person," chamber executive director Tim Doyle said. "She's grown the business, she has a fantastic client list and she's not afraid to try new and innovative things to attract people into trying out her products and services."

Around 6 p.m., women of all ages took to the mall's runway, modelling the new Hussy colour collection -- part of Merle Norman Cosmetics Inc.'s rebranding in light of the international company's 80th anniversary.

Founded in Santa Monica, Ca., in 1931, the traditionally conservative cosmetics company is revitalizing the brand's image with new packaging, and new products and colours, including the Hussy line, inspired by the crimson red of an award-winning 1934 Packard Phaeton by LeBaron.

"Red is always in style," Staples-Lakhani said. "People just need to have the courage to buy the reds."

It did not take very much courage for Staples-Lakhani to start her business 15 years ago, which was never planned, she said.

After graduating with a commerce degree from the University of New Brunswick, and a 10-year stint in Inuvik where she worked in the tourism industry and as manager of the Inuvik Native Band, Staples-Lakhani set up a Christmas season perfume kiosk in Yellowknife's Centre Square Mall in November, 1996. The counter saw so much demand that the mall management invited her to open her own storefront. The first little Merle Norman store in the lower level of the mall was such a success that three years later her cosmetics company moved to a much larger space in the upper portion of the mall, where the Merle Norman Cosmetics Studio and Spa remains today, now with about a dozen employees, including two registered massage therapists.

While Staples-Lakhani would not disclose the number of clients the high-end cosmetics franchise has, or its revenues, she says the business has been successful and weathered economic downturns due to the quality of service and professionalism of her staff.

"You just gotta run your business sharp in order to stay afloat," she said, adding, "we're just thankful and blessed that the customers are still coming."

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