Enhancing the Neighborhood with Some Polish

The idea of a manicure lasting for close to two weeks—without chipping—is like magical thinking. But there is no voodoo involved in the recent gel manicure trends that have taken over nail salons.

“People love it,” says Lillian Afonso, owner of Nail Glitz, of the no-smudge, non-chip polish that made its debut in the marketplace about three years ago. “They’re perfect if you have a special occasion like a wedding going on.”

Gel polish, which is a soak-off material, looks like regular nail polish, but it’s cured with an ultraviolet light to bond the polish. Removal is a longer process, as the nails are placed in cups of acetone for 20 minutes, until the polish can be readily taken off.

Afonso’s Nail Glitz is Moorestown’s answer to the affordable and easy elegant nail experience. When Afonso heard a suite across from the was being vacated, she jumped on the opportunity to start her own business.

A Northeast Philly-bred lady, Afonso came of age when the legendary Barons Castle Beauty Academy in Philadelphia was the go-to place to study cosmetology, where she attended right after high school.

The beauty industry always enthralled Afonso, 42, and helping women achieve a good feeling about themselves has been most gratifying during her career. 

Reaping her experiences one set of nails at a time, Afonso enhanced her trade by working at reputable salons like Moorestown's  and Salon Moore, as well as Louis Christian Wayne Robert Salon and Spa in Cherry Hill.

And while Afonso might be a novice at business ownership, she generates high levels of motivation, and is creating an atmosphere of friendliness and professionalism. 

“People won’t have to go to a high-end salon for services,” says Afonso, who now lives in Moorestown with her husband, Albert, an attorney, along with her son and daughter.

Afonso is aware of the number of nail salons that have surged, not just nationally, but in the Burlington County area. Many have become the niche-business for Asian immigrants, who have poured into the region over the last decade. But Afonso isn’t fretting about the competition.

“Frankly, I’ve been so busy since I’ve opened,” says Afonso. “I’m going to add technicians to keep up with the clients.”

The small-yet-sophisticated salon is painted ochre with tiled floors. Handsome tufted chairs cradle customers at the nail tables in the front room, where black shelving holds an array of sparkly necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Nail drying stations line the wall. More than 150 bottles of polish in hues resembling the rainbow are visible. The back room hosts pedicures and full facial waxing.

On a recent afternoon while doing a pedicure, Afonso concentrated on the feet in front of her with the precision of a surgeon. She clipped the nails, being careful not to cut the skin, and massaged her client’s legs with spa cream. She painted each toenail with pinpoint accuracy.

A few minutes later a construction worker hired by Afonso made notations about the chandelier that was to be hung shortly.

All the bustle and diligence of a small business owner.

“I want the salon to be a pretty place for women to unwind,” says Afonso.

Nail Glitz is open from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9:30 a.m to 4 p.m. Saturday. Afonso will be open on Sundays starting this fall.

Manicures range from $15 to $50 for gel and acrylics. Pedicures start at $20 and waxings at $8.

For more information visit www.nailglitznj.com or “Like” the salon at Facebook.com/nailglitznj.