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SEARCHAfter three successful years owning and operating a waxing studio in Banker’s Hill, Deven Taylor and Amber Lively relocated their business to nearby tourist mecca Old Town San Diego, introducing the neighborhood’s only nail, waxing, and skin care studio.
NAILS production manager Carla Benavidez enjoyed a pampering manicure in San Diego's historical Old Town area, the neighborhood’s only nail, waxing, and skin care studio.
Retreat From the Everyday
The studio offers a full-service spa menu: nails, skin care, waxing, tanning, and (by appointment only) massage. However, when it came to deciding on a name for the new studio, Deven and Amber eschewed any reference to "beauty spa," instead opting for a name that suggests a fun, feminine beauty retreat. Both licensed estheticians, Amber and Deven provide the waxing and skin care services at the studio and have two nail technicians on staff as well.
Everything Nice
As its name suggests, Sugar & Spice is pure confectionery, right down to the candy bar prominently displayed at the service counter. The studio offers a girly yet relaxed vibe, in part achieved by the interior space: walls bathed in pink and brown, delicate tree murals in the service rooms, and pretty but rustic touches like the chandelier that hangs from a ceiling draped in tulle. From the reconditioned antique chairs in the waiting area to the studio’s colonial storefront, you can’t help but appreciate the nod to the neighborhood’s early California heritage.
Natural Nails
The studio offers natural nail services, and the Shellac manicure has become the cornerstone of its nail service menu. Nail tech Nissa Naviello attended CND training courses and then took her time perfecting the service in order to master it for her clients. As a result, I received a flawless gel polish manicure, just in time for my holiday weekend, which remained chip free for a full three weeks. Clients have a considerable amount of comfort and privacy since the service room only accommodates one client at a time and yet has its own lounge seating for additional guests.
Fun Facts
With a total of 14 years of combined experience in waxing and skin-care services, Amber and Deven eventually felt they needed a more effective product to offer their clients for post-wax skin care. Taking matters into their own hands, they developed their own product, Pureste, which soothes skin and prevents ingrown hairs.
The Pregnancy Brazilian is the studio’s unique waxing treatment, designed
to ease the sensitivity that occurs during pregnancy. Clients are given an application of numbing cream and two extra-gentle types of wax are used.
The studio recently hosted a Day of Beauty for local parents of children with autism — an event officially commended by the Autism Society of San Diego. Their next beauty event will be geared toward the needs of local military wives, a prominent population in the San Diego area.
Menu Highlights
Shellac Manicure: $35
Shellac Pedicure: $45
Pregnancy Brazilian: $48
Airbrush Tanning: $35
75 minute Signature Facial: $100
Product Highlights
Polish:CND Shellac Nail System and OPI Nail Lacquer
Skin Care: Epicuren skin care treatments and lotions, Pureste after-waxing skin care treatment
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