SHREWSBURY – A new addition to the Shrewsbury business landscape is looking to bring change in local nail salon offerings.
Located in the Olde Shrewsbury Village shopping plaza near the Northborough/Shrewsbury town-line, Crush celebrated its ribbon cutting last week, showcasing its slate of non-toxic services alongside a boutique and cafe area.
Held on May 11, the event featured representatives of the Corridor 9/495 Chamber of Commerce as well as State Sen. Michael Moore, who presented citations from both houses of the state legislature recognizing Crush’s opening.
“It’s been a learning curve, but it’s been really good,” owner Carla Miller said of the opening process.
“There’s a lot more people being conscious about what they’re putting on their bodies and skin,” she added in comments to the Community Advocate.
‘It was really eye opening’
Miller had long wanted to open a small business, studying the nail industry and some of its challenges while in the process of conceptualizing a new salon.
“It was really eye opening,” Miller said.
She noted numerous health concerns brought on by prolonged exposure to many traditional nail products, also identifying existing alternatives.
“The fact that the products are there, they’re just not being embraced by most nail salons makes it even more frustrating,” Miller said.
Crush’s products are non-toxic, meaning the salon is largely devoid of a typical nail polish smell.
Manicure tables and pedicure stations, meanwhile, include built-in ventilation systems to avoid a build up of fumes and dust. The salon, in general, also avoids the use of more common whirlpool-type foot baths, instead using pedicure bowls, which can be more easily and completely cleaned after use.
Salon embraces education
Diverging from some common standard practices in the nail industry, Miller said Crush’s mission includes education.
“It falls on us in the nail industry to kind of help change [things] and embrace the cleaner products that are out there,” she said.
Crush staff, likewise, aim to explain to customers why they’ve taken certain steps and precautions.
Crush open now
Crush, which opened earlier this year before its formal ribbon cutting, has drawn positive feedback from guests, to date.
Miller said she’s heard appreciation for Crush’s unique offerings, with guests saying the region was in need of such a salon.
Drawing on her business background, Miller said she’s excited to continue innovating as Crush moves forward.
Crush is located at 1000 Boston Turnpike in Shrewsbury.
Learn more at www.crushnailscafe.com.
