90 N A I L P R O M A Y 2 0 1 5 M A Y 2 0 1 5 N A I L P R O . C O M 91

SAVVY SALON

DISTINCTIONVarnish Lane is the only salon in the Washington, DC, area to offer waterless nail services featuring locally made, 100-percent chemical-free products. We chose to perform waterless services because we believe it creates a safer and more hygienic service for our clients. Also, by implementing dry treatments, we are saving up to 15 gallons of water per service. So far, clients have been very happy with it and have told us that they don’t miss the water. (Some clients have even said that their feet feel softer after leaving our salon than ever before!) We also provide clients with iPads so they can browse magazines digitally and we offer a variety of beverages. Plus, clients can plug their phones into our leather chairs for charging.

THE LOOKWe wanted Varnish Lane to feel like a comfortable living room. We kept the environment bright and airy with white walls and open spaces. Plus, our space was designed for events,

featuring a large center island that can be used for food and drinks. We host bridal parties, birthdays, corporate outings or even just a girl’s night out!

THE CLIENTELEWe cater to all age groups: the female working professional, the young mom and the businessman. On average, our clients spend $50 per visit.

Owners: Carrie Dunne, Lauren Dunne and Chad StebbinsYear Opened: 2015Address: 5236 44th Street NW, Washington, DC 20015Phone Number: 202.506.5308Hours of Operation: Tues. - Fri., 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Website: varnishlane.com

Varnish Lane

IN-DEMAND SERVICEOur most popular service is the Main Lane Manicure and Luxe Lane Pedicure. The Main Lane Manicure begins with a warm towel wrap followed by nail shaping, cuticle care and polish. The Luxe Lane Pedicure starts with an all-natural cleansing oil and a warm towel wrap to clean the feet. We then snip, file, buff and shape the nails and clean up the cuticles, including the use of a callus spray and cuticle remover, which are extremely effective in getting rid of dead skin. The pedicure also includes a natural sugar scrub and a paraffin wax treatment. Having eliminated the foot soak in our services, we can really concentrate on the massage: The pedicure includes a 4-minute massage on each foot!

ADVICEWork hard, but try to stay balanced.

SOCIAL MEDIAOur clients respond mostly to Instagram. They love seeing pictures of the space or images of fun nail designs.

THE GOODSWe wanted to have a mix of polishes that are not offered at most other salons. To that end, we offer Deborah Lippmann, Dior, Chanel, RGB, Lauren B., Zoya, Christian Louboutin, Essie, OPI and Smith & Cult. We also retail products

from Lollia, Kai, Further and Sara Happ. Our bestseller is Sans Skincare, which we also use in our services.

PRAISEWe’ve had numerous people ask us when we’ll be expanding. The fact that people see the potential in our concept and are excited about more locations is the best compliment we could receive!

Varnish Lane owners (from left) Carrie Dunne, Chad Stebbins and Lauren Dunne.