Bella Capelli, owned and operated by Jenay Sullivan in Hiawatha, is a salon with nine individual suites that provide a unique experience for each client.
Becoming a cosmetologist was a lifelong dream for Jenay. By twelve years old, she was set on going to cosmetology school to become a hairstylist.
To kickstart her career, Jenay attended the Junior Summer Program at La’James College in Mason City the summer before her senior year of high school. Through this summer program, Jenay was able to complete Level One of the program.
After finishing the summer program, Jenay finished up her last semester of high school, graduated in December, and returned to La’James. Here, she completed her cosmetology education.
In 2001, Jenay moved from Northern Iowa to Cedar Rapids and began working as a cosmetologist. For nineteen years, she worked out of a commission-based salon.
When Covid hit in 2020, Jenay decided she was ready for something new and looked for opportunities.
She found her next opportunity when Bella Capelli had a suite for rent. So, in 2020, Jenay made the transition from a commission-based salon to renting her own individual suite.
After around a year and a half at Bella Capelli, Jenay expressed interest to the current owner of one day purchasing Bella Capelli. After owning the salon for fifteen years, the current owner was ready to scale back their operations, opening a door for Jenay.
Located across the street from Kirkwood’s SBDC at the time, Jenay had the opportunity to meet Michael Wampler, Kirkwood SBDC’s Regional Director, as a client. After some conversation, Michael and Jenay quickly realized they could work together to help Jenay take ownership of Bella Capelli.
Jenay began working with Michael in the Spring of 2022 and by December 2022, she closed on Bella Capelli.
Jenay has learned so much from her clients as both a stylist and a business owner. Each day, she gets to interact with various clients and bring them joy. Jenay said, “Making them happy makes me happy.” Being able to brighten her client’s day is a motivator that keeps her coming to work each day.
While transitioning from renting her suite to owning the business, Jenay was surprised by “how comfortable she felt with being uncomfortable.” With the help of Michael, Jenay was able to work through unfamiliar challenges confidently.
One of Jenay’s most significant accomplishments as a business owner has been renting all her suites to accountable stylists. There has even been a period of time when Bella Capelli had a waitlist for stylists wanting to rent a suite.
Within the next five years, Jenay hopes to open another location or section of Bella Capelli that is similar-sized and potentially houses massage therapists, estheticians, and nail technicians. By expanding Bella Capelli, Jenay will give even more women the power to run their own businesses.
Staying involved in her community by sponsoring the Kennedy Show Choir is also something Jenay plans to do.
When reflecting on her experience with the SBDC, Jenay was very appreciative of Michael’s assistance. His honesty helped Jenay gain perspective on what it would take to own Bella Capelli.
Michael started as an occasional client for Jenay and ended up being the “perfect fit” for Jenay’s entrepreneurial journey. To any entrepreneur looking to start or expand their business, Jenay’s advice is to “find professionals who know what they are doing.” Getting help for your business is one of the best things you can do.
With over 23 years in the cosmetology industry, Jenay has displayed resilience and plans to grow her business for years to come.