Today we’d like to introduce you to Alicia Bonner.
Hi Alicia, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up in Croydon, Pennsylvania, and originally planned to pursue a career in prosthetics and orthotics because my father wore prosthetic legs. When I was not accepted into the undergraduate programs I applied to, I redirected my path and earned a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience from Holy Family University. While working for a dermatologist during college, I was encouraged to become a physician assistant. I later earned my master’s degree in physician assistant studies from Philadelphia University, now Thomas Jefferson University, and graduated in 2007.
My introduction to aesthetics came through pain management, where I used neuromodulators such as Botox for medical conditions. After becoming curious about their cosmetic applications, I received additional training and began offering mobile Botox parties around 2009 or 2010. As a single mother working full time in medicine, the mobile model gave me flexibility and became the foundation of Bella Mobile Aesthetics. Over time, I realized I wanted to practice medicine in a more personal way, with enough time to listen to my patients and build real relationships. In 2022, I left my secure medical position and committed fully to growing Bella.
The transition was financially and emotionally difficult, but I believed in what I was building. Bella eventually grew from a mobile side business into a full medical-aesthetics practice, and I was able to purchase and design our current space in Yardley. Today, I am most proud of the team, culture and patient relationships we have created. I’m excited to continue growing thoughtfully, supporting our local community and helping educate the next generation of aesthetic providers.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. When I left traditional medicine in 2022, I walked away from a secure six-figure salary, paid vacation and health benefits to commit fully to Bella Mobile Aesthetics. I took an approximately $120,000 pay cut and, for almost a year, could not pay myself. I was treating patients while also managing rent, inventory, staffing, marketing and every other responsibility that comes with owning a business. I was working more than full time and, at 42 or 43 years old, felt less financially secure than I ever had.
Another challenge was accepting that being a good medical provider did not automatically make me an expert in running a business. I had to learn how to ask for help and surround myself with people who understood finance, accounting, marketing and business strategy. There were also sacrifices at home, and my family had to share me with the demands of the business. Those difficult seasons taught me persistence, humility and the importance of building the right support system. The road was not easy, but each challenge made both the business and me stronger.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Bella Mobile Aesthetics ?
Bella Mobile Aesthetics is a medical-aesthetics practice in Yardley offering cosmetic injectables, skin and laser treatments, microneedling, chemical peels, IV therapy and medically supervised weight-management services. Although we have grown far beyond our original mobile Botox events, our purpose has remained the same: to provide personalized care that helps people feel more comfortable and confident in themselves.
What sets us apart is the combination of medical expertise and genuine connection. We take the time to listen, understand what is making someone feel insecure and develop a treatment plan that feels appropriate for that individual. Our goal is never to make patients look like someone else. We want them to feel heard, cared for and confident in the decisions they make. We also work hard to make the experience approachable and fun. Our brand is bright, playful and unapologetically pink, but behind that personality is a team that takes education, safety and ethical patient care very seriously.
Brand-wise, I am most proud of the feeling people associate with Bella. Our patients know they can be honest with us without being judged, and our team members are encouraged to bring their own personalities and strengths to the practice. We are active on social media, involved in the Yardley community and committed to continuing education for our providers, aestheticians and patients. Bella is not simply a place where people receive treatments—it is a welcoming community where people can learn, feel supported and leave feeling better than when they arrived.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love most about Philadelphia, PA, and the surrounding suburban communities is the strong sense of community and variety they offer. Philadelphia has the energy, culture, and opportunities of a major city, while the surrounding suburbs provide a welcoming, close-knit atmosphere. I love the local restaurants and shops, the diverse neighborhoods, and the way residents genuinely support small businesses. It is the kind of region where you can build meaningful relationships with patients, neighbors, and fellow business owners. That connection has made the Philadelphia area and its suburbs the perfect home for Bella Mobile Aesthetics.
There honestly is not much I dislike about the Philadelphia area and surrounding suburbs. If I had to choose one thing, it would probably be the traffic and limited parking during the busiest times. But even that comes with being part of a growing, active region that people want to visit and call home. The positives far outweigh any inconvenience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bellamobileaesthetics.com
- Instagram: @Bellamobileaesthetics
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bellamobileaesthetics
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bellamobileaesthetics1296
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@bellamobileaesthetics
