Magazine for the professional nail industry.
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Salon owner Nausil Zaheer opted for sofa seating instead of chairs to help clients feel comfortable. Karma Organic Spa opened in Ridgewood, N.J., in 2007. formaldehyde, or DBP and are safe for pregnant women, kids, cancer patients, and allergy sufferers. The polishes retail for $9.99. While it's commonly believed that organic products are much more expensive, prices at Karma Organic are comparable to other salons with manicure services ranging from $15 to $75. The most popular manicure and pedicure treatment is the Karma Rosemary Mint because it keeps clients feeling fresh, and it stimulates the body. "The treatment includes a warm bath of fresh rosemary, mint sprigs, and tea tree oil," explains Zaheer. "We finish off this treatment with our homemade sea salt scrub and rosemary and mint cream massage." Unique to the spa is its own garden, which grows the lavender, rosemary, and mint used in the salon services. About 80% of the salon's business is centered on nails, followed by waxing and massages. Waxing services include everything from the brows to a Brazilian. Prices range from $15 to $65. Prices start at $80 for a 45-minute Karma Out Back Massage or $160 for a 90-minute Karma Deep Tissue or Karma Swedish Massage. A CLEAN CHIC ATMOSPHERE The salon is located in a small downtown plaza surrounded by other organic shops. "Since Karma Organic opened, other organic stores have appeared including a bakery and an organic hair salon. There aren't any franchises in the area," Zaheer says. It was important to Zaheer that the salon be located near a Whole Foods Market since his products are sold at more than 100 of the grocery stores in the Northeast. The salon features six pedicure stations, four manicure spots, and one facial and massage room on one level. To complement the organic products, Zaheer incorporated 126 | NAILS MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2013 furniture made from recycled materials. The salon features carbonized bamboo floors and non-toxic paints, as well. Zaheer aimed for a "clean chic" vibe that would be comforting to clients. For example, instead of chairs, the salon features sofas. "When I built this place, I designed it for my clients," Zaheer says. KEEPING CLIENTS COMMITTED About 25% of the salon's clientele is male. He believes men like coming to the salon because it is comfortable and they do not have to wait around before they are seen. "Because we're appointment only, men do not have to worry about being uncomfortable sitting in a room of women." A waiting area doesn't even exist in the salon because Zaheer believes that every client deserves the salon's full attention. Everyone is guaranteed the same amount of time for each service no matter the gender or age. Even young girls who come in for a "Little Karma Princess" treatment can fully enjoy having their nails polished with any of the salon's organic polishes, including fun neon and glowin-the-dark colors tailored to the younger crowd. "Every single one of our appointments is important," Zaheer says. "I like how comfortable, friendly, and accommodating everyone is at Karma Organic," says Shari Becker, a client of the salon since it opened. "I don't just have one nail tech who I go to because they are all good, and I love their attentiveness." "I'm there for my clients," Zaheer says. "I'm always the first one to say yes to all the local schools whenever they are holding events." According to Zaheer, the salon hardly loses clients. In fact, the only reason a client doesn't return is because she moved. "We have clients who have been with us since day one in >>>