*i want to be clear that before this incident i had had all positive experiences with the salon and…read moreits students* I attended Bella Elite Academy on July 10, 2025, as a model for a student nail appointment and left with bleeding cuticles, physical pain, and emotional trauma that I'm still recovering from. The student used an electric nail drill directly on my live skin, cutting into my cuticles so badly that they started to bleed and then burned for hours afterward. The drill left deep scratches in my natural nails, which were healthy and well cared for before this. I still haven't been able to remove the poorly applied gel polish because my nails and skin are too painful and sensitive to touch. There was no visible supervision during the appointment, and I was not warned that the student wasn't ready to work on the public. In fact, I only learned afterward from the owner that the student was meant to be working only on friends and family, but had posted on Facebook looking for models -- which is how I ended up there. When I called to raise my concerns, I was told "worse things have happened" and that because I was a model, there was no liability. I was in tears for hours after leaving the appointment -- not just from pain, but from shock, humiliation, and fear about what damage had been done. This was my first ever manicure, and it was an absolutely traumatic experience. I've reported the incident to Alberta Health Services and Alberta Advanced Education. I strongly urge others to avoid this business -- especially if you're considering being a model. There is no excuse for a service to result in injury, no matter how early a student is in training.

Such a great experience. The students was kind and considerate…read more Denise the instructor was off the charts awesome. Will go back.