Last June, Lynne and Panos Papaconstantinou (“Papa”) became the new owners of Coronado nail salon BE Polished. They have spent the past year introducing expanded services to increase the value offered to their clients. So although it’s coming up on a year of ownership, going there was new to me. I have experienced services from a couple of the nail salons in Coronado and recently tried BE Polished.
The Papas had been residents of Coronado for eight years, just blocks from their new business. When they learned that their friends Mary and Michael Buck wanted to sell BE Polished, it was a perfect chance to give it a go and be independent business owners. Lynne says, “Panos and I have ramped-up quickly on the business and see opportunities to re-energize it by introducing new services that complement existing options for manicures and pedicures.”
I was welcomed by Lynne into what looks and feels like a French living room; with shabby chic couches, crystal chandeliers and relaxing music. I distinctly noticed that the atmosphere was fume-free (thankfully!) and had an airy feeling. This was welcome as I have become accustomed to many salons have the overwhelming smell of acrylic nail products. I opted for a pedicure with a sugar scrub. Jenny was my service provider. She shared with me how she had been with the salon for over seven years, even when it was at its previous location on Adella Avenue. I enjoyed the way she allowed me to lead the conversation as I sat back with a warm neck wrap and a cup of ginger lemon tea.
As a former licensed nail tech and skin care therapist, as well as a salon/spa owner, I spent a decade and a half fulfilling my clients needs, so I am not the easiest customer to satisfy. I enjoyed my visit. Being a small business owner in an industry where there seems to be competition on every corner looking to undercut your price is frustrating and can be exhausting, but to meet Lynne you would never know that.
Word of mouth marketing is a great way for a small business to build a loyal following. It was impressive that BE Polished states their values in a sign on the wall to show their guests what to expect. 
Clients are offered a mimosa, champagne, tea or coffee as they relax for an array of manicure and pedicure services. New services at BE Polished include eyelash extensions, facial waxing, and professional makeup application. The new owners have kept the salon fume-free by excluding acrylic nail services. The licensed nail technicians and cosmetologists have extensive experience in luxury spas across the country and pamper both male and female clients with tailored services using organic products. Lynne and the staff also make and use bath bombs for the manicure and pedicure soaks, as well as make custom sugar scrubs. In addition, Lynne says, “We are also offering the space for private parties, birthdays, Darling Diva parties for girls as well as fundraisers.”
Many businesses treat their customers like a number, shuffling from one to the next. It is clear to me that this is not the vibe BE Polished is about. The staff has a history with the business and the new owners seem to be about creating long lasting relationships. I enjoyed my time and appreciate the efforts to be unique and stand out as a place in Coronado to have pretty fingers and toes.
The full menu of services and reservations are available online at www.BEPolishedStudio.com. BE Polished is located at 131 Orange Avenue, Coronado. Call 619-437-1440. Open daily.
Hours:
Monday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday through Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Email: [email protected]
Twitter @BEPolishedNails
Facebook @bepolished
