Nail Pampering for Ladies and Gents

When Brooklyn native Musica Lorence first moved to Bedford-Stuyvesant 16 years ago, immediately she fell in love with the warmth and community spirit of the neighborhood.

But as a woman who loved to pamper herself, she noticed something unusual: There were no nail salons or spas. She searched and searched… Nothing. How could that be possible, she thought, in such an expansive and vibrant neighborhood?

After years of trekking to nearby Clinton Hill, Fort Greene and even Manhattan just to get her nails done, she decided finally, if she really wanted it, she would have to build it herself.

So in February 2010, Lorence and her business partner, Phillip Thomas, decided to open London’s of New York Nail Bar, located at 404 Tompkins Avenue.

“The name London’s of New York came from our love of our two favorite cities. Her city is London, mine is New York, so we just merged the two names together,” said Thomas.

Since its opening on Tompkins Avenue, a few other nail bars and businesses have followed, as the neighborhood's needs continue to expand.

“We were excited about opening up in this neighborhood actually, because Bed-Stuy is an easy sell,” said Thomas. “Once you get here, how can you not love it? Once you spend some time here, you’re into the vibe.”

The shop, approximately 400 square feet, feels much larger than its actual size—a function no doubt of its minimalist, Antique-Mod interior design, furnished and feng shui-ed to near perfection.

The pale-tinged walls are accented with photo prints and small paintings depicting iconic images of London and New York.

A rainbow of nail polishes and brightly colored bath salts, gels and massage oils sit in an obedient fashion on silver serving trays and atop small wall shelves. The floors are immaculate, and tucked neatly behind the reception area is a miniature wine, tea and coffee bar

The cost of a basic manicure is $10; a basic pedicure is, $21. Other specialties include facial waxing, silk nail wraps and gel nail wraps at $10, $35 and $50 consecutively.

Only one warning: Very noticeably, there are only two nail tables and just two foot tubs. So if you’re looking for the signature NYC factory-style, churn-em-out nail job, then maybe, this is not the place.

London's of New York specializes in individualized customer care.

“A lot of nails salons you go to, you’re nameless and faceless and you’re essential a receipt,” said Thomas. “At London's of New York, it’s about cultivating a lifestyle, but it’s also about getting to know who you’re selling to. A lot of people come in here to relax, talk about what’s going on in the neighborhood, funny things in the news. It’s all about the great customer service aspect.”

“This has been a great place to work,” said Abdul Spencer, one of the nail technicians at London's. Since 1997, Spencer has specialized in acrylic nails and has been with London's of New York for three months. “The atmosphere is inviting. It’s like a team effort.”

London's of New York Nail Bar is open Tuesday through Sunday at varying hours. To make an appointment, call 347-350-7737. Ask for Musica or Phillip.