Nestled in the heart of Ponsonby Road, Valet Nails is anything but your typical nail salon.
Founded by Jasmine Malatios and Jessica Wade, Valet offers a reimagined approach to self-care—complete with champagne at the press of a button, individual iPads, and a meticulously designed modern-minimalist space. With a vision to transform routine nail appointments into indulgent experiences, the duo has created a sanctuary where luxury meets comfort. In this interview, Jasmine and Jessica share the inspiration behind their innovative salon, the story behind its unique name, and how they’re navigating the challenges of launching a high-end business in today’s economic climate.
Valet has such a unique and luxurious atmosphere, with everything from champagne at the press of a button to iPads for each customer. What inspired you to create such a high-end experience in a nail salon, and how important was it for you to offer more than just a typical manicure service?
Our inspiration for Valet came from wanting to elevate the nail salon experience, by offering something quite different from what was already in the market. We had seen high-end salons overseas, but found there remained a gap in the market in New Zealand. There was a real opportunity to turn something routine into something much more special, from a nail appointment to an experience.
Offering more than just a typical nail appointment is key to what Valet is all about.The champagne buttons in our booths, and iPads at each seat are small touches designed to add something extra. It’s about attention to detail in every aspect – from the environment in the salon itself to the service we provide. We want our customers to feel they are not just getting their nails done – they are experiencing something luxurious and unique. Each appointment at Valet should feel like a treat, not a task.
How did the idea for Valet come about? Was there a specific moment or experience that inspired you to open this unique nail salon? And, can you share the story behind the name ‘Valet’? What does it mean to you and how does it reflect the salons concept?
Jessica and I have been getting our nails done for years, and never enjoyed the experience of our appointments. Not only was the service inconsistent, it also always felt like a chore, and it seemed like everyone we spoke to agreed.
We had seen salons overseas that offered an elevated experience, and wanted to take this concept and add our own touches to create something quite unique.
We knew we wanted a name that was different, that people would notice, and something not directly associated with nails. The name Valet is perfect as it ties in the idea of turning up to your appointment and being taken care of.
@valetponsonby Nails whilst watching reality TV > 💅 #fyp #auckland #nailinspo #cleangirl
Opening a new business is always a challenge, but especially in the current economic climate. What were some of the key factors you considered when deciding to launch Valet, and how have you navigated the challenges of starting a business in such uncertain times?
Our decision to launch Valet came after a lot of thought about both the market opportunity and the unique value we could bring to the industry. While we were very conscious of the current economic client, we also truly believe in the difference in experience that an appointment at Valet provides. Our customers’ lives are only getting busier, so an appointment at Valet is a chance to make a routine appointment something a bit more special, an opportunity to take time for yourself and relax.
Ponsonby Road is a busy and competitive area for businesses, with plenty of options for beauty and self-care. What sets Valet apart from other salons, and how do you plan to create a loyal customer base in this vibrant neighbourhood?
A big difference with Valet is the fit-out of our salon – we put so much time and effort into ensuring it was exactly the high-end, minimalist look we were after. The atmosphere at Valet is modern and sophisticated, but very welcoming. We want our customers to enjoy a high-end experience, but in an informal way where they can relax and enjoy their time with us.
With your emphasis on luxury and attention to detail, what do you hope customers will experience when they walk into Valet? What’s the overall vibe or feeling you want them to take away from their visit?
When our customers walk into Valet, we want them to immediately feel like they have stepped into a space where luxury meets comfort, but in a really approachable way. We wanted to create a space where our customers feel they can escape from their busy lives and truly unwind.
We really focused on the details, from the decor to the service. A booking with Valet should not only make our customers feel taken care of and valued, but also deliver high quality nail services without the high price tag.
In addition to nails, are there any other beauty or wellness services you hope to expand into in the future? How do you see Valet evolving over the next few years?
We have many exciting plans for Valet’s future! Our beauty room is nearing completion where we will be offering a special menu of injectables, which should be up and running in the next few weeks. Our drinks menu will also expand soon in an exciting way and of course we’ll have a range of on brand products we’ll also be selling… Watch this space!!
Make your next nail appointment at valetnails.co.nz and keep up to date with all things Valet via Instagram and TikTok