Aquebogue Woman's New 'Beauty Bar' Business Changes Lives

Beauty is more than just skin deep.

That's something that Aquebogue resident Allison Rappa, who opened her new business, The Beauty Bar, on Dec. 3 in Southold, firmly believes.

"Opening my own beauty shop has been a lifelong goal and dream of mine. I hope to bring a smile to the faces of woman by enhancing the beauty they already possess," Rappa, 34, said. "I want ladies to leave The Beauty Bar feeling beautiful and confident, no matter what circumstances may be surrounding them."

Rappa, who said she has been fascinated by beauty her whole life, said there is no greater feeling than instilling confidence in women "from the inside out" and to be told she is beautiful — and believing it, herself.

The Beauty Bar, located at 56475 Main Road, on the second floor, upstairs from Salone Dei Capelli, offers beauty services for woman of all ages. The most popular service, Rappa said, seems to be Novalash eyelash extensions, but also on the menu are an array of  facial treatments, injectables, threading, makeup applications and lessons.

Reflecting on the most rewarding part of her business, Rappa recalls a moment that was life-altering.

"The most fulfilling thing for me was when a young lady came to me after enduring months of chemotherapy; she lost all of her hair. She wore a wig, and she wanted lash extensions and makeup application for her high school reunion. After spending a few hours together, we both cried tears of joy because this woman hadn't felt beautiful since being diagnosed with cancer in 2012. I felt truly blessed to have been the one to put a smile back on her face."

For the holiday season, Rappa has a special on gift certificates — pay $50 and get $60; pay $100 and get $120; pay $200 and get $225.