Searching for a fab nail shop that won’t hurt your pocketbook? Look no further. The Nail Boutique, an upscale nail salon in the Clinton Hill section of Brooklyn, brings the uptown-luxury style you’d find in Manhattan, but without the jaw-dropping price points.
Step one foot inside this extravagant boutique and you’ll feel like you’ve entered a decked-out nail palace. With a posh waiting area (brown-leather couch, decorative accent pillows) and a blinged-out chandelier in the middle of the salon floor, you’ll quickly discover this isn’t your average nail spot. Upon entering, the receptionist greets you, hangs up your jacket, and offers a complimentary glass of wine (merlot to be exact)—Hollywood style.
Growing tired of the traditional in-and-out experience of most nail salons, owner Sabrina Carson opened shop in September with the vision of running a luxury boutique on a budget where every client is meant to feel like royalty. “I treat my clients the way I would want to be treated if I were getting pampered,” says Carson, 31. “We’re a business but we still cater to you.”
Carson also says sometimes guests get intimidated walking in because they think they can’t afford it. But in an attempt to ensure that anyone, no matter their pocket size, is afforded its luxury services, The Nail Boutique offers high-quality work for less; from the basic Boutique manicure ($10) and acrylic tips ($25) to a mani-pedi combo ($30). If you’re feeling fancy, the salon has more lavish options like the Beverly Hills and Madison Ave. pedicures—all named after prominent shopping areas—with prices ranging from $35 to $55.
All pedicures consist of champagne, grape, or mango-tangerine anti-agent scrubs, while nail polish selections include YSL and Dior to organic brands. The shop also offers body waxing, massages, and lashes—but the royal treatment isn’t just for the ladies. Carson says the salon is popular among its male clientele also looking to get their sexy on.
Other boutique features include a high-chair honey onyx nail bar, a pedicure station assembled in front of exposed bricks, and flat-screens designed for the customer’s convenience.
More recently, business has boomed for The Nail Boutique after it was featured on VH1’s Love and Hip-Hop, where Yandy Smith launched her jewelry line, Everything Girls Love, in its basement which has a bar-massage area and outside patio intended for outdoor pampering in the spring and summer.
On Saturdays, the boutique’s busiest day of the week, clients are treated to a glass of red sangria. It’s become so popular clients are encouraged to make appointments beforehand. Carson says she’s pleased with the boutique’s response so far and is determined to keep business afloat with the customer always in mind.
“Many businesses start off good but then the customer service sucks,” she says. “We spoil you here—that’s the key to our success.” –Gerren Keith Gaynor
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