Millies

I went into Millies for an appointment for a mani pedi and what a surprise I was in for when I realized I it was tucked away in a health food store. It’s up the stairs in the back behind some faux velvet rope (is that suppose to make me ignore the fact that this is a storage room?).
It starts with a tale of woe as I arrived 11 minutes late, I know this because my pedicurist (is that word??) felt the need to let me know several times. WhenI tried explaining that I tried calling to a busy line over and over, she then let me know they were very busy (even though I only saw 3 customers there the whole 40 minutes I was there) and that they wanted to be there, unlike me.
Being a foreigner in a foreign country I have been giving myself lots of time to arrive at places, however on this day there was construction work blocking an entire street so I had to find a detour.
I was instantly put off by the looks of the setup, it seriously looks like something you could do at home with an electric plug-​in «foot massager». If you’re like me and use to something a bit more upscale (which is funny considering they had upscale prices) being sat in a leather arm chair while a laady squats on the floor to paint your nails may seem a little cheap.
I don’t know the woman who painted my nails but she is my sole (pun intended) reason for not returning. During my pedicure she told me the following:

–She would not to my pedicure because I was 11 minutes late
–I was wearing the wrong type of shoes for my body and feet (never heard this before after 10 years of pedicures)
–I should’ve brought flip flops to this pedicure so I could dry my feet. I hadn’t been told this when making the appointment and she proceeded to wrap my toes in tissues *facepalm*
–My skin was very dry and I should take care of it
–I could not use shellac on my nails, only the «weekly» nail colors
To top off a craptastic pedicure where I felt neither relaxed nor pampered my nails smudged after waiting longer than the allotted time of 8 minutes to dry. When I asked her to repair them she said she didn’t have time. I ended up redoing the whole pedicure at home myself.
I don’t know about the rest of Millies but I wouldn’t return based on the fact that the stockroom salon was very rude to me.

Being a bridesmaid in a fortnight and having to wear stappy sandals I thought I’d better get my feet and toes sorted so opted for a pedicure. Having seen rave reviews here for Millies Beauty I thought I’d try and book myself in for a luxury pedicure as it was my first time. As it was Sunday evening I emailed them and they replied Monday morning with a free appointment on one of my requested times. I was impressed as I’d read they were busy evenings and weekends!
So off I went to my appointment, asked at the counter of Millies Shop and she directed me upstairs towards the sliding doors.
Inside was compact but clean and seemed well stock of colours counter. Was greeted with friendly staff called Charlotte and she was going to do my pedicure. I felt comfortable but was bit surprised when she brought out a mat. So guessing we’re doing the pedicure at their reception then! Charlotte was very friendly and chatty and I felt relaxed for my first ever pedicure.
Had a foot bath, scrub, massage, moisturised and painted but didn’t bring flip flops! Doh!!! She took her time and I was very impressed.