Cyndy Drummey (left) and I had a great visit with Sassi Nail Bar owners Victoria Vo and Toan Truong.

Cyndy Drummey (left) and I had a great visit with Sassi Nail Bar owners Victoria Vo and Toan Truong. 

PLANT CITY, FLORIDA.  There are times we don’t have to look for a salon to visit when we’re on a trip because the salon owner has already found us. That was the case with Sassi Nail Bar’s Victoria Vo. Sometime at the beginning of the year Victoria sent me an e-mail telling me about her new salon. I saved it and didn’t think about it again until I started planning my tip to Orlando for the Premiere Beauty Show this past June.

Pedicure thrones line one wall with a manicure bar along the opposite wall. The salon features trendy design elements like pink accent walls, interesting lighting, and flowing curtains.

Pedicure thrones line one wall with a manicure bar along the opposite wall. The salon features trendy design elements like pink accent walls, interesting lighting, and flowing curtains. 

Once in Florida, publisher Cyndy Drummey and I set off on our tour of salons. Our first stop was Sassi, located about an hour from Orlando and about 20 minutes from Tampa. The salon sits in a new strip mall next door to a tanning salon (they refer clients back and forth) and doesn’t have much competition in the nail arena close by. Victoria and her husband Toan Truong opened the salon in the winter of 2006. Victoria has been a nail tech for two years (and an esthetician for more than that) and Truong’s family has been in the salon business for years. (His mother and sister both own salons in Orlando, which as it turns out comes in quite handy when purchasing products in bulk or when one of the salons is short-staffed.)

The theme of the salon is modern and trendy (bold pink walls mixed with black, red, and white, accents) and carries the bar idea throughout. Raised by restaurant owners, Victoria set up a nail bar down one side of the salon with a salon menu that reads more like a restaurant menu with tantalizing concoctions to choose from. The other wall is home to a row of pedicure thrones. There is also a separate facial room and a quickie waxing area behind a curtain.

My Fruit Smoothie Pedicure was accompanied by a serving of delicious fruit and chocolates, as well as a laminated card describing the benefits of the different products used in the service.

My Fruit Smoothie Pedicure was accompanied by a serving of delicious fruit and chocolates, as well as a laminated card describing the benefits of the different products used in the service. 

Sassi employs three full specialists (who do both skin and nails) and four nail technicians, and while they do offer enhancements, the salon has become known for its signature services and does a big business on pedicures and natural nails. I opted for the tropical fruit-themed pedicure that came complete with a plate of mixed fruit. Victoria, who was going to be my nail tech, brought out a lovely tray displaying all the products she was using for my service. She also gave me a laminated information card about the products she was using (from Bella Lucce line) and what their benefits are. I thought this was a great personal touch. It’s nice to see a moderately priced salon pay so much attention to detail and customer service.

Hannah Lee

Associate Publisher/Editor

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