Located at 5740 Old Cheney Road inside Blondie’s, Ciao Bella Aesthetics & Permanent Cosmetics is a local spa that offers a wide variety of beauty and personal care services and Image Skincare products. Owner Erica Lee is a licensed esthetician and permanent cosmetic professional.
How did you get started in the business? – I used to be a surgical technologist, but I was getting a little worn out with that and felt that I would be better served as my own boss. While I lived in Dallas a nurse suggested that I look into permanent makeup. After I had my son I really wanted to move back to Lincoln, but I was concerned that the demand for permanent makeup alone wouldn’t support a business so shortly after I started my business I went to esthetics school, and then began offering a wider variety of spa services.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – I’d say getting people in the door when I first opened my spa. I was in my 20’s, so people were skeptical of my age, knowledge, experience, etc. However, since I had 10 years of medical experience, when I got the chance to talk to clients they understood what I had to offer. Once I was able to prove myself enough to have a loyal client base, things really took off and it became less of an issue thankfully.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – That my business has been successful, and the fact that I opened it out of pocket with no loans! I also think one of my biggest successes has been helping other estheticians start their own successful businesses.
Tell us a little about your family. – I have two kids; my son Denzel is 8 and my daughter Blair is almost 5. They keep me busy and entertained!
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Go shopping. I love Menards and Target! I own a house that was built in 1920, so I’m always doing home improvement projects and it’s really enjoyable for me.
What are you the most proud of? – When I went back to school most recently, I earned my bachelor’s with a double major in business and accounting and graduated with a 3.9 GPA. The best part was my kids watching me walk across the stage to get my diploma. I’m also just truly proud of where I am in life right now.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – If you want to be better, you have to make that choice.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be? – Content.
What talent would you most like to have? – I wish I could sing!
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be? – Owning a construction business, because I’m all about remodeling my home.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read? – “The Notebook” by Nicholas Sparks.
What is your favorite movie? – Dirty Dancing.
What is your favorite TV show? – Sons of Anarchy.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – 9th Street Chargrill.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – Feel free to call or text me at (402) 416-5636 or find Ciao Bella on Facebook!