Pictured are the hair sinks at Bella Natura.
Ben Freda | For Abington Journal
Pedicure chairs are shown at Bella Natura.
Ben Freda | For Abington Journal
One of Bella Natura’s salon chairs.
Ben Freda | For Abington Journal
Bella natura’s all-natural hair conditioners, shampoos and styling products.
Ben Freda | For Abington Journal
Employees of Bella Natura in Clarks Summit. From left are Renay Faux, hairstylist, Claire Howell, owner, Rita Chopko, receptionist, and Sara Gris, hairstylist.
Ben Freda | For Abington Journal
CLARKS SUMMIT — For over 10 years, Bella Natura, located in Clarks Summit, has been giving a more natural approach than most salons. In fact, when you walk in, you’re not overwhelmed by chemical odors. That’s because all of the products used for hair care and skin care are organic.
Claire Howell, owner of Bella Natura, used to feel ill back when she worked in hair salons that were using products with chemicals such as formaldehyde.
“I decided to take a more natural approach to hair products and hair color,” she said.
Claire opened her first salon on Aug.23, 2011, in a small salon on 1 Gravel Pond Road.
“The need for organic products was in more demand,” she said. “So, I had to relocate to a larger location.”
Her current location is in a plaza on 411 N. State St. She decorated her space with paintings she bought from Patsel’s Restaurant (currently Constantino’s). These paintings depict jungle scenes with exotic birds. They blend in on her bright green walls. This creates a relaxing atmosphere for the clients. It also fits in with the organic theme of the salon.
Bella Natura uses hair color and skin care products from Italy. The brand name is called OWAY (short for organic way). The nail polish is a brand called ZOYA. The salon had pedicure chairs. Disposable liners are used to prevent cross contamination. The salon is animal-friendly, meaning that pets are allowed inside it.
Howell believes that having her own business has given her accomplishment because of the fact she can help her employees work in a healthy environment and her clients not exposed to chemicals.
Hairstylist Renay Faux is a employee of Bella Natura. She has her own personal account called Renay’s Cutting Edge. She does everything from haircutting (for men, women, and children), coloring, manicures, pedicures, facials, waxing and semi-permanent eyelashes.
“Everything the salon offers, I do,” she said.
Renay posts her account, which features her special discounts, on Facebook. Her specials include $5 haircuts on Fridays for men and boys and 10% off for first-time customers.
Renay started out at Morrison’s Salon & Spa in Tunkhannock for a year. She has been working for Bella Natura for six years. She enjoys the friendly atmosphere and friendship with her co-workers, including Claire, fellow hairstylist Sara Gris, and receptionist Rita Chopko.
“I love who I work with and also who I work for,” Renay said. “It’s almost like coming in and seeing your family everyday because we’re all very close.”
