Local nail technician Suzie LaRose has opened a new nail salon in Castlegar.
LaRose was previously operating out of Jagged Edge in Robson, but as of Wednesday, Jan. 31 is operating Suzie’s Designer Nails in her own location at 2327 6th Ave. through the same entrance as Hairlines.
The new location offers her customers privacy while they have a manicure or pedicure and the space gives LaRose a chance to decorate.
“I wanted to be my own entity,” she says.
The space features an elaborate chandelier that LaRose says took over five hours to assemble and install. She also has a neon sign waiting to be installed and plans to add some glitter paint on the walls.
She’s also hoping to display local art.
“I’m going to talk to Art Walk and I’ve already contacted a few local artists and they’re willing to put their paintings in here,” says LaRose.
A main feature in the space is LaRose’s new Nova Flair manicure desk, which comes equipped with a fan that sucks up dust and fumes.
“It sucks it all up and ventilates it so you’re not inhaling anything bad,” explains LaRose.
Now that she has her own location, LaRose hopes to focus on getting more training.
On Feb. 22 she’ll be taking an online course that will certify her to use IBX Repair, a nail repair system, and in March she’ll be travelling to Vancouver so she can be certified as an Akzéntz educator, which will allow her to teach others to use the Akzéntz product line.
Right now she’s certified as an NSI educator, but training takes place in Philadelphia, which makes it much more expensive for her to return for further training.
“I’m not sure if I want to save up and go back to Philadelphia to take more education, because you have to do it every few years, go back there. But I really like their product brand,” says LaRose.
Between flights, accommodations and course fees a trip to Philadelphia costs her over $3,000. On the other hand, she’s from Vancouver and has people there she can stay with. And as long as she goes for training in the spring or summer, she can drive.
Once LaRosa is certified as an Akzéntz educator, she can train other nail technicians on how to use the products and she looks forward to offering that service.
Suzie’s Designer Nails is open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Saturday. Walk-ins are welcome or phone 250-687-1505 to make an appointment.
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