New Salon Represents “Leap of Faith”

You may not know Philly Arnold — the owner of the newly opened Ft. Worth, Texas, salon called Spa 270° — but you may be familiar with her late husband, Dr. Dennis Arnold. Dr. Arnold, a podiatrist, founded the International Pedicure Association (IPA). He passed away in October 2008 after a long battle with cancer. NAILS asked Philly to tell us about her path to a new career in the nail industry.

What inspired you to open a nail salon after the death of your husband?

Arnold: Together we had attended trade shows across the country promoting the IPA. We were, and I still am, passionate about the nail industry and wanted to do something to help this dream live on. I could not imagine, with my short time on this earth, not trying to make it great. I began learning the nail spa business from the ground up, first completing nail technician training and then obtaining a Texas manicurist license.

What was your background before nails?

Arnold: My background includes a bachelor’s degree in business administration, many years of experience in directing charities, as well as valuable insight gained during my career in pharmaceutical sales. I took a leap of faith, leased two rooms near downtown Fort Worth, one for manicures and the other for pedicures, and opened Spa 270°. I am very excited about providing my clients this hygienic approach to safer manicures and pedicures.

Where did the name of the salon come from?

Arnold: Two hundred seventy degrees is the temperature at which special medical-grade equipment sterilizes — the temperature at which all tools are serviced at Spa 270° nail spa — maximizing health and safety for every spa client.

As a new tech, what have you learned since opening the salon about real-world nails?

Arnold: Yes, I am a new nail technician — and in my 50s, I might add! Because this is a new career path for me, it has been necessary to learn the various nail procedures and applications, while also learning the business side. I would have to say, it is challenging, especially in this economy. I admire my team of experienced nail technicians, knowing that it takes great talent and people skills to keep clients happy and rebooking and to stay knowledgeable on the various nail treatments and procedures. What I have learned since opening the spa is that when challenges arise, staying in alignment with the promise, mission, and focus for Spa 270°, no matter what, helps to create peace and clarity in my final decisions.