Tamara Di Lullo, owner of Candy Nail Bar in Montreal, had an interest in nails from a young age. And though she opened up her own salon after going down a different career path, finding the perfect location was the first step. “We had the option of moving into the space we’re in now or going into downtown Montreal,” says Di Lullo. She settled on her current location because “it was a cool area in the ’90s, but it’s growing again—our business has really helped attract trendy restaurants and grow the clientele.”
50 Shades of pink
To create a space that was fit for manicures, pedicures and, of course, larger parties, it was important to create an environment that stood out. “It’s girlie and over the top, but glam, too—I wanted it to look like a dollhouse,” explains Di Lullo. And while it’s not a reflection of her personal style, the decor and level of service is what sets their nail bar apart from other nail salons in the area. “I have clients coming in saying ‘This is what I’d do in my house if my boyfriend weren’t around,’” making it the ultimate girl cave.
Designer dollhouse
“I think the reason [the design] works is that, even though there’s a lot going on, it’s clean,” explains Di Lullo. When it came to pulling her design together, she says, “I didn’t get all of the elements from one source: I went to estate sales and bought antiques and either refurbished or reupholstered them myself or custom-made them.” Citing her background in fashion as the basis for her design, Di Lullo explains, “There’s a lot going on, but there was also a lot of thought put into the details to make sure the textures and colours worked together.”
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Details
Opened in 2009, expanded in 2011
Space
2,200 square feet
Team
7 to 13 nail technicians, depending on the season
Brands
CND
OPI
Essie
Artistic Nail Design
Bio Seaweed Gel
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