This is my first Yelp review. I've gotten a lot out of others' experiences, so I thought I would jump in by starting with a business I like a lot, and cover the ones I don't as much at a later date. I may also edit this to include the full name of my nail tech after I get her permission.
I don't understand people who write reviews who loved their experience, praise the staff, knew the prices before their appointment began, then go on to COMPLAIN about said prices and deduct THREE STARS to boot? Ok, MAYBE one less star might be in order if one normally frequents businesses that don't pay their employees as much, or invest in the workers' education, or spend money to create a welcoming atmosphere. For some of us, time spent with a nail tech or hairdresser is not just about the nails or hair, the tangible, it's about the whole experience, including the intangible.
I grew tired of sitting in silence across from a nail tech ("Mai") who couldn't speak English well enough to hold simple conversation with me or anyone else. Week after week, month after month, I showed up with the other lemmings, hoping to relax after a long day of work and willing to spend money to do so. Instead, I was treated like a number. I get enough of that everywhere else without PAYING for the "privilege" of being ignored.
Remember that episode of Seinfeld where Elaine thought the Asian employees at the local salon were gossiping about her in their first language? She was so irked by the possibility she had George's father come in as a spy since he spoke Korean? As it turned out, they WERE having rude "fun" at her expense, all while smiling and acting completely innocent! The show itself was VERY funny, but that plot line bothered me immensely. Was "Mai" taking MY money and laughing at ME? Was I Milwaukee's version of Elaine? I didn't think so, but there was NO WAY to be certain I wasn't unwittingly providing the local Thai community with some chuckles.
For awhile, I questioned whether I was racist because I was so annoyed my nail salon didn't make their employees speak English in front of their customers. I finally came to the conclusion that it was THEIR problem, NOT mine. Spending money at a salon that employed nail techs who didn't even care enough to speak English to me for that HOUR I sat there every week was, quite simply, stupid.
Finally, I decided my time and happiness were worth more. Almost IMMEDIATELY I felt better. Reclaiming those sixty minutes every week was like giving myself an emotional raise. On average, I spend a LITTLE bit more at Originails than I did at my former salon, but now I MAKE WAY MORE money at work because I am happier, more focused. Even my boss goes to Originails now! My family noticed the change in my attitude right away. I come home from my appointments happy. EVERYBODY wins!
Okay, the nuts and bolts of the review: Originails offers all styles of nails, massages, and waxing. Apparently they have been winning awards for their nail art for a LONG time, and it shows. I have NEVER seen such great fingernail art performed outside of LA, New York, or Miami. When you consider they are the ones who SET the bar for others to FOLLOW, their prices are VERY reasonable. It's all a matter of perspective.
EVERY employee, not just my nail tech "C", treated me like I was the most important person to them the very first time I walked in. There is a good mood that hits you the second you open their door. That says a LOT about the owner, Melanie. She is beautiful, funny, hard working, and goes out of her way to make sure you know you are appreciated and your nails look AMAZING.Good enough is NOT good enough to her. What more can you ask for?
I wish I could give Originails and Melanie SIX stars. read more