Beauty Boss: Bella Schneider, Founder of Bella Schneider Beauty
Bella Schneider.
Our latest Beauty Boss is Bella Schneider, Founder of Bella Schneider Beauty (BSB)—a line of powerful botanically-derived clinical skin care products for estheticians. She also started LaBelle Day Spas & Salons, which offer a full range of skin care, beauty, and wellness services. In 1976, she opened her flagship spa and salon in the Bay Area, later expanding her service menu and opening two Peninsula salons in 1982 and 1987.
Schneider’s high-profile patrons include Chelsea Clinton, Paris Hilton, Michelle Pfeiffer, Condoleezza Rice, Maria Shriver, and many others. BSB is a market leader in esthetic science, providing state-of-the-art products, technology, and support to more than 600 premier spas, salons, medical centers, and clinical estheticians worldwide. For more than 35 years, she has traveled the world to help professionals enhance their practice and grow their business, and is the winner of the Nouvelle Esthetiques lifetime achievement Crystal Award for contributions to beauty science.
We chatted with Schneider, who shared her beauty and wellness tips, best advice, inspiration, and more:
What inspired the creation of Bella Schneider Beauty?
It all started for me when I was 14-years-old with bad acne. I lived in Israel at the time and was looking to improve my complexion. I ended up having my skin treated at a high-end beauty boutique near my house. It It was during this time when I realized that I had a real interest and aptitude for this field. The aestheticians asked my mom if she would let me help in their establishment after school for a few hours during the week since they sensed I was very interested and capable. From this early experience, I was able to observe and learn from the aestheticians (who were from Eastern Europe) as they worked and mixed their own products to create their own peels, masks, powders, creams, etc.
I did not mean to stay in this business. At the time, I just saw it as a form of recreation. What girl wouldn’t be fascinated with learning all about beauty? I was truly seeking academia and this was initially a way to support myself during my studies. When I arrived in the United States to attend college, I started working full-time to support myself. I landed a job with Estée Lauder, and it was there where I realized women had no clue how to take care of their skin—they were using products on top of products without understanding them. When I finished at Berkeley, I decided to open my own small skin care clinic and teach a bit. Before long, I started formulating and I never stopped.
How long has the brand been around?
I opened the first LaBelle Day Spa in 1976 in San Francisco. The BSB line has been around for more than 18 years.
Tell us more about your line. Do you have a hero product?
The BSB line is a results-oriented collection of skin care products mainly for the face. I create and formulate products that target issues of concern such as anti-aging, hyper-pigmentation, and acne, with high-quality ingredients, enjoyable textures, and natural fragrances. Our top-selling products are the Exfoliating Mini Peel Pads, Gold Glow Scrub With Champagne and Pearls, and our new anti-aging oils in the Naturals Collection.
What’s your favorite product from the line?
This is a hard question because I love so many. I would say one of my favorites is BSB Culmine Glow & Go Tinted Moisturizing Sunscreen. It’s a one and done product: you’ve got your broad-spectrum SPF 30, your moisturizer, and a hint of tint!
Where are your products sold?
They’re available at our two spas in Palo Alto, on our website, Amazon, and at various spas around the country and abroad.
Bella Schneider Beauty Royal Rose Stem Cell Mask.
Who inspires you?
I’m inspired by my employees, by my clientele, and by my daughter. I’m inspired by women who don’t let obstacles get in the way of their happiness in life and the workplace.
Secret to success?
Work hard and smart.
Be ahead of the trend by providing the future.
Listen to what your clients are asking and provide what they want.
Stay on top of digital technology.
Don’t be afraid to reinvent the wheel to stay at the top.
Beauty secrets?
SPF! You must always protect your skin before trying to make changes. Most people are still not aware of proper sun management. Sun damage is the culprit for aging of the skin.
Wellness tip?
Movement! Staying active through exercise whether it’s walking, yoga, dancing—it doesn't matter. Just keep moving.
Best advice?
Love and respect who you are. Learn to accept yourself for all that you are and don't try to compare yourself with anyone else.
Favorite way to relax?
I love to cook and read. I enjoy watching foreign films and international TV shows. And after a workout, there’s nothing better than a soothing soak in the tub!
For more information and to purchase, visit bellaschneiderbeauty.com and follow the brand on Instagram: @bellaschneiderbeauty
[Images courtesy of Bella Schneider Beauty]
Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk