By Meg Peters
Review Staff Writer
He might have been into alternative rock as a youngin?, but now certified nail specialist Ben Tran is only concerned with beautifying your nails.
Tran opened 9 Inch Nails, Orion Township’s newest nail salon and spa, one month ago, and is excited to offer the Lake Orion and Orion Township communities quality nail care services.
Tran named his first business, located at 1075 Baldwin Rd., after his favorite alternative rock band Nine Inch Nails, and assures the public that every inch of their nails will be cared for by certified nail technicians.
‘Our business policy concentrates on three major things,? Tran said. ‘Customer service, quality work and excellent sanitation in a warm and friendly atmosphere, too.?
With their state of the art ventilation system the nail salon doesn’t smell like your typical beauty salon, offering plush seating and a cozy ambiance.
The salon employs three technicians, but as business grows in the next couple months Tran expects to bring in more staff.
‘We are hoping to grow by 20 percent on a quarterly basis. Based on last month’s numbers, we are headed in that direction.?
He is a quality nail technician and will happily dote on your nails. The business specializes in shellac, a manicure treatment involving a chip-free polish said to last for weeks, but also offers regular manicures, pedicures, acrylic nails and pink and white acrylic. The warm and friendly spa also offers a number of different waxing procedures too.
‘Shellac is about 70 percent of our business,? he said, noting the growing trend of the procedure. ‘It does not chip, dries instantly, and lasts approximately two to two and a half weeks.?
Tran has been a certified nail technician for six years now, but his wife and co-owner of the business has been certified for over 15. Both Tran and his wife Natalie Nguyen worked at Creative Nails Too in Rochester Hills before following their own dream and opening 9 Inch Nails in Orion Township.
With two kids’a 6-year-old daughter and 2-year-old son’it is Tran’s goal to get involved with the community.
‘We are absolutely open to any type of charity event or fundraiser,? he said, and is looking into offering a student discount to Orion’s high schoolers.
Originally from Rochester Hills, the family decided to open their first business in Orion Township to see if the rumors were true.
And they are.
‘The people here are so nice and friendly, everyone is willing to help out and it’s a beautiful environment,? he said. ‘We try to be different in every aspect of the nail salon, and I’m hoping everyone here in Lake Orion will stop in and take a look at our setting.?
9 Inch Nails is located at 1075 Baldwin Rd. and is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. Walk-in’s are welcome, and appointments are even better. Call the salon at 248-858-9093 to set up an appointment.