I was born and grew up in Geneva, Switzerland, and moved to the US for college in 1995. I am very much a blend of my Swiss (European) upbringing and my American experience, ranging from college (Harvard University) to business school (Georgetown McDonough School of Business) to launching a business on this side of the Atlantic (Alchimie Forever skin care). I embrace European style and manners, yet love the dynamism of the US where the American dream and entrepreneurship are alive and well.
I grew up in a very close-knit family with three sisters to whom I am extremely close, and started working with my father, world-renowned dermatologist Dr. Luigi L. Polla, when I was 10 years old. As such, dermatology, laser technology (he was the first physician in Europe to offer laser treatments), skin care, beauty, and the importance of looking good to feel good were part of my upbringing.
Aesthetics is one of my core values. I am happiest when people, things, places, surroundings, are beautiful. Not surprising then that I studied history of art in college, collect art, and am in the beauty industry, working with both of my family businesses (Alchimie Forever and Neill Fulfillment). I am passionate about the beauty industry, write for various publications, including the Huffington Post, and am driven by the belief that looking good means feeling good means doing good.
I love a great facial, champagne (preferably pink Veuve Cliquot), silence and solitude, running (outdoors only), the island of Tinos (Greece), American football (Patriots, my heart belongs to you), a long, leisurely meal filled with the right people and excellent conversation, and the two cities I live in, namely Georgetown and New Orleans.
My style tips include always having groomed eyebrows, a bright red lip, heels that are 4 inches or higher, a frequent trip to my tailor, and being hungry most of the time.
My favorite beauty products include everything Alchimie Forever (of course!), Jicky by Guerlain, NARS lipsticks in various shades of red, Aveda hair and body care (Shampure and Stress Fix for me!), and VoMor hair extensions.
Articles
- From One Traveler to the Next: Ada Polla
- Up Close & Personal Style: Ada Polla
- Meet Ada – The District Brunette
- Swiss Beauty Ada Polla – Insiders Guide to Spas
- All in the Family: The Alchimie Forever Sisters – Vanity Fair
- Ada Polla – The People I Like
- Ada Polla – Well + Good
- Living A Prosperous Life – Qnity
Videos
Radio
You can read my official bio here…
