Ever met someone who graduated from nail school? Former software professional Ashitha Sreejesh, who went to Le Vernis Nail School in Tokyo, opened Top Coat in Alwarpet a week ago. From Swarovski embellishments to vibrant miniature blossoms — she promises your mini canvasses to the world will be painted and buffed like a Michelangelo masterpiece.
Sweaters in summer?
An extensive nail design catalogue reveals 60 options to choose from, including the novel ‘3D knit’ pattern — which can cost as much as `250 per nail. “If you’ve never seen it (knit pattern) before — just think of a sweater in your closet,” Ashitha tells us with a laugh, “that’s exactly what it looks like.” Finally, a sweater that you can flaunt in Chennai, huh?
Cat eyes & glitter
Although, if you aren’t cosying up to that idea yet, count as many as 25 other techniques to choose from — including cat eyes, folk art and glitter work. The 30-year-old says, “there are so many ways to play” at her spanking new 1,100 square foot salon. Flashback to a few years ago and ‘play’ was the farthest thought from her mind — despite the birth of a baby girl. “So, I gave up my job to spend more time with my daughter, and shortly after my husband was relocated to Tokyo.”
Discovering nail art through a friend at one of her Japanese classes, Ashitha remembers, “I could just get lost in it for hours and hours, and shortly after getting trained I opened a home salon.” This was back in 2015.
Having returned to India late last year — Ashitha has expanded her service list to include organic facials, lash extensions, as well as facials and pedicures.The latter includes a cosmetic range as well as a number of homemade options, freshly whipped up in the salon kitchen — think banana, yoghurt and honey or dark chocolate and cocoa butter.
Open only to women and kids. Nail treatments Rs 1,000 to Rs 6,000.
sonali@newindianexpress.com | @brightasunshine