Who knew that when you logged onto a professional skincare website that the designer/owner is a local entrepreneur?

The website is www.3Graces.com. The owner: Carolanne Ghee, a 14-year resident of Fairfield.

Ghee, a longtime employee of Orlane, Paris skincare, dreamed up the perfect work-at-home scenario after having her fourth child. Relying on her marketing expertise with the French skincare line, she launched a website in 1998 to sell the brand online in the United States.

"We offer good quality European skincare direct from the manufacturer," Ghee said. "We can therefore carry the entire line of products. I also have the training and knowledge of the products and can properly assist customers with questions."



While Orlane products are the site's mainstay (best-selling product: Orlane's B21 Anti-Fatigue Eye Contour Care), 3Graces.com has begun offering a wider range of beauty products including Payot, Paris, a spa line with face and body products being offered at Ritz-Carlton properties.

"Many people find European skincare while traveling and can't find it here due to the limited distribution," she explained. "They search for us on the web and find that we offer the complete line."

Ghee spends 25 hours a week managing the business. Average orders range from $50-$300. The Orlane and Payot lines are manufactured in France. After being imported, Ghee's orders are shipped out of a warehouse in New Jersey. With skincare always a priority with an aging population, there's no low season for high-end products.

What's behind the name, 3graces? "In ancient Greek Mythology, the 3Graces personified grace, charm and beauty...just what the site is about."

5 Questions for Carolanne Ghee:

What's your can't live without beauty product? Orlane B21 Anti-Fatigue Eye Contour Care
Last product you put on your face every night? Payot Hydration 24 Cream and Orlane Eye cream
Favorite shop in Fairfield? Capri
Do you wear Brown or Black mascara? Black
One thing you would change about Fairfield? Less banks and more shops!