Author Gail Laws drew a great deal of inspiration for this book (and its main protagonist) from her own life experiences. Being a makeup artist herself, and having once owned and operated a single salon, she is fully aware of the many perks and pitfalls that go hand-in-hand with such an enterprise. It served as a fascinating backdrop for her debut novel. Gail is retired now, but she still pursues all sorts of artistic endeavours (as well as word puzzles), creating oil paintings on commission, as well as designing and created ""genuine"" ostrich and emu eggs, some of which have won awards within the Eggers community. Unwilling to face outliving any more pets, she currently lives by herself in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. She has one son and three granddaughters, one of whom currently makes her living as an international fashion model.