LAURA TARANTELLA/THE EXPRESS Rachel Rich showcases her three year anniversary sale outside Rich Lash Room at 310 N. Grove St., Lock Haven.

LOCK HAVEN — After three years in business, Rich Lash Room has become more than a place for lash extensions and skincare treatments — it has grown into a personalized, community-focused studio built on relationships, education and self-confidence.

Owner Rachel Rich said opening her own business was always the goal, even if stepping into the aesthetics world initially felt unfamiliar.

“I knew I always wanted to work for myself,” Rich said. “I felt like I didn’t really have the ability to grow working underneath somebody else. I wanted my own spot where people could come in and it could be more one-on-one.”

That intimate atmosphere has become part of the studio’s identity. Rather than creating a large spa setting, Rich said she wanted clients to feel comfortable and relaxed during appointments.

“You really get to know your clients better,” she said. “People have conversations here they probably wouldn’t have in front of a bunch of other people.”

Like many small business owners, Rich said one of the biggest early challenges was learning how to build a clientele and market herself independently.

“Learning how to advertise and really get out into the community — that’s something I had to learn,” she said. “There’s so much going on in the community that I didn’t realize.”

Over the last year, Rich became more involved locally, including serving on the committee for the Black and White Ball, which she described as both fun and eye-opening.

A major part of her business growth has also come through continuing education and networking. Rich regularly attends conventions in Philadelphia, New York City and Florida, where she meets with product representatives, attends seminars and takes specialized courses.

“I’ve poured a lot of time into going to conventions and meeting people,” she said. “Every company you see in here, I’ve either met a representative for them or built direct contacts with them.”

She said those experiences helped her carefully choose products and treatments she could confidently offer clients.

“I wouldn’t just use something on somebody without knowing everything it does,” Rich said.

Among the specialty skincare products she now offers are corrective skincare lines from Italy and women-owned skincare companies she discovered through industry events. Rich said the educational side of aesthetics is what keeps her passionate about the work.

“There are always new concepts, new technology and new treatments coming out,” she said. “I love the science part of everything.”

Although lashes helped launch the business, Rich said corrective skincare has become a growing passion. Many conversations with clients about lashes eventually turned into discussions about scars, thinning hair or skin concerns.

“I realized I could help people with more than just lashes,” she said.

That desire to help clients feel better about themselves led Rich to take oncology skincare courses after one of her longtime clients battled cancer.

“She used to say one of the things that made her feel better was getting her lashes done,” Rich said. “That really inspired me.”

Following the experience, Rich completed additional training and now offers skincare products designed for clients undergoing chemotherapy treatments.

“It made me realize this work really can help people feel good about themselves no matter what they’re going through,” she said.

Rich said she also prides herself on maintaining a relaxed, welcoming environment — something she feels sets her apart from some larger salons.

“I don’t want people to feel like they’re walking on eggshells,” she said. “People bring their kids in here, they check their phones if they need to. I want them to be comfortable.”

Running a small business, however, means handling nearly every responsibility herself.

“You are everything,” Rich said. “You’re advertising, cleaning, doing inventory, handling permits — all of it.”

Looking ahead, Rich hopes to slowly expand the business over the next several years by eventually adding specialists in services like waxing, spray tanning or nails while still remaining hands-on with clients.

“I don’t want to just manage a business from the background,” she said. “I still want to be there working with people.”

To celebrate the business’s three-year anniversary, Rich Lash Room is offering 50% off all full lash sets throughout the month of May.

Rich said the promotion was inspired by the woman she apprenticed under years ago, who once offered free lash sets during her own grand opening.

“I wanted to recreate that idea in my own way,” she said. “A lot of people want to get lashes done but maybe can’t always justify the expense, especially moms and families. This was a way to give back a little.”