Skin Deep: How One Bellus Academy Graduate Built a Spa, a Brand, and a Second Act

At 39, most people aren’t starting over. But for Orly Perez, starting over was exactly the point.

A full-time mother searching for a career that could flex around her family, Orly found her answer in esthetics—a field that allowed her, as she puts it, to blend a love for beauty, healing, and self-care while helping others feel confident in their own skin. What began as a practical solution became something much more profound: a reinvention with a purpose.

Today, Orly is the owner of Bella Sareena Spa and the creator of the Bella Sareena skincare and body care product line. Fifteen years into her career, she has built a business rooted in results, relationships, and resilience. Her journey from first-time student to entrepreneur offers a compelling roadmap for anyone considering a career in the beauty and wellness industry.

A New Beginning at Bellus Academy

Orly’s entry into esthetics was not without uncertainty. But from her first days at Bellus Academy, she found both direction and encouragement. “When I entered Bellus Academy, I met Wendy,” she recalls, “and she gave me so much hope, strength, and clarity of a new path.” That early mentorship shaped not only her technical foundation but her professional confidence—two pillars that would carry her through the challenges ahead.

The hands-on training model at Bellus Academy was particularly meaningful. Orly credits the supportive instructors and real-world practice environment with helping her discover her strengths and push past self-doubt. “Hands-on training prepared me for the real world,” she says. “The more you engage and experience, the more it builds your confidence.” For Orly, the classroom was never just about technique—it was where she found her voice and her purpose in the beauty and wellness industry.

Building a Practice Around Client Needs

After completing her education, Orly built her spa menu the same way she approached everything: by listening. She paid close attention to her clients’ most common skin concerns and selected treatments and products designed to address those issues safely and effectively. The goal was never just results—it was trust. “I wanted to create an experience that my clients would trust and see results,” she explains.

Over 15 years, Bella Sareena Spa grew into a full day spa with Orly overseeing a team of 12 practitioners. The rewards were significant—and so were the demands. Building a loyal clientele from the ground up required more than technical skill. It required marketing savvy, business acumen, and an ability to connect with people on a human level. Orly notes that new professionals are often surprised to discover just how much the career extends beyond the treatment room. “Clients don’t just come for treatments,” she says. “They come for trust, confidence, and connection.”

That emotional dimension of the work remains, for Orly, among the most rewarding aspects of the profession. “Seeing the transformation in my clients—and seeing how someone feels about themselves when they leave glowing inside and out—the human connection is very rewarding,” she says. “Knowing that you are helping build their confidence and overall appearance means everything.”

From Personal Struggle to Product Line

The Bella Sareena skincare and body care line was not born from a business plan—it was born from a personal need. In her mid-30s, Orly developed various skin sensitivities and conditions. Frustrated by the lack of gentle, effective options, she set out to create something she could fully believe in. “I needed something a little more clean and effective,” she recalls. “Having sensitive skin and always searching for the non-irritating option, I developed my products by researching ingredients, attending trade shows, and learning directly from industry experts—connecting with chemists and vendors who helped me build formulas every step of the way.”

The COVID-19 pandemic, which forced estheticians out of their treatment rooms, unexpectedly accelerated her product development journey. With service income halted, Orly leaned into the product line as a new avenue for business. It reinforced a lesson she shares freely with aspiring professionals: “As estheticians, being in the treatment room is rewarding—but also challenging. Finding other ways to grow a business is very important.”

Today, the Bella Sareena line is sold to other spas, featured at pop-up events, and poised for an online launch in 2026. The most rewarding part, Orly says, is seeing her clients fall in love with products they trust—products co-created to nurture sensitive skin and help people feel their best.

Staying Sharp in a Changing Industry

For Orly, education never ended with graduation. Staying ahead in esthetics requires ongoing investment in professional development. She regularly attends industry conferences, advanced training sessions, and trade shows, and maintains close relationships with product developers, dermatologists, and esthetic educators. The beauty and wellness landscape evolves constantly—with new technologies, treatment modalities, and skincare science emerging each year—and Orly believes that a commitment to lifelong learning is non-negotiable for long-term success.

“This career continues to evolve,” she says, “so there is always room to grow, reinvent yourself, and explore new paths.” For her, that evolution has taken the form of stepping back from managing a large team to focusing on a curated VIP client list three days a week—and devoting the rest of her time to product development and the next chapter of Bella Sareena.

Advice for Students Entering the Field

When asked what she wishes she had known at the start of her career, Orly is candid: “I wish I had known that confidence comes with experience. In the beginning, I doubted myself more than I needed to. With time, I learned to trust my skills, trust the process, and know that growth happens step by step.” She also wishes she had understood earlier how critical the business side of esthetics truly is—marketing, communication, and client retention are skills as essential as any treatment technique.

Her advice to current students is both practical and encouraging. She urges them to think like business owners from day one, even if they start by working for someone else. “Focus on customer service, professionalism, and creating an experience that keeps clients coming back,” she says. “Invest in education—both during school and after you graduate. Don’t stop learning.”

Networking, community involvement, and fundraising have also been key to her success—strategies she recommends for anyone working to build a steady, loyal clientele. “Do a lot of networking and seek out the type of clientele you want to attract,” she advises. “Being involved in your community can help you create that loyal base that will help you succeed in this profession.”

Looking Ahead

As she looks toward 2026 and beyond, Orly’s vision has expanded beyond her own business. She hopes to connect with other esthetic professionals who are just starting out, sharing what she has learned to help them build their careers more efficiently. “I would love to be part of something bigger—helping more people feel confident and beautiful,” she says. “My vision is to help other professionals in the industry of esthetics who are starting out, and to see if I can help expedite their success.”

Her gratitude for Bellus Academy and for the mentor who opened the door—and opened her heart to what was possible—remains deeply felt. It is a reminder of what career education can do when it does its job well: not just teach a skill, but change a life.

Orly Perez’s story is proof that it is never too late to reinvent yourself with purpose—and that with the right foundation, the right mentors, and an unwavering commitment to your clients and your craft, the beauty and wellness industry offers extraordinary room to grow.