By Alexandra Hoyle

Shlomit was an esthetician. David was a designer. The two met, fell in love and started a shop which aided in altering how beauty services are provided within today’s society.

In a time where big corporations are the immediate answer for aesthetic needs, Shlomit and David Heller keep things local with the Beauty Network. The two have been providing beauty services for the past 40 years and continue to offer guidance to those who inquire.

The Beauty Network has been a frequent beauty stop for many, a place where not only aesthetics are transformed, but people get to choose products which help their skin.

Through Shlomit and David’s devotion to providing genuine products, the two have cultivated a store, but more than that, they have fostered a community.

The Beauty Network was started in September 1986 and has been a Richmond District staple since. Their vision was one of integrity within the world of beauty, with this being a driving ideal throughout the entirety of the couple’s business journey.

“What inspired me was David,” Shlomit said.

David Heller, the president of the Greater Geary Boulevard Merchants and Property Owners Association, said he enjoys his work as a spokesperson for the smaller businesses within the Richmond District. He has devoted his time to aiding San Francisco merchants in their growth within the City. He works to connect shop owners with the resources and people essential to their survival.

Shlomit and David have been living on the west side for many years, and have found themselves fully immersed in the differing aspects of community exhibited within the neighborhood.

Karen Erickson originally came to the Beauty Network in 2004, looking for products which would enhance the health of her skin. She hassince continued to be a loyal customer.

“I really wanted something that was grounded in the scientific understanding of things,” Erickson said. “I really feel Shlomit tries to learn about how different things affect your skin.”

Shlomit added, “there is so much more to the skin than just being a pallet. The skin is not a pallet.”

Throughout the Beauty Network, every product is selected based on its ability to improve the skin. The Beauty Network is a store which prioritizes the idea of “clean beauty.” So, while the world around them has shifted, “I never redirected my purpose because there was no need to,” Shlomit said.

While there is always more to learn, Shlomit said, she seeks products which have been proven to have the best effects with the least caveats.

Since becoming a licensed esthetician in 1991, Shlomit said she has been motivated by her desire for knowledge.

“My need was to understand the physiology of the skin,” she said.

In 1985, the majority of professional grade beauty supplies could only be sold directly to someone with a beauty license. Once those people were able to obtain the product, they would then sell them in salons; a very different process than the one seen today, where high-quality beauty products can be sold directly to the consumer.

This process limited the amount of transparency within the realm of beauty products. Shlomit and David cultivated a store where their customers could become aware of the intricacies of specific skincare products. Through this process, they began changing the way beauty services were able to be accessed.

The Beauty Network provided professional skin care products directly to buyers when not many other retail suppliers would.

Shlomit sold professional skincare products before larger corporations caught on to its market viability.

She helped to train one of the chemists which later trained workers for Sephora in the art of cultivating and selling professional-grade skin care products.

“This line of work did not exist (when I started.) This market did not exist, because they realized the profit they can get out of professional product,” Shlomit said.

While the shop is her influence on the market, it is also been a place where community can blossom.

“This store is very unique because it is a community,” Shlomit said. “It’s an open door to everyone.”

Erickson said, “It’s very family-like. When you go in there, they know who you are, and they’re not just trying to sell things.”

“It’s a long term relationship,” David added. “Not only do we have customers, but they became part of the family.”

The Hellers work to put smiles on their customer’s faces and prioritize the health of their skin.

Throughout the years, the Beauty Network has held strong. Shlomit and David Heller have provided services true to their beliefs, and continue to place value on the humanistic side of beauty.

The Beauty Network is located at 5748 Geary Blvd., near 22nd Avenue. It is open Tuesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. The shop will host a 40th anniversary open house on Saturday, Sept. 5 from noon – 4 p.m. with food and celebratory discounts: 15% off store-wide and 20% off for orders more than $250. Find more information at beautynetwork.com.