The Diary of Sènsé Nail Spa

NEW ANNOUNCEMENT!

2010-03-29T18:26:00.000-07:00

Hello again! It seems like forever since we posted anything to update what's happening for 2010.

We've got some amazing announcements to make on a new direction that we're taking as a small business. It almost feels like we're shedding our old skin and growing anew. Although we quietly celebrated another birthday, we've got some magical things brewing up in our laboratory so stay tuned.

For instance, new semi-permanent nail polish that's lasting up to 3 weeks. New Salon reward programs just to mention a couple =)

This blog will most likely get moved. We hope to connect with you guys offline now! So call us and schedule today! Chat soon!!!!!

How to be Mindful this Holiday Season

2009-12-15T01:31:00.001-08:00

We came across some great tips to keep your sanity this Holiday Season....in 350 words or less:

1. A simple practice. Take a fruit — an apple, a pear, a peeled banana or kiwi, some berries — and eat them mindfully. Slowly. Take a small bite, and really experience it. Feel the texture in your mouth. Savor the taste. Smell the fruit. Think about how you feel as you eat the fruit. Feel the juices in your mouth. Feel yourself swallow the bite. Eat the entire fruit this way, one bite at a time, really feeling and tasting and sto read more visit:

http://zenhabits.net/2009/12/how-to-be-mindful-during-the-holidays-in-350-words/

“Smile, breathe and go slowly.” - Thich Nhat Hanh, Zen Buddhist monk

Posted via email from sensenailspa's posterous

Pumpkin Pedicure is back Oct 31st!

2009-10-21T16:16:00.000-07:00

"Pumpkins are full of multivatimins that are not only healthy, but also nourish the skin.

Vitamin A softens and cleanses while vitamin C maintains skin health by keeping collagen from breaking down.

Zinc helps to soothe irritated skin and heals acne blemishes, and alpha-hydroxy acids exfoliate and revialtize.

Pumpkin pulp can also reduce the appearance of scarring.

In the past, it was used as a cure for freckles and as a remedy for snake bites."

-Nails Magazine

We're introducing a Pumpkin Spice Butter Cream that contains shea Butter, Vitamins A, C, D and E for softer silkier, smoother skin.

Samantha's Bridal Party in Seattle!!

2009-09-08T20:32:00.000-07:00

Thanks for celebrrating your bridal party with us Sam!!! You guys were such a fun group =]

Nail Bridal Party in Shoreline

2009-08-27T15:29:00.000-07:00

"Thank you so much for making our bridesmaids nail trip so much fun. You were great at taking pictures and giving a true personal experience. We will be back for weddings in the future!" - Janina

Acrylic & Gel Nail Care Membership

2009-07-30T15:26:00.000-07:00

Polish for Change is a unique nail care membership program we designed to maintain the health and beauty of your acrylic and gel nail enhancements. It combines fills, polish changes and broken nail repairs for one flat fee (auto debit).

Thank you to our early clients that have helped us test and refine our membership over the past 2.5 years. Nothing like this has ever been done before in the history of nail care.

We hope to continue to refine the program and bring more convenient locations to serve you.

One of the neat things we envisioned early on was allowing our guests to visit multiple sites to redeem their services. Break a nail uptown - get it fixed downtown!

There's a lot more exciting stuff we're working on in our laboratory, so stay tuned! This is only the beginning!!!

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION

View Sènsé Nail Spa locations in a larger map

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION

Michael Jackson is not dead!

2009-06-25T15:34:00.000-07:00

The key to immortality is living a life worth remembering. Michael Jackson's music will continue to inspire artists, dancers, singers, performers and people who love his music. We love you, Michael.

Prom Sold Out

2009-06-06T12:31:00.001-07:00

This year's prom is quite interesting for us. We've seen alot of people coming in for us to fix another salon's mistake. Naturally, in today's economic environment everyone is finding ways to cut costs and get cheaper services. Unfortunately, if a bad job is done, it may be impossible for us to squeeze in the time to correct it. We hate to turn anyone away like we did this weekend.

We certainly recommend calling 2 weeks in advance for any special occasion - especially something like prom.

On another note, send us your prom photos and we'll post them online!!!

BOWW - Manicures & Pedicures

2009-05-13T16:20:00.000-07:00

We finally got our award framed. Thank you Seattle!

Mothers Day Gift Certificate Special

2009-05-09T11:36:00.001-07:00

Happy Mothers Day!!! Where would this world be without the moms in the world?! We love you.

Nail Bridal Parties

2009-05-08T18:42:00.000-07:00

This is what happens if you dont book your bridal party with us.

Sporozoan Swarm Downtown!

2009-04-28T11:53:00.000-07:00

Robroy is an amazing local artist and we asked him to put up some of his work at our new location. Check out his journey right now! Click the photo below...

Join our Salon Crew!

2009-03-30T18:05:00.001-07:00

We are now hiring! Click the photo of Americas Best Dance Crew to join Seattle's Best Nail Crew!

"Biters will be eaten" - jaabbawockeez

or go here http://saloncareers.blogspot.com/

Sènsé Nail Spa on Twitter

2009-03-23T13:22:00.000-07:00

Our Seattle Salon Grand Opening Information!

2009-03-23T13:03:00.000-07:00

If you've been to the Shoreline store recently, or found our secret Twitter page, you were well aware that we've been working on our downtown store for quite some time.

Well, the moment has arrived and we've officially signed our new lease!!! We're nervous and excited at the same time.

Wow, there has been a whirlwind of activity as we paint, break walls, add furniture and prepare our new downtown store for Fridays Opening. Come by and sneak a peek and meet us in person. Our final changes will be a work in progess, but that won't stop us from celebrating!

Come by and pick up 50% off gift certficates, giveaways, and enjoy music by our live DJ!!!

WA State Convention & Trade Center
(1st floor - former Lotte Beauty Salon)
725 Pike St. Suite #14
Seattle, WA

7PM-9PM

206.361.9888
sensenailspa.com

Unique Nail Art

2009-03-16T22:10:00.000-07:00

We are always on the lookout for new nail designs. Check out this site I found:
http://queenliberty.blogspot.com/2009/03/nail-art.html

Her nails are artsy and cool. Not so sure how practical some of them are though for everyday wear :)

2009-02-28T07:29:00.000-08:00

I ran across an article from New Delhi, India that talks about how more and more men are visiting beauty salons for waxing, manicures and pedicures. Seems to be an increasing trend across the world.

What are your thoughts?

Merinews - New Delhi, India - "Men turn dandy to keep up their style quotient"

Fashion Week Review and Importance of Nail Design

2009-02-21T20:14:00.001-08:00

Fashion Week is over and it's always fun to do a recap of what's hot this season. I've found a few interesting articles that show off the highlights of the shows and have included links below. Can't wait to see some of these outfits in the stores!

But what about the unsung heros of Fashion Week? There' so much more to it than just the clothes. There is a long laundry list of contributors that help to pull the whole show together; Hair stylists, nails stylists, set designers... The list goes on and on.

I recently ran across an interesting article in the New York Times on one such contributor to the September 2008 Fashion Week. It certainly sums up the hard work that goes on behind the scenes. Seems that nails on the runway play just an all important part of setting the trend for the next season as do the clothes. Nails are complemented to match the handbags, the shoes, the dress, you name it! One show this year even added a "vampire touch" by matching their nail and lip color to a blood sample.

As we begin to see the newest clothing designs appear in the stores I can't wait to see what people begin requesting in our salons. Nails are now an accessory to an outfit and just as important as a necklace or a belt.

So enjoy the new styles, right down to your nails. We are up to trying just about anything in nail design and can't wait to see what ideas you bring!

Fashion Week Recap:

Lady GaGa Nails

2009-02-16T12:59:00.000-08:00

We love lady gaga. Check out her fashion and nails. This is something we can totally do as well for you =]

Lady Gaga - New Music - More Music Videos

sensenailspa.com

Tonight I'm gonna Party like it's 2009!

2009-01-07T10:54:00.001-08:00

We're going to have a lot more fun this year and we hope you do the same! Enjoy Matt dancing around the world!

New Instant Gift Certificate Designs for the Holidays

2008-12-09T17:19:00.000-08:00

We have new designs for the holiday season. Perfect if you can't get to the store, or if you simply want to avoid them altogether! Craft the perfect message, preview it, then print or email it right away.

Click the photos below to get a closer peek at them. Get started today. Visit our instant gift certificate page here.

Last minute item for Thanksgiving

2008-11-26T18:26:00.000-08:00

Our store will be closed for the Holiday but our website is working overtime. Our Cinnamon Pumpkin Spice Pedicure is still available for 4 more days. A perfect last minute gift item for the ones you love.

You can craft the perfect message, preview it, then email or print it.

Gobble! Gobble! And have a wonderful time. Save us some pie.

(click the photo above to craft your message today)

Cinnamon Pumpkin Spice Pedicure - NEW!

2008-11-08T14:06:00.000-08:00

NEW! Cinnamon Pumpkin Spice

We are excited to bring our first seasonal pedicure to you!!! This is a mouth watering treat for your feet! MmmMmmmMmmm

"Cinnamon Pumpkin Spice Pedicure is a scrumptious sweet & spicy seasonal aroma! It contains a unique blend of cinnamon & pumpkin oils which give it a very warm & welcoming holiday fragrance! Our special fragrance will pamper and protect your youthful skin! Available until November 30th!"

$60.00 value for only $55.00!

Instant Gift Certificate
Request Appointment

Rock the Vote!

2008-11-04T12:39:00.000-08:00

Rock the Vote! We will be closed from 1-3PM for voting!!!

Here is the Electoral College in plain english:

Thriller Nails for Halloween

2008-10-29T18:32:00.000-07:00

Let us complement your Halloween outfit with Ghoulish Orange, Vampire Red, or Voodoo Black!

Michael Jackson |MTV Music

2008 Nail Trend Alert

2008-10-18T14:32:00.000-07:00

Nail art by Vu Nguyen, Coverphoto of Nails Mag

Charcoal Gray Is Hot For Pedis!
Charcoal gray is one of this fall’s “it” colors. And we think it looks great on the toes! Charcoal gray was seen on the fingertips of the models at Louis Vuitton’s fall show.

You can view other trends from our previous post here

AIG Spa Services in the Headlines

2008-10-11T17:12:00.000-07:00

Spa Services in the Headlines – But in an Unexpected Way.
by Susie Ellis, SpaFinder, Insider

Washington Post, “AIG Spa Trip Fuels Fury on Hill”
MSNBC, “White House calls AIG Spa Trip “Despicable”

Normally I would be applauding anyone going to a spa. But in this case, I am as outraged as everyone else!

By now most people have probably heard that 70 corporate executives of AIG, American International Group, Inc. went on a retreat to the St. Regis Resort in Monarch Beach, California just a week after the $85 billion government (that would be us taxpayers) bailout. AIG spent $440,000 in total. $23,380 of that was for spa services.

I did a little research and a bit of math. It looks like each executive was responsible for spending about $6285 and $330 of that was for spa services. At Spa Gaucin, which is the name of the spa at Monarch Beach, you can get a 60 minute Therapeutic Massage for $185 or a 90 minute one for $275. You can get a Coastal Stone Massage for 60 minutes at $190 or for 90 minutes at $285. Manicures are anywhere between $35 – $70 and pedicures are from $60 – $90.

rest of article here

Fish Pedicures update from DOL

2008-10-03T11:07:00.000-07:00

This email came today from the DOL:
From: Knight, Lawna (DOL) (LKNIGHT@DOL.WA.GOV)

"The Department of Licensing has sent this to all salons regarding its position on fish pedicures:

http://www.dol.wa.gov/business/cosmetology/fishpedicure100108.pdf"

Back to our website

State Kills Fish Pedicures in Washington Salons

2008-10-02T18:17:00.000-07:00

The Department of Licensing just announced that Fish Pedicures are now illegal in WA State. It doesn't effect us because we never offered them here (yet?). The issue, however may lie with the precedent they are setting with this new law. We haven't received the official letter from the DOL, but based on this King 5 article we read today, it may set a bad precedent for natural cures.

Here's their logic we surmised from the article.
According to the DOL tools must be sanitized.
Fish are being used as tools.
Tools must be sanitized.
Fish cannot be sanitized.
Therefore, fish pedicures are not sanitary.

The fish themselves have been known to cure psoriasis. So, we dont believe that fish should be classified as "tools" subject to the same sanitary requirements as medical instruments (you can't autoclave a fish, duh!).

People will find evidence to support whatever they believe. This treatment should be further investigated without the emotional reactions that occur when you say, "fish pedicure." In the same way, I would like to see both sides of the arguments that were brought to the DOL when they established this precedent and putting this law into motion.

Based our our research, the treatment is safe. In Turkey and many parts of Asia, you can dunk your entire body and swim with fishies that nibble on you. I havent read or heard of any reported cases where the public was harmed or any diseases spread in this manner. The fish are tiny so they can't be mistaken for pirhannas (hmmm....pirhanna pedicures coming soon?) Dr. Fish teeth aren't sharp and they can only feed off of dead skin cells.

We believe public health ought to be the primary concern. This treatment seems safe (but perhaps it is lack of information) and the burden of proof ought to be on the State to show evidence otherwise.

Additional research must be done. Perhaps a special license should be required to offer this service in salons to gather more empirical data to prove that it is safe or unsafe. This is the best way to respect the markets demand while balancing out the safety concerns of the DOL.

But to completely outlaw a service based on faulty logic is irrational. Outlawing something that is obviously demanded by the public seems contradictory to our free market system.

Will they bail us out if we fail or condemn us if we succeed? Either way we lose.

What do you think? Check out the King 5 article here and post your comments.

Free Puyallup Fair Entrance Tickets

2008-09-12T11:51:00.000-07:00

Find out when we give away free tickets to the Puyallup Fair by signing up for our text messages and "Twitters." Find out more by clicking here...

2008 Fall/Winter Nail Color Preview

2008-09-06T10:31:00.000-07:00

The latest color trends for Fall & Winter! Click on any of the images to view them full size.

Free Seahawks blue nail polish on Gameday!

2008-08-30T11:23:00.000-07:00

Yep Yep! Football season is officially here. Come in during home games and receive a coat of blue nail polish to complement your 12th Man outfit. Show your support and bleed blue (and green). Best of all, it's free. Who loves you baby?! (Oh, and men are welcome too!) Enter your text info below and we'll remind you of all our free specials.

What does our nail spa have in common with the Olympics?

2008-08-14T17:01:00.000-07:00

15 years ago, we selected our phone number based on trip 8's. If you notice the last 3 digits of the salon's number, you may have connected it to the Olympics in Beijing. =] Here is a brief background...

"BEIJING, China (CNN) -- Eight is a lucky number in China. The word for it -- ba -- sounds so close to the word for wealth that many people believe eight is a number that is linked to prosperity.

So it is no surprise that the opening ceremonies for the Olympic Games begin at 8:08:08 p.m. on 8/8/08.

The Chinese try to get the number eight in addresses, phone numbers, even car license plates. An airline reportedly paid $300,000 five years ago to buy 8888-8888 for its telephone number. With an explosion of cars in the country, bidding sometimes takes place for lucky plates." -CNN

Fortunately we didn't pay $300,000 for our phone number. Let's start the bidding at $300,001. Any takers? You know where to call us.

(206) 361-9888

Fish Pedicures in Seattle!

2008-08-07T15:13:00.000-07:00

Would anyone object to fish pedicures in Seattle? Once we get over the shock factor, health concerns, and the gross factor, we'll let you know if begin offering them here (we doubt anytime soon though).

But ask us again tomorrow.

Sustainable Salons in Seattle

2008-07-28T13:31:00.000-07:00

We've been thinking a lot about sustainability and our role as business owners. Some of the things we are doing to help the environment is reducing our paper waste. For example, we're buying more washable hand towels so we can eliminate paper towels.

We now have 5 recylce bins throughout the salon and our offices to help reduce, reuse and recycle.

On the business side, we are now scanning all of our receipts and then recyling them. The IRS requires us to save them for 7 years. Here's some interesting stats about how wasteful receipts are...

220,000 tons of receipt paper produced each year in the USA alone.
1 Ton of Paper = 17 Trees
220,000 tons of receipt paper = 3,740,000 Trees cut ONLY for receipts

By recycling your receipts after putting them online, you will not save only trees:

1 Ton of paper also represents:
- 6953 gallons of water
- 463 gallons of oil
- 587 pounds of air pollution
- 3.06 cubic yards of landfill space
- 4077 Kilowatt hours of energy.

Best of all, it's free! Check it out here

Thanks Kaisa!

2008-07-12T14:23:00.000-07:00

We're usually the ones sending out thank you cards to our nail clients. So it was very heartwarming to get one from our clients =] Thanks Kaisa! you totally made our day and we certainly enjoyed hosting your bridal party.

4th of July Nail art...Thanks Rachel!

2008-07-05T17:28:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday America!!! Nail art...not for the faint of heart. Thanks for letting us snap photos of your nails Rachel! We hope you enjoyed them for the 4th and at the M's game!

Trend Alert: Soak off gels and pedicures in Seattle.

2008-07-01T17:35:00.000-07:00

Shortly after landing in Las Vegas for the International Beauty Show this weekend, something completely unexpected and shocking happens...

The pilot just announced our decent into Las Vegas - moments later June is unable to breathe and begins blacking out!

Looking down at her, we ask worriedly, "Are you okay? Are you okay? What's wrong?"

"I can't breathe. I feel like I'm dying." We quickly push the attendant button requesting help...even though we were descending fast and the seat belt light was on. The stewardess approached, "Oh my god, what's happening? Is she okay?"

Curious passgengers began looking to see what the commotion was about.

paramedics on the scene

Without waiting for a reply or hesitating, the stewardess ran back to the intercom,
"Is there a doctor on the plane?" A doctor sitting in 13A arrived at our seat and quickly assessed the situation and demanded an Oxygen tank.

The other 2 stewardess brought a huge oxygen tank and rushed it to our seat.

The plane began rocking from the turbulence.

"Ladies and Gentelemen, we have an emergeny. When we land, we ask that all passengeres remain in their seats so we can have paramedics assist us."

15 minutes later, what seemed like an eternity at the time, we finally land and the doors burst open. 4 Paramedics rush inside.

Getting off the cramped plane was difficult since we were seated in 23ABC towards the back of the plane. Yet, the equalized pressure of Earth and 105 degree weather in Vegas was a warm welcome.

The paramedics began their care procedures directly inside the Airport. We caused quite a scene. Thankfully, June slowly began gaining consciousness again.

After a series of tests, it turned out she had a form of Vaso?- Vertigo that occurs on landing in 1/1000 people. Apparently, some people will experience a complete cut off of blood flow to the brain. This is what June experienced. Although uncomfortable and traumatic to experience it is only temporary.

Although scary at the time, we look back at our experience and it was certainly memorable and would do it again.

June and Victoria make it safe

Our first meal

Nothing will stop us from getting you the most advanced nail artists...A flight out of town, 105 degree weather or lack of oxygen. We made it!

Yes, this was our 3 day class schedule - onward and upward!

It took nearly an hour to figure out the schedule and instructors we wanted to see

Directly from Japan, Hello Kitty on nails!

The Young Nails motto: 1. It's all about you. 2. We're the shit!

Educational Classes for gels and acrylics.

Robert trying the new ROCK STAR BLACK POLISH protected by a thin layer of gel. You can run it on guitar strings, pick at it, and it won't chip! Yes, we are going to apply this Rockstar technology to pedicures!

Our good friends at Light Elegance

One of the toughest things about nail polish is chipping. You pay a lot of money and expect the polish to last...but sometimes it wears off the next day! What's the deal?! With sandal season here we want your polish to look good no matter what!

Some of our friends are dancers. Others enjoy running around the beaches of Alki. And others want their toes picture perfect for the wedding! We don't want you walking on eggshells to protect your perfect pedi. Which is why we're doing something revolutionary!

We're excited to be one of the only salons in Seattle to introduce Rockstar Permanent Polish (okay, we totally made up the name on the spot). It's badass. It dries immediately. There's no chipping. And be as rough as you want with your fingers and toes and it won't affect the polish.

Holy moly, that sounds too good to be true right? We'll post up a video real soon showing you what we mean!!! ttyl. ;)

Photos of our Seattle Nail Salon...

2008-06-26T13:41:00.000-07:00

Here is a short video clip of the nail spa in Shoreline...This is how we do!

nail biters...er, finger biters?

2008-06-21T15:53:00.000-07:00

We can help you stop biting your fingernails, but we can't help you if you're biting the entire finger!

Continuing Salon Education

2008-06-07T16:47:00.000-07:00

It's amazing how quickly improvements are made in the nail care industry. For instance, the past 2 years has brought a lot of attention to nail polishes that are cancer-causing-chemical-free (3 free). Now it's a norm.

Stuff is changing all the time. It's our excuse to travel the globe!

Our nail techs recently returned with new ideas from Japan. Tomorrow we'll be at the Convention Center for additional Classes. And then we're off to Vegas for more classes...ahem..."classes." ;)

We'll let you know of all the fun stuff we've got to keep you up to date. fresh. in style. hip. chic. elan. groovy. just not boring!

Great Graduation Gift...mani and pedi!

2008-06-06T16:42:00.000-07:00

Commencement Speech to the Havard Class of 2000
by Conan O'Brien

I'd like to thank the Class Marshals for inviting me here today. The last time I was invited to Harvard it cost me $110,000, so you'll forgive me if I'm a bit suspicious. I'd like to announce up front that I have one goal this afternoon: to be half as funny as tomorrow's Commencement Speaker, Moral Philosopher and Economist, Amartya Sen. Must get more laughs than seminal wage/price theoretician.

Students of the Harvard Class of 2000, fifteen years ago I sat where you sit now and I thought exactly what you are now thinking: What's going to happen to me? Will I find my place in the world? Am I really graduating a virgin? I still have 24 hours and my roommate's Mom is hot. I swear she was checking me out. Being here today is very special for me. I miss this place. I especially miss Harvard Square - it's so unique. No where else in the world will you find a man with a turban wearing a Red Sox jacket and working in a lesbian bookstore. Hey, I'm just glad my dad's working.

It's particularly sweet for me to be here today because when I graduated, I wanted very badly to be a Class Day Speaker. Unfortunately, my speech was rejected. So, if you'll indulge me, I'd like to read a portion of that speech from fifteen years ago: "Fellow students, as we sit here today listening to that classic Ah-ha tune which will definitely stand the test of time, I would like to make several predictions about what the future will hold: "I believe that one day a simple Governor from a small Southern state will rise to the highest office in the land. He will lack political skill, but will lead on the sheer strength of his moral authority." "I believe that Justice will prevail and, one day, the Berlin Wall will crumble, uniting East and West Berlin forever under Communist rule." "I believe that one day, a high speed network of interconnected computers will spring up world-wide, so enriching people that they will lose their interest in idle chit chat and pornography." "And finally, I believe that one day I will have a television show on a major network, seen by millions of people a night, which I will use to re-enact crimes and help catch at-large criminals." And then there's some stuff about the death of Wall Street which I don't think we need to get into....

The point is that, although you see me as a celebrity, a member of the cultural elite, a kind of demigod, I was actually a student here once much like you. I came here in the fall of 1981 and lived in Holworthy. I was, without exaggeration, the ugliest picture in the Freshman Face book. When Harvard asked me for a picture the previous summer, I thought it was just for their records, so I literally jogged in the August heat to a passport photo office and sat for a morgue photo. To make matters worse, when the Face Book came out they put my picture next to Catherine Oxenberg, a stunning blonde actress who was accepted to the class of '85 but decided to defer admission so she could join the cast of "Dynasty." My photo would have looked bad on any page, but next to Catherine Oxenberg, I looked like a mackerel that had been in a car accident. You see, in those days I was six feet four inches tall and I weighed 150 pounds. Recently, I had some structural engineers run those numbers into a computer model and, according to the computer, I collapsed in 1987, killing hundreds in Taiwan.

more here....
http://www.february-7.com/features/conan.htm

Mothers Day booked for Manicure and Pediucre appointments.

2008-05-07T15:06:00.000-07:00

Sadly, we are completely booked for manicures and pedicures on Saturday & Sunday for Mother's Day. We extended our hours to to accommodate additional hours but to no avail.

May we suggest getting her a gift card or an instant gift certificate? you can create it online, preview it, then print it. She can schedule the appointment any time she wants (besides mother's day though =(

Thanks for thinking of us though. We look forward to serving you.

American Express Now Accepted

2008-04-23T15:11:00.001-07:00

Yes, we are now accepting American Express Cards. We already happily accept Visa, Mastercard, and First Borns (if they're cute).

Seattle Green Festival & Sustainable Salons

2008-04-14T17:33:00.000-07:00

WOW! We learned a lot about sustainable living and environmentally friendly products at this year's Green Festival in the WA State Convention Center. We'll slowly implement many of the ideas we leaned about. Very exciting win for our environment and the impact it will have in our city. Here is some video from the green festival website...

Dalai Lama in Seattle!

2008-04-11T12:36:00.000-07:00

Our staff is taking a field trip to see the dalai lama (in case no one picks up the phone you'll know why) See you guys there!

Out with the old nail polishes in with the New!

2008-04-05T17:53:00.000-07:00

Spring cleaning is officially here. We're taking this opportunity to get rid of all our old polishes and replacing them entirely with a new collection. The new OPI's, Zoya, and Creative lines will complement any outfit.

With so many new colors to choose from you'll blossom like Spring - even if it doesn't feel like it yet (considering it just snowed last week!)

what do you think we should do with our old nail polishes? Let us know!

Pedicure Season in Seattle = Snow?

2008-03-28T13:18:00.000-07:00

It is snowing like crazy! We dont' know what to make of it. But it sure is pretty.

Free green nail polish today - don't get pinched!

2008-03-17T12:17:00.000-07:00

Come in for free green nail polish and avoid getting pinched! Happy St. Patrick's Day.

We Will Not Forget

2008-03-06T16:50:00.000-08:00

We come together today to reflect upon the effects that intimate partner violence have in our lives and our communities, and to unite for the right to safety, justice and peace for all women, domestic violence survivors and their children.

In 1995, Phoebe Dizon, Veronica Laureta, Susana Remerta Blackwell, and Susana's unborn daughter were murdered inside of King County Courthouse at the hands of Susana's husband. We have not forgotten them or other families who have experienced the pain, loss, physical and psychological wounds of domestic violence.

"It's easy for me to be angry. But what I've learned these past 13 years that it must inspire action." -Philbert Dizon.

for more information on how to get support, please call the Women & Family Safety Center, 206.467.9976

Inustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere

2008-03-01T10:44:00.000-08:00

We love being on the forefront of providing safer salons for guests and salon owners alike. We just got off the phone with the Department of Licensing to discuss recent law changes and to find out how the public and salon owners can keep up to date.

Rose at the DOL says, "We have news updates on our listserv that owners can subscribe to."

Listserv? a flashback comes across our heads. we tell rose, "That's great. it reminds me of my college days. listservs. ftp's. rss feeds. tell me rose, how many salon owners understand how to use this technology?"

"well, our advisory committee comes up with the new changes and we are required by law to send them out to all of our licensees. we have quarterly updates in Olympia, Bellingham, and East of the Mountains that any member of the public is welcome to attend where we discuss new law changes."

we interrupt, "wait. law changes are being made quarterly in our industry and the only way to get the latest changes is to attend public hearings in Olympia or subscribe to your listserv?"

"yes."

okay. wow. we continue, "we noticed on your website that over 20 salons were fined in just 2 months. over 50% of those salons represent a minority that speak languages other than english. how many members of the DOL advisory committee understand the demographics by which they are trying to protect? in other words, how are you communicating with them?"

"our information is published in multiple languages on our website located at http://www.dol.wa.gov/business/cosmetology/whatsnew.html"

intereting rose.

we chat for a few momets with the DOL. "you know it doesn't matter to us that your information is difficult to obtain. we received great scores on our last inspection. but we're deeply concerned that new law changes are being made and they are not effectively being communicated with the rest of the industry. it's almost strange to think that we want to help our competition.

creating new laws does not change anything if no one knows about them. the salons that are being fined deserve those fines if they're not staying current with safety standards.

you know rose, it's better for us to see you shut them down and impose stricter fines. but it's not the right thing to do."

rose says, "if you'd like you are welcome to partake in our next meeting in Bellingham to discuss how we can work together."

okay rose. we'll see you there in Bellingham.

Schedule manicures & pedicures by chatting with our front desk.

2008-02-29T17:08:00.000-08:00

Go to our website at sensenailspa.com. If we're available to chat we can book your appt for you! Yaaay. We are the only salon that has added this feature to make it convenient for you.

Who loves you baby!?

Test it out here. If we're available..it says "available." But it may say available even if we're not. For example, if we're out to lunch, we may forget to sign out and it may feel like we're ignoring you... but we're not. We're just feeding our faces.

It's new so bare with us.

Try it out here. Visit our website at sensenailspa.com

Business Gentrification, salon safety, and the Department of Licensing

2008-02-21T12:50:00.000-08:00

We received an email forward today from our salon adivsor, Laurie Foster of the King County Environmental investigators that she received from the Department of Licensing (DOL).

The email from Sandra of the Cosmetology DOL said, "We are currently recruiting for one public member to serve on the Cosmetology, Barbering, Esthetics, and Manicuring Advisory Board. A public member is a consumer who is unaffiliated with the cosmetology, barbering, esthetics, and manicuring industry."
source: http://www.dol.wa.gov/business/cosmetology/news.html

This was our reply...

"Hello Laurie and Sandra (and kevin, quang, secret, victoria and frank)
Thank you for forwarding this position to my attention.

The Department of Licensing as it pertains to the cosmetology industry is failing in its communication with nail salon owners and I appreciate the efforts of its committee to fulfill positions that are underrepresented.

In an industry that is dominated by 40% of the Vietnamese population I must ask why there is no one on the advisory committee that represents this group?

I went to the website for the DOL to find out a little bit more about who is serving on the advisory committee and the mission of the organization.

Here is what I've discovered...
Vision: To promote safety, we educate and practice professionally and competently.

* Anne Martin, Chair — esthetician
* Sylvia Garcia, Vice Chair — vocational school
* Kathleen Sather — manicurist, esthetician
* Larry Geiger — cosmetologist
* Mary Tanneberg — cosmetologist, esthetician
* Gary Howse — private school
* Tom Johnson — barber
* James Moran — manicurist
* Vacant — public member

Just yesterday an inspector visited my salon. There were new rule changes that I wasn't even aware of since the last visit to my nail spa.

If there is a section on the website for new updates on the DOL's website as it pertains to the cosmetology section it was not clearly labeled.
I am extremely computer savvy and I had difficulty finding it.

I am forwarding this message to the board of directors for VAEDA/WAVA, ECOSS, CCEJ and Evergreen Beauty & Barber.

I know for a fact that the DOL does not send out immediate law changes to their licensees nor to Salon Owners.

In order for the DOL to fulfill its mission of providing safety to the public then they must work together to communicate the new changes effectively through proper communication and not merely imposing stricter laws.

I hope together we can find a solution for better representation of undeserved groups. And I hope we can move forward to strengthen our communication between new law changes and communication to salon owners and licensees.

Feel free to call me at 206.361.9888

Many Blessings

-Robert Luu

The Collaboration local Hip Hop Dance Show.

2008-02-18T18:27:00.000-08:00

Meet Michael (on the left). He's a senior at Shorecrest High School and we are mentoring him for his Senior Project. He wants to learn stage production so we helped guide him through his project. Well, all we did was sign a bunch of school progress reports. Michael and his partner (not pictured) did an excellent job gathering dancers for the production. Find out how he does this Thursday, Feb 21st at his free show...The Collaboration.

The Collaboration - Thursday Feb 21st, 2008 @ 7PM
Shorecrest Performing Arts Theater
15343 25th Ave NE
Shoreline, WA 98155

Cost: Free for Sawn Say Clients and friends ;)

With performances by:
Cruz Control
Physical Graffi-T
Potion
Swerve
The Next Movement
Entyce
Shorecrest Hip Hop Dance Team
And More!

Our original Seattle nail salon. 5 manicures. 3 pedicures. And a partridge in a pear tree!

2008-02-15T14:42:00.000-08:00

Next month our nail salon in North Seattle turns 2! We are now teething. Maybe now we can start biting our nails =] j/k It's a nostalgic time for us and we wanted to replay the memories of demolishing our original nail salon.

In this video, we see the old manicure room and pedicure room being smashed. We didn't think the pedicures would be so difficult to lay down but we had to raise the entire floor for additional plumbing.

Unfortunately, manicures weren't going to fit so we created a separate room for it altogether.

Right now we are upgrading our infrastructure yet again to add super duper ventilation systems for our natural looking nail enhancements. Our new HVAC system for nail care will eliminate the odors and it is something we've been researching with environemntal groups in Seattle.

We've been perfecting our skills with the most natural looking enhancements for acrylics and gel nails.

Thanks for being patient with us as we continue to expand and upgrade our infrastructure to continue to service you! Take a trip down memory lane with us...

Here is a clip of us during our original nail spa demolition of our north seattle store...
Of visit us online at http://www.sensenailspa.com. Enjoy!

Where is the love?

2008-02-14T14:02:00.001-08:00

It's Valentines Day (or singles awareness day). This was a great movie that our client sent us and a wonderful reminder that sharing love can be as simple as giving a stranger a hug.

Facebook Manicures and Pedicures oh my!

2008-02-09T11:28:00.000-08:00

Save us as a friend on Facebook. Throw sheep. Let us buy you drinks. And make out with us. You'll know what that means when you get an account. Just don't turn us into vampires.

Sènsé Nail Spa invited to speak at VAEDA/WAVA.

2008-02-04T17:32:00.000-08:00

We were deeply honored that we were invited to speak at Seattle's first Vietnamese American Economic Development and Chamber. It's purpose is to provide a voice for the communities such as Little Saigon in the International District. This was an excerpt from that 8 minute speech...

"The winner of the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize wrote a book called, “Creating a World without Poverty.” He compares the poor to a bonsai tree.

You can take the seed of the largest bonsai tree and grow an exact replica large or small scale depending on the size of support you give it.

It turns out the problem is not with the seed. It is with the soil.

I believe this new Economic Development Agency and Chamber will be the first step in providing richer soil for future generations to grow and thrive from.

I hope the struggles of millions of people will not be forgotten. The seeds that were originally planted in me as a young boy from my parents. The work ethic. The ability to survive. The human spirit to achieve. To push and to grow. Crossing oceans. Overcoming Poverty. Working beyond mental and economical limitations to provide a better life for their families.

I hope this spirit. These seeds. And this soil will be instilled in this new Chamber. I hope that becoming stronger as Vietnamese Americans, we can honor these stories. These efforts. These immigrants that came here and given us a piece, a little inspiration of hope, and reminded us that this truly is the best Nation in the world.

I hope this new soil allows us to weave our stories into the fabric of what it means to be American.

And I hope one day our families that arrived to this country can proudly say, “this is the type of community I wished my family had when they arrived to America.”

Blogger cut this photo off. Pictured are some of the 25 founders of this new chamber. Zodiac Aeronautical Group. Wild Rock. Countrywide. Seattle University. Cathay Bank. Nguyen Law. Annie E. Casey Foundation. Tamarind Tree. US-Asia Gateway. Williams & Wyatt. Vietnamese Community and Activity Center. Homesight. Western United Fish Co. JTD Real Estate. Viet Wah Group. Tran Law Firm. UW Business & Economic Development Center. Phuong Dong Newspaper. Triway Enterprises. And Sènsé Nail Spa.

Helping Seattle Nail Salons Go Green.

2008-01-24T18:16:00.000-08:00

Seattle Magazine called us about 3 months ago to prepare for their beauty issue which comes out this month. We love how other owners are eco-conscious and any push towards safer cosmetics from within our industry deserves kudos.

We however declined to interview because our work never centered around chemical free nail polishes. That somehow became a side effect of a larger fight that we are leading.

OPI, one of the largest manufacturers of nail polish are now "3 free." meaning the top 3 purported chemicals are now removed.

Zoya, another brand we've been carrying has been 3-free since day 1.

So what is all this fuss about polish? We dont really have an answer.

We told Seattle Magazine, "Our fight is for the voicelss in our industry. There are over 500 nail salons in Seattle and all of them represent voices that go unheard. We've been working with Washington's main environemntal groups to come up with real solutions to these issues that effect the workers. Most of the battles will never be seen by any of our clients."

The Magazine rep still wanting to sell us stuff added, "well, either way it would be good to get your salon in this issue. we have a marketplace rate that we can offer you."

"no thank you."

Next week we are meeting with Secretary of State, Sam Reed to discuss Washington's first Association for our industry. This is the next step to improve the quality of life for these workers and their families.

But you won't be seeing that in any advertisement.

seattle manicures and pedicures...a trip down memory lane.

2008-01-23T16:58:00.000-08:00

We are currently booked 2 months out and cannot take any additional nail enhancement clients at this time. However, if you do have gift cards we will still service them for manicures and pedicures in North Seattle and pretty soon in Downtown Seattle. Yep! Seattle's best nail salon for manicures and pedicures is expanding soon. Thanks for being patient with us as we continue to expand and upgrade our infrastructure to continue to service you!

Here is a clip of us during our original demolition...
Of visit us online at http://www.sensenailspa.com. Enjoy!

I wonder if MLK got manicures and pedicures while in Seattle?

2008-01-19T12:01:00.000-08:00

MLK was interviewed by Playboy and they asked him what book he would carry with him if he were on a deserted island. Any ideas?

It was Plato's Republic.

MLK was a philosopher who would get together weekly to discuss philosophy with his colleaugues. Pretty neat.

Cruz Control Hip Hop Show

2008-01-19T11:40:00.000-08:00

This is a must see. A good friend and client is putting together this show. In our continue effort to support local artists we would like to announce "club cruz control"

Bio...
Cruz has choreographed locally for STG's DANCE this..., the 5th Avenue Theatre, Nordstrom, Microsoft, Experience Music Project and has also danced with artists such as Ashanti, Prince, *NSync and Michael Jackson.

Physical Poetry After Shocks!

2008-01-17T13:33:00.000-08:00

What an exciting show! Thanks again to all the parents, volunteers, dancers and guests that made this show possible! We love you!

Sènsé Nail Spa is proud to sponsor Physical Poetry.

2008-01-05T14:49:00.000-08:00

These defending National Champs are not letting school budget cuts stop them from following their passions. This year, for the second year in a row, we are putting together an action packed professional dance show case to support the team. Come show your support by yelling, kicking and screaming at the 2nd annual Shorecrest Hip Hop Dance Team Fundraiser: Physical Poetry.

tickets are available online at brownpapertickets.com

January 11 & 12
Shorecrest Performing Arts Center
15343 25th Ave NE
Shoreline, WA 98155

ALL AGES WELCOME. General Seating.

Show Start times are as follows:

FRIDAY Jan. 11th 2008 - 8pm
SATURDAY Jan. 12th 2008 - 4pm
SATURDAY Jan. 12th 2008 - 8pm

Tickets can be purchased online at brownpapertickets.com
or at Sènsé Nail Spa! For questions or media inquiry, please call us at the salon, 206.361.9888

Down Under

2007-12-05T11:45:00.000-08:00

We got an urgent call two weeks ago from our aunt in Australia. "Where's your mum?" The next thing I know mom is on a plane to Australia. Grandpa was rushed to the emergency room. He's got pneumonia and has been in the hospital for the past two days. We quickly got online to find emergency flights to Australia so that mom can visit him. No word yet.

Seattle Nail Salons Advisory Committee

2007-11-13T10:51:00.000-08:00

It has never been easy to articulate to others. Our mission behind our services, behind the scenes as a company was always to create and improve our industry. To create the type of company we wished our mom has worked for as in immigrant in America.

But for the first time in our professional lives we feel as if we are improving the standard and quality of life by opening up the discussions that will ultimately impact and change the laws in Olympia about our industry.

We've been blessed to partake in these discussions. Tonight, is another important step and another win for us as we move towards working with manufacturers, schools, and also the workers in our industry to align certain standards of quality, education and service.

Sènsé Nail Spa along with environmental groups such as CCEJ and ECOSS are working together to see these improvements happen. If you would like to participate in these discussions, we welcome you as well.

Community Coalition for Environmental Justice
1620 18th Ave, Suite 10
Seattle, WA 98122

Time: 6 – 8 PM

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2007-10-13T10:39:00.001-07:00

The other day a very wonderful client was diagnosed with breast cancer and she will be undergoing chemotherapy this month. We just wanted to take this time to remind everyone that it is breast cacner awareness month. For more information about examinations, questions, etc... please visit Puget Sound affiliate for the Susan G Komen foundation.

Sènsé Nail Spa on Myspace!

2007-10-03T14:08:00.000-07:00

Connect with us and our friends on Myspace! Although we love that you come by to read our blogs, Myspace is a quicker way for us to keep you up to date. Check us out. Click on the banner to find us or simply visit myspace.com/sensenailspa

The images in this film have not been sped up in any way.

2007-09-25T11:51:00.000-07:00

Breaking Point Dance Company is proud to present Hip Hop Live!
sponsored by Sènsé Nail Spa

Special Guests
Miss Prissy- RIZE
Dennis Danehy- Son of legendary Don Campbell Originator of Locking

Guest Performing Companies
Formality –San Diego, CA
Break Through- San Diego, CAhttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif
Choreo Cookie-San Diego, CA
C.O.D.A- Chicago
SickStep – Orange County, CA
CS All-stars- Oakland, CA
OTI- Vancouver, B.C
WDC PG Seattle, WA

FREE PERFORMANCE:
Date: Oct 12, 2007
Place: Edmonds, WA
Location: Edmonds Center for the Arts
Time: 7:00 pm
Bpdc will present an entire dance showcase featuring special guest performing companies from across the USA.

Hip Hop Dance Show with Miss Prissy from the movie Rize!
benefit for the shoreline arts council:
Date: Oct 13, 2007
Place: Shoreline, WA
Location: Shorecrest Performing Arts Theater
Time: 4:30 & 7:00pm
Cost: $12.00 tickets

hip hop LIVE! workshop & Freestyle sessions with Dennis Danehy- Son of legendary Don Campbell Originator of Locking
Date: Oct 14, 2007
Place: Edmonds, WA
Location: Harbor Square Athletic Club
Time: 1:30-2:45 pm
Studio (B) Hip Hop 101
Free dance workshop concentrating on the basics of new school hip hop choreography. No previous dance experience required. Open to all ages and abilities.
Studio (A) Dancer Master Classes Fundraiser
$10.00 donation per class
1:30 Krumping-Miss Prissy
2:00 Locking- Dennis Danehy
2:30 Up Rocking/Breaking- Sick Step

for more information, visit Breaking Point Dance

Sènsé Nail Spa - where business supports art

EPA Helps Seattle Nail Salons Go Green

2007-09-22T14:36:00.000-07:00

"The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded two Seattle non-profit groups $100,000 to help nail salons become more conscious of the toxicity of some of the chemicals used during business. The groups involved — The Environmental Coalition of South Seattle and The Community Coalition for Environmental Justice — will conduct a three-year project which will entail researching alternative products and chemicals that might be safer than those currently used, installing equipment to reduce exposure to chemicals, and community education."

source:
http://www.nailsmag.com/feature.aspx?fid=319&ft=2

There is no doubt in our minds that this $100,000 grant is given to educate the discount world salon owner. Who are they? Most likely immigrants that speak little to no English. The media makes them easy targets. Other nail salons wanting nothing to do with this image, separate themselves completely creating a niche market in natural nail care.

Our mission at sawnseh is to assist these salon owners to make better decisions. A regular client asked, "Isn't that like helping your competition?" In a way, I guess it is. But we don't care. It's the right thing to do.

Sawnseh Movement

2007-09-22T14:04:00.000-07:00

We are doing what we can to change this industry. We love both natural nail care and nail enhancements and there is much work to be done to ensure the safety of our clients and the industry at large. We are leading this movement and we invite you to join us.

We are working with ECOSS, a Seattle non-profit group to educate nail salon owners on safer alternatives in nail care. We want you to join us!

Its mission is to develop community outreach strategy and associated materials to help raise awareness among clients and nail salon owners, children/youth, and the community at-large.

ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING

WHEN: September 25, 2007 (TUESDAY)
WHERE: COMMUNITY COALITION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE (CCEJ)
1620 18TH AVE SUITE #10
SEATTLE, WA 98122
(206) 720-0285
TIME:6:00PM – 8:00PM

Goodbye Kana =[

2007-08-31T15:22:00.000-07:00

It's a sad day for us. Kana got her one way ticket back to Japan to spend the last moments with her grandpa. Our thoughts and prayers will be with them.
We came up with a new nickname for Kana though. Kanatopia. And Kana-Matata (from lion king). Hopefully we'll get some pictures of our last night with her and the Sawnseh staff. Lots of tears and hugs. Sad.

Seeking Journalism Majors

2007-08-21T17:50:00.000-07:00

"With These Hands" is a monthly article featuring inspirational people. It is to honor those around us that would never receive a nobel peace prize, but nevertheless have touched us in our lives.

Sense Nail Spa is seeking someone that could write these monthly articles.
It would consist of interviewing. Writing a summary of their story. Publishing it to our website.

This article will be read each month by our existing clients and the thousands of people that have subscribed to receive these inspirational stories.

If this position resonates with you, please contact Robert Luu at 206.361.9888
to set up an interview.

-Sense Nail Spa

for more details about this, visit this link here.

What is a Psychic Manicure™

2007-08-10T17:20:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdgPKxi-BoI

To be honest, I don’t know why I came up with Psychic Manicures,,
I thought it would be interesting to get a psychic palm reading while your nails dry at Sènsé. It really was no deeper than that.

I’ve always been deeply intrigued by the spiritual world and people that claim to have contact with the other side. Are they real? Are they fake? Is it a deep philosophical quest, or perhaps just a memory one of my favorite childhood movies, Ghost?

The word ‘psychic’ certainly conjures up images of its own. At least for me, I see images of Whoopi Goldberg in the movie Ghost, where she hustles her way through life by conning people out of their money as a fake medium.

Who are these people? My brain was searching for a way to categorize them: Entertainers? Healers? Con artists? Evil? Good? Clarivoyant?
I wasn’t sure how I felt about them…so my brain endlessly searched for a stereotype it could fit them in. But to no avail. I pushed hard to keep an open mind.

Finally, to put this to rest, and to see if this is something I would seriously offer at Sènsé, I had to seek these answers for myself.

It was a Sunday afternoon. I called up a psychic in Seattle and made my first appointment. “my name is robert and here’s my cell phone…” ( I made sure to withhold my last name in case she knew how to use google and myspace to look up my date of birth, blood type and favorite band).

We met at her office. What she revealed to me next made my heart race, my mouth drop and my brother look at me in shock when the information was discovered.

Our psychic began picking up more information about my mom and dad -and she began to reveal stuff about their personal lives. She said, “Your love and energy for your family is making it easy to read and pick up. Whatever comes to me I will let you know.”

Needless to say, after I left I verified with my mom and dad the information disclosed during my experience with the psychic about their personal matter. They looked at me in horror and disbelief that I had revealed a secret about them.

Whether you believe in my personal account, I challenge you to write about your own Psychic Manicure,, experience on our blog and our website. Read stories of other clients that will experience this for the first time during our world premiere on August 15th, 2007.

If you’re curious, call us at the salon and reserve a spot for a Psychic Manicure,, -Sènsé Nail Spa (sawnseh). 206.361.9888.

Check back next week on our blog located at sensenailspa.com for pictures and reviews about the night.

Fun Times!

2007-08-08T11:56:00.000-07:00

Thanks Brenna for sending us the pictures of your bridal party. We had a great time too!

Spafinder.com teams up with Sense Nail Spa for manicures and pedicures

2007-07-23T12:10:00.000-07:00

It's sweet.

Sènsé Nail Spa will be the only nail spa to have gift certificates sold and distributed in Costco and Bartell Drugs and other convenient locations around Seattle through the Spafinder.com program.

"No other nail parlor will be allowed into the program," says Katia, Spafinder representative.

Robert Luu adds, "We're very excited about this exclusive relationship. It gives our clients a convenient way to access our services and it shows the awareness of Sènsé Nail Spa and the impact we are having in our community. We always strive to set ourselves apart from other nail parlors, and this exclusive relationship with Spafinder.com will help solidify it."

"We're always doing our best to improve our services and our training. But our true mission is to become the largest philanthropic salon in our state," adds sibling co-founder, Victoria Luu.

Gift Certificates will be available beginning in August on Spafinder.com, Costco, Bartells, and other local stores.

For further information, please contact:
Robert Luu
206.361.9888

Instant gift certificates available at sensenailspa.com

Hey Kids! Come get a pedicure and you too can dance like this!

2007-07-17T19:18:00.000-07:00

visit us at sensenailspa.com

New Manicure and Pedicure services coming this SUMMER! Seattle and Sense Nail Spa are proud to present...

2007-07-06T14:31:00.000-07:00

This Summer we are launching some brand new services! We've been doing research from Asia and parts of Europe to bring some of the finest ingredients from around the world to our nail spa. Can't wait!!!

Also, our live appointment bookkeeping is launching August 2007. You'll have a live and direct feed to our appointment book so you'll never have to pick up the phone again to book an appointment.

Best of Seattle Citysearch: Best Manicures and Pedicures

2007-06-30T12:10:00.000-07:00

this morning we received a large package in the mail and it was a plaque for an award from citysearch. we were shocked to have been nominated for top 5 mani/pedis in seattle.

the citysearch people said we were the only company open for 1 year to ever receive this honor...so thank you guys so much.

here are the results for best mani pedis in seattle, 2007...go here

many blessings

visit us at sensenailspa.com

Bridal Parties

2007-06-23T10:40:00.000-07:00

We've been hosting a ton of bridal parties. Be back soon.

still pondering

2007-06-09T12:28:00.000-07:00

Can technology bring sexy back or is it keeping us away from it?

Taste of Shoreline - July 21st

2007-06-05T14:13:00.000-07:00

The Shoreline Chamber of Commerce announces "The Taste of Shoreline" is coming back after 10 years! All the usual fun activities, you know - Food. Music. And uh...the annual renewable energy & sustainable living fair. Wow. It's going to be fun. We are in charge of entertainment this year for this event so we know it'll be good! Eek! It's coming in July. Auditions have already begun for bands, dancers, and other entertainers.

email us at sensenailspa@mac.com to get the lowdown dirty on details of performing at this spectacular event.

What is the lunula?

2007-06-01T13:52:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder what that opaque, bluish white half-moon at the base of the nail plates is called? It's your lunula.

You can tell if a person is right- or left-handed by examining the person's lunulas.
The thumb with the largest lunula is the dominant, writing hand. Try this on your
friends and you'll find it almost always holds true.

The lunulua also determines the shape of the nail plate. Look at the shape of your lunula
and compare it to the natural shape of your nail's free edge (the part of the nail plate that
grows beyond the fingertip). You can see how closely they match. Both the lunula and
free edge will have the same crescent shape. This is because the lunula shows how the front
edge of the matrix is shaped. The shape of the matrix's front edge determines the free edge shape.

We dont know why we wanted to share this with you. But now you know. And knowing is half the battle. GI Joe!

Why is there a nail salon on every corner?

2007-04-19T10:33:00.000-07:00

In the late 70’s and early 80’s, a wave of Vietnamese immigrants called the “boat people” arrived to America in search of a better life for their families. With a tenacious work ethic and immense drive, they searched for high paying jobs to compensate for their lack of education.

Naturally, wanting to provide for their families, they were able to do so in the nail salon industry. It was a technical skill they could quickly learn while speaking little to no English. At the same time, it afforded them a middle income lifestyle for their families.

The media quickly caught on and subsequently, caricatures like "Miss Swan" on Mad TV poked fun at the industry and the workers.

Today, depending on who you ask, Some believe they destroyed the industry.

Others believe they saved it.

Caricature "Ms. Swan" on Mad TV.

Sibling Rivalry
Some salons and spas try distinguish themselves from these immigrant owned salons. Our industry -the nail care industry is divided between "natural nails" vs salons that provide "nail enhancements (like acrylics and gels). " The latter representing immigrant owned nail salons or "discount salons."

Walk into any spa and you'll know where they stand.

It's like sibling rivalry. One kid wants to rebel by having nothing to do with the other.

Likewise, certain spas inadvertently slander the same industry by bashing their brothers and sisters.

Sènsé Nail Spa was born out of these two worlds. We are passionate about what we do and we don't proclaim to say one is better than the other because we love and enjoy natural nail care and enhancements (for the record, we also believe in safer cosmetics - see our KOMO 4 news interview below).

If you ask us, we believe education is important to change the industry. These workers can learn American Custom. Continuing education with new technology. Safety standards for clients. Art. Community. Fashion.

As industry leaders, we feel we have a social responsibility (Read July 2006 back issue of Colors NW Magazine, entitled "Good Business")

We give much props to Gene Juarez for understanding this. As leaders in the salon industry for over 35 years, they don't profess to say "naturals only" is the only way to go. With a multi- million dollar budget, they could easily slander this divide any way they wish. Today, they have followed suit by offering continued training for immigrant nail techs and continue to provide education for these workers. We salute them for this.

To us, it's the same industry in the end. And ultimitely, we are all but one family.

Beautiful Nail

2007-04-13T21:21:00.000-07:00

Ok. We'll be honest. We laugh at ourselves and our industry too. We thought this comedy routine is fricking hilarious...and Anjelah is adorable.

Nail Salon Safety - Seattle Manicures and Pedicures.

2007-04-13T20:52:00.000-07:00

It was a busy afternoon at the nail spa when the phone rings..."Hi, my name is April Zepeda and we're doing a story on nail salons...can we come by in 30 minutes?" Wow. We were shocked, excited and nervous all at the same time. Moments later, the camera crew and April show up setting up monstrous cameras, lighting while working at a controlled and frenzied pace. "Don't mind us" (easy for you to say). It was an hour interview. It came by so quickly we didn't have time to prepare...or call anybody for that matter to record. All in all, we hear it was a full story. Great shots of the nail spa. Dad was watching tv...didn't know about the interview. "Whoa! I just saw you guys on the news!" We didn't get a chance to record, but we did find the a brief article online...

By April Zepeda
KOMO 4 article

Environmental groups are claiming victory for women after getting a OPI, a major cosmetics company, to remove a harsh chemical form its nail polish formula.

The news is especially good for workers in nail salons who inhale fumes all day.

"After doing it for 12 years, you can smell the different fumes. The ones without formaldehyde or toluene are lighter," said salon owner, Victoria Luu.

At her shop, Sense Nail Spa in Shoreline, her family has added a ventilation system and now offers polishes with fewer chemicals. They know customers want less toxins.

"We have seen a lot of push for it just in the last year. In the past ten years, that's something you never would have seen," said co-owner, Robert Luu.

Now the largest nail salon supplier, OPI, has agreed to remove one of the harshest chemicals from its polishes. Toluene has been shown to cause respiratory problems, memory and vision loss and even birth defects. The company decided to nix the chemical after a strong push from environmental groups, including the Environmental Coalition of South Seattle.

"To have a company that size respond positively to a campaign and remove the chemicals out of their products says a lot, " said the organization's Executive Director, Charlie Cuniff.

There are more than 400 nail salons in King County alone. OPI will start shipping the new polish in the next month

OPI's Chief Operating Officer Eric Schwartz said the company welcomes the change.

"We are pleased that technological advances have enabled us to improve our formulas and harmonize our product offerings," he said.

Environmental groups say the change will making a safer working environment for nearly 14,000 manicurists in the state, as well as their customers.

"I think anything will be better for me and the person doing my nails and probably the people who are making the product," said customer Tricia Barbachan.

Last year OPI removed another chemical from its polish - dibutyl phthalate - after it was banned in several European countries.

Sènsé Nail Spa raises $10,000 to support Art.

2007-04-13T20:44:00.000-07:00

This clip is of The Shorecrest Hip Hop Dance Team. They are the 2006 State Champions and 2007 District Champions. This year, they took 3rd at Nationals in Orlando, Florida and we are thrilled to support them. More amazing they won the highest GPA Award two years in a row!

This is the dance show we produced to raise more than $10,000 to send 19 kids to Florida to compete at Nationals.