About Bella Bath and Body
Handmade Skin Cocktails Made in Newark, NJ
Birthed by Bella Nail Lounge. Black-owned. Woman-owned.
The Beginning
Bella Bath & Body began as part of the vision for Bella Nail Lounge & Beauty Bar. In 2016, I left my job to open a business of my own. My ADHD has always meant that ideas can come quickly and in abundance, and Bella gave me a place to turn those ideas into something real, personal and useful.
The products were originally intended for use during services at Bella Nail Lounge—not as a separate business. I began researching ingredients and developing the scrubs, oils, butters and other products that would become part of the Bella service experience.
I began ordering ingredients, developing product recipes and creating a list of goal fragrances. I tested multiple brands and suppliers, searching for the right combinations to bring each product and scent idea to life.
Many of those early fragrances were inspired by cocktails. With “Lounge” and “Beauty Bar” in Bella’s name, I thought cocktail-inspired fragrance names would be a fun and natural fit. The products became our skin cocktails because what your skin drinks is just as important as what you drink.
At one point, I had a list of approximately 35 goal fragrances. As Bella’s opening approached, I narrowed that list to about 15 so I could focus on the products and fragrances we would actually need to begin.
2016
Before Bella Bath & Body was for sale, Fiyanah asked for a scrub to help her get ready for a date. That request was one of the earliest signs that the products created for Bella Nail Lounge services could become something more.
Once Bella opened in October 2016, I was completely overwhelmed by the demand for the products—not only for use during our services, but from clients who wanted to take them home. I had underestimated how much product we would need at Bella and how much people would enjoy it. I also decided to make our cuticle oil—although, if I remember correctly, Miss Lulu may have made that decision for me.
2017
By March 2017, Lamont was helping me bring Bella Bath & Body to local New Jersey festivals and events while we continued selling products inside Bella Nail Lounge. The interest outside the salon confirmed that the collection had a life of its own.
The same thought that went into our butters went into the cuticle oil and body oil. We wanted them to feel lightweight, absorb easily and prove that a little could go a long way. I still remember Lamont and I using Michelle’s arm as our testing ground while we worked through different oil blends.
2018
Queenie began as a limited anniversary fragrance. Customers loved her enough that limited became permanent.
2019
Bella Bath & Body launched its second website and continued expanding with Love Potion, Subtle Summer, Escape, Midas, Pumpkin Spice and facial scrubs.
2020
When COVID-19 forced Bella Nail Lounge to close for approximately six months, Bella Bath & Body helped us remain connected to our customers through curbside pickup. Sugah and Mermaid joined the fragrance family during a year that required flexibility, faith and a willingness to keep moving.
2021
We refreshed our labels and website, giving the growing collection a more consistent Bella presentation.
2022
We held our first major sale, introduced Out Back Jack and Him, added Foaming Hand Soap and reformulated Love Potion when an ingredient change required us to revisit the fragrance.
2023
This was a major year for fragrances and product development. We introduced Subtle & Spicy, Rosé, Unicorn, Earthy Vibes for 4/20 and Island Nectar. Em helped us balance the rose in Rosé, and Adeneka helped us get the grapefruit in Unicorn just right.
We also expanded the product collection with Body Polish, Whipped Soap, Triple Butter Artisan Bar Soap and Shower Steamers.
2024
Lemongrass arrived for Earth Day, our fall fragrance selection expanded and our half-birthday releases included Rich Auntie, Sweet Chick, Uncensored and Baby Powder. Uncensored also gave a nod to the Bella Uncensored podcast.
2025
Bella moved into home fragrance with candles and began offering candle-making experiences that allowed customers to create something of their own.
2026
Bella entered its tenth year with a full collection of handmade body care, fragrance, home fragrance and creative experiences. What began as products for services inside a Newark nail salon became Bella Bath & Body—handmade in Newark, Black-owned, woman-owned and forever birthed by Bella Nail Lounge.
