Bellus Wax Studio feature Bridges Magazine

Born in California to immigrants, Juliana Duarte spent her early formative years in her parents’ native Mexico. In 2002, the family relocated to Silver Creek, Georgia, when she was 14. The oldest of four children, she attended Pepperell Middle School. While adjusting to her new country, there were challenges to face and overcome. “When I first went to school, I was the only Spanish-speaking person in my class. It was a difficult time, and I wanted to return to Mexico. But as time passed, things got better, and I started to love my new home,” she says. 

After graduating from Pepperell High School in 2007, Duarte continued her education at Empire Beauty School. After completing the course and receiving her license, she had planned to become a hairstylist. However, she began to look for more challenges and growth opportunities. That is when she began to work exclusively in body waxing services.

Duarte has always been encouraged to follow her dreams by her family, and she decided to open her own business. In 2018, Juliana opened Bellus Wax Studio, one of Rome’s first Brazilian Wax specialty salons. As the business grew, the salon moved downtown in late 2020. Located at 307 East Second Avenue, they specialize in full body waxing for women and men and other self-care services.