Age: 39
Occupation: Founder, Lola Lash Bar
A little over a decade ago, if you’d have told Anna Skrzypek she’d be at the head of an eyelash salon chain with five Calgary locations, plus an expansion into Kelowna; 70,000 clients; and a signature product line, she’d have laughed in disbelief. “Entrepreneurship was not something I ever thought about, honestly,” Skrzypek says. “But, I started on a path and the business has been my passion ever since.”
Though she had a background in corporate finance, the “accidental entrepreneur” credits lived experience for helping her launch her first Lola Lash Bar at the age of 26. Skrzypek developed an interest in esthetics while working at a salon during her high school years that continued through university, and she recalls the first time she saw the beauty enhancement that would so dramatically switch the course of her career — the eyelash extension. “I saw a major gap in the Calgary market and just went for it,” she says.
From the logo to the menu design and salon experience, Skrzypek’s mark is on all aspects of the business — including her belief in women supporting women. “As a women-owned business with 35 employees and counting, it’s important we use our growth for good, and female empowerment is something the team and I get fully behind,” she says.
In 2021, Skrzypek launched The Lola Care Box, a curated package of essential personal-care items for women in need. Hundreds have since been gifted to organizations such as the Women’s Centre of Calgary, Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter and Mamas for Mamas.
While advocating for women, Skrzpek is also breaking through gender bias in the world of beauty. “Inclusivity is at the heart of Lola Lash Bar,” she says. “We’re a beauty salon that warmly welcomes all genders to come into an inviting space, take some ‘me-time’ and leave feeling confident and ready to take on the day.”
Thank yous
“Dad, Mom, Mike and Agatha for always being there through thick and thin; Dean for his unconditional support; Kristen Anderson for her loyalty and belief in me and the brand; and all our team members who are the backbone of our business.”
Top 40 Under 40 2024
Eluvier Acosta & Juan Castillo