Ida Fanelli’s journey into the world of aesthetics and wellness is one deeply rooted in her Italian heritage and a longstanding passion for biology and science. Her initial career as a Medical Laboratory Technologist spanned 12 years, where she honed her skills and knowledge in the medical field. However, in March 1993, a wave of government cutbacks led to her position being downsized. This unexpected change forced Fanelli to reevaluate her career path, leading her to discover a new passion—holistic beauty and wellness. The transition allowed her to reconnect with people, work with her hands, and focus on a more personal approach to health, steering away from the machinery and routines of her previous profession.
The Inception of Esthetics by Ida
After losing her job, the stress took a toll on Fanelli’s health, prompting her to seek out alternative healing methods. A visit to a naturopath introduced her to the Zanqara Holistic skincare line, a product she continues to use to this day. This experience was a catalyst for Fanelli’s interest in aesthetics and reflexology, leading her to complete programs in both fields. Realizing that self-employment would allow her to pursue her passions while being her boss, Fanelli founded “Esthetics by Ida” in July 1994, a home-based salon that has since become a staple in her community.
Fanelli’s holistic approach to beauty and wellness is informed by her personal experiences and her dedication to continuous learning. Without the safety net of healthcare benefits, she became her advocate, researching health solutions and integrating them into her practice. Tragic events in her life further inspired her to explore energy-healing techniques, which have become an integral part of her services. Fanelli’s journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power to turn life’s challenges into opportunities for growth and fulfillment.
Unique Selling Propositions: A Personal Touch in Holistic Care
Esthetics by Ida stands out in the crowded field of beauty and wellness for several reasons. Fanelli offers a unique blend of holistic aesthetics, medi spa services, and reflexology, all delivered in a cozy, home-based setting. This intimate environment ensures that clients receive consistent, personalized care from Fanelli herself, rather than from a rotating roster of casual workers.
Adding to the uniqueness of her offerings, Fanelli’s husband runs a honey-farming business, allowing her to provide clients with a one-stop shop for services and honey-related products. As she celebrates 30 years in the industry, the personal touch and continuity she offers have become key factors that set her business apart. Clients know that when they visit Esthetics by Ida, they will receive care tailored to their individual needs, delivered with a level of attention and detail that is increasingly rare in today’s fast-paced world.
Values and Qualities Admired by Clients
Fanelli’s clients often describe her as knowledgeable, engaging, and friendly. Her detail-oriented and creative approach to aesthetics and wellness is complemented by her caring nature and good memory, which allows her to remember specific details about her clients and their preferences. This level of personalized service, combined with reasonable pricing, has earned her a loyal clientele who appreciate not only her expertise but also the genuine care she shows for their well-being.
Overcoming Challenges
The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges for many businesses, and Esthetics by Ida was no exception. As a profession that involves close contact with clients, aesthetics was listed among the top ten most dangerous places to frequent during the pandemic. Despite this, Fanelli remained committed to her clients, welcoming them back into her home as soon as government restrictions were lifted.
To ensure the safety of her clients, Fanelli implemented a range of innovative disinfecting methods, including using copper’s biocidal properties on surfaces, activated charcoal bags to purify the air, and UV light sterilization between appointments. She also created an informational video on copper’s antiviral properties, which she shared with clients and family. Additionally, Fanelli incorporated antiviral essential oils into some of her services, further enhancing the safety and efficacy of her treatments.
Embracing Technological Advancements
While the sense of touch remains essential in aesthetics, Fanelli understands the value of integrating technology into her services. She has carefully chosen devices that align with her holistic approach, such as IPL (Laser) Technology for hair reduction, skin rejuvenation, and vascular pigmentation. These treatments offer the same results as traditional lasers but with less pain and downtime.
Fanelli also uses several LED therapy light colors and High Frequency for facials, as well as the Dolphin MPS Neurostim, a microcurrent device that helps improve facial tone and reduce scars. These technologies enhance the effectiveness of her treatments while maintaining her commitment to holistic care principles. By staying at the forefront of technological advancements, Fanelli ensures that her clients receive the best possible care, combining the latest innovations with a personal touch.
Empowering Clients Through Knowledge
Fanelli’s approach to business is deeply rooted in empowerment. She engages in informative conversations with her clients, sharing knowledge that can benefit their lives beyond the salon. Over the years, these interactions have led to daily networking and mastermind sessions where Fanelli and her clients exchange valuable insights.
Fanelli’s dedication to education extends beyond her salon. In 2019, she began writing Facebook posts for her business page, which led to a noticeable increase in followers. Encouraged by her clients’ positive responses, she expanded her content to include health-related topics, sharing her research and experiences with a broader audience. In 2022-23, Fanelli updated her social media posts and added them to her blog and Medium, making them more visible and accessible.
Her efforts caught the attention of Brainz Magazine, which invited her to become an executive contributor in September 2023. Fanelli now shares informative articles on how her experiences and knowledge have helped her family with health issues, first aid, and comparative analysis of different ingredients. These articles are available at Brainz Magazine, further expanding her reach and influence in the industry.
Conclusion
Ida Fanelli’s 30-year career in aesthetics and wellness is a testament to her passion for helping others and her commitment to holistic care. From her early days as a Medical Laboratory Technologist to her current role as the founder of Esthetics by Ida, Fanelli has always been driven by a desire to improve the lives of those around her. Her unique blend of holistic aesthetics, medi spa services, and reflexology, combined with her dedication to education and innovation, has earned her a loyal following and a reputation as a leader in her field.
