First of all there's no shame in a straight male getting a pedicure. Nothing is wrong with having clean feet. Seriously.
Now... regarding the poor service: she put the nail clippings and dirt on my skin instead of the towel. Nobody has ever done something like that before. Usually, the clippings and dirt are wiped on the towel. It felt low. As if to say, "You're so dirty that we don't want your clippings on our towel". I'm not over-reacting. Has your specialist ever put your dirty nail clippings etc. on your foot instead of the towel? I found it heavily disconcerting at the moment. Instead of walking out in a fit, I made my concern known as a mature adult.
The owner tried to persuade me that that's how they do things there so that the clippings don't get in the wash or in the sink (that is lined with plastic). She made an honest effort to palliate my displeasure after the hateful behaviour of her employee. She even took over and did a much better job than the service I was receiving. Any onlooker would have agreed something was wrong. The lady was callously working on me with an attitude. Everything she did hurt and caused physical pain. For a second I thought I might lose my big toe. I could assume a lot of things; I'm used to prejudice. As much as I love Asians, Asian culture, etc, they are sometimes prejudice to me too. I should tell you about my experiences elsewhere on this street but... I am willing to forgive and at least try to preserve a positive relationship with these establishments. I think the stigmas about African Americans are very unfortunate. Some people think we are brown because we are dirty. Others are afraid of us. It's heartbreaking actually. If you only knew. People forget that we are human, and that we have feelings too. Is that how you would want to be treated?
I left a $5 tip for good o'l times sake. Understand something: it's an expectation with any Asian service whether it was good or not. *inhales and sighs deeply*...... I would rather tip than be begged for a tip, hassled, or even insulted and told not to come back (it's happened before, shall I say some names?). Tips are nice. They need to understand that tips are a form of gratitude from people who have money to give away. Truly, I shouldn't be giving away my money in my situation; especially if you don't deserve it.
Out of the 30 odd stores on 25th, most of them are Nail Spas, Salons, or whatever. I respect it, however, there are better choices to be sure. 7 sisters is unfortunately closed.
Speaking of COVID, La Vie Spa "sanitizes" with the towels they used on your feet. I watched her pick up the used foot towel, spray windex, and wipe the chair.
Pause. Do you see the disconnect going on here?
That's gross. There are (let me reiterate) countless Nail Spas on this funny little street that can do better to be sure. 7 sisters is the gold standard in aesthetics and service (almost. Improvement in English is needed). It's impressive. I wish everywhere looked like that. Marble floors and pillars?? My my...The foot massage was incredible. They are also very friendly and caring.
I apologize for the late review as this happened upon the initial reopening from the first quarantine back in June. Somehow it was saved in my drafts; I think out of mercy, knowing full well that these establishments are all connected. Regardless (at this point) I think our community should know. There are countless nail spas on this one street much less the rest of San Mateo, and all the way down El Camino. Close this one. It's shameful services won't be missed. Please forgive my lack of prudence in sharing this expediently. As for my Asian counterparts, I love you all dearly, however, this is inexcusable. Please forgive me.
Anyone else would have ripped you to pieces verbally. Consider this review a merciful act, and nothing less considering the other handful of unpleasant experiences on this street with your relatives (please see no malicious intent in that statement, as there is none). Scold them in your native tongue, and admonish them to do better (as well as treat everyone the same; that is, with respect). read more