Now enrolling — 2026 start dates are open · Request more information
About Bella Beauty School

Our mission is your success.

Our mission is to provide exceptional education and training in nail care and esthetics, empowering our students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the beauty industry. We are committed to fostering creativity, professionalism, and a strong work ethic in our students — preparing them to excel in their careers and make a positive impact on the beauty industry.

Our goal is to create a supportive learning environment that encourages growth, innovation, and excellence in both technical skills and customer service. We strive to uphold the highest standards of education and ethics, ensuring that our graduates are well-equipped to thrive in a competitive and ever-evolving industry.

Opened December 2021  ·  1420 Bluff Road, Columbia, SC
Laura Dowey, owner and instructor at Bella Beauty School
Owner & Instructor — Esthetics & Nails

Laura Dowey

Bella Beauty School opened its doors in December 2021. Sole owner Laura Dowey is from Columbia, SC and a graduate of Winthrop University. Laura is married and strongly believes in family and her relationship with Christ. She found her passion in skincare when she became a Licensed Esthetician in 2014, then furthered her career as a nail technician in 2017. Laura holds licenses as both an Esthetics Instructor and a Nail Instructor, and is passionate about teaching skincare and nail services as well as safety and sanitation.

Laura opened her own spa, Ciao Bella Facial and Body Spa, in 2014 and successfully built a clientele over eight years. She closed the spa in January 2023 to focus fully on student success at Bella Beauty School. She believes in great education, small classes, passionate instructors who love to teach, quality products for students to learn with, and a fun beauty school atmosphere.

“There is room for all of us in this field. Be the best you can be, be passionate about what you do, and you will succeed!”

Laura Dowey

Meet the Team

Small classes taught by licensed, working professionals who love what they do.

Brittany Winkler, esthetics instructor
Esthetics Instructor

Brittany Winkler

An experienced and dedicated esthetics instructor, Brittany has devoted her career to sharing her knowledge with aspiring estheticians. Her engaging teaching style pairs technical expertise with creativity — her classes are about understanding both the art and the science of esthetics, and building the confidence to excel.

Originally from Orangeburg, SC, Brittany tailors her guidance to each student's needs and remains a lifelong learner herself, always staying current with the latest trends and technologies in skincare.

Hannah Truesdale, esthetics and nail instructor
Esthetics / Nail Instructor

Hannah Truesdale

Hannah is a licensed esthetician and licensed nail technician — and a proud Bella Beauty School alum — with a huge passion for skin health, education, and helping others feel confident in their glow. Esthetics has always been her #1 calling, and she's honored to give back by teaching and mentoring up-and-coming estheticians and nail techs.

Outside the classroom you'll find her on her yoga mat, hanging out with her pets, or hunting down new coffee shops. “Skincare is my passion, teaching is my purpose.”

Leann Bogstad, nail instructor
Nail Instructor

Leann Bogstad

Leann brings hands-on nail expertise to the classroom, guiding students through the techniques and professional standards they'll carry into their careers as licensed nail technicians.

Come train with us

Small classes, licensed instructors, and 2026 start dates now open for day and evening programs.

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