Meet the owners of the flourishing kid’s resale shop Smarty Pants and the brand NEW La Bella Salon and Beauty Lounge, Leslie and James Engledow. The Engledow’s and their 5 children ages 18, 20, 21, 22 and 23 have called Crawford home for 13 years with never a dull moment.

James and Leslie say they opened Smarty Pants in May 2000 to help Waco families meet their needs on a budget. “Kids grow out of their clothes and toys every six months and the items are nearly new with a lot of value. Our goal is to buy your outgrown items from you on the spot so you can shop for the clothes you really need and stay within your budget.” They feel like they are doing their part of helping the economy by recycling gently used clothes, toys and furniture while passing on great savings to their shoppers.

 James and Leslie contribute the success of Smarty Pants to their talented and driven employees that care about the goals of the company. “We strive to make a difference in each of our employee's lives. May it be to help them save to buy a car or to pick them up and put them back on their feet until they can do it themselves. Sometimes they just need someone to believe in them so they can believe in themselves.”

The Engledow’s decided to venture into the salon and spa business in early 2015. They said, “We see so many salon and spa professionals who are working hard but not being able to make ends meet for their families or their careers. We hoped we could implement a structured environment where we can teach over 50 licensed professionals how to make the most out of their talents. Leslie and James traveled to Florida where they attended Salon Summit Business Center, a consulting business committed to the principle of “passing it on so that the salon industry will be strong and prosperous for generations to come.” With this knowledge and training, the La Bella owners opened their doors in May 2015 and have developed a culture of honesty, integrity, trust and friendship for 25 employees and counting.

They decided to upgrade the well-recognized Waco name to La Bella Salon & Beauty Lounge. La Bella is marketed as the hottest salon and spa in Waco. “From runway to everyday, we at LA BELLA desire to create your individual style by taking every facet of your needs and infusing them with creative, customized designs. We deeply believe in catering to YOU.” Leslie confirms, “We know La Bella will give its guests the best salon and spa experience they’ve ever had. With our artistry, education and this beautiful facility, we are driven to give Wacoans the luxury of the high-end salon and spa that they have always deserved.”

La Bella offers the full experience…to indulge us in style from head to toe with their repertoire of services: hair, makeup, spray tanning, manicures, pedicures, massage, hair removal and much more. Their staff goes above and beyond to ensure their clients are well-kept, in style and always relaxed. They also offer complimentary drinks and snacks so you can truly lounge in beauty at La Bella.

Leslie and James say the main reason they are successful business owners is because they truly care about their employees. “The best part of owning your own business is being able to make a difference in our employee’s lives and watching them grow in spirit and in talent. Helping them be successful makes us successful. We give them a chance and believe in them. Sometimes that’s all they need.”

Stop by La Bella Salon & Beauty Lounge at 4312 W Waco Dr B, we accept walk-ins! You can also make appointments online or by calling (254)776-1270.

Shop Smarty Pants at 4316 W Waco Dr!