Midtown Salon Owner Accuses Ex-Stylist Of Stealing Beauty Secrets

MIDTOWN MANHATTAN, NY — The owner of an "Envious" Midtown beauty salon is feeling some jealousy of her own, accusing a former employee of stealing her trade-secret beauty techniques and putting them to use at a rival buisiness.

Clementina Richardson founded Envious Lashes in 2007, when she was one of just eight listed eyelash stylists in Manhattan. Since then, Richardson has become a "celebrity eyelash stylist," according to the New York Times, with clients including Mary J. Blige and Julia Roberts.

In late 2018, the 42nd Street-based salon hired a new stylist, Christina Chapman, to work at Envious Lashes' second location in Commack, Long Island. There, Chapman became privy to Richardson's "unique, proprietary technique for applying eyelashes," according to a lawsuit that Richardson filed Monday in state court.

Richardson considers the technique a trade secret, and asked Chapman to sign a non-compete agreement requiring her to work exclusively for Envious Lashes. Despite that, she continued to see clients in her Long Island home all the while, Richardson claims in her lawsuit.

Envious Lashes fired Chapman this past July after learning she was planning to open her own salon elsewhere on Long Island, the suit alleges. Three weeks later, the company learned that she had opened her own business, known as CC Lashes.

Richardson and Envious Lashes filed suit Monday, alleging breach of contract and seeking damages for a "loss of business and good will."

Kathleen Culliton contributed reporting.