First Time For Everything

Since landing my job at NAILS Magazine there has been something a little hard for me to admit: it’s been a long time between manicure and pedicure appointments. In fact, I have only had one professional manicure in my life, and that was years ago.

And I probably would have gone to get my routine pedicure at the same old place, if a recent Living Social deal had not caught my eye. It was for a pumpkin pedicure at Elizabeth Ashton Ayurvedic Nail Spa in Long Beach. And if you know me, then you know I love pumpkin. The thought of a seasonal manicure and pedicure in my favorite flavor was beyond tempting, so I bought the deal.

And what a deal it was! Elizabeth personalizes every aspect of the appointment. From the moment I walked through the door with my pumpkin latte I felt an air of calm. “Ayurvedic” means “science of life” in Sanskrit. Elizabeth’s spa is dedicated to rejuvenating your mind, body, and all facets of life. Candles are lit, the water is the perfect temperature, the music plays, and conversation with Elizabeth is like talking to an old friend. The hum of the neighborhood outside is heard but it is welcome. You are reminded that life goes on outside the spa, but this is your opportunity to take a break and escape. Still, there is something refreshing in the fact that neighborhood children peek in, kind passersby give a warm hello, and friends stop in just to see if Elizabeth is there. I liked the idea of women having a place to gather and talk after a busy day. Elizabeth’s friends BJ and Malia stopped by and added to the hospitality of the spa. Elizabeth told me that everyone who finds their way into her space ends up meeting someone with whom they have something in common. She believes that everyone who steps foot in her door is meant to be there; they are brought to her by a higher power and meant to cross paths with all inside.

I learned that Elizabeth has grown up helping others. She enjoys taking care of people and seeing them happy and healthy. She paints my toes in a Jessica jewel tone that is perfect for fall. But I would have liked them equally as much had they been bare — my feet looked so good. As someone who wears a lot of heels, is a runner, and owns two cats who like to scratch my legs and feet, I give credit to anyone who can fix me from the toes up.

When it comes to my hands, I am uncertain of what to do. My lone manicure in life was a clear polish; a blank canvas that could go with anything. Since I like to wear a lot of sparkle in my accessories and clothing, I was fine with having minimal nails. But Elizabeth insisted I try something new and cool; I work at NAILS after all. I am so glad I took her advice and trusted her with my manicure. She had loads of pictures on her phone of her previous work. While looking through beautiful pictures of nails upon nails, Malia mentioned a favorite manicure Elizabeth had tried on her. She thought it would be something that suited me. They found the picture of layered glitters and clear gel polish, and I fell in love. Elizabeth was right: Malia and I were meant to meet.

Since it has been a decade since my last manicure, I had never experienced the force that is gel-polish. But Elizabeth took care of that. Fresh off a workshop in Anaheim with Young Nails, Elizabeth carefully applied the coats and then the glitter. When it came time to stick my hands in the curing light, I was a bit nervous. Elizabeth told me to go slowly, and I did, like driving my car through the car wash. We nicknamed the manicure the Malializa. I can’t wait to see what Elizabeth and Malia inspire next.

I was so happy that my nails dried so fast and looked so cool. This is the best they have ever looked. Elizabeth is a perfectionist, so there isn’t so much as a fleck of glitter outside my nails. As they turn to catch the light the blues and greens truly shimmer. My nails feel stronger and healthier. I feel like I have evolved light years from my home manicures done while watching television. Those used to chip the next day, but these sparkly tips feel like they will last forever.

Elizabeth promised me at the beginning of the appointment that she would take care of me. I not only felt refreshed and more confident, but I felt like I had learned a lot from someone who loved sharing the science of wellness with others. When you are with Elizabeth, you are in good hands. I have to agree with her statement that I was meant to travel down Broadway last night. Elizabeth’s healing presence stayed with me the whole drive home. I actually felt so good with my new nails that I stayed out in Elizabeth’s neighborhood and enjoyed a glass of wine before taking in the art galleries. But the real art was on my nails, and I still can’t stop looking at them.

This experience was eye opening for me, as it set in that nails are a labor of love. Caring for others is at the root of this profession, and it becomes all about the connections that are made. Whether hung on a wall or coated on tips, art exists to inspire those around us. I thank Elizabeth for inspiring me to care for others as well as their art.

—Beth