Polished Salon Passes 10-Year Mark

If cleanliness were the key to success, Polished Salon in Safety Harbor would've been a hit from day one.

Owners Duy Pham and Tuyen Le run a tight ship; their shop is known for being spotless, warm and inviting to everyone who enters the door.

But when they opened the downtown salon in 2003, there was no guarantee their first business would be successful; in fact, there were no other businesses around to help gauge if it could be successful.

"Safety Harbor Square was an empty shell," Pham says of the building at 500 Main Street that houses the shop. "This was an empty unit, and there were 12 other empty spaces in the building."

"We liked it, but we weren't sure about the town," he added. "We had one shot to do this right and if we failed we'd be back working for our parents."

Luckily for Pham, Le and their customers, they took the chance and it did work out; ten years later they own one of the most popular nail salons in the area and they show no signs of slowing down.

Key to success

It's impossible to talk about Polished without acknowledging its interior and atmosphere.

Soft lighting, a chic decor, modern amenities (glass of Chardonnay?) and an adorable dog combine to make a trip to the salon feel like a stay at a spa.

Oh, and did I mention the place is spotless?

"When I walk into a place I say how would I want it to be?" Pham said. "Clean, friendly and professional is how I want it to be."

"This is our second home. We want people to feel comfortable here."

The comfort factor is one selling point for Polished. Quality service is another.

"We offer full nail and skin care - manicures, pedicures, facials, enhancements, hair removal," Pham said. "We do the latest artwork, all hand painted, no stickers or decals."

But their commitment to customer service might be their biggest selling point.

"I was new to town and I was referred here, and they've been so accommodating, welcoming and friendly," local artist Janet Lee Stinson said as she relaxed in a spa chair.

"Some salons you feel like you're on a conveyor belt. Here you feel like family." 

The future of Polished

Now ten years in, Pham and Le have wondered, what's next?

Pham, who taught at an academy in the past, said he wouldn't mind trying to apply his styles and techniques at other salons.

"I would like to spread my philosophy for nail and skin care," he said. "If I could slowly change other salons, sell them on my concepts, that would be my goal."

But he said no matter what the future holds, Polished will always remain a part of Safety Harbor.

"I feel so happy about being part of the growth here," he said. "I'm smiling and saying I'm so happy I found my spot."

Polished Salon

Address: 500 Main St., Safety Harbor

Phone: 727-791-4223