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File it up a notch
For Lisa McQueen and Wendy Pursch, nothing took the edge off the rigors of their MBA studies like their mani/pedi study breaks. Always in search of the perfect place, they tried various nail parlors and day spas, never quite finding one that met all their criteria.
As students of the business world, they couldn’t help but analyze how to improve the efficiency and the glam factor — and they dreamed of creating their own inspired pampering place.
Upon graduation, both took jobs in separate sectors of the corporate world. Nevertheless, they kept their femme nail fantasy on fire. And, when the time was right, in March 2008, they joined forces to open Embellish Nail Salon, a mani/pedi studio so indulgent in feminine excess it might be a grown-up version of Barbie’s playhouse.
With their first location at the Triangle thriving, the two pink-loving entrepreneurs opened their second Embellish on Bee Cave Road in February.
Glossy: What differentiates you from other nail salons?
Lisa McQueen and Wendy Pursch: Atmosphere is the key. We want guests to feel pampered as soon as they walk in the door. We offer complimentary sodas and white wine (and mimosas on the weekends) and an unlimited supply of M&M’s. All customers are given a warm neck wrap to enjoy during their services. We combine pink walls, chandeliers and big-screen televisions that continuously show chick flicks to create the ultimate fun, girly environment. Last but not least, we emphasize hygiene. We use non-whirlpool tubs because they are much easier to effectively sanitize. All of our metal implements go through a rigorous cleaning process after each customer, and we never reuse non-metal implements. Each customer is sent home with their own nail file and buffer.
What are your tips for keeping summer toes beautiful?
During flip-flop season, it’s important to keep toes polished and calluses in check — especially if you’re wearing sandals to the office. Pedicures should last about three weeks, but if you’re a runner, wear high heels constantly or spend time at the beach you might need to get your toes done more frequently. Between pedicures, we suggest using a pumice stone in the shower or tub to keep your calluses smooth. You don’t want to remove them altogether. We also suggest extending the life of your polish with a thin layer of top-coat. This helps protect the color from chipping, especially if you’re in the water a lot or exposing your polish to abrasive environments like sand at the beach or dirt in your garden.
What nail color is hot this summer?
“Jade is the New Black” from OPI’s Hong Kong collection has been wildly popular. It’s a really unusual medium green shade that looks great on adventurous toes. Also, Essie’s new Resort collection “Turquoise & Caicos” looks amazing.
Who are your customers?
Our customers are mostly busy women. We have lots of moms dashing in between dropping off kids, working women who love our later hours and come see us after work and groups of girlfriends reconnecting with pedicures over the weekend.
Are men welcome?
Some of them are intimidated by the amount of pinkness in our store, but we always welcome men!
Any summer specials?
We’re trying to spread the word about our fabulous waxing and facial services. Unlike many other nail salons, we employ estheticians who focus solely on waxing and skin-care. This summer we’re offering a free bikini wax with the purchase of any of our Signature Facials. That’s a $35 value.
Most people don’t know that both locations also have darling boutiques. What are some things you carry?
The idea for the boutique also came from our own experiences. As busy working ladies we were always dashing about for last-minute birthday presents, hostess gifts, cards etc. We thought that women would appreciate being able to pick up a fabulous (but affordable!) something for themselves or friends while taking care of their hands and toes. At both boutiques, we carry lots of fun jewelry (including local designers Kendra Scott and Urban Posh), as well as handbags by Big Buddha, Maxx New York and Melie Bianco and more.
What do the nail colors we choose say about us?
In general, people with more adventurous fashion tastes will go a little bolder . It makes us happy, though, when people who need to pick classics like “Ballet Slippers” for their nails because of their workplace or other obligations choose a wild color like bright purple or pink glitter for their toes just because they want at a little secret excitement just for themselves.
Ever done any celebrity nails?
Only one so far, and she’s a loyal customer, so we won’t reveal her name. We are still waiting for Sandra Bullock to come in and see us for a mani/pedi!
What is next for Embellish?
Whew! We’re still recovering from opening our second location. We hope that there will be more Embellishes to come, but we’ll have to get back to you with more details.
Embellish Nails & Boutique
Westlake: 3663 Bee Cave Road, Suite 3; 328-9898
Triangle: 4615 N. Lamar Blvd., Suite 300; 452-7465
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