by ASHLEY MILLER
for the Sequim Gazette
For 20 years, Sequim resident Sara Cole clocked in and out of her escrow job with a smile on her face.
It was a good job with decent pay for a company she liked and respected, she kept telling herself. Then, when the economy took a downward turn and the company offered her either less pay or to be laid off, Cole chose termination.
Cole had been researching beauty school on and off for almost 15 years but “it was never the right time.” Finally, the right time came and she decided not to let it pass her by. On her 49th birthday—with her husband’s support and encouragement — Cole signed up for school to become a manicurist.
With more than 100 hours of training and a certificate from the Angeles Academy of Hair & Nails in Port Angeles, Cole opened Parisian Nails of Sequim inside Hair Trix in Carlsborg.
Parisian Nails of Sequim owner Sara Cole gives a manicure to a regular client. Sequim Gazette photo by Ashley Miller
“I’d really like people to know when they find themselves without a job that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams,” Cole said. “I’m switching gears at almost 50 — it can be done.”
Parisian Nails is a full-service nail salon specializing in Shellac manicures and soothing pedicures with safe callus removal. Coles describes the products she uses as “the finest available.”
Shellac manicures use a gel polish that’s cured under a UV light. The polish stays on at least 14 days and the natural nails don’t have to be prepped before application.
“It’s a lot better for your nails than the gel and acrylic nails and allows you to grow your nails naturally if you want to,” Cole said. “Eighty-five percent of women don’t want fake nails, they just want their polish to stay on.”
Cole swears by Shellac products and uses them herself.
From senior citizens to small children, Cole serves all ages.
Coming soon to the salon are Piggy Paints — a natural, eco-friendly nail polish designed with children in mind. The paints are nontoxic, hypoallergenic, durable and “safe to use on all piggies.”
“I thoroughly enjoy (doing nails) and want to cater to people who want pedicures,” Cole said, acknowledging that sometimes older people can’t reach their feet or don’t have the strength in their hands to cut their toenails.
“Don’t just ignore the problem,” Cole said. “Let me tend to your nails and pamper you all at the same time.”
Parisian Nails of Sequim offers gift certificates — a great Christmas present for loved ones, Cole added.
