I was on a routine pickup for my daughter after a slumber party one weekend when I noticed the hosting mother's nails. I asked where she had them done, and she immediately gushed about Longworth Studio down in Poulsbo.
I moved up here from Miami about a year and a half ago and didn't have the faintest idea of where to go. Nearly all of the little shops in Poulsbo are locally owned, so you're introduced to a lot of word-of-mouth and referrals. Running on this mother's recommendation, I made an appointment.
The woman who answered the phone was Kerry herself, so I was a little surprised. She was very professional but sounded down-to-Earth and easy to talk to. She was also able to fit me in within a day or so, more than accommodating since I was preparing for an interview on the Seattle side and wanted my nails to look perfect.
The studio is down on the water in Poulsbo's beautiful little walkabout town. Parking is easy with lots of space to choose from, and the salon has a water view next to a cute little second-hand store.
When I entered, a woman named Lynn greeted me with a smile and let me know that Kerry was just finishing up with another client. I took in the entry way and immediately felt at ease. It's not too posh, but certainly not plain. The decor gives you this feeling of being pampered (plush chairs, jeweled candles and a silver chandelier), but has an antique yet chic edge to it. Definitely has a style all its own.
Kerry met me at the door as she saw her client out, wrapping up with a little hug and a promise to see her again in a couple of weeks. Her dress was amazing. I've never seen anyone in a nail salon look as professional as she does on a daily basis from head to toe. It reminds you that this is her business, and she does take it seriously.
Once we sat down, she got to work looking at my nails. After a quick assessment, we decided to start out with shellac as I'm weary about full gel sets. She began her work, but paused now and then to introduce me to various clients and personnel. I had a feeling of being "at home" with these gals. Various women came in with little things for her as well - some brought treats, others had to pickup makeup and just wanted to say hi.
The nails turned out great, and I was back again and have been every 1-2 weeks. I've moved up from shellac to a full gel set, which Kerry maintains for me. I've gotten to know her staff, which are a group of lovely women who really seem to like her and the work they're doing.
Some other notes:
- Kerry often has her daughter in the shop, doing homework or helping out. She's a great kid and fun to talk with.
- There are a number of different professionals that come around as well - many of them handle various niche treatments such as Botox, natural remedies, facials and even massage therapy.
- This past month in October 2013, Kerry hosted a makeup class for women in the area.
- I've also had pedicures from Kerry's trainees. These pedicures are reduced in price as the students are learning, and I'm willing to let them learn with my feet :)
I'm giving you a lot of information in this review (much more than I normally do) because I was appalled to see some of the comments on here. I'm wondering if these folks are talking about the wrong place? I can't speak for them, or what it was like before I started visiting regularly in July 2013, but I can attest for what it is now. To me, this place is professional, fun, relaxing and reasonably priced.
I encourage you to give it a shot. While you're down there, check out the little ice cream shop around the corner called "Mora's" - that place is next on my fantastic reviews list! read more