The Beauty Castle

The Beauty Castle operates a salon, an academy and a supply store in Chicago. The salon is at 7061 W Belmont Ave and works by appointment only, booked by phone or text at 847-979-0076 or through the booking systems of some individual artists. The academy holds its classes in a separate classroom at 7065 W Belmont. It has been training lash artists since 2018, and the business describes itself as the largest lash academy in Chicago.

At the salon, lash extensions come as full sets or fill-ins in classic, hybrid, volume and mega volume styles, and fill-ins are usually booked every two to three weeks. Lash lifts and tints are also offered. Brow services cover waxing, threading, tinting, henna and a chemical brow lamination that sets the brow hairs into a fuller, softer shape. Microblading and powder brows are performed only by Milly and Serafina. Spa and body services include full body waxing with a gentle wax, spray tans matched to each client's undertone and chosen depth, and facials such as enzyme treatments, chemical peels, microdermabrasion and custom facials.

Academy courses run from a two-day beginner group lash course, which needs no prior lash experience, to a two-day group master course that teaches three lash techniques. A one-on-one master course lets students pick up to 12 topics and receive a custom manual and lesson plan. A one-day Korean lift and brow lamination masterclass includes a full kit, live demos and a live model, and it finishes with two certificates and 8 CEU hours.

Enrollment requires a $250 deposit, and tuition can be paid in as many installments as a student chooses, with the full balance due 14 days before the first in-person class. The academy issues a certification rather than a license, so the business asks students to check their state's licensure requirements before signing up. The academy is an Illinois accredited school that offers CEU hours, and the business states that it is IDFPR certified. Students receive lifetime support after class and a lifetime 30% discount on products and tools. The academy presents projected annual incomes of $67,600 to $120,120 for lash artists from services alone, excluding tips, full sets and product sales.

Independent beauty professionals can rent salon suites monthly from $550 to $1,000. Suites range from 150 to 600 square feet, some with sinks, and come with a massage table, ring light and cart, or tenants can bring their own furniture. Tenants keep all of their payments, can customize the space, and get 24/7 secure buzzer access, free high-speed WiFi, a free booking system, Instagram and Google advertising support and access to CEU classes. The online shop sells the business's own lash line along with lash supplies and ships across the USA, though in-person pick-up is limited to class dates.

The business says it uses high-quality, safe lash extensions, and it sets lash pricing by each artist's style and experience level.