NAILS is proud to announce that Ilene Gibbons, owner of Top Floor Nail Salon in Tulsa, Okla., is the winner of the second annual Golden Reel Awards, sponsored by Beatrice Kaye. The award recognizes exceptional achievement in natural nail care. Gibbons became a fan of natural nail care when she lived in Hawaii when she was exposed to natural essences and herbs. Now she blends her own oils for massage and aromatherapy, and says her pedicure is better than the fan­ciest salon’s. Here’s the letter that swayed the judges:

“Shortly after moving back to the mainland from Hawaii, I started doing nails again. I decided to volunteer some time to women and children in shelters for domestic violence. I polished nails for the residents twice a month for a period of about six months. The women appreciated having their nails polished, but the small children were always waiting for me and called me the ‘nail lady. ‘They always chose bright polish so they could show their friends at school. I received the greatest joy when looking into their sparkling eyes and seeing their big smiles.”

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