Biz Beat: Tips N Toes Opened by Lindy Alum

Despite the tough economy, another new business has sprung to life in Lindenhurst.

And it’s owned and run by Lindy alum Alicia Allard, who’s also a New York State-licensed nail and waxing technician.

Allard opened - located at 168 East Montauk Highway, Suite B, in the Marine Shopping Center, diagonally across from Boston Market - a month ago with no grand-opening fanfare, but instead quietly focusing on providing a safe, friendly and relaxing customer experience and offering many grand-opening specials.

Lindenhurst Patch spoke with Allard about her new shop, the entrepreneurial spirit of her and her family, and her Lindy ties.

Here’s what she had to say:

What services does the nail salon offer?
“Tips N Toes is an all-American, upscale, yet affordable, unisex nail salon. We offer all variety of nail enhancements, including acrylics, gel application, permanent French, as well as a variety of nail art, basic manicures and pedicures. There are also several spa pedicures and manicures, waxing services, eyelash extensions and permanent make-up. Avon and Cookie Lee Jewelry is also available for purchase at the salon. [Plus], we offer a relaxing atmosphere in a separate room for our [10- or 20-minute] chair back massages.”

What’s your background?
“I always had an interest in nails, fashion and art. I’ve been getting my nails done professionally for more than 15 years, and I decided to get involved in the industry. I attended Long Island Nail and Skin Care Institute in Levittown where I graduated in 2005, receiving my NYS license after passing the NYS Board of Exams. I worked in two nail salons where I got several years’ experience. It was nice working at those salons, but I wanted to venture on my own. Coming from a family of business owners, I knew one day I’d have my own nail salon.”

Why did you open a business in Lindy, and in this tough economy?
“I grew up in Lindenhurst, and graduated from in 1996. My whole family grew up in Lindenhurst. I support all Lindenhurst businesses, and I shop locally. I‘m proud to offer a variety of nail services to the Lindenhurst community.”

Why did you decide to open a business in this tough economy?
“I weighed the differences of opening a salon in this type of economy, and I decided I’d do well in this town because of my experience and love of the business. Although there are a lot of salons in the area, I know so many people who were looking to find a salon like the one I would open.”

What’s the one thing people should know about the salon?
“We take our clients health and safety extremely seriously. We pride ourselves on our sanitation practices. We’re a very personable salon. We offer special incentives for repeat customers, as well as monthly raffles. We also offer coffee and tea service for our clients.

“[In addition], all of the nail technicians at Tips N Toes stay on top of upcoming changes in the nail industry. We’re always looking at ways to make a client’s experience exquisite. We constantly further our education in areas of trends and sanitation. Our nail technicians are fully trained at nail institutes and are NYS-licensed.”

What are your of operation?
“Our hours of operation are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. We’re also open early and stay late by appointment.”