At Paris Lash Academy (PLA Beauty), based in Reno, Nevada, a culture of care and innovation is at the heart of everything. Founded and led by Michelle Nguyen, a CEO who understands the challenges working parents face, the company has always had a strong representation of women in its workforce. As more employees began sharing news of pregnancies and concerns about childcare, Michelle recognized a growing need—one she had personally experienced when raising her own children.
This realization sparked the idea to create an in-house childcare at PLA Beauty. It wasn’t just a business decision; it was a deeply personal mission to support working parents and foster a family-first environment.
For Caitlin McAninch, the VP of Marketing, the timing was serendipitous. Just two months into her new role, she discovered she was pregnant. Like many women, she felt the uncertainty of when and how to share the news at work. But PLA Beauty’s supportive culture quickly became evident. Around the same time, the company’s president also learned she was expecting. Their babies were born just three weeks apart and have grown up together at PLA Beauty, a testament to the company’s commitment to family.
Corinne Ball, PLA Beauty’s HR Manager, was tasked with bringing the childcare vision to life. With no prior experience in childcare operations, she turned to her sister for advice and was directed to The Children’s Cabinet. Through our Employer Support Program, what started as a simple inquiry turned into a partnership that exceeded expectations. The program provided hands-on guidance through every step of the process—from licensing and compliance to facility planning and hiring. Even small but critical details, like the need for child-sized toilets, were brought to light thanks to our expertise.
The childcare initiative felt like a natural extension of PLA Beauty’s family-oriented culture. Employees were enthusiastic and fully embraced the idea. The presence of children in the workplace brought a new kind of energy and joy that spilled over into daily operations. Baby showers, shared milestones, and the everyday presence of little ones became part of the company’s rhythm.
For Caitlin, the childcare transformed her daily routine. She no longer had to juggle drop-offs and pickups or worry about being late. Her child was just steps away, making her work-life balance significantly more manageable. The convenience and peace of mind were unmatched—and rare in most workplaces.
The impact extended beyond current employees. As a marketing leader, Caitlin found that the childcare became a powerful recruitment tool. When potential hires learned that PLA Beauty offered on-site childcare, it stood out as a unique and meaningful benefit—something far beyond the standard 401(k).
The journey to build the childcare wasn’t easy. It required time, resources, and a lot of learning. But with the unwavering support of The Children’s Cabinet’s Employer Support Program, PLA Beauty stayed the course. Our encouragement and expertise made the process smoother and more achievable.
Today, PLA Beauty’s childcare is more than a facility—it’s a symbol of what’s possible when a company truly invests in its people. With more PLA Beauty babies on the way, the company’s family continues to grow, supported by a workplace that understands the value of care, community, and connection.
