Becky Davidson and Linda Springs work to give women (and men) a place to pamper themselves

Becky Davidson and Linda Springs have been friends for more than 20 years. For most of that time, they've also been co-workers and business partners. Davidson and Springs are the owners of Belladona Salon and Spa in Cape Girardeau, which recently opened a second location in the City Centre to better serve its growing client list. Belladona's new location also includes added spa services like a facial room, full-body mud treatment room and Sunlighten infrared sauna.

BT: You worked together at J.C. Penney -- when and why did you decide to start your own business? Why a salon? Davidson and Springs: We owned Color Me Beautiful Studio in the West Park Mall and realized we were doing so many wedding parties that we wanted to create a place for the residents of Cape Girardeau and the surrounding areas to come get multiple salon and spa services all at the same place.

BT: Did either of you have experience working in the beauty industry? Davidson and Springs: Yes, we have been in the industry for over 20 years.

BT: What were some of the challenges you faced in starting your own business? Davidson and Springs: Balancing your family life with your career.

BT: You recently opened a second location at the City Centre -- what prompted the decision to expand the business? Davidson and Springs: We outgrew our location and couldn't accommodate our guests.

BT: The new location offers more services that focus on wellness as opposed to just beauty. Why do you think that's important? Davidson and Springs: They both go hand in hand. Healthy means well-being. Our infrared sauna has many great benefits: detoxification, relaxation, weight loss, pain relief, blood pressure reduction, improved circulation, skin rejuvenation, wound healing and cell health.

Submitted photo Becky Davidson, co-owner of Belladona Salon

BT: What's it like being in business with a friend? Has it made your relationship stronger? Davidson and Springs: Ups and downs. It's like a marriage. We both have the same goals, so it works. Yes, we rely on each other.

BT: What advice would you give other women wanting to start their own business, whether on their own or with a partner? Davidson and Springs: You must have a passion or it's not going to be successful.

BT: What is the most rewarding part of your job? Davidson and Springs: Seeing our clients leave happy and feeling better than when they initially came in.

BT: What do you think the future holds for Belladona? What about the beauty industry in general? Davidson and Springs: We would like it to grow and expand and maybe to franchise someday.