MENU
SEARCHThe Nail Bar in Denver offers natural nail services and specialized medical-style pedicures — which seem to agree quite well with the thousands of fit baby boomers that populate the Mile-High City.
GOOD, AND GOOD FOR YOU: Located in Denver, the nation’s “Baby Boomer Capital,” where one-third of the population is between the ages of 35 and 54, The Nail Bar makes the most of its mature, health-minded clientele by offering natural nail services and its trademark “Medi Pedi.”
“The Nail Bar promotes only natural manicures and pedicures. We educate our clients on consistent, proper care of the hands and feet,” says owner Michelle Marchand. “Our clients are typically businessmen and women. They are generally weekly clients who care about the health of their hands and feet.”
But banish all thoughts of a clinical atmosphere and stark service offerings, and imagine instead a bright and airy salon offering a wholesome menu. With an inviting four-station nail bar, two squishy leather pedicure stations, warm hardwood floors, and nary a harsh scent to be found, The Nail Bar is a breath of fresh air for clients and nail techs alike.
Salon Name: The Nail Bar
Location: Denver, Colorado
Owner: Michelle Marchand (left)
Square Footage: 630
Years of Ownership: 2,
Number of Nail Techs: 3
Specialties: Medi Pedi, natural manicures and pedicures.
Other Services: esthetics
For Marchand, the charm of her salon also lies in what isn’t there. “Clients are happy because the salon is pretty and there are no harsh odors from chemicals. Low, easy-listening music replaces the loud techno music sometimes associated with modern salons.”
THE ROAD TO WELLVILLE: The brainchild of Marchand, a 15-year veteran of the nail industry, The Nail Bar opened its doors in 2002, and its focus on natural nail care was no accident. “I graduated from beauty school in 1989,” says Marchand. “I soon realized acrylics weren’t my thing.”
Turning her attention to natural nail care, Marchand studied under one nail tech for three years before venturing out to booth rent. In 2000, Marchand enrolled and graduated from an advanced foot care program offered through a school recognized by the Canadian Examining Board of Health Care Practitioners.
Armed with her certificate and ready to put her advanced foot care expertise to good use, in 2002 Marchand found the space that would become The Nail Bar. “I always had the desire to be a business owner,” says Marchand “I always kept a folder with my ideas and future salon plans in it. I wanted to design a salon where manicurists could work efficiently and clients could be comfortable.”
Located in a middle-income residential area, The Nail Bar shares a small shopping center with restaurants, a women’s gym, a grocery store, and a liquor store.
IT DOES A BODY GOOD’ The Nail Bar offers two tiers of manicure services, three tiers of pedicure services, and esthetic services including waxing, and eyelash and eyebrow tinting. But its claim to fame lies in its “Medi Pedi” service. Taking her expertise in foot care, Marchand performs medical- style pedicures.
The Medi Pedi service lasts 40 to 60 minutes and is tailored to treat ingrown toenails, warts, corns, and fungus. While it does not include the feel-good massage, it is perfect for those clients looking to improve the health of their feet.
Clients looking for a little more pampering opt for The Nail Bar’s namesake pedicure, which includes a hand treatment. Feet soak in warm milk and almond oil while the hands are slathered in lotion and popped into warm mitts. Cuticles, nails, and calluses are tended to, followed by an exfoliation, massage, and moisturizer.
Manicures are thorough, but veer away from frou-frou. There are no flowers floating in the soak, no fancy serums, and no extended massages. Good, old-fashioned nail care takes the place of the spa-like ceremony. But clients can opt to add-on a hot mitt or wax treatment. The most popular treatment is the combination mani/pedi, says Marchand, which most regular clients return for weekly and monthly.
The Nail Bar carries its health-minded approach into the retail area. “We sell various types of formaldehyde- free polish, skin hydration products, and oils,” explains Marchand. Makeup and skin care products are also popular retail items. Marchand hopes to soon carry doctor-prescribed body and skin care products.
The quality-over- quantity approach is working for Marchand, who is considering adding tanning services and hopes to open a second location.
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.
