For the past 15 years, Bellezza & Co. has been a testament to passion, resilience, and family. Founded by sisters Lisa Jeffries and Ashley Basham, Bellezza & Co. started as a vision fueled by their love for beauty and a dream to create a sanctuary where clients could experience top-tier salon and spa services.
From its modest beginnings in a small space to a now nearly 6,000-square-foot establishment featuring 10 styling stations, multiple treatment rooms, a luxurious makeup bar, and a talented team of 30 beauty professionals, Bellezza & Co. has become a premier destination for relaxation, rejuvenation, and transformation.
My love for design and creativity has always been a driving force. I initially pursued my studies at Columbus College of Art & Design, but after a year and a half, I realized my true calling was cosmetology. Meanwhile, Ashley took a more direct route, earning her cosmetology license while still in high school.
For years, we worked separately in the beauty industry, each gaining valuable experience. Then, one day, Ashley invited me to look at a foreclosed house – she had a vision for what could become our salon and spa. With ten months of hard work, planning, and renovations, and the support of our tight-knit Italian family, we transformed that space into what is now Bellezza & Co.
Starting a business was daunting, but we embraced the entrepreneurial spirit passed down from our parents, who taught us the delicate balance of family and business. We didn’t have all the answers at first, but we were determined to build a structured, welcoming, and professional atmosphere for both our clients and team.
Year after year, the most fulfilling aspect of owning Bellezza & Co. has been watching our team grow and thrive. We’ve seen high school interns evolve into top-performing stylists and single mothers gain financial independence through their careers. Knowing that our business supports so many professionals and their families is incredibly rewarding.
Beyond that, the deep connections we’ve built with our clients make this journey even more special. Bellezza & Co. is more than a business; it’s also a community. Every client who walks through our doors becomes a part of our story, and their loyalty fuels our passion.
We also take great pride in giving back. Through local charitable initiatives and community involvement, we strive to make a positive impact beyond the salon.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that business ownership is a constant cycle of growth, setbacks, and triumphs. Just when you think you’ve mastered something, you realize there’s always more to learn. We’re eternally grateful for our relationship with Cool Beauty Consulting which has allowed us to form lifelong friendships, benefit from the guidance of industry greats, and network with some of the top business owners in the beauty sector.
We’ve faced challenges like for example losing long-time team members and keeping the wrong employees for too long, but every experience has taught us invaluable lessons. Adaptability, humility, and resilience are key to long-term success.
One piece of advice I’d offer to fellow salon owners and managers is to display the Serenity Prayer somewhere visible…
“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”
Regardless of religious beliefs, we all need something greater than ourselves to ground us during tough times. Owning a salon is more than running a business – it’s about leadership, perseverance, and embracing both the struggles and the successes.”
