Salon moves to new, upscale home

Jeannette Bonaldi and her team at Bella Salon Spa have been working for the past six months to create a new home for the business on College Parkway.

And their work is evident in the stylish modern architecture and decor that greet guests as they walk in the door.

Unlike their previous leased space on Winnie Lane, Bonaldi owns this building, and was able to create from scratch the kind of atmosphere she wanted for an upscale salon.

"There are 60 different beauty shop-type places in Carson City, and five on the street we were on, but there is no place like this," Bonaldi said. "As real estate prices started falling, we came in and took advantage of the market and bought this location. It's time for us to own our own spot."

Work at the old salon ended on Saturday, and Bonaldi and her people were able to get everything ready for the new facility to open on Tuesday.

Bonaldi said architect Rob Darney did the layout for the inside, and working with contractor Bill Rankin, they created the space that she wanted. It's slightly smaller than the old salon, but makes better use of the space.

The nine hair stations feature European styling chairs and tower cabinets to give the area a clean look. That look continues into the shampoo area, with more European styling. The spa area features three private treatment rooms for massages, facials and waxing, and a relaxation room. A stone fountain adds the relaxing sound of flowing water to the ambiance.

There is also a separate manicure area with a lighted glass bar, and new pedicure chairs.

Another new addition is the bringing in of the Sugar Pine Cove store, currently located in the Copperpointe Center on South Carson Street. Teri Basa, owner of the store, will be opening in the next few days, with both an outside entrance and an entrance from the salon.

"Teri and I have known each other for years, and this is going to be a great pairing, a nice place for guests to come," Bonaldi said. "I think it creates a fun little synergy."

The store features jewelry, handbags, gift items, fresh flowers and more.

"She has the kind of things women love to shop for," Bonaldi said.

The new Bella salon is the latest step in a long journey for Bonaldi. She opened another salon in 1990, but had to sell it after being injured in a car crash in 1996. The damage to three vertebra in her neck caused her to lose feeling and strength in both arms. She said that neurosurgeons told her she wouldn't work again.

But through acupuncture, chiropractic care, physical therapy, massage and "lots and lots of prayers," she was able to fight her way back. She opened Bella in 1998.

Bella is an Aveda Concept salon, featuring all Aveda's natural, organic products.

There will be an official grand opening celebration on July 14 at 5:15 p.m. In the meantime, Bonaldi is adding the final touches to her creation, and is grateful to her team for what they have accomplished.

"Everybody here worked very hard to make this happen," she said.

1910 College Parkway, next to Sonic

885-9779