The Sweetest Nails

Melanie D… everything you said about Liz could not be more wrong!
Liz is a warm caring person who is very meticulous about her work.
I always enjoy my experience wirh her and would recommend her
to anyone.
Maybe it was YOU who had a problem!

I have gone to Liz a couple of times now and she always treats me like an old friend. It’s a very soothing and comforting atmosphere and her soft-​spoken voice is such a treat compared to my loud mouth!!! I have 3 kids at home and go to school full time. This is EXACTLY what I need on a weekly basis, although I wish I could go DAILY! What a pleasant surprise to find such a personal experience in something that is usually forced and haphazardly applied.

Liz is the best! Look no further for the most IMMACULATE shellac mani or pedi anywhere!
I travel alot and have been to many spas and nail salons all across the country. Since I’ve been lucky enough to find Liz, I always wait until I return home to visit her for my nail treatments. And since I do travel alot, I need to know that my nails are going to look as fabulous two weeks later as they did the first day. Since I’ve been going to Liz I’ve never had to worry.
Her little sanctuary is BETTER than any spa or nail salon I’ve been to. Extremely relaxing and everything she does is HIGH QUALITY. I’ve never liked the «take a number» and «get in line» nail salons with 20 chairs lined up in a row like an assembly line.
When you can appreciate true quality… you understand that it may take 3 – 4 hours for a shellac mani and pedi (with a little art) and be a little bit more expensive than regular nail polish… but it is ssssssoooooo worth it. Many times I’ve made my return visits… not because the polish had chipped or faded… but because it’s been 3 – 4 weeks and I have crazy growth :)
She is truly passionate about what she does and is a true artist!

Within 5 minutes of being at the Sweetest Nails, I knew this would be different from any other nail salon experience I’ve ever had. Liz was very attentive and was sure to let me know I had 2 hours of her undivided attention.
The nail salon is located on the first floor of an office building, among other beauticians in what looks like an indoor mall of hairstylists. When I walked into her studio I was happy to see that it was well kept, with beautiful cabinetry and décor. I noticed that Liz invested in quality products such as my favorite OPI lacquer, and I also saw a few bottles of China Glaze which I also like.
She sat me down in a comfortable cushioned arm chair and began my consultation. She asked me which color I liked. I am always indecisive and picked out about 3 colors that caught my eye. Liz quietly pulled down 14 bottles of nail polish and said «let’s try them all.» I was shocked! Never has a manicurist offered to sample so many colors the way Liz did. Even after I tried all 14 on, I said «oh you have the shattered polishes too,» so — she sure did proceed to try that on me as well. The shattered effects didn’t look as they normally would, I told her if it was fixed and appropriately «shattered» I would love to have that look. She added a few drops of a solution to thin it out and said that should fix the problem.
Before the actual manicure began she offered me a variety of flavored waters, coffee or wine. I said the water sounds delicious and so does the wine. She told me to have water now and to enjoy the wine during my pedicure. I said OK.
As she began my manicure I prepared my normal speech for every manicure … «I don’t like my cuticles cut because – » she says, «stop right there, I understand exactly what you mean.» That was a relief! Its my preference not to have my cuticles cut and I hate when the manicurist tries to convince me to have what I already know I don’t want. Liz was very accommodating.
As I watched her do my nails and I appreciated her perfectionism and attention to detail. She has a particular style where you can tell she likes things done a certain way and in a certain manner. I charge that to her professionalism. All of her utensils where of great quality. She didn’t skimp to get the cheap stuff!
When she finished my nails I noticed the shattered polish was not taking the effect it was supposed to. I told her I didn’t like it, it looked the same as before and apparently the thinning solution did not do the trick. She asked me what I wanted to do, I told her and she fixed it. It was slightly uncomfortable but at this point I can’t say she did anything wrong.
In preparation of my pedicure Liz fully explained the foot spa/​bath machine. She explained that it utilized a liner that guaranteed a sanitary bath for every customer and it made it easier for her to clean. She also explained that the whirlpool was this tiny little machine that pushed the water around and was more comfortable for the customer. She also explained the remote control to the back massage chair. She was very detailed and made sure I was comfortable.
I really wanted to give Liz 5 stars because this is what a manicure/​pedicure should be, personal attention and comfort in a serene environment … it was what happened next that knocked off at least half a star…
She sat down to begin my pedicure, I said to her oh — may I have that glass of wine. She said something about the lack of time remaining and what I specifically remember her saying was «Do you want wine or a pedicure?» I was taken aback because up to that point she was very friendly. I responded that earlier she offered both… She did indeed stop and take the 60 sec to unscrew the bottle of plum wine and pour a small glass for me. Liz then asked me if I wanted a foot scrub or attention to the callous area. I told her I was indecisive. She said oh you can upgrade and get both for an additional $ 5. I said what about the time constraint? She said it was no problem… funny she just gave me a little sass about the glass of wine and lack of time, but apparently there’s time for an upgraded service. I accepted the upgrade.
The pedicure itself was very relaxing. The chair was in great condition, plush and with arm rests and trays for my personal items. She offered a few aromatic lotions for my feet which was a nice touch. The best part was the foot scrub, it was worth the $ 5 upgrade.
Luckily her next client was running late so everything worked out well as far as timing. Overall the experience was like a spat day for my fingers and toes. Liz suggested I could come anytime in my PJs with my own wine or snacks and even bring a girlfriend if I like. She explained her normal hours and the possibility of other hours if coordinated. She also offered the emery board to me to keep!
I really look forward to my next visit at the Sweetest Nails so that I can update my review and give the 5 stars that it potentially deserves.

I went to the sweetest nails to have shellac done on my nails for the very first time. I love this place. The owner, Liz, is very friendly, and knowledgeable about nails. The boutique is so quaint and is based on a dessert café’. I can’t get enough of all the custom nail décor she has. She allows you to try on various colors before choosing with no complaints, and helps you find color that match your skin tone, and personality. I love it. This is the first nail salon I am absolutely in love with! The best thing about Liz, is that she doesn’t cheat you or try to up sell you. I tell her I want polish that won’t fade away and she suggests shellac and has me hooked. She also saved me money on my pedicure by informing me a regular pedi lasts just as long as a shellac pedi, and is cheaper so I downgraded and saved 20 bucks. My toe polish is still going strong and keeping up with my shellac nail polish.
If you’re looking for one on one attention to detail on your nails, a place where you’ll be completely satisfied the sweetest nails is the place to go!!! I’m obsessed!!!

The BEST!!! I love liz and her Boutique Service. With an Eastern flair, wine, hot chocolate, and chocolate with your bill! No upcharges for extras like coffee wine or chocolate. What you see is what you get. A Gentle soothing spa atmosphere and a comfy fluffy robe and blanket. Personal service at its’ best! She has lots of specials too!

If you are searching for a nail salon where you can get the complete spa experience with one on one attention this is the place for you!
* If you prefer to show up for your 2:00 nail appointment on time and have to wait another 20 – 25 minutes for the next nail tech to get to you… then The Sweetest Nails is not for you… Liz has always been able to see me at my scheduled appointment time.
*If you prefer to have a nail tech grind away at your nails with a power tool or hack at your cuticles with mini hedge clippers… then The Sweetest Nails is not for you… Liz specializes in actual nail & cuticle care… my nails and cuticles have never looked so healthy
*If you prefer to have your manicure or pedicure done as quickly as possible no matter what it looks like in the end… then The Sweetest Nails is not for you. Each service that Liz provides notes specifically how long it will take her to provide you with excellent one on one professional service. She takes the time to provide you with the best service.
*If you prefer wait in line at fast food type nail salon with no air conditioning… then The Sweetest Nails is not for you. Your spa experience with Liz will be just you and her in the serene atmosphere of her salon… she is even happy to make you a cup of herbal tea if you like!
—I am a 43 yr old professional woman who looks forward to that precious hour that I can call my own because they are often few & far between. I don’t want to spend in waiting in line… I am so glad I found Liz at The Sweetest Nails.

I’ve had love/​hate relationships with nail salons for years. Rushed mani/​pedis, damaged nails and peeling polishes… I swore them off until I tried CND Shellac, and met Liz. I’ve been going to Liz for over 6 months now, and as long as I live in San Diego she will be the only person to touch my nails or toes. She is extremely professional, neat and clean. Unlike other salons where you are simply a number, at the Sweetest Nails you get her full and undivided attention. You get a full consultation about your nails every time you go and recommendations on the best polishes/​nail shapes for your lifestyle. She takes the time to explain what she’s doing and how it benefits the health of your hands and feet. A cup of coffee, tea or hot cocoa is not unusual to expect. It’s a great place to zone out and be pampered. I look forward to my regular visits; it’s a great day whenever I go. Thanks to her, I’m a die-​hard CND Shellac fan and I’ll never look back!
I’ve been to nail salons where you are one of twenty sitting in a large room with add-​ons constantly being pushed in your face when you request a simple service. These places are not looking to forge a relationship with their clients. They are trying to capitalize on the opportunity once you’re there because they don’t know if you will be coming back. Liz creates relationships; she never upcharges and she never pushes services. And she NEVER rushes the visit. If you’re used to going to a salon where to goal is to get you out in an hour regardless of the quality of your mani/​pedi, this will take an adjustment, but you will be more than happy to carve out the time after the first visit… trust me.
A note to Melanie D.: The Sweetest Nails is not your typical nail salon; that’s not the point. Liz creates a mini spa boutique experience. I’m sorry your experience was so negative, but in my opinion, your review was not an accurate representation of Liz, her work, or her personality. I hope more individuals give her a chance; she’s fantastic!
P. S. I’m not a personal friend of Liz’s, just a very happy client who feels that every person deserves a positive and personal mani/​pedi experience.

I took my little sister here for a birthday Mani/​Pedi with Mind Body Partnerships certificates we had been given, which Liz said was no problem over the phone. But as soon as we arrived, Liz started trying to convince us to upgrade, implying that compared to shellac, regular polish just isn’t worth it. After going on and on about how we should upgrade, she left us alone but conveniently hid the certificates which said the upgrade would be $ 20. That was just transparent, and her condescending way of explaining why we should upgrade was so over the top: «I view regular polish as hairspray, which just washes out, but shellac is like hair color, which doesn’t.» We just ignored it, and put our polish colors on the counter once we decided which ones to try, but when she came back (and asked us again if we were sure we didn’t want to add on any designs, gems, glitter, etc.), her disappointment and bitter attitude was obvious. I can understand that it is a recession, and that it’s preferable to have clients upgrade wheneer possible, but SHE bought into the Mind Body Pratnership, and that was her business decision, not ours. Don’t treat customers like crap just because you regret an agreement to provice discounted services! She kept doing subtle, passive-​aggressive things like repeatedly telling me that my sister wasn’t listening to me (when she was). She ignored my sister when she said she didn’t want to try one color, and put it on her anyway, then when my sister tried to remove it said «Oh look, you’re getting it everywhere.» She was just really immature and her resentful attitude made the whole experience awkward and unpleasant. She treated my teenaged sister like a child, and even insisted on getting her Zoonooz and Teen Vogue instead of the normal magazines she gave me. When my sister asked if her nails were dry enough to read a magazine yet, Liz said something to the effect of «I think so» which we interpreted as «yes.» Then, when my sister noticed later that 2 of her nails had gotten smudged, Liz actually said «Well what are you gonna do about it?» I was about to tell her to fix the nails AND her attitude, but my sister spoke up first and asked if she could fix them, much more nicely than I would have. After she finished fixing them, she told my sister to sit still, as though she was some squirmy little kid. I could not believe the attitude we got from this woman throughout our 3 hour long appointment. Yes, 3 hours! The best part: our appointment was done at 8pm on a Saturday. On Monday, the polish on my right index finger came off in one big flake, just fell off onto the floor! That has never happened to me, with any kind of nail polish! 2 day wear from an OPI polish? I knew she would probably just tell me that’s what I get for not upgrading to shellac, and it was finals week, so I honestly didn’t have time to go get it fixed (even if I did ever want to give this woman my money again). I gave her the required tip for the Mind Body Certificates (20%) even though I didn’t think she deserved it. I won’t be going back.

Having never going to get my manipedi, I was very fortunate to have Liz as my manicurist and pedicurist to make my 1^st manipedi experience memorable and fun. She is very professional, knowledgeable, and patient going through a full consultation of the different colors — figuring out what I like, what I“m looking for. She introduced the new Shellac colors and we even got to use her metal design board to put special designs on the nails. She custom blends colors and even has a box of custom mixed glitter. She has past experience with hair styling so if you need ideas while you are getting your manicure — there’s much to discuss!
I went with a friend and although Liz usually only does 1 on 1 appointments, suggesting that we bring our own wine and cheese, crackers — it was made into a fun hangout.
It was a little hard to find being at Studio #12 within the Sola Salon Studios, but if you go and find the TGI Fridays, it is within the building to the RIGHT of TGIF.
She does a partnership with Mind Body Partnerships, so it’s definitely worth going through that.