By Joe Boyle
The view of empty businesses along Harlem Avenue had frustrated Palos Hills Mayor Gerald Bennett over the years.
But when it appeared the most bleak, Kalid Baste and a group of relatives entered stating that they can rejuvenate the area just south of 103rd and Harlem and make it a destination point.
Baste and several other relatives, who also serve as owners, celebrated the grand opening for Bella Salon Suites, 10544 S. Harlem Ave., on Saturday morning. The new salon provides a wide range of services for women ranging from massage therapy, facials, microblading and waxings.
It is a great day, Baste said.
“Of course, we have been working on this for two years,” said Baste, a Bridgeview resident. “We wanted this salon to be special. Usually, you have 15 to 20 rooms. We now have 41.”
Another owner, Haney Khalil, said there are several salons in the southwest suburbs, including Orland Park. However, he said that Bella Salon Suites offers more services and is unique because of its size.
Bennett had been observing the construction work for the salon and was eager to tour the facility. The mayor did admit he was surprised at the size of the building.
“To have this here and to see this street transformed is unbelievable,” Bennett said. “They have so much room here and they have plenty of parking. It’s a great day, absolutely.”
Baste and the owners said they wanted to attract the best stylists and technicians to care for women.
“They bring their own chairs,” Baste said. “It is a great opportunity. They can come in here and be their own boss. They can come in here and bring their clients.”
The salon also offers wash machines and dryers to improve the experience of coming to Bella Salon Suites.
Visitors to the salon will notice a giant mural at the south end of the building. The colorful images of a floral display with a butterfly also features the words, “Hello Beautiful.”
“It was my brother Sami’s idea to do this,” said Khalil, an Orland Park resident. “It took about a week to complete it.”
“Well, yes, I came up with the idea. It was my design but I didn’t actually do it. Maybe I should have said I did do it,” Sami Kahlil said with a laugh.
Baste said Bella Salon Suites stands out because professionals can control their schedules and customize their suites to cater to their clients. The mini-suites allow beauty professionals from all types of industries to rent their small salon, spa, or shop, the owners said.
Khouri Hughes, a massage therapist from the south suburbs, said the opportunity to have a suite at the new salon is a huge benefit.
“You want to have somewhere where I can bring in my personal clients,” Hughes said. “I just like that we can bring them in here. Plus, we also have wash machines and dryers.”
Baste added that the suites allow for privacy and tools needed for the professionals to succeed.
The average size of a salon suite is 12 x 14. However, the owners said if the space is too small it can be expanded to fit the needs of the professional. Each suite is equipped to go. Professionals just have to bring in their chairs and can begin operating their businesses.
Professionals will be required to have a state license to rent a suite. Professionals will need to provide a copy of the license before renting a suite.
Every Bella Salon Suite is fully enclosed, sound-dampening and includes premium fixtures, Baste said. The facility is also secure with 24-hour camera surveillance and an autolocking front door, according to Baste.
Bennett is pleased with the salon but is also appreciative of the work that Baste and other owners have put in to develop the area.
“It is hard to believe that it was just four years ago that there was nothing at this location,” Bennett said before the ribbon-cutting. “We appreciate everything Kal has done and everyone else he knows who have helped. We are very grateful.”
Baste also thanked Bennett, Palos Hills aldermen and other city officials who have assisted in getting the projects off the ground.
Back in May of 2019, Baste and his associates held another ribbon-cutting ceremony with the opening of their Wet Spot Car Wash that is located next door to the Bella Salon Suites. The state-of-the-art car wash convinced Bennett that Baste and the other owners are committed in the development of the once desolate area of Harlem Avenue.
Beauty professionals who would like to rent a suite at the Bella Salon Suites can call or text 708-673-6301 or email info@mybellasalon.com.
