LYNN LA PALERMO, co-owner with her brother, Tom, of Occhi Lash & Brow Studio and the Occhi Institute, wasn’t going to let a pandemic slow her down. In fact, she used it as an opportunity to expand the Occhi brand by adding new products. “We have forged through this past year and celebrated our 7th anniversary last month.” Still, the forced shut down of her business was a big challenge. “Sustaining during the shutdown and then reopening has been a struggle,” she says. “Both the studio and the training institute have survived because of our philosophy and high standards. While the business’s mainstay is quality lash and brow services, Lynn sourced and added products to the new arm of the business, creating a new brand Occhi Lashes, Luxury, Lifestyle—featuring unique high-quality jewelry and casual clothing to custom-order leather goods, home décor pieces, and Gianfranco Ferre’s coats, which are exclusive to Occhi. She’ll also be adding one-of-a-kind knit sweaters, handmade in the Midwest. “I now go out of my way to shop small businesses versus big retailers, as well as promote them,” she says. “We are now training women that are making career changes. It’s very exciting! We are proud that we have stayed true to who we are, and we are so grateful to our clients who have stayed with us because they recognize our commitment and appreciate our standards. Occhi represents Small Business America!”

Occhi Lash & Brow Studio/Occhi Hair Institute/Occhi Institute/Keen Eye @ Occhi is located at 17W580 Butterfield Road, Suite G, in Oakbrook Terrace. For more information, call 630-785-6668 or visit occhilashes.com.