Magazine for the professional nail industry.
Issue link: http://nailsmag.epubxp.com/i/794232
BLOOMING NAILS Jennifer Lentini's Blooming Nails is located a few miles south of Santa Barbara, Calif., in Summerland, a picturesque little community with a population of about 1,500. "My clients are mostly women who are looking for a more private, quiet, and relaxing experience," Lentini says. To cater to this demand, she wanted her salon to offer a tranquil, spa-like experience. With that in mind, she went to work, going so far as knocking out the front wall of the building and adding glass doors to infuse the salon with natural sunlight. She also added a large deck where clients can sip herbal tea and just be outside. You may not be able to remodel your own building, but you can do what Lentini did with her salon interior: She painted in soft neutral tones, used natural textiles such as rattan and wood, added an indoor fountain, and kept the rest clean and simple, adorning the space with mirrors, plants, and candles. The result is a peaceful spa atmosphere that keeps her clients coming back as much for a soothing respite as for beautiful, natural nails. 114 | NAILS MAGAZINE | APRIL 2017 THE BEAUTY LOUNGE The Beauty Lounge is an Elmhurst, Ill.-based nail salon that specializes in natural nail services. Owner Jennifer Veremis says that before she opened her first salon in 2003, she would experiment with making her own scrubs, soaks, and masks. "At the time, organic and natural products weren't nearly as popular or as mainstream as they are now," Veremis says. "But in 2014 I hired a new nail stylist, Natalia, and she had the same vision I did, so we co-created our Herbal Scrub Bar. Our Herbal Scrub Bar combines natural ingredients, essential oils, and hot stones for a therapeutic pedicure experience." The Herbal Scrub Bar menu changes seasonally. Some of the scents include Hot Toddy, Tuscan Wine, French Cream & Lavender, Citrus Spice, and Chocolate Cake. Veremis is careful to incorporate brands that are made in the U.S., and strives to use locally made products, often making her own in-house. She also uses aromatherapy diffusers to scent the air, and essential oil blends are sprayed onto the hot towels used in all services. "The majority of our clients come to The Beauty Lounge especially for our natural nail treatments, our knowledge, and our products," says Veremis. "Most new clients are referrals, and our client retention is very high." Blooming Nails' light-infused interior adds a spa-like feel >>>