Melissa:

People are my passion, and so are nails. I used to get fake nails when I was a teenager. I loved sitting with the lady and the whole experience. We’d talk about anything and everything. When I graduated high school I received a grant, but I didn’t want to do the whole four-year college thing, so I went and got my license from the Blaine Cosmetology School.

I didn’t even know that was my title…haha! Well, my approach is focused on the actual health and maintenance of the nails, and not just the cosmetics. Good grooming is my priority.

You can’t have perfect nails in one appointment, especially in the summertime. A lot of people will think: “Aaah, I’m going to the beach and need to show my feet…I’ll get a pedicure.” This is a major overhaul. You can’t have beach-ready feet in one appointment. You probably need at least three appointments, but if you have a good home care regimen, you might need less. At-home care dictates how often you need to visit the salon.

Focusing on the client experience. Having a go-to manicurist or even hair-stylist is important and I always strive to be that person. It’s not just about applying a coat of polish to someone’s nails. It’s about allowing each person to feel comfortable and working towards building a relationship so that they know they’ll be getting a high level of service each time.

It’s easy to be on trend with colors because the brands are all involved in the fashion world, but I never push clients to do what’s trendy. Of course, I can recommend the newest and hottest colors, but a lot of people like to stick to one or two colors. And that’s okay because at the end of the day, they are your nails. You have to follow your own preferences and styles to really be happy with your mani or pedi.

Having the residents feel comfortable in the space. There aren’t many buildings where you can go downstairs in your slippers, get your toes done, and then go back upstairs to sit on the couch and relax. I want the residents to feel like the salon is an extension of their homes and not necessarily a formal amenity.