Pro Day Spa — Local services in Storm Lake

After more than 20 years of being a loyal customer, I’ve decided it’s time to stop supporting a business that no longer makes me feel valued.

This decision isn’t about the cost—it’s about unprofessionalism. At my last appointment, I was switched to a different nail tech at the last minute without being told. I only found out when I arrived, and when I asked the receptionist if someone else was available, she casually mentioned there was an opening the following day. Anyone who knows me knows I’m very particular about who I go to, and for them to make that change without informing me is unacceptable. It makes me wonder if they do this to other customers as well.

I chose to go ahead with the appointment, but at the end I was surprised by the total cost. It wasn’t that I was asking not to pay—it was the fact that I was charged for a full set when it had only been three weeks since I had a brand-new set done. I brought up the issues I’d been having with my nails, and the tech told me—in a tone that felt unnecessary—that since he hadn’t done my previous set, I still had to pay. When I asked to speak with the owner, he refused and said I had to pay him first. So, I paid and left.

I also sent a message to the business, which I saw was read and then marked as “sent” again, but never answered. The next day I decided to call. At first, I was told the owner was busy. I asked when would be a good time to call back, and after some silence, I suddenly heard her voice. I explained how unhappy I was with both the tech’s behavior and my overall experience, but instead of listening, she made excuses—saying she couldn’t guarantee what happens to my nails once I leave, especially with my length and shape. She mentioned they had been “nice” to me in the past by fixing my broken nails at no cost. She even excused the tech’s behavior as a “language barrier.” As an ELL teacher who has worked with this person in my adult education program, I know that was not the case. He knew exactly what he was saying when he told me he didn’t do my last set, so I had to pay him. To make matters worse, while I was speaking, I could hear her talking to someone else, which only made me feel more ignored.

Yes, they have replaced broken nails for me before, but too often the problems happened within the first week—issues that should have been fixed by the salon. This last time, seven nails lifted in just one week. I even had to use crazy glue to hold them down until my next appointment, and I had one nail pop completely off without breaking. After being a client since the day they opened their doors, always returning even when I tried other salons, and even referring new people in our community who were looking for a place to get beautified, I truly expected better.

I’m not saying every nail tech there deserves blame—there are a few I truly loved and will miss. But if the owner can’t take responsibility for the unprofessionalism I experienced, then it’s time to say goodbye and find a new nail tech.

Loyalty should be a two-way street. When it isn’t, it’s okay to...

First time here was 5/26. I walked in and stood in front of the receptionist desk and had to wait for the receptionist to finish texting before she even spoke to me, I found that extremely rude. She told me to go in the back, wash my hands and pick a polish as though I've been there before. I told her I've never been here before and she gave me very vague instructions on where to wash my hands and find the polish, she acted annoyed having to explain instructions to me. I had Tam as the person doing my nails. He was quiet, but when he did speak to me he was very polite and kind and made sure his services were as expected. I unfortunately will not be back because of the rudeness of the...

The worse place to get your nails done!!! I got them done last week 3/18. And they are already almost off! And the polish chipped since day 1. The design was cute but they never stayed on. And ripped half my nail off when they fell off! I’m so upset! And got a pedicure and the polish already fell off and my pedicure lasted 10 minutes when I got the big package I should have got everything done and I did not. Did not massage or anything. Spent $160 for a week of nails! I wish I could have got...