By Avery Goldman
Photo by Avery Goldman
Celina Nguyen was eight months pregnant when a friend told her about a nail salon called Magazine Nails at 4236 Magazine Street. Celina and her twin Celine, both nail technicians, had a dream of opening their own nail business, but they knew that owning a business wasn’t easy.
Fast forward a few months. Today, Magazine Nails, now owned by the twins, is arguably one of the best nail salons in the city.
It was a struggle at first, but the pressure eventually began to ease up. Businesses around them were very supportive, and the location brought in many new customers. The sisters had toured the building, loved it, and put an offer in. They never expected the owner to sell to them, since it was such a popular spot, and many people were interested in it. Fortunately for them, the owner had a sentimental attachment to the building and loved the idea that two young women could be the ones to continue the nail salon business.
The Nguyens remodeled the building and then opened up shop. The first weeks were difficult for them. The girls did not have a day off for three months, and Celina had to come back to work just three weeks after having her baby. There was a newborn now in the picture, as well. The rest of the girls’ family flocked to help. To this day, the twins’ mom, Celine’s mother-in-law, her sister-in-law, and her best friend all work at the salon.
Compared to some other salons in the city, the price is a little bit higher but unquestionably worth it. The price of a normal manicure is $25, both a gel manicure and normal polish pedicure is $40. Classic dip powder is $55, and dip with short nail tips is $65. The nails’ longevity is better than any other salon that I and other customers have tried in the city.
“I have no issues with the pricing at Magazine Nails, ” Sue Zemanick, another customer at the salon, said. “They work so fast, are so accommodating, and always check to make sure that I am happy with the final result.”
The salon even has a policy that if you leave and your nails chip in the next three days, they will fix them free of charge.
“I go to Magazine Nails whenever I get my nails done,” said Lola Daschbach, a Willow sophomore, “and I always leave happy with my design. They last me a really long time and do not break easily, so I can tell that they are high-quality.”
Another justification for the price is the effort put into all services. “My nails are always handled with so much care and precision,” said Elise Goldman, a customer from Magazine Nails.
Magazine Nails is open every day of the week, with the sisters switching off some days to take breaks. I would strongly advise booking an appointment in advance. The next time you need your nails done for a special occasion, or just want to get pampered for fun, go visit Celine and Celina down at Magazine Nails.
