Focus On: Bebe Nails

By Boyana Peeva

VALDOSTA — Bebe Nails brought the nail salon business to a whole new level since its opening on Nov. 9.

Michael Le and his wife Tina Tran had — and still do — a Bebe Nails salon in Detroit, Mich., for five years. However, a year ago they moved to Valdosta as they have relatives in the area and opened one here.

They deliberately chose the location next to the Harveys on Bemiss Road since, according to Le, there are not many nail salons in the area and it’s closer to Moody Air Force Base. With five years in the nail salon business, Le and Tran have learned that cleanliness and excellent customer service is what attracts the customers.

A relaxing atmosphere with soothing music and some massage chairs helps, too.

“We are not rushing the customer. We take the time to do our job,” Le said.

A special ventilation system was installed to help with the smell from the nail polishes. Everything is brand new and sterile, too.

Le explained that the nail kits they use for nails are one-time-use only. At the end, customers can take the kit with them, or Bebe Nails will destroy it to make sure nobody else will reuse it. The salon has brand new and luxurious furniture, and, to complement the experience, a mini bar is available so customers can enjoy free soft drinks while getting their nails done. Bebe also provides space for private parties.

“There are a lot of nail salons, but they don't have the ultimate, unique style of a place to do nails, a place to do an after-party for a private group. You can bring your DVD or CD and your family can relax and watch,” Le said.

Q: What is your slogan?

A: When you’re here, you’re family, meaning that we will provide outstanding customer service and will accommodate your needs.

Q: What services do you offer?

A: Acrylic and gel nails, pink and white, fiberglass, sculptured nails, manicure, pedicure, overlay, designs, nail art. Also we provide eyebrow waxing.

Q: Do you already have customers, and have you gotten any feedback yet?

A: We already have between 20 and 30 people a day. They all like it. They mostly come in the afternoon, after work. I also invited several councilmen who came to see it.

Q: Do you plan to go back to being a mortgage broker?

A: No, I’m focusing entirely on the salon. However, I’ll finish my law degree in Macon.

Q: Are you going to expand the business in Valdosta?

A: If everything goes well, I might open a restaurant with Vietnamese cuisine.

Q: Do you offer discounts?

A: Yes, 15 percent off for everybody until the end of the year. Also, 10 percent off for military and police officers with valid identification cards all year.

Bebe Nails is located at 4036 D Bemiss Road. It is open Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m., and Sundays from Noon until 6 p.m. Call (229) 247-9089 to learn more.