Studio City, Calif. — Sree Roy, Managing Editor — I’m really lucky because I got to witness the creation of ROB|B: An OPI Concept Salon from the ground up. I first met the salon’s co-owner Robbie Schaeffer (son of OPI founder George Schaeffer) at the end of 2006, right after he’d confirmed the salon’s location on Ventura Boulevard in Studio City. I then kept in touch with Schaeffer — and co-owner Dan Schilleci and salon M.O.M. (“manage, organize, mentor”) Nadine Galli — through the permitting process, the throes of construction, the hiring and training of employees, and, finally, the opening on October 10, 2008. The entire process was remarkable to watch, and I can now proudly say that this nails-focused salon was worth the wait.

NAILS editor Hannah Lee and I arrived for our appointments on opening day. The high-end design we witnessed upon entering was beautiful. The color scheme is primarily blue and brown, which makes both male and female clients comfortable. Flowing water wall fixtures behind the pedicure chairs add to the pampered feeling. Even little design details make the space feel like the best of the best; for example, I found myself oohing over the stylish door handles and aahing over the Japanese toilet on the second, spa service-focused floor. I also love the second floor’s outdoor deck.

The level of detail continues with the services. The menu has four levels of pedicures, four levels of manicures, plus a list of nail enhancement options and add-ons. I opted for a ROB|B Essential Pedicure, plus nail art. As I sat down, client coordinator Toni Ciaravino asked me to fill out a client profile card, which included a space for the date of my last nail service, current medications, allergies, and any special needs. My nail tech, Cierra Hester, was attentive, even asking me several times during the leg massage if the pressure was OK. At the end of the service, she helped me out of the pedicure chair so I wouldn’t smudge my polish.

The salon also pays attention to the environment. It was built and designed using environmentally sound practices and is expected to earn a gold rating in the LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) program — an independent certification program run by the U.S. Green Building Council — later this year. I know that’s important to a lot of people, including myself. It’s one more motivation for me to visit this salon again and to encourage other friends and even nail techs and salon owners to visit it as well. It’s truly a benchmark for salon design, customer service, and precise planning.

 

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