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SEARCHLocated in Seattle’s modern South Lake Union neighborhood, Refine Nails and Spa offers its busy clients a space to relax and feel pampered with a complimentary glass of wine.
The salon’s pink and gold furniture complements the sleek wood floors and muted walls.
The salon’s pink and gold furniture complements the sleek wood floors and muted walls.
Beyond Hair
Hairstylist Kieu Hoang Jorza spent over a decade establishing herself as a hairstylist in a busy, upscale area of Seattle and gained a loyal clientele, allowing her to eventually start working for herself, first taking the leap as a booth renter in 2005. In 2015, she launched Salon Refine, then decided to expand beyond hair by opening Refine Nails and Spa in August 2018.
Although she doesn’t do nails, Jorza makes an effort to help however she can, whether that be buying extra nail supplies, helping to fill the pedicure tub, or seating clients when it gets busy. “I find nails fascinating and creative,” Jorza says. “Being a hairstylist for so long, everything I do is a visual art, and nails give me that energy. When I see a nail tech work, I see her artistry. It’s amazing to watch nails come to life.”
The salon offers services with polish, gel, acrylics, dips, and more.
The salon offers both natural and artificial nails, and nail art like chrome, rhinestones, and Jorza’s personal favorite: marbling. Refine’s specialty service is dip powders, which she says are less frequently offered in the Seattle area.
Salon owner Kieu Hoang Jorza says that hair and nails go hand-in-hand, and she’s attracted to the artistry of beauty.
Bonding Barbecues
Providing product trainings is important for improving skillsets, but Jorza also promotes the team’s ability to work cohesively, and she has thrown team-bonding barbecues to create stronger bonds between staff members.
“During our team bonding, we hang out and cook and eat together and talk about our personal lives and our ups and downs,” she says. “We also talk about the salon and what we can do better — whether it be related to customer service or education. It’s really helpful, and since opening, we’ve really become a big family.”
Rosé All Day
Located near the city’s Facebook and Amazon offices, the neighborhood draws a crowd of professionals who “need this sense of relief after a long day,” she says, and they often opt for add-ons like hot towel wraps and paraffin.
The private lash studio generates substantial additional income, as lash extensions surge in popularity.
Upon arrival, clients are offered a free glass of rosé to enjoy during their service. They’ll often drink while chatting with staff and listening to the nostalgic ’90s R&B and pop music that plays in the background.
The salon itself is a small, intimate space with a feminine, royal theme of pink and gold, which has made it a desirable location for bridal parties, as well as company outings. Jorza says she’s thinking about hosting Botox parties down the road, and perhaps moving the nail and lash studio to a bigger location when the time is right.
“I am just excited about the future and expanding the Refine brand as I continue to learn and grow in the nail industry,” she says.
The salon is primarily appointment based, although they do accept walk-ins.
Salon Name: Refine Nails and Spa
Location: Seattle
Owner: Kieu Hoang Jorza
Opened: August 2018
Square Footage: 600
Number of Nail Techs/Employees: 4/8
Specialties: Dips
Compensation Structure: Seattle minimum wage or 50/50 commission
Website:www.refinenailsandspa.com
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