Open for less than a year, this urban chic salon has a cool vibe that meshes well in its up-and-coming Brooklyn neighborhood.
by Carla Benavidez
October 4, 2011
3 min to read
Posh staff members from left to right are Jacyna Murray, Nikkeya Spence, Tiffany George, Kenyatta “Joi” Offutt, Debra Pakeman (manager), and Terri Streat (owner).
From Numbers to Nails During her 10 years building a career in finance, Terri Streat had a passion for the beauty industry. In 2010, she redirected her path to open a salon in Brooklyn. Armed with her business management skills and a newly acquired license in nail technology, Posh BK opened its doors in March 2011. Streat recruited Debra Pakeman, a long-time friend and nail tech, who moved across the country to help manage the salon. Pakeman is a pivotal part of the business, providing over 15 years of industry experience. Pakeman performed my ultra-relaxing CND Tantalizing Citrus Spa Manicure, topped with OPI Shatter.
A Salon Grows in Brooklyn When looking for a location, Streat found Crown Heights to have many signs of revitalization: a gentrifying area with a mix of young, old, and new families; recent growth in small businesses; and residents with a desire to patronize locally. Streat answered that need with Posh’s menu of natural nail care and waxing services. Clients are greeted by Posh’s brick interior, which was preserved from the building’s original architecture. The space was designed to be familiar to clients who live in the brownstones Brooklyn is known for.
Ad Loading...
Sanitation and Sweets In her research, Streat found that for other local nail salons, sanitation seemed low on the list of priorities. At Posh, every implement is double sanitized, or disposed of, and each client leaves with a charmingly wrapped “care package” including file, pusher, and buffer. Streat opted for pipe-less pedicure spas and the staff explains the benefits to new clients. Still, as important as sanitation is at Posh, there is no lack of fun: the drying counter has candy bowls, encouraging clients to leave with a little something sweet.
Fun Facts: > On the day I visited, Posh was the venue of a Pretty Little Princess Spa Day. Little ladies brought in by moms and family members were given a complimentary manicure or pedicure and treated to cupcakes and refreshments. The princesses of Crown Heights left with sparkling tiaras and brightly colored fingers and toes. > Streat and Pakeman are keenly aware of the tandem relationship between marketing and networking. Streat believes in a grassroots approach to reaching clients with community events and co-op promotions. Yet they are also aware of the part social networking plays in the success of a new business. Clients can follow the salon on Twitter and “like” its Facebook page for information on upcoming events, new products, and service specials. > The Crow Hill Community Association provided the planter that accents the salon’s storefront, one of the many ways the 25-year-old organization shows support for up-and-coming businesses.
Menu Highlights: CND Tantalizing Citrus Spa Manicure: $25; CND Shellac or Hand & Nail Harmony’s Gelish Gel Color Manicure: $35; Cool Mint Spa Pedicure: $40; Little Miss Manicure: $10; Little Miss Pedicure: $15
Product Highlights: Polish: OPI, Essie, China Glaze, Zoya Gel Polish: CND Shellac, Hand & Nail Harmony’s Gelish Mani/Pedi Products: CND, OPI
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.