At Bella Mia Hair Designs it is our mission to provide an incredible salon experience to our guests by providing superior customer service and by giving you the look you've always wanted.

Let Bella Mia Hair Design Create A New Look For You!

By Melissa O’Brien

Walking out of the salon with a new hairstyle makes people feel good. But when they get home and can’t repeat that in-salon look because they don’t have the time or the proper products and tools, it can be frustrating. I am one of those people who do not have the time or the ability to recreate a hairstyle. So, when I recently got my hair cut at Bella Mia Hair Designs (located at 19038 Bruce B. Downs (BBD) Blvd.), I was very pleasantly surprised when I was able to easily style my hair by myself – a look that fits into my life as a busy PTA mom and freelance writer.

Creating a salon with a chic and friendly atmosphere was the goal of Bella Mia owner Abby Tammaro. “We wanted to create a hair salon that was upscale in appearance and the skill level of our stylists but an environment where our clients feel welcome and comfortable,” says Abby. “We are a great team and our client’s can tell we all love what we do.”

One of the key services that Bella Mia features is client consultation. “We spend a lot of time with our clients to assess what the best style of hair is for him or her,” says Abby. “We ask clients whether they want to whisper or scream, be funky and stand out. We want to create a style that is modern and contemporary but also something that the everyday mom can easily maintain on her own. It is also important to create a cut that looks good for the entire five weeks in between haircuts.”

Abby says that she and her stylists look at the person’s facial structure, hair texture and lifestyle. “You can show us a picture of someone in a magazine to us, but we will be honest with you if that look will not complement your face.”

In fact, I told Abby about a style I was interested in having. Kimberly Jameson, the stylist who cut my hair, had actually gone on-line before my appointment to print out a picture of that style. We then discussed whether or not it would look good on me. I can honestly say that the haircut is exactly what I wanted.

Right now, Tammaro says that looser waves are in – something you can do with a curling iron – and the stacked bob, which she calls a classic look with an edge. “We also keep in mind the change in seasons and now that it is getting warmer, it is time to get those summer highlights,” she says.

Bella Mia, which means “my beautiful” in Italian, used to be The Bostonian’s second location. Tammaro bought the salon from Joseph Caetano, our New Tampa City Councilman, who still operates the original Bostonian in Tampa Palms. “I worked for The Bostonian for six years,” says Abby. “When the opportunity arose to have my own place, I took it. We switched over in November of last year and redecorated, painted and updated the salon. It is great to work together with our other stylists (Kimberly Jameson and Martina Petrova). I can’t image working anywhere else. It is like a big family here.” Right now, the focus is on hair, but eventually, Tammaro plans to add a manicurist for manicures and pedicures.

Tammaro says she plans to hire more stylists, but wants to build up her team slowly to make sure she has the best in the business. The salon also sells products, including Redken, Wayne Grund, Sebastian, and Chi. Two of the stylists at the salon are European-trained and Tammaro has been styling hair for almost 12 years. She was trained at Vidal Sasson in London and then worked on a cruise line, visiting some 40 countries before settling in Tampa to be closer to her family.

Cindy Roberts, who lives in West Meadows, has had her hair done by Tammaro for the part three years. “I have been going to Abby for three years since we moved here,” says Roberts. “I tell everyone about her. I am a hairdresser’s worst nightmare and sometimes ask to have something different that might not look good on me. Abby has risen to the occasion – talking me out of things that might not look good on me. She is very upfront with you and will tell you the truth. She colors my hair, as well, and it always looks very great. It doesn’t look like a punk rocker or that you decided to go two-tone. It looks very natural and she will lighten and darken it depending on the season.

Roberts says she likes the appearance of the redecorated salon. “I love the new look,” she says. “Abby picked out all the colors and she says she was there until 4:30 in morning while painter was working. She is a nice person, has a great work ethic and she’s been unflappable when it comes to re-doing the salon.”

Client Pam O’Shaughnessy says that she has recommended many of her friends and her two daughters to Bella Mia. “I have been going to Abby for five years and I think she is fantastic,” says O’Shaughnessy, who lives in Hunter’s Green. “She gives the most fantastic haircuts that grow out wonderfully. She has a talent. (Haircuts) are an art that Abby has mastered. I used to live in Atlanta and have gone to many stylists and I was not happy until I found Abby. I found her because I saw someone else’s haircut and asked them where they went. I have had people stop me now to see where I get my hair cut. She does a great job with color and you never have to wait. I can have my hair cut and colored in an hour-and-a half. I like to look youthful and she styles my hair according to my to face and personality.”

Bella Mia Hair Designs is located at 19038 BBD Blvd. in the New Tampa Center. They offer cuts and styles men, women and children, hair color and highlights, body perms and straightening and eyebrow and lip waxing. The salon is open Monday, 10 a.m.-8p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday and Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and closed Sunday. For more information, call 632-3552 and www.bellamiahairdesigns.com.