I received a Groupon SMS about 50+% off a spa mani pedi yesterday! I called the phone number about 6 times so I could schedule my appointment and there was no answer nor answering machine. The salon is on my way home so I popped in. It was about 11AM and there were 4 people there, one at the front desk, one under a dryer and two eating at what I thought was a bar of sorts in the back which turned out to be the mani station. I inquired about availability at the front desk and was told I could've called, which I said I did. Through a quick, deductive process we discovered that the number on the Groupon was inaccurate. I met the owner, D'Lisa, and, since no one was there for services, I asked about a special that was advertised on a chalk board as well as any special services available. D'Lisa is the esthetician there so she gave me a lot of info about her specialty and I was very impressed. She was extremely knowledgeable about the products she uses and how they may affect my pregnancy. I knew these things about certain herbs and chemicals since I am really cognizant of what products could affect my baby, but I hadn't met a service professional who was equally as knowledgeable; so, I felt like I was in great hands. I asked if I could get squeezed in for a lip and brow wax, especially since it was going to be 50% off for my first visit. She was in the middle of letting her color sit so she said as long as I didn't mind her hair setting, she could get me in real quick. Perfect! The wax was a honey wax, so I learned, and it didn't hurt at all nor did plucking. I was very pleased. After working with the guy helping at the front desk (who seemed a bit unhappy this day), I was able to find a time for both my husband and I to get mani pedis the next day (which is today.) Later in the evening, I noticed my forehead was super-irritated, red and bumpy so that was a bummer. I highly doubt this was from the skills of D'Lisa but just due to my hormone-rampant skin.
So I went back today for my Groupon deal sans hubbie who opted out of a fabulous nail and toe day. I arrived at 2PM and it wasn't busy. I was greeted by the same guy from yesterday who was in a much better mood today and very amicable. My manicurist was prepping her station and I asked if the tea that was out was iced. I was told it wasn't but that ice could be added. However, no one served me...I just got it myself. The girl was ready for me so she began and we sat in silence which was really awkward. Again, in the back, but this time at the pedi stations, there were two employees eating. The juxtaposition of food smells with nail smells wasn't the best on my (impregnated) olfactory senses. Silence, I asked a question, silence, I asked a question, is how the first half hour of my mani transpired. I just figured I would overload this quiet (or mean? Yet TBD) gal with questions (like, where did you work before this salon?) or personal BS (like, I just bought a cow pattern baby onesie & I am so excited about it) to make the experience more enjoyable, or at least tolerable. I began to think to myself, is everyone here but the owner and the girls eating always in a bad mood or just quiet? If you are in the right mood, the salon professional-to-client comaraderie is part of the luxury of going to the salon. As the mani went on she opened up and we had nice conversation. I wanted to add gel to my nail service and a mask to my toes which I wasn't able to do due to time. I do wish at the time I booked my appointment I was asked if any additional or special services were desired so that I could've booked more time. My nails look pretty good, and my toes look awesome! I did find it odd that I kept having to refill my tea myself being that I was there for 2.5 hours. After tip my grand total was $15 plus the $20 Groupon so I feel the services were worth the money. I am not sure I would pay the standard full price for the services though. The mani and pedi stations, albeit aesthetically impressive, were so uncomfortable. The pillows for your back get wedged in between the seat and the seat support, the "spa" was actually just a small tub of warm water (no bubbling), and the seat was actually a bench where three people could sit at a time.
One phenomenal aspect of this salon is the art and decor. During my Mani Inquisition, I found out the owner is a huge supporter of local art. All throughout the salon there are pieces for sale. The overall decor of the place is awesome as well and very Roosevelt Row-inspired. I also was super happy with the selection of snacks available (oink, oink)!