Loyalty to self, hard work and dedication pays off, are the beliefs of Desiree Scott, owner of Posh Nail Boutique in Homestead. “This business is 10 years in the making,” she said. “It’s my dream. I’ve always had high aspirations for myself and wanting to own a business is one,” said Scott, smiling, as she looked around the salon.
In the hub of an enterprising area located at 605 Amity St. between a tattoo parlor and restaurant at the railroad tracks at the entrance of the Waterfront Mall, Scott describes her establishment as a trendy, full service nail salon, tanning and waxing studio. She specializes in manicures and pedicures and offers tanning and waxing as added features. Tanning sessions are administered in 20-minute intervals. Waxing is done in small, medium and large body areas. “My goal is to assure that every one leaving the boutique—male, female, young and old—receive services beyond their expectations,” she said, adding that 15 percent of her clientele consist of men.
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| OH WHAT A FEELING—Teaching herself the craft of designing, Posh Nail Boutique owner Desiree Scott prepares to get busy.
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Open Tuesdays through Saturdays and by appointment only on Mondays, Scott classifies Posh Nail Boutique as a place for her customers to relax and be pampered; a place to receive special one-on-one attention from technicians that care, understand their needs and sensitivities. Admitting that competition in her business is stiff, Scott said she is unique because most manicurists and manicure businesses are Asian. “Ohio and Detroit dominate the market with African-American nail salons, but you don’t find a lot in this area,” she said.
With over 10 years of experience polishing, designing and enhancing nails, Scott has hopes to expand her business into other areas of the region. “I want to provide Pittsburghers such services in their community,” she said, acknowledging that she also wants to provide jobs for technicians with the same ethics she has.
A strong believer in education and keeping up with one’s craft, Scott, a Peabody High School graduate, received an associate’s degree from the former Duffs Business School and attended South Hills Beauty Academy. She says she has worked at some of the best salons throughout her career, considering a few of the owners her role models. “I’ve learned from some of the best, gaining positive and negative experiences,” she said, pointing out that it’s because of a former employer that she now owns and operates Posh Nail Boutique. “I had plans to open a salon in Penn Hills, but an old supervisor got it instead,” said Scott. “Later I heard a salon was going to open here, came for an interview but was blessed with the opportunity coming my way. Now I have a good landlord and great business neighbors that have been a blessing.”
Not coming from an entrepreneurial background, Scott said the last seven months have been a learning experience. She advises potential and aspiring entrepreneurs to educate themselves in their field of interest, to set goals and to work toward them following God. “You can do what you put your mind to, but you can’t accomplish it without a plan and God,” said Scott.
With the end of the year fast approaching, Scott said she is preparing and looking forward to her first holiday season. Watching what goes on across the tracks at the Waterfront makes her excited, she says. Aiming to capture the attention of those walking and driving toward the mall, she plans to offer holiday specials and gift certificates for those looking for unique gift ideas.
“Everyone deserves to be pampered. What a great gift to give to a loved one.”
(Call Posh Nail Boutique 412-462-POSH)
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