Meet Maria Iannessa of Bella Capelli West in Medford

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Iannessa.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Maria. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I obtained my Massachusetts Cosmetology license the summer of 1996. I spent the first three years of my career trying to find salon environment that felt most like home to me. Where did I think, my career would flourish and thrive the most? Did I want the camaraderie and family-esque atmosphere of a mom-and-pop salon? Or did I want to be in the fast paced, whirlwind heart of the city? I landed myself at a small salon in Medford Massachusetts, where three generations of my family, including myself have grown up. I fell in love with the job, the clients and my coworkers, but something was still missing. I had a burning desire for more. I wanted to make a difference in my industry, and not just thru making others feel great about themselves, although that is a major part of why I do what I do. I wanted the opportunity to mentor and assist young stylists, helping them reach their full potential. I wanted to pass on my knowledge and excitement for every aspect of the industry. Ultimately though, what I wanted most, was to create an environment that seamlessly and effortlessly blended the local neighborhood salon with the most talented stylist and newest trends. Allowing newcomers to the Boston are feel as though they’ve always been here. In 2006 I started Bella Capelli by Maria in Medford Massachusetts. After 4 amazing years and the greatest of clientele, I decided to keep expand my empire. In 2010, Bella Capelli West Salon came to fruition. The new salon was a bigger in size, and I was able to design and customize everything inside for maximum efficiency and comfortability for all who walked thru its doors. In 2013 I merged both salons into one, Bella Capelli West Salon located at 505 High Street in Medford, MA. I am proud to say that I have single handedly created the warm, friendly ” mom and pop” atmosphere I’ve loved all along, and infused it with the superb excellence and charisma of Bella Capelli’s talented stylists

Has it been a smooth road?
Coming from the school of “hard knocks”, every day has been, a learning experience. Just a week before I opened Bella Capelli, I was notified that a salon, 30 miles away, had service marked the original name I had chosen for the salon. This meant changing business cards, refacing my sign, brochures and mailings. Needless, to say it was a headache. Having to let someone go is just terrible! One of the worst parts of the job.

I had a man walk into the salon demanding cash back for a 7 year old gift certificate. Reason? He was never gonna use it. As shocked as I was by his demanding manor I calmly said,” I cannot refund you with cash but you can use it for any service you like or products. He then called me a “bitch” and said he was gonna get his money. Mind you, this is in the middle of the salon with clients. It gets better; he takes me to court for 100$ gift certificate. He wins, I have to pay him 140$. 100$ for refund of gift certificate, $40 for his court fees, lol. “You can’t make this stuff up”.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
We are a hair salon, focusing on every client’s individual needs. I love when I look around and see “Esta”, 84, one of our weekly regulars, chatting with “Jenn”, 30, another regular, with the blue graduated bob. I’m most proud of knowing that people feel comfortable and cared for at Bella Capelli. And we as stylists can do a wash and set and make an 84 year old happy, then move to balayage on one of our younger clients. Being well rounded is what it’s all about. As a team we work on keeping things new. I’m blessed to have passionate, talented stylists. With experience ranging from 8 years to 32 years we are continually learning new things.

Over the last 11 years we have truly become a family. Jackie, now my sister in law, Sam, the first stylist I ever hired, we were in each other’s weddings. Christina, who now has her own magazine, http://www.mirabellamagazine.com/

Tina who is one of the hardest working woman I know. Laura a previous salon owner. Amy ,our assistant, receptionist, listening ear, cleaning lady and our EVERYTHING.. Every one of these woman has touched my life and “recharged my battery” at one point, and I’m most proud of THEM and US. A salon is only as good as its stylists.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Absolutely! Boston is so beautiful, historic and booming. I keep myself up at night thinking of businesses I’d love to open.

Pricing:

• Wash, cut, blow dry $40 and up
• One process color $50 and up
• Creative color( balayage, ombré ) $95

Contact Info:

• Address: Bella Capelli West
  505 high st
  Medford ma 02155
• Website: Www.bellacapellibymaria.com
• Phone: 781-641-4200
• Email: bellacapellibymaria@yahoo.com
• Instagram: @bellacapellibymaria
• Facebook: Bella capelli by Maria

Image Credit:
Lisa Mancuso