Stop by Lux Nail Spa almost any day of the week and you’ll find Antoine Hai Pham and wife Amy Vi Tran working at their appropriately-named Lux Nail Spa. Lux was an original tenant at Woodlake Square after the entire center, including its anchor Randalls store, was demolished and rebuilt in 2011. “I have a background in real estate and Amy always had a dream of owning a salon,” said Antoine. “It took us a while to find the right location, but we’ve been very happy here.”
With financial investments from Amy’s family, the salon opened in its original location in an 1800-square-foot space with 12 pedicure chairs and 4 children’s size chairs. The children’s spa chairs were later replaced with regular pedicure chairs, but the Phams had more demand than they had chairs. During those years, customers’ expectations regarding nail salons changed as well. Clients expect more services, luxury add-ons like beverage service and a hyper-sensitive attention to cleanliness.
New services added
After Jos. A. Bank vacated the 5,000-square-foot endcap at Woodlake Square, Antoine made three separate appeals to his landlord to move to the much larger space. On the third time, they said yes. Now Antoine and Amy have 44 pedicure chairs, two rooms dedicated to facials and a room for lash services. The pedicure chairs are divided throughout a main room and four rooms can be booked for private parties.
Lux hosts a variety of events in the new locale, from birthday parties to baby showers to bachelorette parties. “I’m so happy we have the opportunity to create something special that people can enjoy,” said Antoine. He personally oversaw the build-out of the “mancave,” an eight-chair room with more masculine fixtures and sports-centered decorations that pay tribute to the Rockets’ and Astros’ championship seasons. During their ten years at the original location, Antoine and Amy observed that men like to get pampered but are shy about showing their feet. “Here they can come in with their spouse or girlfriend and enjoy a beer while they’re receiving a pedicure or other spa services,” said Antoine. “We’re seeing more men come in alone also.”
Speaking of beer, the salon offers a well- stocked bar for customers to enjoy. It features wines, beers, champagne and a variety of frozen drinks in addition to non-alcoholic offerings.
Lux offers a variety of manicures and pedicures, plus gel, shellac and dipped-powder nail extensions. Amy is trained in a variety of high-end facial techniques. And they offer waxing, microblading, eyebrow and eyelash tinting and eyelash extensions. “Being in this larger space has allowed us to offer a wider range of services,” said Antoine.
Seven-day a week business
With a staff of 40, Antoine ensures that senior managers are on duty every Sunday, so he and Amy can enjoy family time with their three daughters, ranging in age from six to seventeen. “I really didn’t imagine this would be so much work. It’s more maintenance, more janitorial, more deliveries,” said Antoine, speaking of the newer, much larger spa location.
“We’ve hired more technicians, more cleaning staff, more front desk staff and have engaged in more marketing,” he said. The salon recently hosted a party for Yelp Elite members. They offered facial demonstrations to the guests and asked for feedback on their services. “I want to make sure we have great customer service,” said Antoine. “I want our guests to feel comfortable and luxurious while they’re here.”
The salon enjoys a lot of repeat business. Antoine mentioned a husband and wife who recently relocated from Houston to Tyler. When the couple returned to Houston for a visit, the first place they came was Lux Nail Spa. “That made me so happy,” said Antoine. “We treat our customers as friends and want to welcome them back over and over.”
Lux Nail Spa is open seven days a week at 9668 Westheimer. Check them out Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. or Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Go to luxnailspaonline.com for a complete list of services.
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