Within six weeks of opening the nail salon, owner Devin Strebler says they were fully booked.  
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Within six weeks of opening the nail salon, owner Devin Strebler says they were fully booked. 

In the Beginning 

When she was a child, Devin Strebler frequented beauty supply stores with her mom, who was a hairdresser. She would always gravitate toward polishes and paints, and from a young age, experimented with nail art on her own nails as well as on friends.

“It was a hobby I loved,” she says. “In high school, I had a strong love for art as a subject, and when I graduated, I decided to turn it into a career. My mom always owned her own hair salon and I knew one day I wanted to be as successful, but most importantly, as happy as my mom.”

Following in her mom’s footsteps, Strebler met two other talented beauty-minded friends while attending nail school, one of whom was actually her teacher and specializes in acrylics, and the other who specializes in skin care. The three of them opened Nail Addicts Studio in the same plaza as her mom’s hair salon in Largo, Fla., in August 2019.

“It was meant to be,” says Strebler. “The vibe is strong.”

Strebler’s favorite style of nail art features ’90s cartoons.     -

Strebler’s favorite style of nail art features ’90s cartoons.   

Strebler (middle) along with her two business partners, Courtney Sequoia (skincare specialist, left) and Melissa Gratton (acrylics specialist, right).  -

Strebler (middle) along with her two business partners, Courtney Sequoia (skincare specialist, left) and Melissa Gratton (acrylics specialist, right).

Propelled by Nail Art 

The salon was a quick hit. Strebler and the team went from mostly walk-in clients to being fully booked within six weeks. And it’s no surprise when glancing over their work. From spot-on miniature nail paintings of Hey Arnold! characters (Strebler’s favorite art to do is cartoons) to impeccable creamy pink coffin nails with perfectly encapsulated mini-strawberries, the quality of work is admirable to say the least.

In addition to the insanely intricate nail art, the salon’s decor likely draws in the eccentric clients who desire these far-out nails. Every possible section of the salon showcases an ode to her adolescence, with decor that celebrates iconic ’90s imagery like Furby stuffed toys and posters featuring pop stars like Britney Spears.

“Growing up in the ’90s, I had an amazing childhood,” Strebler says. “The music, style, TV shows, cartoons, toys… I mean nothing will ever compare. It was all so chic and pretty, yet edgy and fun, and that’s exactly what we’ve created!”

People often post photos of the salon to their social media accounts, helping her gain new clients.  -

People often post photos of the salon to their social media accounts, helping her gain new clients.

The decor of the salon is geared to celebrate Strebler’s love for the ’90s, complete with a Furby and a lava lamp.   -

The decor of the salon is geared to celebrate Strebler’s love for the ’90s, complete with a Furby and a lava lamp. 

Spreading on Social Media 

Clients who visit often post photos of the salon to their social media accounts, which undoubtedly has helped spread awareness about her location in Largo, a town outside of Tampa that Strebler says was in need of something cool, trendy, and most importantly, high quality. She hopes to expand to another salon with a similar ’90s feel eventually, and maybe even one day do celebrity nails — Cardi B and Lady Gaga would be her top two choices. For now, she’s focused on ensuring the best experience possible at Nail Addicts Studio.

“I hope our clients enjoy all the artwork both on the nails and around the salon,” she says. “I want them to feel these nostalgic vibes and be brought back to a more ‘carefree’ time.”

 

Quick Look

Salon Name: Nail Addicts Studio 
Location: Largo, Fla.
Owner: Devin Strebler 
Square Footage: 650
Opened: August 2019
Number of Nail Techs/Employees: 2/3
Specialties: ’90s nail art
Instagram: @nailaddictsllc

 

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