BARNEVELD — When Julia Gallagher had her eyebrows shaped via microblading a few years back, the experience lit something inside her and there was no turning back.

“I had microblading done and it literally changed my life,” she said. “I got up from the table and I knew I wanted to do that for people.”

Microblading is an advanced brow technique that uses a superfine needle to deposit pigments into the skin. It creates thin, hair-like strokes. Another variation is powder brows, which focuses more on filling in the brow than creating strokes, for a lush, full effect.

Gallagher felt so compelled that she became certified and started her own semi-permanent makeup business.

“It inspired me to want to make people feel good,” Gallagher said. “It seems like such a small thing, eyebrows, but it really is a lot. It frames your face.”

Many people navigate towards semi-permanent makeup to fix their brow woes, such as being misshapen, overplucked, or sparse.

Gallagher launched Arch Mecha in 2018.

“I’ve always been an entrepreneurial spirit,” she said. “I wanted the independence and freedom that comes with working for myself. I wanted to be available for my son. I also wanted to set a good example for my son.”

She offers an array of semi-permanent makeup services, including microblading, powder brows, combination brows (combines the techniques of both microblading and powder brows), lip blush, freckles, and more.

Working in semi-permanent makeup has been so gratifying for her.

“It feels amazing to know that I helped someone with an insecurity and they don’t have to worry about it anymore,” she said.

Customer experience is Gallagher’s foremost priority. Upon arriving at the studio, clients are greeted in the welcoming foyer with soft and cozy wingback chairs, soft music, and a coffee station. Gallagher explains every step of the process along the way. She uses numbing cream to maximize comfort during the process, something that sets her apart from many semi-permanent makeup artists. Once the procedure is complete, she sends her clients home with little after care kits. She doesn’t overbook her schedule, either. She never wants to rush through a session or make her customer to feel rushed. The whole appointment from start to finish is usually two to three hours. Once healed, a touch up is recommended. Completed work lasts one to two years.

“Everything is customizable,” she said. “We find the best thing that fits the client. We can go soft or go bold depending on individual needs.”

Hours of operation are currently 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

Arch Mecha is operating in a new location at 8112 Route 12N in Suite 4. There is space for expansion and she is currently looking for more beauty, health, and wellness practitioners to round out the rest of the studio space.

“It is growing into something that I think is going to be really exciting,” she said.

Growing her business has also helped Gallagher grow as an individual.

“I get excited about challenges now,” she said. “It’s like okay, let’s tackle this. I’ve got this.”

She has a lot of goals for the future. She wants to eventually add more services to her repertoire and add further certifications.

“I’m looking forward to expanding and emanating what we are all about,” she said. “Which is customized service, customer experience, and value.”

More information can be found on her website, www.archmecha.com or Gallagher can be reached at 315-860-0591.

For more information about space rental, contact either Gallagher or Julia Roberts at 315-292–8235.