Alaina Prentice Phillips has been a part of the Merle Norman & Luna Bella story for over 20 years.
After purchasing the local business in 2012 after working with the owner for 9 years prior, significant changes have occurred throughout the years to keep this longstanding business in top shape.
In the summer of 2024, Phillips moved the business to a storefront on Main Street for location, location, location!
Phillips says, “Being in the heart of everything and being connected to like-minded people and businesses that compliment and help promote our products and clientele has been so rewarding.”
Merle Norman Luna Bella is a quintessential gift shop – with products ranging from A-Z including of course, Merle Norman cosmetics, bridal and baby registry, and more.
Fun fact: The Merle Norman makeup brand has been around for over 80 years in the community, and is the oldest female-owned business in Starkville.
Phillips’ community involvement runs deep, as she is a former Starkville Main Street Association Chairwoman, has attended and sponsored numerous past events, and currently sits on the board of the Starkville Convention & Visitors’ Bureau.
“We offer complimentary makeup lessons to young ladies throughout the community as well,” Philips said. Customers may call the store and schedule an appointment anytime for those services.
“It’s really special to be a part of so many peoples’ lives on their big event days, from prom, pageant, and wedding makeup, we do it all,” said Phillips.
As the Main Street Revitalization Project progresses downtown, Merle Norman is committed to continuing the store’s top-notch customer service while the sidewalk is impacted.
During the project, customers can contact the store for complementary curbside pickup, and customers may be offered local delivery at no cost.
Merle Norman Luna Bella will be promoting both in-store sales and discounts, as well as their online shop. As always, the store offers free gift wrapping with the purchase of any item in the store.
As for the future, Phillips says she’s most excited about the accessibility of downtown for her clients once the project is completed, and the community being more connected as a whole through a more walkable Main Street.
The store’s summer hours are Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Customers may shop 24/7 at shopmnlunabella.com.
