Welcome to the ‘pretty jungle’

Apex has six manicure stations and two pedicure stations, offering intricate nail art and designs, acrylics, natural manicures and other custom pedicure packages. The space is purposely decorated with plants, pink and green on the walls — providing a relaxing oasis ambiance. Chase said they were going for a Miami, tropical vibe.  ”

Apex Nails & Spa Grand Opening

1515 W. Mount Hope Ave.
Lansing, MI (517) 256-0538

Saturday, July 30 11 am - 7pm

“We had a vision and made it come true,” Luanda Coleman said of her and her co-owner Alicia Chase’s new salon, Apex Nails & Spa. 

The pair of licensed nail technicians planned the business together and jumped at the chance when an ideal space opened at 1515 W. Mount Hope Ave., Lansing. On Saturday (July 30), they host a grand opening. During the event, walk-ins are available from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. along with discounts on acrylic toes, freestyle sets, deluxe pedicures and apex manicures.  

Apex Nails & Spa marks the second business for Coleman, 33, who also owns ENL Nail Supply across the street. And while this is the first business for Chase, 31, she has big plans for not only her future in the industry, but also future generations of nail technicians. Chase said, along with their current staff, she aims to have nail technician apprenticeships, teach students her craft and share some life lessons, as well.  

“We have been finding that nail schools really just teach you the basics,” she said. “We wanted to give them a bit more of an education and our real-life experience — really shape them to be some of the best nail technicians in town. That’s our goal. Down the line, I do want to open a school.” 

Apex has six manicure stations and two pedicure stations, offering intricate nail art and designs, acrylics, natural manicures and other custom pedicure packages. The space is purposely decorated with plants, pink and green on the walls — providing a relaxing oasis ambiance. Chase said they were going for a Miami, tropical vibe.  

“I wanted it to feel really different,” she said. “I wanted you to walk in there, and say, ‘Woah, I wasn’t expecting that.’ I don’t think it feels like a typical nail salon. It’s a really pretty jungle theme.” 

But Apex isn’t just about appearance. Coleman said Apex’s warm, friendly atmosphere extends into their staff’s commitment to friendly customer service.   

“Sometimes salons get the reputation of not being very friendly or welcoming. All of our ladies are so welcoming and amazing,” Coleman said. “When people walk in, they get comfortable, sit back, relax and talk to us like we’ve known each other forever. We offer very good customer service. We want you to walk in and feel beautiful. That’s the whole point of pampering yourself.” 

Although the goal of the business is to pamper anyone who walks in, the process of getting the space ready was anything but glamorous. Without hiring any contractors, decorators or securing loans or grants, Chase and Coleman did everything independently.  

“This is just something we built from the ground up with our own hands,” Chase said. “It makes it much more special.”