The beauty world is abuzz with innovations, but few trends have made as lasting an impact as semi-permanent makeup. Not only is it practical, saving precious minutes each morning, but it also offers a long-term confidence boost—a feeling Donna-Lee Willis, the visionary behind Brandy Beauty Bar, knows all too well.
Donna-Lee Willis didn’t start Brandy Beauty Bar with a business mindset. “I was insecure about my brows because they were thin. Once I got them done, compliments started pouring in,” Willis shares. It was this unexpected encouragement that sparked the idea for Brandy Beauty Bar, where she has since become a go-to professional for ombre brows. This technique delivers a natural, gradient effect, creating the illusion of full, perfectly shaped brows—a look many women seek.
In 2022, Willis had her first experience with ombre brows, and by the following year, she trained under the same artist to master the technique. In February, with a $300,000 investment, she officially launched her business, transforming her newfound passion into a successful enterprise. The ombre brow process is gentler on the skin than traditional microblading, a procedure that can leave scars if done incorrectly. As Willis explains, “With ombré, it’s not as painful, and it offers a softer, more natural result.”
At just 22, Willis is among Half-Way-Tree’s vibrant beauty scene, carving a unique space for herself. Balancing business ownership with her youth, she encountered her own share of challenges—namely, confidence. Working on clients’ brows, a defining facial feature, isn’t easy. Still, with each satisfied customer, her self-assurance grew, reinforced by the joy she witnessed as clients embraced their new look.
Brandy Beauty Bar’s clients, typically between ages 28 and 50, are drawn to the convenience of semi-permanent brows, especially women who remember the ’90s overplucking trend. For Willis, the journey is more than shaping brows; it’s about fostering confidence and simplifying lives.
As Brandy Beauty Bar evolves, so does Willis’s vision. After completing courses in full-body waxing and classic lash extensions earlier this year, she plans to roll out body contouring services by January 2025. Brandy Beauty Bar is more than a beauty business—it’s a space where women can discover a new level of confidence and embrace their natural beauty.
