Meet Leah Veduccio of Bella Hair Salon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Leah Veduccio.

Leah, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I grew up always wanting to be a teacher like my dad. So after high school, to college I went. After just a year, I realized it just wasn’t for me, I had many friends in the beauty industry and going to hairdressing school was an easy decision for me. My roots in my town are strong and I’ve never left. I worked in only 2 other salons before opening my own and all are in Waltham. There have been ups and there have been downs but I’m proud to say I’m in my 10th year ownership.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Oh gosh, well owning your own business is not easy. But at the age of 23, I had nothing to lose. I didn’t own my car, didn’t own a house, I wasn’t married, I had no children… so as crazy as it sounds… it was the perfect time for me to take a huge risk! Being your own boss means making sacrifices. Especially in the beginning.

Like putting your employee’s paychecks before your own or missing a family vacation because you can’t take that time off but I knew in my heart it would all be worth it. Now that I’m married and have two children I’m lucky to work part-time so that I can watch them grow up.

If there’s anything being a mom has taught me (besides extreme patience) it has made me realize how important my work behind the chair is. I love my kids but now I get excited to go to work more so than ever.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Bella Hair Salon story. Tell us more about the business.
My salon is located in the heart of Waltham on Moody Street. After working in a salon with over 10 stylists I knew that being in a more intimate salon was where I wanted to be.

So when I designed my salon I really wanted the atmosphere to feel like you were getting your hair done in a relaxed and warm environment. We are a full-service salon, however, I’d say our specialties are color and weddings. We use Goldwell and Paul Mitchell hair color in addition to selling their product lines for clients to take home. I take pride in knowing that customers can come in and leave with great hair at an affordable price!

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I can’t say I believe in Luck. I believe in hard work. And wine, vacations and a good friend. But in all seriousness … I didn’t get lucky that I have a business that survived thru a recession. I literally opened my salon in 2007 when so many other businesses were going under! My first month in, I remember asking myself “what did you do??” But here I am, and that’s not from luck.

Pricing:

• Haircuts range from $25-$50
• Balayage $125-$150
• Special occasion hair starts at $70
• Makeup starts at $40
• Highlights $75-$115
• Single process color $55-75

Contact Info:

• Address: 731 Moody Street Unit #11
• Website: Www.bellahairwaltham.com
• Phone: 781-893-2503
• Email: bellahairltd@yahoo.com

   
Image credit: 
Kapitol photo-Dan brown – last two photos

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