THE BUSINESS OF BEAUTY.

BUSINESS NAME: Bella Skin Institute

BUSINESS ADDRESS: 23622 Calabasas Road, #339, Calabasas

PHONE: [phone]

WEB SITE: www.bellaskininstitute.com

OWNER: Anna D. Guanche, M.D.

ESTABLISHED: 2006

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 4

DESCRIBE YOUR BUSINESS: A full-service dermatology, laser and aesthetic surgery practice.

IS THIS YOUR FIRST BUSINESS? Yes

WHY DID YOU START THIS BUSINESS? I felt there was a need for this type of practice in the Calabasas area, where I live. In general, there are few physicians here and I had to search more than a year to find medical office space. Bella Skin Institute is committed to providing excellent medical care and service that is extraordinary.

WHERE DID YOU GET THE IDEA? I have physician and dermatology mentors across the country who have inspired me over the years to develop a vision for a practice and see it through. Some examples are Dr. Tina Alster of the Washington Laser Institute and Dr. Valda Kaye of Twin Cities Dermatopathology.

HOW LONG WAS IT FROM CONCEPT TO OPENING? More than a year.

WHAT DID YOU DO DURING THAT TIME? I practiced cosmetic dermatology in Thousand Oaks for two and a half years, built up a cosmetic base and educated myself as much as possible about the workings of a practice. I did television and public appearances to develop my reputation.

WHAT WERE YOUR STARTUP COSTS AND HOW DID YOU FINANCE THE BUSINESS? Over $600,000, financed generously by Alliance Bank in Woodland Hills and through a second mortgage on our home, savings, earnings, etc.

WHO DID YOU RELY ON FOR ADVICE? My wonderful husband, Carlos, who's an orthopedic surgeon with the Southern California Orthapaedic Institute. He had prior experience in starting an orthopedic practice. Steve Berson, my fantastic, knowledgeable accountant, helped immeasurably. My attorney, Newton Brightwell, helped with incorporation and our family friend Don Trexler, CEO of S.C.O.I., gave me invaluable general practice advice. Most of all, I'm self-taught through experience in a prior practice. Every time a challenge arises, I try to solve it and then follow up by putting a system in place for the future.

WHAT HADN'T YOU CONSIDERED BEFORE OPENING? The exorbitant cost of construction!

WHAT IS YOUR EXPECTED REVENUE THIS YEAR? $750,000, but it's hard to tell.

WHAT GOALS DO YOU HAVE FOR THE COMPANY? The practice will strive to find ways to serve the patients and clients well and develop an excellent reputation for results and experience. The facility can accommodate another full-time physician as well as the current full-time aesthetician. Bella's own line of cosmeceuticals is on the horizon.

CAPTION(S):

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Photo:

(color) Bella Skin Institute owner Dr. Anne Gaunche at her Calabasas practice.

Joe Binoya/Special to the Daily News