​Welcome to our Portrait of a Suite Series! Each week we highlight one of our fabulous Service Providers and his or her unique business. 
Today meet Huy Nguyen, Nail Technician and Owner of NailZ in our Suite 107!
Huy specializes in Polygel, Shellac, Manicures and Pedicures. 

PWD: Why did you get started in your industry and why do you dowhat you do?
 
HN: I started doing nails as a way to make money during college. Right out of high school I got my license to practice from National Beauty College before tackling my Bachelor of Science in Chemistry degree at the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs. I had the opportunity to work in several nail salons while in school and got a solid understanding of the industry, different products and techniques. After graduating I followed the natural path of my degree and got a job in bio-agricultural lab work. That should have been it but I started to realize my personality doesn’t mesh well with lab culture. I found I missed the community and wheels of a business, the social aspect, and the opportunity to make art. I also acknowledged an entrepreneurial spirit developing in me and I decided I wanted to start a business by the time I turned 30. I knew it would take diligent practice and planning and I thought about it a lot. Ultimately all these elements blended together and nails drew me back out of the lab. 
Developing my talent took time and patience and was hard in the beginning. I spent a lot of spare moments just doodling and painting and finding my style. I have always been drawn to art and enjoy giving my attention to layers of detail. I found a lucrative position working at the Beauty Bar Downtown in the Springs. They were patient and supportive of my development and I pushed myself to work 55-60 hour weeks to prepare myself financially and master my technique. 
After moving to Denver a few years ago I started to realize working for other people had stopped furthering my goal. I knew it was time to do something uncomfortable so I gathered my experience and resources and opened my own nail studio in June! At 29 years old I am realizing a dream that started way back in the lab a decade ago.
 
PWD: What makes your business unique?
 
HN: I am rolling out my vision of what a modern nail salon should be, an atmosphere that is welcoming, upscale and modern, very clean and odor-free, and offers the latest innovative technologies, techniques and products. I try to see my work through my client’s eye, honoring the little details important to them.  Keeping each nail consistent and well-shaped is rule number one to creating the canvas for my artwork. 
I make sure I have enough time to do my job well. Instead of keeping a walk-in atmosphere and rushing to get as many clients in as I can, I schedule every appointment for the right amount of time for each procedure.
Though most of my background is with Acrylic, I have taken a big risk and changed my medium to Polygel. It wears like Acrylic but it is hypoallergenic and contains no active ingredient. Acrylic is beautiful when done right but offering a non-toxic environment is a bigger benefit. Once I discovered the flexibility Polygel gives me as an artist I was sold. My clients love their experience and they really love their nails. 
As far as a business mission I believe in the basics. Nothing fancy. Do the simple things well and you will be successful. 
 
PWD: What is your favorite thing about working from Phenix West Denver?
 
HN: My favorite thing about working out of Phenix West Denver is having total independence. I am actually having a blast learning marketing, accounting and budgeting strategies, social media and web presence, things I never knew I could do. It’s life growth experience and that feels good. 

For more information about Huy and NailZ, go to:
 squareup.com/appointments/book/BV5JCCN74P88G/nailz-wheat-ridge-co

We had an incredible Appreciation Night party for our tenants this week! Shannon set up a Paint & Sip for us at Pinot's Palette in the Denver Highlands. We had Mediterranean tapas and wine. It was SO fun! We laughed and ate and painted and danced and got a well deserved break from taking care of our beautiful clients. Our community is so fun and loving and it really couldn't have been a better time! Check out our beautiful paintings! We will have them on display for the holiday season. Wishing you all a season of peace and love and joy! 

The most congratulations to the winners of our New Year, New You Makeover Contest! Thank you so much to everyone who entered, you are the best!
Women's 1st Place- Congratulations Tamara Meek!
Women's 2nd Place- Congratulations Wendy Schulz!
Men's 1st Place- Congratulations Kyle Goodrich!
Men's 2nd Place- Congratulations Vince Carabelos!

Stay tuned to meet our winners and track their makeover experience!

Welcome! Each week we highlight one of our fabulous salon professionals and her unique business. 
Today meet Betsy Horowitz, Curly Hair Specialist and Owner of Beyond Curls in our Suite 101! Betsy specializes in contemporary cuts and color for multi-cultural, natural hair textures of all types.

PWD: What do you love about your unique business?
BH: I love offering a calm space and experience that is beautiful, uplifting, and nurturing of change. I am a “no-fuss” stylist who combines practicality with care and attention.  I listen to my clients, pay attention to their needs and help them find solutions. I work with them to develop, what I think of as a personal hair journey, that compliments their identity and lifestyle. I love building trust with my clients and embarking on their hair journey together.

PWD: Why do you do what you do?
BH: I found with hairstyling, the love of connecting my body and my heart through a tactile craft. Working with my hands in a way that gives to people, soothes and grounds me, and is just a total pleasure!
I started my education with Vidal Sassoon 13 years ago. Inspired, I dove into an extensive and rigorous program with Euphora that promised me employment in my choice of high-end salons. Though my career path was solid, I started feeling dizzy from the hype and exclusivity so much of the beauty industry is built on. I couldn’t understand why feeling beautiful should be so unattainable and mysterious.  I wanted to simplify what I had learned and focus on celebrating the natural beauty we all have and deserve.  Following my heart and intuition, I started training with a curly hair specialist and discovered my true passion for styling natural hair. My private studio now focuses on working with multi-cultural, natural hair textures of all types, from straight to wavy to curly.

PWD: What do you love about working at Phenix West Denver?
BH: I love working in a calm, uplifting and lovely space that supports my creativity. My talented community offers authentic care and kindness. I love the people and atmosphere at Phenix.

For more information about Betsy and Beyond Curls visit: 
​www.beyondcurlshairstudio.com
 

Today meet Patricia Gilmore, Owner of @Studio103 in our Suite 103!  Patricia is a Certified Reiki Practitioner and Hair Stylist. 
 
PWD: What do you love about your unique business?

PG: While I’m not the first stylist to incorporate a healing touch in my services, my salon may be among few others that also offer Reiki Treatments. Reiki is a technique based on the principal that a certified practitioner can channel healing energy into a person and activate their own natural healing process.  I love providing a space that is comforting, welcoming and just feels good.  Good vibes and energy are at the center of my practice.
 
PWD: Why did you get started in the industry and why do you do what you do?

PG:I have always loved meeting and connecting with people and have been in the industry now over 33 years.  10 years ago I started practicing Reiki and I have been increasingly drawn to the power of its healing properties in my clients’ lives.  Reiki can  restore balance and well-being on all levels.   Empowering my clients to live their highest and best life; whether that is through feeling good with Reiki or looking their best with a hair service has become my passion.
 
PWD: How long have you been with us and what is your favorite thing about running your business out of  Phenix West Denver ?

​PG: I have been at Phenix West Denver for 18 months and love being my own boss.  It is a beautiful, professional,  safe space that my clients love too!  Great vibes and energy support a wonderful community of business owners who can express their individuality while still functioning in a cooperative partnership.    
 
For more information about Patricia or to make an appointment call (720)2993067 or go to: www.facebook.com/PatriciaStudio103/

Today meet Erin Smile, Stylist and Owner of The Hair Apothecary in our Suite 115!  Erin specializes in highlights and balayage but says fresh, current cuts will always have a special place in her heart!

PWD: What do you love about your unique business?

ES:  Like a spa for your hair, The Hair Apothecary is a place to relax and unwind.  My goal is to get you the color you want while continuing to enhance your hair’s healthiness over time. I love getting to know new clients, and get excited watching their progress.  Seeing them reach their goals and fall more in love with their hair the longer they come to me is my mission! I admit I have an affinity for bright colors and funky cuts, but it’s all fun to me!  

PWD: Why did you get started in the industry and why do you do what you do?

ES:  I actually had early interest and study in music performance and equine health.  I also wanted to help people and considered going into nursing.  Styling hair brought creativity and compassion together for me and I found out cosmetology was a better route than traditional college.   I ended up just falling in love with the science behind hairstyling and especially color.  Now I truly love making people feel beautiful! After five years of practice, my favorite thing continues to be seeing someone’s eyes light up when they see their final result!

PWD: How long have you been with us and what is your favorite thing about running your business out of  Phenix West Denver ?

​ES: I have been at Phenix West Denver for almost two years now and I absolutely love everything about it! It is so nice to be your own boss, make your own schedule, be able to decorate your own space, and work in a drama-free zone! 
For more information about Erin or to make an appointment
call (720)472-2470 or go to: 
www.styleseat.com/thehairapothecary

Today meet Tammy Little, Stylist and Owner of Hair by Tammy Little in our Suite 114! Tammy specializes in Special Occasion Styling, Updos, Blow-outs, Color and Cuts.
PWD: What do you love about your unique business?

TL: I love my wide range of clientele! From my life experience as a caretaker for my family, I would say I specialize in nurturing all ages. I welcome special needs clients and I tailor my services to their wellbeing and care. Comfort and privacy are important to me so I not only offer a private room at my salon but I also do house calls for those who have difficulty with travel.

PWD: Why did you get started in the industry and why do you do what you do?

TL: I always loved styling my Mom and my Aunt’s hair growing up so going into cosmetology was natural. Community and especially family has always been important to me. After 28 plus years in the industry I have most enjoyed taking the time to make sure every person receives the same pampering no matter what their stage in life.

PWD: How long have you been with us and what is your favorite thing about running your business out of Phenix West Denver?

TL: I started in April, 2016. I like working here because I can make my own schedule, which keeps balance in my business and personal life. Unlike working for the owner of a large salon, I can express my creativity and use the best products and techniques for my wide range of clients in a private, relaxing atmosphere.
For more information about Tammy or to make an appointment, go to: hairbytammylittle.com

Today meet Nikita Alexander, Professional Hair Stylist, and Owner of Hair Society in our Suite 104! Nikita specializes in Extensions and Healthy Hair Care.

PWD: What do you love about your unique job?

NA: I love transforming humans!  Whether it be,natural-looking sewn weaves, clip in extensions, tape in extensions, custom wigs, micro links, natural hair care and chemical services or starter locs and loc maintenance, I love finding your inner beauty and showing it on the outside.

PWD: Why did you get started and why do you do what you do?

NA: I noticed at a very young age that great hair can be a confidence builder. My best friend let me change her hair in the 6th grade but watching the transformation in her attitude is what led me to my life-long passion. I continued braiding and applying extensions for friends and family in middle school. I went to school for cosmetology after high school and have spent the last 10 years building my skills and business in Washington DC and Denver, Colorado.  I love more than anything seeing my clients reaction in the mirror and feeling great about their appearance! 

PWD: How long have you been with us and what is your favorite thing about being part of Phenix West Denver ?

NA: I love the ambiance and the good energy that is unique to Phenix West Denver.  My clients love the intimacy and being able to offer them a private personal space has been awesome.  I love coming to work in a place that is always clean and smells good and the owner Shannon is the best!

For more information about Nikita or to make an appointment, go to:
www.hairsocietyllc.com