Nailsaloon has a few of the best nail technicians in D.C to fulfill all of your mani-pedi needs. The open floor plan helps make mingling easy – so come with friends! The interior is also decorated with unique furniture that is unlike any typical nail salons in the city. Co-founders Andrea Vieira and Claudia Diamante gave us the inside scoop on their inspiration behind the salon and more.
1. How many years have you been in business?
2. What inspired the name of your business?
Andrea: Nailsaloon is, of course, a play on nail salon – which was an idea given to us by my oldest brother, in the planning stages of the business. We like to joke that the extra “Oh!” makes all the difference because what makes us a saloon – instead of a salon – is one of the things that sets us apart. A saloon is, by definition, a place to be social, to meet old friends and to make new ones, all while wetting your whistle with a café or a brew.
3. How did you get into your line of work?
Claudia: Ever since we met, we always talked about starting a business. We have had dozens, maybe even hundreds, of ideas scribbled on backs of napkins over a decade, but knew we had landed on the right concept while having a less-than-optimal nail experience that we knew we could improve upon. So we created the very place that we’d want to go to, to get our nails done. It’s been a guiding principle actually: “would this make us feel pampered and special?” If the answer is yes, we’ve made it a part of the nailsaloon.
4. What do you love most about being located in DC?
Andrea: DC has changed so much. It’s become more urban, more diverse and richer in its offering. And yet, still, it’s so manageable. We are both from Latin America and have lived in some pretty big cities all around, but DC is unique in that it can offer somewhat of a big-city feel, while remaining intimate and cozy. [Laughs.] I know, cozy. Who knew that would ever be a word used to describe DC…especially in an election year.
5. Share with us and our readers an insider’s tip into your favorite spots or activities in the city.
Claudia: I live on the Hill so on weekends, I love having an early morning coffee at Eastern Market and spending time with my family at Lincoln Park. It’s a good way to ease into the day. As far as food, I love Montmartre for brunch and Maketto for dinner. We went once – Andrea and I – for a working dinner and the spice almost killed her.
Andrea: [Laughs.] It’s true. I feel like DC in the summer is so different than in the winter. In the winter, for me, it’s all about being inside sipping coffee, and I love Chinatown Coffee, Filter and La Colombe. In the summer, it’s all about the water. I love going to the Tidal Basin to read under the trees and I can’t wait to see what becomes of The Wharf when it’s complete.
6. Do you have a special promotion, event, or sale you’d like for our readers to know about?
We are getting ready to launch nailsaloon 2.0 but cannot share what those details are, just yet. Stay tuned to our social media and hopefully by summer’s end, all will be reveale
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