May 8, 2017

Meet Belle Ghouleh of Belle’s Salon in Orland Park

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Belle Ghouleh.

Belle, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was always the child that was putting on make-up on the other kids. As a twelve-year-old, I would take my mom’s make-up bag and make sure all the other girls looked ‘perfect’ for the occasion. Never in my dreams did I know that this was an actual career. As I matured and graduated high school, I became the family beauty guru. I followed the expected path and went to college. I majored in biology and went thru the steps, but never felt fulfilled. I never felt passionate about the path I was on, but I wasn’t sure what my passion truly was. I couldn’t imagine telling my father that his dream wasn’t for me, especially because I wasn’t sure what my dream for myself was.

It wasn’t until I met my husband that I realized my dream. He helped me research and explore my options. He was my support. And so began my beauty career. I enrolled in a local cosmetology school and was given the opportunity to work with some of the greatest well-known stylists at upscale salons in the Chicago-land area. When I had my first child, I decided to venture out and start my own business. It has been 21 years, and every day is a new experience and an opportunity to make someone feel confident and beautiful.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I have had some of the best opportunities to grow as an individual and a professional. I feel like my biggest struggle was balancing motherhood and my business. I am passionate about both being a great mother to my kids and a successful business owner. It’s a juggling act to try to work on your goals as an individual and be the mom your children need.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
Belle’s Salon is an individual experience. Belle’s Salon keeps up with latest cutting edge trends and transforms clients’ hair into beautiful, simple styles making it easy for them to manage on their own. My salon experience is beyond the standard cut and color. To me, it’s crucial to have an honest rapport with my client which requires understanding the client and the image they have for themselves. I know the effects of healthy beautiful hair makes on a woman’s confidence. I don’t just offer them a service; I design a tailored look which works best for the clients’ lifestyle. I educate my clients on how to maintain beautiful, healthy hair. To me, each client isn’t a short term service, but the beginning of a path to their perfect unique style.

Other than basic salon services, I specialize in hair straightening treatments. I am a certified Master Stylist in Japanese Hair Straightening techniques (aka permanent rebonding & thermal reconditioning), Keratin and other hair in-salon straightening treatments. I primarily use the iStraight system to soften the hair, improve its texture while adding shine and providing a drastic improvement in hair manageability. I’m also a salon educator for the Midwest region and internationally.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up in my family was incredibly entertaining. I am the eldest of eleven children, which means I am also their beauty/fashion consultant. As an individual, I am extremely focused. I make goals for myself and do my best to achieve each one. As I continue to grow as a person and professional, I find myself patient, flexible and able to look at the glass as ‘half full.’ When I am not working, I enjoy traveling, fine dining and spending time with my kids.

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