When I found out my favorite waxing studio Queen Bee Salon and Spa also offers nail services, I had to book an appointment. The mani/pedi area (made up of a lobby and two rooms) is located in a back bungalow adorned with unique furniture and décor pieces.  It has a creative spunk matching that of the salon’s employees. From the esthetician to the receptionist (or “greeting bee”), everyone I’ve met is super friendly, professional, and passionate about what they do. When this type of atmosphere is so palpable, it makes a huge difference for the customer experience.  

While Queen Bee tries to keep its nail services as natural as possible, with products like SpaRitual and Butter London, they’re big fans of CND Vinylux as well as nail art. My manicurist was Jennie Hoang, the nail art aficionado on staff. Half Vietnamese, Hoang says nails was a big part of her culture growing up and she’s been practicing her craft since she was 16. She’s worked at Queen Bee for the last three years. Most of her clients are working professionals and mothers who tend to stick to the basics, so Hoang mostly fills requests for simple abstract designs or hearts. Needless to say, she was happy when I gave her full rein with my manicure.

Queen Bee has two locations, one in Culver City, Calif. and the other in Brentwood, Calif. Only the Culver branch offers nail services.