MENU
SEARCHAfter realizing very few New York nail salons met her standards for quality and care, Russian nail tech Katya Kan decided to open up her own healthy, odor-free salon in the heart of Brooklyn.
The salon interior hosts an abundance of plants and fresh flowers along the sides of each station, and a rack of thought-provoking books.
The salon interior hosts an abundance of plants and fresh flowers along the sides of each station, and a rack of thought-provoking books.
When Ruchki da Nozhki owner Katya Kan moved from Sakhalin, Russia, to New York in 2011, she quickly realized how different the U.S. nail industry was in comparison to her homeland. In Russia, Kan says, a manicure is considered a luxury, while in New York a manicure is considered an affordable weekly treatment.
“Guests can walk in, which is different from Europe, where you would need to make an appointment weeks and sometimes months in advance,” she says. “Yet with a density of one salon per block here in New York, I had difficulty finding a place that met my standards for cleanliness, quality, and customer service.”
The vents at each salon station are perfectly concealed for the sake of design, comfort, and functionality.
This led her to open Ruchki da Nozhki — a nail lounge dedicated to elevating every detail of the salon experience, from air quality and sanitary conditions to fair treatment of employees and the use of natural products. Since opening in March 2017, Ruchki da Nozhki has become one of the first nail salons to meet New York’s recently enacted ventilation standards.
Feeling as though no English words could capture the essence of the salon, Kan struggled to think of a name. So she decided to stay true to her roots and name the salon Ruchki da Nozhki, which means “little hands, little feet” in Russian.
“It conveys warmth, care, and playfulness,” she explains. “It is unique and reflects my heritage, and our guests love to pronounce Ruchki for a manicure and Nozhki for a pedicure.”
Katya Kan received a degree in fashion merchandising before opting to work as a nail tech.
With a simple but comprehensive menu, guests can choose from three main services: the “Relax” service, a classic manicure or pedicure with a relaxing three-minute massage; the “Pamper” service, which includes additional exfoliation and essential oils; and the “Indulge,” a spa option featuring a soak, mask, exfoliation, and a longer massage.
All products used during services are natural or certified organic, and the salon carries a vast selection of Zoya and Deborah Lippmann polishes.
As for the salon stations, each is equipped with a built-in exhaust system that eliminates vapors at the source of exposure. The salon also avoids using acrylics or hard gels to contribute to the quality of air.
The sleek exterior blends in with the neighborhood’s modern high-rises and beautiful brownstones.
Located in the heart of Brooklyn, the salon’s atmosphere is just
as unique as its surrounding neighborhood — a welcoming, vibrant environment filled with people from different backgrounds and cultures.
Inside, the salon’s warm colors range from a trendy “millennial” pink to soft grays. The plants, fresh flowers, and the subtle smell of lavender and lemongrass all add to a feeling
of comfort and peace.
At Ruchki da Nozhki, it’s all about creating lasting memories for both the client and the nail tech. “Everything we do is focused on people — our relationships, daily interactions, and friendships with each other, the experience inside the salon, meeting their family and loved ones,” Kan says. “Being able to connect with people at meaningful, intimate moments is something that makes me feel very lucky.”
The “millennial” pink walls add softness to the custom-made wooden shelves throughout the space.
Salon name: Ruchki da Nozhki Nail Lounge
Location: Brooklyn, New York
Owner: Katya Kan
Square footage: 715
Opened: March 2017
Number of nail techs/employees: 12/14
Specialties: Manicures, pedicures, and waxing
Compensation structure: Hourly wage plus commission
Website:www.rdnsalon.com
Square data shows that regular customers tip 11% higher and are shared across 32% of businesses in the same ZIP code, driving thousands of dollars in additional revenue per connection.
When Bowie Lau and Jeffrey Ching opened JBW Jeffrey Ching Salon in 2011, they weren’t just launching another luxury hair destination—they were building a business rooted in passion, artistry, and thoughtful growth.
Sponsored by Amex
Inside the Systems That Power an Elevated Salon Experience From seamless online booking to a team-first culture, J Gold Salon in Atlanta offers more than great hair—it delivers consistent, high-touch service with the help of partners like Boulevard and American Express.
Sponsored by Amex
Want to grow your career as a beauty professional? K18 Sales Manager Sabrina Sanborn shares advice on networking, mentorship, and self-advocacy—from attending hair shows to finding the right guidance to reach your goals.
A combination of clear policies, effective communication, and strong client relationships has helped me create a more reliable and efficient booking system.
Founded by Cleveland serial entrepreneur Shaura Rodgers, Nailtorious has grown to include a nail supply megastore, training facilities, and retail line for nail techs.
This period after the holidays can bring on a huge lull for hairstylists. We asked Cosmo Prof's team of professionals to offer their best advice on how to deal with the January-February slow period.
Key highlights include a push toward inclusive spaces for all abilities, an emphasis on maximizing livable square footage, and a continued love for modern farmhouse exteriors.
The busy holiday season is here, and with it comes jam-packed days, last-minute client requests and booming retail sales. For many salon owners, the highlight of the season is Small Business Saturday® (SBS). This year on Saturday, November 30, consumers can take their shopping into the small businesses in their communities.
Sponsored by Amex
Want to become savvy about your personal finances, but don't quite know where to start? Anna Manukyan identifies six important concepts for building a strong financial foundation.
Salon owner Nuri Yurt had a dream of owning a salon on New York City’s Madison Avenue. "Through perseverance, hard work and stellar customer service, he and partner John Kaygisiz founded Toka Salon in 2007.
Sponsored by Amex
This guide is your one-stop shop for a plethora of technology tools, software and services created to keep your salon or spa thriving.
Anna Manukyan shares a breakdown of what different types of financial accounts should be used for.
Vagaro has consistently been at the forefront of salon software technology, helping businesses be more efficient, create more effective communication, and even improve company culture. Now, Connect by Vagaro, the platform’s two-way communication capability, and Vagaro’s new generative AI tools are giving owners new opportunities to grow and expand.
Sponsored by Vagaro
Young Nails' Greg, Habib, and Tracey discuss whether getting too close to clients can damage your business.
This list of watch-outs from @jodydoesjels prompted us to reach out to her and learn more. We had already fallen for her hand-painted designs and now we wanted to know more about this list she created to help clients decide if she was the nail tech for them.
Education is necessary for beauty professionals to maintain their cosmetology licenses, and paying for that education can be burdensome, but it doesn't have to be. Understand which education tax credits can help you offset those costs.
