Despite having been in business just six months, San Jose, Calif.-based That’s So Pedi Nail Salon beat out well established salons to be voted #1 for manicures and #2 for pedicures in the Metro newspaper’s 2009 Best of Silicon Valley reader survey.


“I can hardly contain myself!” says owner Shelly Bennett. “Since opening my doors, money has been tight and I haven’t been able to afford any advertising. This will definitely help.” Bennett attributes her popularity to a few key practices:


> My manicures include paraffin and my clients love it — even if it’s 100 degrees outside! I think it’s a comfort thing. I pour the paraffin into plastic bags and place the bags around their hands. That’s when I give them a hand massage.


> I give my clients full control of the water temperature when filling my pedicure tubs. New clients are always pleased with this and say they’ve never been asked how they prefer their water temperature.


> I educate every client who sits in my chair on what to look for in a nail salon. I always explain proper disinfection protocol for both my implements and my pedicure tubs. You should see their face when I explain what the cuticle is. I’ve been told on several occasions, “Wow, your pedicures don’t even hurt!” I let them know that no nail service should ever hurt.


> I also make my clients feel like I’ve known them for years. They all want to hug me when they leave!

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