I'm neurodivergent and anxious, and since Ive been here a few times before, I decided to go again despite the fact that Im pretty sure their sanitation leaves much to be desired. I summoned all of my courage to try to ask for art. I've thought about asking for it in the past (both here and other places) but always chickened out because I was scared due to my social anxiety. So when I booked the appointment online, I tried to be very clear in the appointment notes that I wanted something specific (even said what it was) and that I had a few ideas I could show to try and see what we could do. I booked it for anyone available thinking that they would see my note and maybe someone would be inspired, or at the very least they would pair me with someone who does art.
I've never been able to ask for art before, and I was so nervous. I spent hours the night prior trying to find simpler photos because I didn't want to ask too much of them. I looked at the art they'd done before and felt that what I gathered as inspiration wasn't all that different. But when I tried to show pictures, I was shot down on all of them full stop, with no opportunity to compromise or offers for something similar, or even an offer for any art that I might be able to get outside of what I was specifically asking for.
I was willing to spend a decent chunk of money, but they didn't even try. Then, even more strange, half way through I was asked for a reference photo, and I had to tell her that she had already turned down all my photos, and she was confused and I was confused so I just told her which colors I wanted on each finger because I felt like that was what she was asking.
I don't understand why this all happened the way it did. Last time, when I went with my mother-in-law (who had never been there before), they bent over backwards to please her, offered us drinks, even unprompted offered her nail art. Even then, they were more interested in her and her satisfaction, despite the fact that I was the one paying and the one getting a more expensive service This time I wasnt even offered a water, let alone nail art as I specifically requested in my appointment booking. I don't know if maybe I look like I don't have money (which I don't know why that would be) or if I just don't know how to get my nails done because Ive only ever done it a handful times in my life. But I don't understand why they treat me differently than they treated her. I'm overly polite, so I know there was nothing rude in the way I asked or anything. I really didn't want to make a fuss, and it was already so hard for me to ask for the art at the beginning, so I struggled to speak at all the rest of the time I was there because I was so anxious about it and felt like such an idiot. I was near tears, but did my best not to show it though I'm not sure how successful I was.
The nails are cute. They're neat and the correct shape/length. The place is pleasant overall with relaxing music, but Im not sure I'll be going again after this. I still tipped well, and told her i liked them, as she seemed to be able to tell how sad and disappointed I was. Due to my neurodivergence, I really struggle to communicate with a language barrier, and I don't think it was really her fault so I didn't want her to feel bad in anyway. There's always the possibility that they didn't have access to my notes or something.
Outside of the lack of art, the nails are really good. Just wish we could've worked together to compromise on something so that I could get what I wanted, instead of being turned down flat with little to no discussion.
All I wanted was cool nail art like I see other women with all the time. Perhaps this simply wasn't the place to go for that sort of thing and my inexperience prevented me from understanding that. Which is why I gave this 3 stars instead of 2. Just in case it was something that I did wrong without knowing it. read more