I was at the Newton MiniLuxe on a not very busy morning--there were five clients being served. While I waited for my manicure to begin, I asked if I could have a magazine. ""They're all in use right now,"" said the woman at the desk. Five customers were reading ALL of the magazines? The most low-budget salon in Manhattan can do better than that.
On top of the water cooler, I noticed both paper cups for water and mugs for hot beverages. I asked one of the workers if this meant tea was available. I got an eye-roll as a response. I didn't push it.
A full 15 minutes later, while I was getting my manicure, an employee stands in the middle of the salon and announces: ""Who wanted the tea?"" I was handed a cup of terrible rust-colored stuff with artificial sweetener already in it. Again, far more modest salons in Boston or NY can do better than that.
I could deal with the irregular edges on my nails if the atmosphere was warm and pleasant. I do not blame the women who work there for that atmosphere--except for the immaculate white walls and the relative quiet, the place has as much atmosphere as a dollar store on 14th St. I hear the corporate head is looking to expand the brand quickly. Is the owner in such a rush to go big that employees are treated like replaceable units? That's the impression MiniLuxe left with me--a place where the workers don't seem valued.
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