A Merle Norman Cosmetics devotee herself since the age of 14, Celeste Driscoll chose early retirement from a successful career in sales management to open her own studio – and happily become her own boss!
She first opened in Denver, NC, in 2007, moved her studio to Huntersville in 2012, and is now proud to serve her valued clients from the new, larger studio she built in Cornelius in 2020. As a personally owned and operated business, Celeste is proud of her beauty consultants who are trained and dedicated to helping women always select the right products. That goal maintains the company’s mission of personal transformation, starting with its inspirational founder.
“Merle Norman was a pioneer in franchising and women-owned businesses,” says Celeste. “I am proud to be part of a 92-year-old American company that has done so much for women! Our founder always believed what sets our company apart from others is our ‘Try Before You Buy’ tradition. Our beauty consultants always give makeup lessons, foundation shade checks, and consult on color matches, or simply show clients the best products for their skin and coloring.”
Without a doubt, Celeste’s favorite part of owning her Merle Norman Cosmetics studio has been the relationships she has formed over the past 15 years, with customers from the very beginning who are now more like friends and family.
“I depend on repeat business and want everyone to love their products and their look,” she explains. “In this Internet age, my hands-on business is so important for many women who want to try something new and need assistance. It’s a matter of seeing, feeling, touching, and trying on!”
There’s also a 30-day money back guarantee, the Merle Norman assurance of every customer’s complete satisfaction with how each product makes them look and feel.
Celeste shares the company’s exciting focus for fall, which will definitely be on color – purples, yellows, marigolds, and even black – various colors and textures blended together in perfect harmony, and maybe even a matte with a shimmer! These shades are amazing on their own, and even better together.
“Merle Norman Cosmetics also has a YouTube channel with tutorials and different looks for fall, as well as holiday color palettes,” says Celeste. “But we always encourage folks to come into the studio so we can experiment face-to-face with different looks.”
The studio will be offering a free gift in November with the purchase of two or more products, and Celeste welcomes everyone to call and schedule a free Express Makeover and facial – any time!
“We also carry boutique clothing, Rainbow sandals, handbags, and jewelry,” says Celeste, and hints that Christmas ornaments and other holiday gift choices will be arriving soon. It sounds like pampering yourself with an Express Makeover — and indulging in some fun holiday shopping – is definitely in order!
Merle Norman is located at 21030 Catawba Avenue in Cornelius, NC, 704-896-8222. Hours are Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., closed on Sunday. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram to stay current with new products and trends. (The Merle Norman building in Cornelius is also home to four independent hair stylists, two nail technicians, and a Microcurrent facial specialists – if you would like Celeste to make a referral!)
