Manassas Journal Messenger | House of Bella celebrates first year, gives back to community

For their first anniversary of business in Old Town Manassas, Brooke and Will Primas, owners of House of Bella Salon and Day Spa, wanted to do something special to show their customer appreciation.

So during the month of October, anyone bringing in a new or slightly used winter coat — men’s, women’s or children’s — can get a hair cut at half-price.

All of the garments will be turned over to Securing Emergency Resources through Volunteer Efforts (SERVE), Inc., a nonprofit organization that helps the needy in the area.

“We have collected more than 20 so far and hope to get upwards of 300,” said Brooke Primas. She said the company is conducting the coat drive “because we want to give back to the community for the wonderful support they have given us in the past year.”

The one-year anniversary of the firm was Oct. 10.

“We have had an exciting first year … making a lot of friends,” said Brooke Primas, adding “our customers keep telling us Manassas has long needed such a salon and spa.”

Brooke Primas added that “when customers first walk in and see the ambiance and the smell, they tell us it’s great and that it’s a new experience for them.”

In addition to hair cuts, the firm offers skin care, massages, make-up, waxing and spa parties in which a group of four or more women get together for a variety of services, including a foot soaking.

“It’s a relaxing experience for them,” said Brooke Primas.

The spa and salon, which has 11 employees, is open Monday noon-5; Tuesday through Friday 10-8 and Saturday 9-4. An expanded skin treatment service will be added after the first of the year.

Many of the company’s clientele comes from fellow Old Town business people.

“We also get a lot of passengers coming off the Virginia Railway Express. They drop in for our services, before heading home,” she Brooke Primas.

The firm accepts both reservations and walk-ins. A typical visit takes about an hour.

Summing up her first year, Brooke Primas said “it was always my dream to open up a special salon and spa. I’ve been very blessed and lucky to have had such a successful first year, in part because of a great staff. I like it because every day is different.”

Brooke Primas also feels that her spa has helped other businesses in the Old Town area.

“After leaving here, many of my customers stay in Old Town and visit the shops and restaurants,” she said.