Sonja

Too many girl comments on here. Guys need nail love too! :)
I had my first appointment with Sonja after reading the great reviews. She accommodated a late evening mobile appointment, and I couldn’t be more happy with her service. She was professional, fun to talk with, extremely knowledgeable, but most importantly is obsessive about cleanliness. And who wouldn’t like a professional manicure in the comfort of their own home! I always hear manicure horror stories from lack of sanitation, and you can tell that she takes pride in her work and her client’s well being!
Highly recommend over those crazy chains! Very reasonable rates as well.

I went to see Sonja last year to get minx nail manicure. She was very good and thorough with my pedicure however the nail stickers did not last 2 days. I went back to get it fixed several times and eventually she just gave me a regular manicure. When I complained to her that I had paid for a minx nail manicure she had nothing to say an did not give me a refund. Extremely nice person but I have since learned to put on my own nail stickers and they look much better than the job she did. Sorry to leave such bad feedback because she was very nice but I don’t think it was worth the $ 70 she charged for the minx manicure.

DISCLAIMER: I haven’t actually had an appt. with Sonja, but it’s not for lack of trying.
Had purchased a Lifebooker Loot a while back for a Shellac Manicure. Was really looking forward to it, as I have never had one. Called on a Friday for a Wednesday appt, left VM. Still hadn’t heard back Saturday evening, so I sent a text (she had requested call or text on her outgoing message). I got a text back only saying «When did you purchase this voucher»? I sent a text back… and…that was the last I heard. That was 8 days ago: O
If someone treats a customer like that before they even meet, well… not a good sign. I contacted Lifebooker and got a credit. I’ll use it for a service that someone would actually like to provide.

I had bought a Groupon for a gel manicure two months ago, but I will not be able to redeem it because it has been cancelled? With? I am disappointed, but after reading fellow Unilocal reviews its probably a blessing! How annoying that this owner is a one woman show, who is never available and puts out more coupons and offers than she can handle. I would not of bought this Groupon had I known she ran her business this way. I just hope my refund is handled quickly!

I don’t know what all of these bad reviews are about! I had a really good experience with Sonja. I had been wanting to try a gel manicure for a long time, so when I saw the deal on groupon I was very excited. It was a little bit difficult getting in touch with her (her voicemail was full and she didn’t respond to email). After calling a few times, she finally picked up and booked me an appointment for the next week.
She texted me her address, as it was not the same listed on the groupon site. This is why I only gave her 4 stars, I expected to go to a salon for my mani/​pedi, but it ended up being her house. The neighborhood was a little sketchy and I was VERY glad my bf was with me. When I went into her house, it smelled heavily of cigarettes which I really did not like… Because I have asthma I am very sensitive to smoke, and I walked away with a sore throat and a cough.
However, her perfectionism totally made up for the less than ideal setting! She was very knowledgeable, and gave me great advice for taking care of my very abused nails. She spent an hour on my toes and an hour on my nails, which to some people would be a downside, but I loved it! (Even though my boyfriend wasn’t super happy with the long wait). Every detail was perfect, and she made sure to be gentle with my injured toe. The colors were adorable, bright bubble gum pink which is perfect for the end of summer.
Basically I was very happy with my first ever gel manicure, and I had a good experience! I know that this manicure will last a long time (she told me a month if I take good care of it). I walked away very happy!

She deserves zero stars she didn’t even show up at her place of business yesterday. She had customers coming all day she didn’t bother to show up or call and let Dawn know she wasn’t coming. This lady is a fuckin joke. How do you expect to run a business like this she’s suppose to be the head Manicurist at MiMi Mae but is always late or never show up. I should have known something was wrong when it took me a week to get her for an appointment. What a waste.

The ONLY reason that I am giving this place a second star is because Sonja is meticulous and clean. That is it!
Problem #1: Booking — I called and Sonja was clearly driving, which I understand, so after she told me that she was available at the date and time I requested I offered to sent her a text message with my name and the details we discussed. She then did not respond to said text till two days later saying «ur in luck!» at 11pm. I wasn’t sure what she meant and she did not bother clarifying until two more days later with the same information I sent her for the booking. Little confusing and unprofessional but, its L.A. so I’m lowering my standards on customer service.
Problem #2: Time Management — I arrived for my appointment five min early and was told that she was running late and that it would be another 15 min. So I wandered around the little shops near by for 20 min to make sure to give her time. When I return she claims that she just needs to polish her off and if I could continue to wait. So I sit and play with the mini hound. 45 MORE MINUTES PASS! I sneak a peek and realize that she is doing a gel mani on this woman and was JUST GETTING STARTED! If I had not prepaid I would have walked out. Over an hour passed before I was seated.
Then, once I was seated, she excused herself to go move her car. Making me wait even longer. I tried to be sympathetic because parking is clearly an issue. But my sympathy quickly died as she walked back in REEKING of cigarettes. If you need your nicotine fix, just say so, don’t lie to me. But you could have been kind enough to spray something on so I don’t have to smell it.
Problem #3: Limited Colors — The gel selection was very limited and she had clearly not updated the color wheel in ages. I like to have my hands and feet match but when I asked if she had any matching shades I was laughed at and told that «matching isn’t fashionable» or «in style». I do not go to salons for advice on fashion, especially not from a complete stranger who has already upset me by making me wait for an hour. Don’t blame your lack of product on how «in style» you are. It is just lazy. I even made a point of telling her that I have come across truly talented manicurist who will work with different nail AND gel colors to make a good match for a customer. She, on the other hand, offered a glitter polish to go over the other color. At this point I just wanted to be done as quickly as possible.
Problem #4: Pedi Time — My pedicure took an hour. Yes, she is detailed, yes she is a perfectionist, but c’mon! An hour for feet?! Since I had already wasted two hours of my afternoon I then had to carefully make my way to my car to add more money to the machine. When I return, guess who is gone again? That’s right, Sonja is no where to be seen for another 10 min while I wait for her. No explanation from the two women wandering back and forth from the backroom looking particularly bored and unhappy.
Problem #5: Customer Service — Just as she removes my previous gel manicure in comes her next appointment. A very friendly young woman who didn’t know what she was in for. Sonja, like before, apologized for running late and asked her to please wait. When the young woman asked about how long it would be, Sonja replied, «Oh, 20 – 25 min»!!! She had yet to start my manicure! Anyone who knows ANYTHING about gel manicures knows that from start to finish it is certainly going to take more than 25 min! Especially with the snail pace perfectionist ! Why lie?!
Problem #6: Quality — I usually get OPI gel because I like their colors. Sonja insisted that they’re too hard to take off (They weren’t btw). She then claimed that she likes shellac so much more because it is faster and easier to remove. At this point the idea of this woman claiming anything she does is for speed seems laughable. Don’t advertise that you choose your very limited products for any reason other than quality.
Problem #7: Nickle and Dimed — Finally, 3 hours later, my mani /​pedi is complete and my afternoon ruined. As I get up to pay her for the pedicure she then tells me that it will be an extra $ 8 for gel removal! I politely remind her that my lifebooker included a removal. She tries to argue that it is supposed to be for me to come back to remove her gel. Which is insane! What she stopped herself from saying was it is her ploy to make sure that people feel the need to come back to her and just get their next manicure while there. No thank you! She finally agreed to not charge me extra (she should have giving me a further discount for the time she wasted!)
Good luck with your future ventures and learn how to manage your time and your business. Don’t take on a groupon or lifebooker deal if you can’t handle it.

Awful customer service. She needs a manager or someone to help with her booking. I just asked for my Group On refund because it’s so difficult to make an appointment. I understand being busy but if you’re going to take on such a task, as in selling on Group On, be prepared for it.
I’ve been to many busy salons but they have a staff to accomodate. She might be a wonderful manicurist but she lacks in just basic booking/​customer service skills. I’m paying you for a service and therefore helping make your business successful, however you can’t even answer texts in a timely manner or answer your phone
(voicemail is completely full). To anyone who hasn’t met you before it just seems like you’re out of business. Now I understand the other people on Unilocal that have been frustrated with her as well. No thanks… I’m not going to waste my time hunting down a nail technician in LA.

I almost never take the time to write reviews… but it’s time I wrote one for Sonja! I first found her on Lifebooker, and I’m cheap and not loyal LOL, BUT she is that good that I stopped buying groupon mani/​pedi deals when I found her.
First, I have to say that my nails and fingers looked terrible; I am a vicious nail and finger biter and will gnaw my fingers down to nubs. Nothing could stop me, and I’ve had that bad habit since age 4. NOW, my hands look beautiful, thanks to Sonja.
I’ve gone to every cheap nail place around… Silverlake, Noho, Studio City, Glendale… and they are inexpensive and convenient. Now I will only go to Sonja.
I can get a gel mani from her and it lasts for THREE MONTHS. If my nails didn’t grow, I would never need to get a new one. They grow out and I clip them and file them and the gel stays on… for three whole months! The pedis last as long, too.
This means that I don’t have to get my nails done as frequently, and because I’m super busy I don’t have time to do that anyway.
I’ve read some of the reviews… yes, she does take phone calls because she does her own appointment booking.
But Sonja is «hands down» the BEST manicurist I have ever gone to. It takes a while to get both a mani and pedi together, because you don’t have two people waiting on you hand and foot, but it is sooo worth it.
She is extremely sanitary, and most of all just does the best job out of anyone out there. I’ve gone to the $ 25 mani-​pedi places and they just chip after less than a week. She does the best shaping, and the neatest polish application. She can also do cool nail looks and chooses cute colors and styles. She uses the good gels and they stay on forever. She is very hygienic and uses brand new clean files and shapers. She also doesn’t go to town on the callouses on the bottom of my feet which I need for running (and kicking!), which I appreciate. She will also listen to exactly what you want regarding shape and color.
I always used to be ashamed of my nails and hands, but now I can’t wait to show them off. I don’t really splurge a lot on myself but this is one service I now won’t do without. I regularly go to her. She has saved my hands.
She also does a fabulously scented paraffin wax treatment which makes your hands really soft and pretty.
RECOMMENDED: Gel Manis! and paraffin wax. And make your appointments ahead of time! by text, that’s what I do.

It’s been along time since I’ve had a Mani/​Pedi, and I’m soo glad I had Sonja to be the one to usher back into the world of pampering.
For the first time ever, I actually had meaningful conversation with someone while getting my nails beautifully shaped and painted.
She helped my pick out the perfect shade for my gel pedicure (which is still as shiny and perfect as the day I got it) as well as a nice subtle shade my my hands. My only regret is not having longer nails to give her a bigger canvas to work with.
I can’t wait to visit her at her new location to see what her and the other girls have up their sleeves!
Sonja rocks!

I went to Sonja on Wednesday. Although I had an appointment for 6, I had to wait almost an hour, because she was running behind. But it’s okay, I wasn’t in a rush plus she said she’ll do that wax therapy on my hands for free. Everything was great, I really like my nails (shellac) and that procedure was really nice.
Thanks, Sonja =)

I really wanted to have a person to go to for amazing Minx nails for special events or even on a somewhat regular basis, but alas, this wasn’t the case here.
The worst part of this is that Sonja is actually really nice, which makes it that much harder but we all know that «being nice» doesn’t cut it when I’m spending $ 65 for getting my nails done.
I was referred to Sonja by a friend from Tamara Dahill Salon. I did further researching & concluded from Unilocal that Sonja was the best person to go to get Minx done on my nails.
I set up the appointment 2 weeks in advance & decided I wanted just an «accent» ring finger of the Minx Gold Ligntening instead of a full set. Then after I realized I could get a full set of the Minx Gold Lightening since I saw the Unilocal deal of $ 50 for $ 75 I texted her letting her know that I wanted the full set (keep in mind, she said I could call OR text her bc the number I was calling was her cell#). She never responded to the text, so I called & left a message.
I call the day before to confirm our appointment & she stated she didn’t get my text & didn’t order the Minx Gold Lightening like I requested & said that she has plenty to choose from. I didn’t want a «printed» Minx manicure but whatever.
I get there & she starts to pick out the Minx (& Sheekee brand of nail stickers, which suck, more on that later) & stick them on my PAINTED nails just to see which ones will fit on which nail… Uhm, even I know that sticking them on before you are prepped to actually stick them on is going to make them less sticky & not as effective. They were so sticky they peeled off some of my polish when she took them off to start the actual manicure!
Since she didn’t have a full new Minx set of Gold Lightening stickers, she had a few half used sheets of the Sheekee brand of similar gold nail stickers that she was going to use. Apparently, Sheekee is a crappier brand. (She tells me this after the fact when I called her to tell her that my nails were bubbling on the sides and LIFTING after only a few hours after I left the salon!) If Sheekee is a crappy brand, then why would you offer it?!
So she starts doing her thing all the while answering her phone (although it was only once, come on, be more professional!) & her co-​worker talking to her about giving her a ride home after she’s done with me which made me feel like she was trying to rush through my manicure. When I’m finally done, they look horrible. But since she was going to give her friend a ride home I felt like I couldn’t really say anything & I convinced myself that I would fix them when I got home with a blow dryer (she used a heat lamp to apply them). So fine, whatever. I then tell her I have the Unilocal deal (because I forgot to mention it initially & she didn’t ask if I did) & she goes «Oh, that’s not eligible for Minx… because they take 40%» Uhm WTF?! All you advertise on your website is Minx and Gel nails. AND on the Unilocal for the $ 50 for $ 75 certificate, it shows a picture of Minx nails! She goes, just call them & tell them you changed your mind. Uhm, no, I’m going to call & tell them you refused to honor it. Fine, I pay with my card. Oh, she gives me $ 10 because she wouldn’t honor the Unilocal deal. So $ 65 down the drain instead of $ 75
I get in my car and read the fine print of the Unilocal deal & sure enough it DOESN’T say anywhere on there that you can’t use it for Minx.
A few hours later (after I realize I can’t do sh*t with these f*cked up nails) I call her to tell her that they were lifting and bubbling really badly, she said I could come in Monday afternoon & she’d fix them. I got them on Friday afternoon. Doing this would DEFEAT THE WHOLE REASON WHY I GOT THEM! Even worse, she wanted me to keep them on so she could see what happened. So not only did she want me to wait 4 days to get them fixed but she wanted me to keep these horrific nails on the whole weekend! WTF?!
The whole point of my getting this done was because it was my birthday weekend & my boyfriend’s bday weekend (our bdays are days apart). A lot was going on & I wanted to have super cool nails for it all.
She did do both my ring fingers with the Minx brand black and white chevron stickers, these look perfect… The rest of my nails, a sh! t show.
I called & left a message on Saturday telling her I was happy to pay the $ 20 for the 2 accent nails (she told me before it was $ 10 each for accent nails) & that I wanted a refund for the difference of $ 45. After about a week or so, I finally got the refund. Again, she was really nice about the whole thing, but I would never ever go to her again. I’m sure the other Unilocalers have had great experiences as they’ve stated, however, this first and horrible experience is enough for me. I’m not trying to consistently throw away my hard earned cash.
Btw, this was the last weekend of March 2012.

Visited Sonja for the first time today and she is absolutely amazing! She is very meticulous and a perfectionist. Great personality, pays attention to details and absolutely prides herself with her work.
In addition, she takes cleanliness very seriously. I have never walked out of a place where they give me the nail filers and toe separators they used on me because Sonja will not reuse it again. She also changes those plastic things within the tub of water each time for sanitary purposes.
Great nail color and brand selection. She has those crackle, glitter and 3-​d effect type polishes too.
As a note– don’t let the parking and building scare you. Believe me, I was skeptical at first as it’s really not your typical nail salon place you walk into. Rather, it’s a large industrial warehouse where they have independent operators (salon, waxing, facial, etc.) on the 2^nd floor and school on the 1^st floor. Everyone is really friendly there. Park at Happy Tom’s Restaurant and follow the signs that say «Refuge/​Form» to the back alley.
So happy I found my new manicurist in Downtown!

We talked on the phone on Thursday, and made the appointment for Saturday. I went to Coif Salon and sat there for twenty minutes before leaving in a huff. The receptionists called her and left messages but to no avail. She completely flaked.
It’s extremely unprofessional to skip out on a future client’s appointment. I booked her specifically because of all these rave reviews. I didn’t even get an apology after the fact and she has my phone number.
And to think I was going to use her for my wedding party. No way!
I went to someone else who is considerate, professional and kept her appointment with me. That person deserves my business, not Sonja.

Sonja is very nice, but I honestly don’t know what all the fuss is about. I went to this place because she got 5 stars, but I just don’t get it!!!
I got my nails done a couple days ago for my wedding this weekend. It was an extremely simple manicure & pedicure & still cost $ 80. I’ve never paid that much for a mani/​pedi in my life. honestly though, I wouldn’t have minded if it was an exceptional job. Cheap is not the way to go, especially on your wedding day, but I just didn’t think it was worth the money.
The worse thing to happen was that whatever foot scrub she used on my feet made me break out in a rash that I had for a few days (including the day of my wedding!!!) It was itchy and hurt. I have never had an allergic reaction to any products on my body before… i have no idea what she used.
Oh & my manicure only lasted a day and a half before it was chipping.
Overall, it was not a great experience and I really don’t think it was worth the money. I can definitely say that although she is a nice lady (& finished on time with her last client for our appointment which i appreciate), i will not be going back.

Great Maincure by Sonja! She was pleasant and friendly. I will be going back — She is the best!
Just so you know I booked a shellac but left with a regular mani — why you say? — Only because I was looking for this blue they just released on CND’s site and she hadn’t gotten yet (Next time). Also even though I changed my mind — She didn’t show any annoyance– if she was I didn’t know it and that is a bonus!!!
Need a manicurist — Call Sonja!!! And now she is right next door to Aroma Café — Oh boya Im in trouble! Im gonna have to get on a strict regimen to avoid gaining anymore weight while getting my nails done! LOL!

Sonja has only 5 stars for a reason.
She is hands down the best manicurist in Los Angeles — California — THE WORLD!
Sonja has helped my little brittle nails flourish into long, strong nails that can keep a manicure for THREE WEEKS!
If you want to treat yourself to the best, the only option is to visit Sonja.

Sonja is amazing! She gave me the cleanest, best manicure I’ve ever had. Her attention to detail is amazing. She has space at A Tamara Dahill Salon in Toluca Lake but also has a mobile service for parties or private service. You can schedule both through her website. You will not regret it! Once you try Sonja, you’ll never settle for less than the best.

I was totally spoiled by Sonja!
I got my first gelish manicure from her and it certainly won’t be my last! I used a BuyWithMe deal to try out the manicure. She was great in explaining the gelish polish to me and helping me choose a nail color I’d want to live with for a long time– because this manicure lasted a month! She did exactly what I wanted with the length and shape of my nails, and gave me one of the best, cleanest, longest lasting manicures I’ve ever had. The manicure is a great deal (trust me, I’ve shopped around) and with all her expertise and effort, truly worth it. I almost don’t want to post this review, because if everyone in LA knows how good she is, it’ll make it harder for me to get an appointment, but really, everyone should know, because she’s awesome.

Word of Warning: Once you get your nails done with Sonja any and everybody else will fall short!
I should have written this review a long time ago. Sonja is wonderful. She’s so cool and knowledgable. She did a CND SHELLAC manicure on me and it was amazing! (I never use that word). She took her time prepping my hands so that they were impeccably trimmed, nipped and shaped. She meticulously applied each coat of polish while still engaging in conversation (it’s nice not having to sit in awkward silence whilst someone’s doing your nails).
When I was done, which was reasonably fast my nails were immediately dry and beautiful and I mean BEAUTIFUL. My cuticles were perfect, my nails were perfect even my skin on my hands looked really good.
I always find something to knit-​pick at other salons but NOT here. I will be Sonja’s customer for life and she’ll def. be doing my nails for my wedding, no doubt about!