Community Highlights: Meet Anita Stefanova of A Lash Lounge NYC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anita Stefanova.

Hi Anita, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My career in beauty began back in 2013, though the path that led me here was far from traditional. At the time, I was managing one of the Atlantic City casinos while finishing my Business degree. Somewhere between corporate meetings and long office hours, I realized the corporate world wasn’t for me — I wanted to do something that truly connected me with people.

That’s when I signed up for makeup school. My goal was to one day own a salon, and I believed the best way to lead was to understand every aspect of the business myself. After the course, I began doing wedding makeup, but quickly realized that while I loved beauty, this particular niche didn’t excite me the way I’d hoped.

I decided to leave the corporate world behind and focus on finishing my degree. During that time, I stumbled upon a Craigslist listing for an eyelash assistant — a job that would unknowingly change my life. The funny part? Just before that, my cousin from London had introduced me to the new trend of eyelash extensions while we were visiting home in Bulgaria. She brought all the supplies and asked me to apply them on her. It took me nearly two hours to attach five lashes using a pair of eyebrow tweezers — but that moment lit a spark.

When I returned home, I was determined to learn. The Craigslist job felt like fate. A kind Asian woman interviewed me, and although I pretended to have experience, she saw potential in me and taught me everything I needed to know. Around the same time, my friend Tanya also encouraged me to keep going, showing me her own work and sharing her journey.

Still, I had bills to pay, so I balanced learning lashes while working as a paralegal at a law firm for about a year. Eventually, the office life began to feel monotonous, and I took a leap — making lashes my full-time career.

It wasn’t easy. It took time, patience, and sacrifice, especially since money was tight in the beginning. I was living in Philadelphia and in a long-term relationship, but when that ended, I decided it was time for a fresh start. I packed my car and moved to New York City, determined to earn my esthetician license and see how far I could go.

After just a month, I landed a job at a salon in Manhattan. Over the next seven years, I built a strong client base, honed my skills, and learned invaluable lessons about both business and myself.

About a year and a half ago, I felt that same inner voice again — the one that once told me to leave corporate life — and I knew it was time to create something of my own. That’s how A Lash Lounge NYC was born.

It’s been a rollercoaster ever since — both challenging and deeply rewarding. Every day brings new lessons, opportunities, and moments of growth. I’m endlessly grateful for how far I’ve come and truly excited for what’s next

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’ve learned to look at obstacles as blessings in disguise. Every time I’ve faced a challenge, something better has always followed. I try not to get caught up in the moment but instead see every setback as an opportunity to learn, grow, and realign. I know it sounds cliché, but I truly believe it. Even now, I’m not exactly where I want to be financially or in other areas of life — but I understand that it’s all part of the process. It’s temporary, and it’s teaching me something valuable. I’m grateful to be healthy, happy, and doing what I love — everything else will come in its own time.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about A Lash Lounge NYC?
A Lash Lounge NYC is a luxury yet welcoming beauty studio located in the heart of Manhattan at 37 W 26th Street. The lounge blends over a decade of professional experience with a genuine passion for connection, artistry, and care.

Specializing in individual and volume eyelash extensions, as well as keratin and YUMI lash lifts and tints, A Lash Lounge also offers brow services in a serene, boutique-style setting designed to help every client feel seen, loved, and empowered.

What truly sets A Lash Lounge apart is its philosophy. In a world where so many businesses focus solely on transactions, here it’s about authentic connection. Anita strives to create a safe, nurturing space where clients can relax, open up, and leave not just looking beautiful — but feeling understood, lighter, and renewed.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I grew up in Sofia, Bulgaria, living what most would call a normal childhood. I was always active — trying different sports and exploring new things — but never staying in one place for too long. Deep down, I always felt a pull for more — something different, something beyond what I saw around me.

Interestingly, I wasn’t the type of girl who obsessed over looks or beauty. While many of my friends were into nails, makeup, and fashion, I was more focused on exploring life. That shifted during my teenage years, when I began to discover how self-expression through beauty could be empowering rather than superficial.

At 16, my family and I moved to the United States, a transition that changed everything. I had to grow up fast — working early, learning responsibility, and striving for independence. I’ve always wanted the freedom to do what I love and to earn what I have, and that mindset shaped the woman I’ve become.

I’m deeply grateful for my parents and everyone who’s been part of my journey. Every challenge, every move, and every new beginning has made me a more independent, grounded, and resilient person — values that now define both who I am and the way I run my business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://alashlounge.glossgenius.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alashloungenyc
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BkULoT1Ac/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-stefanova?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Image Credits
Victoria Sirakova