I was recently back home in Peru for a friend’s wedding and decided to get my nails done in my own country, something I have never experienced there. So the day before the wedding, my friend Gaby and I decided to visit Gim’s salon.

I heard about Gim’s through friends. Apparently it’s also well-known by local TV celebrities in Peru. Gim’s is located in a busy area of Lima, the capital of Peru, so it was pretty easy to find. I was originally housed in a smaller space but soon relocated to a larger and better situated area, where nail services could get the attention and space they deserve. Most salons in Peru do not specialize in nails only, but offer hair and nail services to their customers; however, the spa concept in Peru has become very popular in recent years. Gim’s, named after owner Guillermo Sandoval Augurto’s nickname, offers a wide array of services besides nails, including professional makeup and hair, massage, facials, and waxing. A large retail area provides clients with cosmetics, skin care products, polish, candles, and other gifts. Two full-time nail techs, a makeup artist, and an esthetician attend to client’s needs.

Even though nails is not one of the strongest sellers for Gim’s salon (bridal makeup is big) I still received an attentive and professional service from my nail tech, Isabel. She has been a nail tech for more than 10 years, specializing in natural nails. In Peru nail techs are not required to be licensed, but the salons are. However, there are not many lawsuits or problems with the services performed.

Isabel was friendly and very professional, as she made me feel right at home, keeping me up with the latest news and trends. As I sat back, soaking my feet and chatting with my friends, who was nervous about the wedding preparations, we both couldn’t help but to become instantly relaxed. I brought a copper color for my fingers and toes to go with the dress I’d be wearing for the wedding: Gaby decided to go for an acrylic French manicure. At the salon’s request, she even went back the following day, the day of the wedding to get her nails retouched and ready.

“It’s all about final touches,” was what Augurto told us. I really liked how clean and polished my nails looked. My friend also had her hair and makeup done by Augurto, who did a fabulous job. He usually works with a bride for about a week before the wedding day prepping her nails and skin and selecting the colors she’ll be wearing that day. His attention to detail and professional manner have given him a great reputation among celebrities, and he often works on photo shoots for local magazines and TV.

Overall y experience at Gim’s was not only invigorating during the busy days I spent there, but it also forced me to take a break, relax, and sit and chat with my dear friend, the bride.

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