Brecksville salon has new owners, familiar faces

by John Benson

Hairstyling is in Christina Leon’s blood. Not only did she grow up working at her family’s Ballado’s Barbershop & Hair Salon in Cleveland, but for more than a decade, she’s been a master stylist at Bella Toccare de Spa & Salon in Brecksville.

That’s why when owner Jeanne McCarthy-Caparso decided to sell the business, Leon and her husband Dean didn’t hesitate becoming the new owners.

“When Jeanne said she wanted to sell, I was excited and shocked,” said Leon, who lives in Hinckley. “I’ve been wanting to open my own salon for a long time. Actually, I told Jeanne years ago if she was ever willing to sell the business, I was interested.”

It was nearly a year ago when McCarthy-Caparso reached out to Leon about her intentions to sell.

“I’m so happy,” Leon said. “I want to keep everything Jeanne’s been doing and just add to that success. Right now, we have more than 25 employees. I’m grateful; I couldn’t ask for a better staff.”

Brecksville resident McCarthy-Caparso said the time was right to sell the salon.

“I started this business with a focus on creating value in services and products for our guests,” McCarthy said. “Also, to support and grow my staff members in their careers. We have had much success in growing the business, the staff and our wonderful customer relationships.

“I’ve had the salon for 15-plus years, and I just felt it was time for me to move on to something new. The salon is doing really well, and it seemed like the right time to pass the torch.”

Another factor: McCarthy-Caparso and her husband Frank Caparso recently transformed Brecksville Doughnuts & Coffee Shoppe on Chippewa Road into a new Joe Maxx Coffee Company.

“I like developing new business concepts and working to grow new businesses,” McCarthy-Caparso said. “So now I’m going to be spending my time growing Joe Maxx Coffee Company, just as I have grown Bella Toccare. I also hope to have more time for myself with my family.”

McCarthy-Caparso said Bella Toccare is in good hands.

“Christina has been with me for over 10 years and has been one of the stylists who has been a big contributor to the salon’s success,” McCarthy-Caparso said. “After 15 years of having the salon, it feels like my baby, and I wanted to make sure I sold it to someone who could and would keep it thriving.

“Also, it is a good transition for the staff. Christina is someone they know and have worked with. She plans to leave many things the same, which is less disruptive for the staff.”

 

Featured image photo caption: Christina Leon takes over as new owner of Bella Toccare de Spa & Salon. Photo by J. Kananian