EASTON, Pa. — In a region with hundreds of nail salons, Shalimar LeBrun and Tiffany Mason set out to stand apart by offering clients a VIP experience.
Eleven11, a new nail and makeup studio that opened in late June, offers nail art and embellishments, makeup applications and personable service.
It's a beauty concept that's new to the working-class neighborhood of South Side Easton, at 136 W. St. Joseph St.
An experience of 'self care'
Customers to the salon are immediately greeted with a "Cute Nails, Good Vibes," sign that sits above two comfy lounge chairs.
In the back is a full-bar with a list of complementary drink options such as a tequila-infused cocktail, iced coffee or a cold mocktail.
"We're bringing the experience back to self-care, because as women, when you go to get a service done, it doesn't always feel like an experience. It often feels like we're getting a drive-through oil change, or something else hurried," Mason said.
"It's often the only day of the week that [women] have to themselves, that they're spending good money on, so they should feel comfortable and pampered."
The co-owners decorated their space with that thought in mind, adding in decor of green and gold, sweet-smelling candles and soft lighting to create ambience.
There are pair of smart TVs that, depending on the client's vibe, can play a movie or music.
Wall of history, design inspo
Salon shelves are filled with an array of nail polish and two walls of photos depicting the history of nails, with photos of legendary USA Olympic track star Florence "Flo Jo" Griffith Joyner and current star sprinter Sha'Carri Richardson, both admired for their iconic nail designs.
Next to that are rows of pictures of nail designs by LeBrun and nail artist Aniya Smith.
LeBrun and Mason, both licensed cosmetologists, are trained in the Vietnamese-way of nail design, known for its multi-dimensional looks and unique shapes.
Together, they blended those techniques with newer trends dubbed "American fusion" to include styles like chrome, aura, cat-eye, coffin shape, and loads and loads of embellishments.
Nail art, crystals
There are a variety types of manicures including a gel manicure ($40), a classic full set (with acrylic tips and gel polish, $55), luxury nail art full set with nail tips ($85) and freestyle full set (with tips and gel polish) for $85.
Clients can also bring in a photo of nail art or request some bling, like Swarovski crystals, which add sparkle and shine.
"Someone can come in for a unique design, and it's created especially for them," Mason said. "No one else in the world will have your nails because the artist is free-styling. You can also give the [nail technician] an inspiration, say you like blue butterflies. The artist will just roll with it."
"We're bringing the experience back to self-care, because as women, when you go to get a service done, it doesn't always feel like an experience. It often feels like we're getting a drive-through oil change, or something else hurried."Tiffany Mason, co-owner Eleven11 Nail Studio
For extra pizzazz, some nail artists specialize in encapsulation, a technique that adds decorative elements such as dried flowers, layered under translucent or clear nail gel.
The salon uses a non-MMA acrylic, which Mason said is healthier for the nail bed.
MMA, or methyl methacrylate, is a bonding agent for nails that is said to cause adverse health problems like dizziness and allergies.
Nail sets last three to four weeks. Fills for nail sets cost from $47 to $97, for longer nails.
Makeup applications, CBD pedicures
On the pedicure side, more complex options include the studio's CBD-enriched and 24-carat gold infused treatment ($85).
The hour-long service includes a foot soak, gel or regular polish and a CBD and gold-infused mask and foot massage.
CBD is widely used to reduce inflammation, relieve pain and promote relaxation, while gold is said to have anti-aging and anti-inflammatory benefits, according to the studio's menu.
For some extra glam, makeup applications cost $70 to $110 for the "Bomb Beat" makeup session that includes winged-eyeliner, face gems and red-carpet ready lips and cheeks.
Kids under 12 can also get a mani/pedi starting at $10. For men, the MAN-icure costs $30.
Welcoming diversity
Beauticians come from a wide range of backgrounds and also speak Spanish.
As small business owners, LeBrun and Mason, who have family ties to the Lehigh Valley, welcome the diversity and potential for economic growth.
"I live on the South Side and see how the area is growing and becoming more diverse," Mason said. "It's up-and-coming, more people and younger families are moving in, so we're excited to be a part of that change."
Walk-ins are accepted, but it is recommended to make a reservation ahead either via phone or online.
Salon hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
