Edition:
April 27, 2007
Public Notices - DBA Info • CONTACT
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Reporter
“’Letting Go’ is about living in the now, taking care of yourself and feeling beautiful and happy,” says Lorraine Nelson, owner of the new Letting Go Salon, located in the Canyon Lake Towne Center.
But Letting Go is more than just the name she chose for her salon; it represents her philosophy for life. The name and concept is based on “The Language of Letting Go,” by Melody Beattie, a book about personal change and empowerment.
“This book has meant a lot to me over the years, and I want to share that with my clients,” she says. Lorraine, who admits she used to often become overwhelmed by the rush and stress of everyday life, caught up in the never-ending cycle of exhaustion, cigarettes and energy drinks. After reading the book, which focuses on meditation and provides valuable insight into everyday issues like stress and relationships, Lorraine says she learned “how to best nurture my spiritual and emotional health.”
That philosophy carried over to her salon, which she first conceptualized four years ago while recovering from an injury. Having been in the industry for 20 years, Lorraine had grown accustomed to the standard “revolving door” atmosphere of nail shops – small stations pressed together to make the most of space with no more than a few minutes between clients. “I thought that there must be place to go to relax and not feel like you’re being rushed through,” she recalls.
Letting Go Salon could very well be called the “anti-salon.” Decorated in the soothing neutrals and greens of a tropical lounge, complete with bamboo accents, Lorraine thumbed her nose at the traditional salon set-up, opting instead for two large, spacious tables for manicures and nail art. In a separate area specifically set up for pedicures, clients sink back into an overstuffed bamboo frame chair. Even the waiting area is relaxed and spacious, with cushy sofas instead of cramped, uncomfortable upright chairs.
Lorraine has had a love for nails and nail art since high school, when she says she had her first set of acrylic nails done. “I got them done twice, but then couldn’t get anyone to help me pay for them after that.” Rather than go without, she decided to learn how to do it herself and signed up for an ROP program.
Since then, she has become a master nail artist that specializes in hand painting, sculptured design and embellishments using items such as crystals, beads and even dried flowers. She competes regularly in international nail competitions – she will be in Las Vegas in June for a show – and is always on the lookout for new trends, one of which she is already offering her clients. Glitter gel toes, she says, are the newest way to show off summer feet and are perfect for women who spend a lot of time in the lake, at the river or in Glamis, because the designs can last up to six to eight weeks. Fellow nail artist, Daosa Johnson, says their “margarita series” nails are popular as well; this eye-catching design features a lightly tinted nail edge with glitter inside, replicating the look of an icy cold margarita.
Besides eye-catching custom nail art, Letting Go Salon offers facials, body exfoliation, waxing, make-up, air brush tattoos and a health and wellness program, Isagenix. Isagenix is a cleansing program designed to increase energy and shed excess pounds by eliminating stored toxins. Lorraine says it is so effective immediate results are seen in five to 10 days. “I’ve used it myself, so I know how well it works,” Lorraine says.
Another specialty of the salon is natural clay exfoliation, a treatment not offered by any other salon in the area. Aesthetician Marina Garrett explains that the benefits of clay include its ability to calm sensitive and problem skin, including conditions like rosacea and psoriasis, and to increase the moisture content in very dry skin. A full line of TTE Skincare products is offered, and all procedures, from facials to waxing, are performed by Marina in a quiet, softly lit treatment room far removed from the front of the salon.
Letting Go Salon, which opened in March, will celebrate its grand opening tomorrow, April 28, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce. Lorraine invites Canyon Lakers to come out from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for door prizes, food, music and specials, including airbrush tattoos or nail art for $7 and eyelash extensions for $8. Clients can even “bling up” their cell phones for only $20.
In addition to the grand opening specials, Letting Go Salon is currently offering two prom specials – $25 for make-up, which includes eyelash extensions, and a $50 nail package that includes nail enhancements and glitter gel toes.
The salon is located in the Towne Center at 31528 Railroad Canyon Rd. in the same building as Curves, and can be reached at 244-0155. Appointments are preferred. Salon hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Letting Go, says Lorraine, is not just a nail shop – it’s about letting go of traditional nail shop treatments, letting go and relaxing, and letting go to be wild with custom, one-of-a-kind nail art.
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