Absolute Beauty – like mother, like daughter

Meet a Leaside Business

Jessica Puentes in her new space. Photo Lorna Krawchuk.
Jessica Puentes in her new space. Photo Lorna Krawchuk.

Absolute Beauty by Nancy Penny on Bayview Avenue has now closed. But Absolute Beauty by Jess is now up and running on Millwood, thanks to an agreement with Bella Rouge owner Rhona. You can even see the sign “Absolute Beauty by Jess” on the front window of the salon.

When Nancy Penny decided to retire and spend more time at home with her husband Tim, her two employees, Nia and Nancy’s daughter Jessica, had decisions to make. Nia chose to move to Fiorio on Bayview, while Jess wanted a working arrangement that would allow her more time to be with her two small children and still do the facials that are her specialty.

She has now created the perfect space at Bella Rouge. The owner was very generous in allowing Jess and her husband, Carlos Puentes, a contractor and designer, to turn two small treatment rooms into one larger room for her use. The walls are painted “Jamaican aqua.” The window is opaque custom-designed stained glass by Glass Dreams, which lets in the light, but keeps out the view of the back garage and staircase from upstairs. Beautiful small chandeliers provide soft lighting.

Jess started her training in aesthetics at Edith Serei, where her mother had also studied. Since then, Jess has continued upgrading her skills, taking courses here and in Europe. She feels very fortunate to be starting her own business with an existing client base from the Bayview location. “Who gets to start a business with all the clients?” she asks. She even jokes that by being in a hairdressing salon, if clients tease her, saying she has ruined their hair after a facial, there’s a ready fix nearby.

Look carefully at the picture of Jess to see the good luck jade earrings she is wearing – a gift from her mother for the new business.

About Lorna Krawchuk 182 Articles
Lorna Krawchuk is publisher of Leaside Life. She is actively involved in St. Cuthbert’s Church. Her volunteer activities with the Leaside Property Owners’ Association led to her being elected a Councillor in the Borough of East York for 9 years before amalgamation in 1998. She also held a variety of volunteer leadership positions with the Girl Guides of Canada for over 30 years. Lorna has been a Leasider since 1968.