Sonia Ramirez and Perla Leos cut the ribbon for their new downtown business, Bella Nail Studio, while Marshall EDA Director Lauren Deutz held the ribbon steady. Bella Nail Studio held an open house event on Friday, before officially opening its doors on Marshall’s Main Street.

MARSHALL — Perla Leos and Sonia Ramirez said they had always dreamed about opening their own nail salon. This week, the dream became reality, as Ramirez and Leos cut the ribbon for Bella Nail Studio on Main Street.

There was a crowd gathered outside the new business on Friday afternoon, as people waited for the ribbon-cutting and open house at Bella. Visitors enjoyed refreshments and even asked about booking manicure appointments.

“It has been very exciting, just heading up to today,” Ramirez said.

“We didn’t expect the crowd. It’s nice to see the support we have,” Leos said of opening the nail studio.

Leos and Ramirez, both nail technicians, said they first started working together nine years ago. In that time, they developed a vision for what they wanted in their own business. They wanted a salon with a relaxing atmosphere, and where they could get to know their clients.

“We want them to be able to sit and enjoy,” Ramirez said.

But before Ramirez and Leos could open their own nail studio, they needed the right location. When the former Nettie’s store space on Main Street opened up, it looked like it would be a great fit.

“It called our name. It was just perfect,” Ramirez said.

While Leos and Ramirez got the building space in August, it still took some time to get the studio ready. The two women said they hoped to bring their own style and culture into their business. The name of the nail studio, “Bella,” means “beautiful” in Spanish.

Ramirez and Leos said they wanted to be able to build relationships with their clients, and offer a good experience at their studio.

“We want people to just come and feel comfortable, and know we’ll take our time with them,” Leos said.

“We’re not just nail techs,” Ramirez said.

Bella Nail Studio will offer services like manicures and pedicures, as well as acrylic nails and dips, Ramirez said. Leos said the studio space also offered room to expand. “We hope to eventually fill our space,” she said.

A lot of work went into getting Bella Nail Studio ready to open, Leos and Ramirez said. They also wanted to thank their friends and family for their support through the whole process.

“We owe a lot to our families,” Ramirez said. “They have had a lot of patience with us.”

Bella Nail Studio officially opened its doors on Monday. Leos and Ramirez said they were looking forward to getting to know clients and being part of the Marshall business community.

“We’re excited to be downtown,” Leos said.