Nailing it with every design

The scent of peppermint and spearmint fills the air when stepping into Blessed Salon and Spa, a refreshing difference to the chemical smell typically associated with acrylic nail salons. Shelves are aligned with an array of different polishes and gems while nail tools fill the space. The nail studio itself is in a different room from the other services they provide, creating a more relaxed environment.

Melanie Manzo moved to Humboldt 10 years ago and started getting into nails at 26 after viewing online posts.

“Before I was doing nails, I was too shy to ask for specific designs. So I just decided to do it at home and practice on myself,” Manzo said.

Manzo went to Fredrick and Charles Beauty College in Eureka, where she graduated with her cosmetology license. Manzo has been working at Blessed Salon and Spa for two months, where she specializes in Gel-X nails and waxing.

“I learned everything on my own from the internet and with the cosmetology license, you’re able to do hair, skin and nails, but they didn’t really teach you so much about nail structure and stuff. I learned more about diseases and skin conditions and stuff, which was really, really good to learn,” Manzo said. “But as far as retention and nail art and longevity and cuticle care, I kind of learned on my own. So just having a few years of practice, of trial and error and practicing on my friends and them giving me feedback. I’ve kind of got a little system down.”

Amberstar Gambrell let Manzo practice on her for a few years before becoming an official client.

“I always feel beautiful when I’m wearing her sets,” Gambrell said.

Gambrell has seen the years of progress Manzo has made and after trying different nail technicians, she decided Manzo is her best fit.

“She genuinely cares about the health of your nails rather than just pumping clients out. I’ve gone to other nail techs, and once I leave and see a little bit of regrowth, or even see after taking off the nail that my nail bed is very much compromised by other nail techs at times. I’ve never felt that way with her work,” Gambrell said.

Manzo does appointments only and tries to set up consultations before to understand what the client wants. Her style in nail art ranges from Y2K, early 2000s, goth and alternative styles. Manzo makes it clear to clients that she uses HEMA-free products and has products for longer wear or sensitive skin.

“It just really feels like everything is custom all the way down to how she fixes the nails to your nail bed,” Gambrell said.

Consuelo Diaz, a client at the salon, decided to book with Manzo three months ago and has become a regular client since.

“She’s really great and attentive and I feel like overall she has been an awesome tech for me,” Diaz said. “So I’ve recommended her to two other people already.”

Diaz likes Manzo’s nail work because of how dedicated she is when it comes to the quality of her work.

“She was always very much like, ‘No, I want to make sure my work is done right. Please keep me updated. If anything happens, I want to make sure that we get that fixed for you.’ So she was always very on it, and I really appreciated that,” Diaz said.

Manzo wants her clients to leave her chair with nails they would be happy to show off. Manzo’s goal is to accommodate her clients and create an environment where they are comfortable.

“I think the versatility of collaborating, when people are in my chair, sometimes we kind of just have a vibe in mind and as we go, I give them all the options of what direction we want to go, and it’s not so much of a rushed appointment,” Manzo said. “I try to create an atmosphere
where we’re kind of hanging out and we’re figuring it out as we go, and then they have more freedom to, you know, create a design that they like.”