Mobile nail tech to open brick-and-mortar nail salon in McLoud Plaza

A local mobile nail technician is scheduled to open a brick-and-mortar nail salon in McLoud Plaza on July 2.

Liora Simonian, a nail tech from Buffalo, New York, said Liora’s Original Creations Nail Salon, located at 3322 S. Campbell Ave., Ste. CC4, will be her first business venture as a nail technician. Before moving to Springfield, she’d never been to Missouri before, but said she was inspired to go to school for nail art around six months after the move.

“I’ve always been very artistic,” Simonian said. “One day, it just hit me that I should go to school for nail art.”

After attending the Academy of Hair Design in Springfield, she traveled to homes as a mobile nail technician, a service she hopes to continue offering despite having her own salon. This is important to her, as she said she wants to be available for those unable to leave their homes.

“I don’t think nail care is a luxury,” she said. “It is a need, and everyone should be able to afford it.”

Startup costs for Liora’s Original Creations Nail Salon were between $3,000 to $5,000, she said, noting a nutritionist was in the McLoud Plaza space before her business. Her prices range from $15 for a manicure for older adult customers or those with disabilities, to $70 for a full French tip set. She also does specific pricing for original nail art.

For now, Simonian plans to be the shop’s sole employee. She said she also hopes to receive an advanced nail tech certification so she can provide customers in need with medical pedicures.