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In an industry that depends on economies of scale and multimilliondollar advertising campaigns to make a profit, Janet Shafsky doesn't operate Alaska's only cosmetics company for the money. Instead, Shafsky said she has nurtured her business to help others improve how they feel about themselves.
For more than 20 years, Shafsky has owned and operated First and Lasting Impressions Inc., an Anchorage-based manufacturing and retail business with about 150 hair care, skin care and cosmetic products.
Shafsky's interest in cosmetics dates back to her childhood in Southern California when she would wait for her dad to fall asleep so she could put makeup on him.
After graduating from high school, Shafsky earned her esthetician license and began working as a makeup artist in the Los Angeles area.
"I loved what I did in California," she said. "It was fun and glamorous. It was a fun lifestyle."
While Shafsky loved working as a makeup artist, she loved her husband more and agreed to move with him to his home state of Alaska in 1979.
Shafsky opened a facial salon in her home soon after moving to Anchorage. Shafsky said she has always operated her business out of her home because she wanted to raise her three daughters - now 24, 21 and 13 - while she pursued her career.
"I've always wanted it all," she said. "I...