BUSINESS PROFILE: K’Bella Salon and Day Spa

Karen Benedek owner

(Responses have been edited for clarity). 

When and why did you start this business?

In 2007, but I actually started this business back in South America. When I finished high school I went to school for aesthetics, which over there is a little different, so it took me two years. I went to college for five years for business, then I opened a spa in Peru. I moved here and went back to school for aesthetics, permanent makeup and laser. I started working for a dermatologist in Glendale, and I moved to Maricopa and opened a salon on Honeycutt Road. Then I opened this salon three years ago.

What does your business do?

We are a full-service salon and day spa. We do everything pretty much but nails. We do facials, permanent makeup and hair design. We also have a registered nurse and massage therapist. Everyone has a minimum of five years of experience; some have as many as 20 years.

What makes your business unique?

Customer service is my priority. It’s a very cozy place. I’ve been in Maricopa for seven years, so many of my customers are like family to me and we treat them like family and not like clients.

Why did you choose Maricopa to start your business?

I wanted a new city where there were not too many other salons and day spas. I wanted somewhere close to Chandler. I just like Maricopa; it is very similar to the city I grew up in, in Peru.

What is your favorite thing about Maricopa?

It is a small, cozy town.

What is your least favorite thing about Maricopa?

The smell, probably.

What are some of the challenges you face in your business?

The summertime is a slower time for businesses in Maricopa and we rely on the residents. The snowbirds are here in the wintertime, so it’s great for all businesses in Maricopa.

Where did you grow up?

In a small town in north Peru called Chimbote; it’s a port town. Then I moved to the capital when I decided to go to the university for business.

What is your passion outside of work?

Spending time with my child; it’s the best thing I can do. He’s in second-grade.

What advice would you give to someone opening a business in Maricopa?

There is so much advice to give. Advertising is very important anywhere, not just in Maricopa. Advertise everywhere; I’m a big believer in marketing.

How did you come up with the name for the salon?

It’s the name I had for my salon back in Peru. ‘K’ is for Karen, my first name, and ‘Bella’ means beautiful in Spanish, and Italian as well.

What is your favorite book?

I have many, but there is one in Spanish called “Be Yourself.”

What is your favorite TV show?

“Modern Family.” I really like Sofia Vergara.