ethical mani pedis?

[jadelennox]

So in light of the deeply distressing NYT piece "The Price of Nice Nails" about manicurists and wage theft, does anyone know of some places around here where we know for a fact the manicurists are treated at least with the legal minimum of tipped employee wages, OSHA regulations, etc?

Sigh.

Comments

[bikergeek.livejournal.com]

No idea, but +1 for Der Struwwelpeter.

Pyara Aveda

[desiringsubject.livejournal.com]

I am very friendly with the person I see at Pyara Aveda and she talks about how good a work environment it is. She told a story about how she didn't get hired the first time she applied because they felt she wasn't qualified enough or had enough experience, and when she learned more and had a job for a while at a crappier place, they hired her later, basically keeping their word. I feel good going there, though I will admit I haven't *verified* any of these anecdotes.

[fangirl715.livejournal.com]

Forgive me for not having all the details, but I did read somewhere else today (the WBZ web site, maybe?) that the MiniLuxe small chain gives their employees health insurance, 401Ks, etc., so that might be a place to start.

[ayelle.livejournal.com]

Posting to be sad about the demise of Square Nail in Davis, which as far as I could tell existed for the purpose of being the opposite of all these dangerously chemical slave labor places... but their prices were high and they went out of business. I *think* the salon that's across the street from me, which was my replacement, is okay (I've known the owner, Lisa, and her employee, also her sister, for years, and there are no obvious signs in their salon of any of the abuses the article describes). But... a feeling isn't knowing.

I'm even more troubled by the NYT's follow-up article about Perfect Nails Poisoned Workers. God, it's horrible, it's like the radium girls. I always pick OPI polishes, which are 3-free, but there's still nail polish remover... I could take my polish off myself before going so they don't have to do that part... but I mean at some point I have to start questioning whether or not it's possible to get my nails done "ethically" at ALL.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/11/nyregion/nail-salon-workers-in-nyc-face-hazardous-chemicals.html

[preraphaelite.livejournal.com]

Go to Princess Nails, across the street from Lyndell's! They are just a husband and wife, and really nice. The wife did a great job on my mani pedi. They have two kids and I know they are struggling after the rough winter.