In 2013, I was living in Seattle, and one evening, I was getting a pedi in a less-than-ideal nail salon. It was a little dirty, they had two TVs on different channels going at once and technicians were eating next to clients getting their toes done. I rang up a friend, and as we chatted, we started visualizing what would make an experience like that better. Right then and there, we began dreaming up a new kind of nail salon, a place that felt different than any other nail salon we had ever been to. Three weeks later, I had quit my job and moved back to Washington, D.C., to bring it to life. Last year, I bought all the shares of the business and became the sole owner, which has been super exciting on a personal level. But, my motivation is the same as when I started: to provide my clients and team with a unique experience and to make everyone feel like they have a special place to go—a place they can leave feeling a little better than when they arrived.
Owner: Andréa Vieira
Andréa Vieira welcomes Nailpro to nailsaloon in Washington, D.C.
The Backstory
In 2013, I was living in Seattle, and one evening, I was getting a pedi in a less-than-ideal nail salon. It was a little dirty, they had two TVs on different channels going at once and technicians were eating next to clients getting their toes done. I rang up a friend, and as we chatted, we started visualizing what would make an experience like that better. Right then and there, we began dreaming up a new kind of nail salon, a place that felt different than any other nail salon we had ever been to. Three weeks later, I had quit my job and moved back to Washington, D.C., to bring it to life. Last year, I bought all the shares of the business and became the sole owner, which has been super exciting on a personal level. But, my motivation is the same as when I started: to provide my clients and team with a unique experience and to make everyone feel like they have a special place to go—a place they can leave feeling a little better than when they arrived.
The Look
The overall aesthetic of the nailsaloon has evolved from when we first opened. In our initial years, we had a more industrial/rustic vibe. In the last year, we have softened the look of both of our locations and made them a little less neutral. We have added pops of color, flower walls and whimsy in our signage. But, two things have not changed:
- Our space facilitates conversation, meaning our technicians accommodate their seating to our clients. I used to always hate going to a nail salon with a friend and having to sit on opposite sides of the space because the available technicians’ stations were far apart.
- Key components of our business are in client view. We clean our tools in front of our clients, mix our drinks in front of our clients, and even though everything is quite visually unpolluted (I am super anticlutter), being above board on everything is one of our tenets.
Signature Services
When we came up with our service offering, we wanted it to be simple. People spend all day making decisions, and we wanted to eliminate the need for one more when they walked through our doors. So, we offer one pedicure, one manicure and a maintenance “speedy” mani. But, there is something else. One of my biggest pet peeves is being upsold at every turn. Not just in nail salons but anywhere. So for our Saloon Pedi, everything is included: callus remover, scrub, hot oil and lotion. Same for our Saloon Mani. Since last year, we offer gel and Dazzle Dry, which clients have loved. But, otherwise, our polishes and products are 5-free, unscented, and as toxin-free as we can find them. It is why we do not offer nail implements or powders, use harsh glues, etc.
The Goods
We currently do not retail any products at our salons. We are exploring and are open to retailing products—if that process does not take away from our focus and commitment to the client experience.
Sanitation and Safety
We are obsessed about cleanliness and hygiene and have been pretty conservative in terms of COVID-19, working hard to help our team and clients feel safe while in our space. Everyone who enters the nailsaloon must wash their hands, and we have always required masks for all, even when Washington, D.C., lifted mandates. In many ways, this has helped us stay consistent (versus the on-off masking our city has experienced). During the Delta surge, I also instituted a vaccine mandate for our team. In my former life, I worked for public health nongovernmental organizations, and I am pretty adamant about doing our part—even if it is small—to help reduce the community spread.
Social Butterflies
Come find us on Instagram and Facebook @thenailsaloon.
What Is Next
We have lots of exciting things happening at the nailsaloon this year, and I cannot reveal all of them just yet but will give you a clue about one thing: more nailsaloons are coming. Keep an eye on our social media to find out more.
Details
Owner: Andréa Vieira
Est.: Oct. 6, 2014
Staff: About 50 employees
Benefits: We offer our full-time team PTO, and since last year, we close on our anniversary to do an all-day team-building event. We offer employee credits and attend quite a few events together, including a local charity’s annual formal gala, which is a team favorite. We close early and get dolled up; it is always a great night on the town—for a good cause, for all of us.
Up Close With Andréa Vieira
What was your first job in the nail industry?
“My first job in the nail industry was being a salon owner. It is a pretty big leap from not having been a technician, so it is humbling to learn from my colleagues about the art and chemistry of nail care. But, I have quite a bit of experience in the service industry…I have waited tables, worked in catering and spent most of high school and college working retail.”
What inspires you?
“My team, our clients and our community’s willingness to pull together during tough times. I would not be able to quantify how much gratitude they make me feel.”
What was the most challenging thing that happened while opening your salon?
“COVID-19 turned our world upside down. The first months of the pandemic were intense, full of fear, uncertainty and anxiety. But, all of that made me recommit to this business in a way that I—for a myriad of reasons—was unable to before. I have never been more grateful or excited to be a part of the nailsaloon and to be able to shepherd it into the future.”
What piece of advice would you give to a new salon owner?
“Follow through. On everything. On your commitment to your team, to your clients. Be all in. Owning a business is not for the faint of heart. Like with any job, you are bound to feel frustrated, disappointed and stressed. But, if you are all in, truly all in, you will see that even the hard moments can be really enjoyable.”
I cannot discuss the nailsaloon without…
“Explaining that we are more than ‘just’ a salon. I heard from two clients this week who described how, during a recent visit, we turned their crummy days around. It is so humbling to know we are providing people a respite in this messy world. Because of it, our team and our clients feel like it is their salon. In many ways, it is, and that makes me so happy.”
Come visit us…
Website: thenailsaloon.com
Instagram and Facebook: @thenailsaloon
