This luxurious bolthole tucked away in Bella Vista NSW is an interior designer’s dream, with luxury accents inspired by five-star hotels around the globe. Co-Owner Matthew Dona shares his inspiration with Anita Quade.
Matthew, tell us about yourself.
“I’ve always had a deep passion for beauty and aesthetics, which inspired us to create La Belle Cosmetics. While my journey into this industry didn’t follow a traditional path, my dedication to learning, growing, and staying ahead of the latest trends has been key to La Belle’s success. We’ve built a strong team of highly qualified professionals, and together, we ensure that every client receives exceptional care and results.”
Tell us why you chose this location for the opening of your beautiful beauty space more than a year ago.
“Bella Vista in Sydney’s The Hills district has quickly become a growing hub for cosmetics, with hospitals, plastic surgeons, and dermatologists nearby. We saw an opportunity to bring a non-surgical clinic that provides real, noticeable results without the need for invasive procedures. Our location offers convenience to those in the area, and it also saves clients the hassle of travelling all the way to the CBD for high quality aesthetic treatments. It’s important to us that La Belle is accessible while maintaining the same level of expertise and results you’d expect in a city clinic.”
What is the ethos of La Belle?
“At La Belle, our ethos is centered around a personalised approach to beauty. We take the time to deeply understand our clients’ concerns and tailor each treatment to their unique needs. Making our clients feel comfortable is incredibly important to us, and we strive to create a safe, welcoming space where they know they are always valued. Whether they’re coming in for their first consultation or returning for follow-up treatments, we want them to feel at ease and confident in the care they’re receiving.
At La Belle, it’s not just about achieving beautiful results, it’s about making sure every client feels supported throughout their entire journey with us.”
Tell us about the design aesthetic you were inspired by for this space.
“We wanted to create a unique space that truly reflects our brand identity. Natural materials like marble and hardwood flooring were carefully chosen to evoke a sense of warmth and opulence, making our clients feel calm and comfortable the moment they walk in. These elements not only create an inviting atmosphere but also help to reduce the sterile, clinical feeling that can sometimes come with cosmetic clinics. We believe that a soothing, elegant environment has a positive impact on our clients mentally, allowing them to relax and enjoy their treatments in a space that feels like a retreat rather than a traditional clinic.”
You partnered with an interior designer – how did you chose the designer?
“We partnered with Alicia Xiberras Interiors, as they really understood our vision from the start. Alicia Xiberras Interiors is renowned for working on both residential and commercial projects, so we felt confident that she could bring our concept to life. Her ability to blend functionality with style was exactly what we needed, and she had a clear understanding of how to create a space that felt luxurious and welcoming while still maintaining the professionalism and sophistication we wanted for La Belle.”
“Natural materials like marble and hardwood flooring were carefully chosen to evoke a sense of warmth and opulence, making our clients feel calm and comfortable the moment they walk in.”
What is your favourite part of the beauty space?
“My favorite part of the beauty space has to be the consultation room. This is where every client’s journey with us begins, and we’ve designed it to be a safe, comfortable space where they feel truly heard. It’s important to us that our clients feel at ease from the very first moment, and the consultation room is where we take the time to listen carefully to their concerns, understand their goals, and provide honest, expert advice. We want our clients to feel empowered by the process, knowing that we’re here to guide them every step of the way to help them achieve their aesthetic goals. This space embodies our commitment to creating a trusting, supportive environment.”
If you had a limitless budget, what would you purchase?
“With an unlimited budget, I would focus on further expanding into a full wellness retreat experience. I envision creating a space where clients can indulge in a day of comprehensive treatments and relaxation, integrating advanced aesthetic technologies with holistic wellness services. This would allow us to stay at the forefront of the industry while offering a unique, luxurious escape for our clients, combining the best in aesthetic advancements with complete rejuvenation and self care.”
How often would you recommend changing the space?
“I believe that updating the space every few years is beneficial for staying ahead with interior design trends. Regular changes not only keep the environment fresh and engaging for our clients but also create opportunities to attract new clients.
Additionally, refreshing aspects of our brand, such as the website and social media, helps to generate excitement and anticipation for the latest offerings, ensuring that we continue to present a dynamic and evolving experience.”
Where did you find the elements for the space when it comes to furniture and inspiration?
“We drew inspiration from luxury hotels and retreats around the world, incorporating elements from both local artists and international brands. This diverse range of influences helped us create a space that is unique and elegant, reflecting our brand’s identity while offering a welcoming and sophisticated environment for our clients.”
Your menu includes the much-talked about, celebrity-hyped salmon DNA treatment. How has this been received by clients?
“Clients have been thrilled with our Rejuran (salmon DNA) treatment, especially for the under eye area. They appreciate how it rejuvenates and improves their skin’s appearance. The treatment helps to stimulate collagen production and enhance skin texture, leading to noticeable improvements in a short period. Many clients have shared their excitement about the natural looking results and the overall refreshed look they achieve, making it a popular choice for those seeking effective and gentle enhancement.”
What are the benefits of more traditional injectables with this treatment?
“Traditional injectables can complement Rejuran by targeting specific areas to smoothen lines and restore volume. While Rejuran focuses on improving skin texture and promoting natural regeneration, traditional options can address immediate concerns such as wrinkles and volume loss. Combining these approaches allows for a more comprehensive treatment, achieving both long term skin improvement and visible, immediate results.”
You also offer more traditional treatments such as the Fire & Ice facial and Hydrafacial. Are there any that are most popular with your loyal clients?
“Yes, both the Fire & Ice facial and our Hydrafacials are very popular among our loyal clients. The Fire & Ice facial is a product-based treatment that combines deep cleansing and exfoliation with rejuvenating masks to improve skin texture and radiance. The Hydrafacial, on the other hand, is a machine-based treatment that provides a thorough cleanse, exfoliation, and hydration. Clients typically opt for these treatments once a month to maintain their results. Both options are highly valued for their effectiveness in promoting skin health and achieving a refreshed, glowing complexion.”
What’s your favourite part about owning La Belle?
“My favorite part about owning La Belle is the opportunity to empower our clients. Seeing them leave our space feeling confident and rejuvenated is incredibly rewarding. I love that we can make a meaningful difference in their lives by providing personalised care and helping them achieve their aesthetic goals. Creating a positive and transformative experience for each client is what makes this journey so fulfilling for me.”
Any plans for expansion with La Belle over the coming year?
“We definitely have plans for expansion as our clinic continues to grow. While we’re currently focused on optimising and enhancing our existing location, we’re excited about what the future holds.”
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