August 8, 2005

Retail Roundup

Four local business owners take a leap of faith…and it pays off

By Ken Lotich
Times Intern

There’s no doubt about it—owning your own business can be scary. However, once everything gets up and running, the rewards can be great.

In Campbell, four local businesses have embarked on this journey. Each brings a unique quality to the city, with owners that have big goals and even bigger smiles.

Vitalle Ellements
Shari Laherran, owner of Vitalle Ellements in Campbell knows the feeling of fear and the taste of success.

Shari Laherran, owner of Vitalle Ellements, located at 2220 S. Bascom Ave. in Campbell, colors a client’s hair. Laherran has more than 23 years experience in hair styling, and said she enjoys owning her own business. Photo by Ken Lotich

Laherran opened Vitalle Ellements nearly two years ago. She said the process of running her own shop was initially frightening.

“It was like jumping off a bridge,” Laherran said. “We took a leap of faith—but it was definitely worth it.”

Vitalle Ellements features full-service beauty care, including massages, manicures and pedicures, with an emphasis on the use of natural products.

Laherran, who has 23 years of experience as a hair specialist, said all of her hair stylists each have at least 15 years experience.

One of Laherran’s stylists, Sharon Miller, even did Sen. John Kerry’s hair when he made a Bay Area appearance during his presidential campaign in 2004.

Miller said Kerry came into town and asked San Jose Mayor Ron Gonzales where to go to get his hair done. Gonzales, who gets his hair done by Miller, immediately recommended her.

“Kerry looked so good,” Miller said. “He was very tan and handsome—and yes, his hair was real.”

Although Kerry may not be a regular client at Vitalle Ellements, those who are, Laherran said, love the warm atmosphere the shop provides.

Laherran said those embarking in a new business should make sure of one thing: create an environment that is inviting.

“You have to create a place that you want to be in,” Laherran said. “If you build it, they will come.”

Vitalle Ellements is located at 2220 S. Bascom Ave. and is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For appointments, call (408) 369-9622. Walk-in appointments are also welcome.

La Spa Bella Derma
Bella Derma, which means “beautiful skin” in Italian, opened its doors in downtown Campbell in February.
La Spa Bella Derma is situated at 35 S. First St., across from the landmark Campbell water tower.

Sharon Jeffery, owner of La Spa Bella Derma, said business has been good thus far, and she recently joined the Campbell Chamber of Commerce.

Sharon Jeffery is the owner of La Spa Bella Derma in downtown Campbell. Jeffery said owning her own business has always been a dream of hers. Photo by Ken Lotich

Jeffery said the spa, which is a cottage-style bungalow, although small, provides a quaint, homey atmosphere.

“It’s in a great location here,” Jeffery said. “I’ve been so busy with clients, that I haven’t had time to get out as much as I’d like to see more of downtown.”

Jeffery is working with the Chamber of Commerce to set up a ribbon cutting ceremony, which has been proposed for Oct. 6.

Jeffery, who previously worked at Sanctuary Day Spa in Aptos, said owning her own business has always been a goal for her.

“I knew I could always do it,” Jeffery said. “It has always been a dream of mine.”

Services at La Spa Bella Derma include facial treatments, waxing, massage therapy and much more.

Mahde Souiri, a nationally certified massage therapist, joins Jeffery, a certified esthetician, at La Spa Bella Derma. His services include Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, pregnancy massage, warm stone massage and reflexology.

La Spa Bella Derma is located at 35 S. First St. in downtown Campbell. The spa is open seven days a week by appointment only. For more information, call (408) 866-0157 or visit the spa’s Web site at www.laspabelladerma.com.

The Art Beat
When Erinn Turi graduated from San Jose State University with an art education degree in 2000, she said she knew she wanted to help others unleash their creative abilities.

Five years later that dream has come true. Turi and her fiancé, Jesus Aguillon opened The Art Beat, located at 68 E. Campbell Ave. in downtown Campbell, in January.

Bonita Tanner, a frequent patron at The Art Beat in downtown Campbell, works on putting the finishing touches on her vase. Tanner said she enjoys the atmosphere of The Art Beat, although she doesn’t consider herself to be the artistic type. Photo by Ken Lotich

Turi previously taught art classes at several community centers in San Jose, including ones in Saratoga and Los Gatos.

“I’ve always wanted to have a space to offer classes,” Turi said. “Now, it’s happened. I have a warm, friendly, family environment to offer to people.”

Turi said she spotted the location in October, and immediately called the landlord to secure the spot. The previous tenant had run an Internet café, but that was short lived, which was a bit ironic to Aguillon, who was laid off at his high-tech job.

Although the scenery is quite different in the art studio in comparison to high-tech, Aguillon said he has been enjoying every minute of it.

“It’s nice to do something different,” Aguillon said. “I really enjoy helping children and seeing the expressions on their faces.”

Currently Turi and Aguillon run the business on their own, with art teachers who work part time teaching classes.
The Art Beat offers a plethora of art activities, including bisqueware (pre-made pottery), handbuilding with clay, a potter’s wheel, mosaic pots, stepping stones, coasters and wood and glass projects.

Classes are also offered, as well as party packages.

“It’s been really nice to be a part of the neighborhood,” Turi said. “Everyone has been very supportive and very welcoming.”

The Art Beat is open Monday and Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Friday the studio’s hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call (408) 370-5002 or visit The Art Beat Web site at www.theartbeat.net.

ShapeXpress
With nearly 90 franchised locations in the United States, Campbell recently received its own ShapeXpress at 2013 Camden Ave.

ShapeXpress opened its doors on July 20, but males stand back—this club is for women only.

“A lot of the guys come into the center and really like it,” said Majorie Boyd, director of business development. “I have to send them to other gyms.”

ShapeXpress recently opened its doors at 2013 Camden Ave., between H&R Block and The Gold Mart. Interested parties are welcome to stop by the fitness center for a tour, said manager Olivera Radisic. Photo by Ken Lotich

The mission of ShapeXpress is simple—it wants its customers to have fun and get fit while doing it.

While further improvements are in the works at the center, it’s currently ready for use by its members.

The club is broken into distinct areas. A cardiovascular area sits in the corner of the gym, with separate televisions with satellite TV hooked up to each. Also in that same area is the circuit equipment. In the next section, free weights are available. Down the hall is a bathroom with shower, a sauna and a massage room.

ShapeXpress uses a FAR Infrared Sauna, a state-of-art sauna that uses infrared radiant energy to penetrate body tissues to a depth of more than 1.5 inches.

The foundation of each workout at ShapeXpress is called the “Total Body Workout,” which utilizes dual hydraulic equipment, with a push/pull action. This enables one to work out safely and have a much quicker recovery time, said manager Olivera Radisic.

Membership to the club is offered in four different packages, with a one-time enrollment fee. Interested parties should contact ShapeXpress for more information.

Club hours are as follows: Monday through Friday, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Radisic and Boyd welcome women from the Campbell community to come out to the grand opening luau, which will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Aug. 20. Interested parties should contact ShapeXpress at (408) 377-7088.

Boyd also said anyone who brings in this article will receive a free one-week trial membership to the club.