Meet Brandi Robinson and Erica Martin of Pretty As Me Nails in Carsons

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandi Robinson and Erica Martin.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
About Pretty As Me Nails: Pretty As Me, LLC was created to help women and men look and feel good inside and out! Our first venture started in 2012 with a Kiosk in the SouthBay Pavilion (Carson Mall) offering clothing & accessories, which would eventually expand into a retail storefront in the Walmart Neighborhood Market Center in Carson, CA. In 2017, Pretty As Me LLC decided to close its retail doors and go digital.

With the success of the online business, we grew our offerings into branded leggings, Petty As Me slides, on-the-go hookah, and many other product categories. In 2020, we expanded our portfolio even further and opened Pretty As Me Nails. Pretty As Me is a Minority (Black-owned) family business headed by Brandi Robinson (daughter), Cassandra “Sandi” Robinson (mother) and Erica Martin Robinson (daughter-in-law), all of Carson, California. Together they have over 50 years of background and history living in Carson, California. Pretty As Me Nail Salon is supported by a family-owned investment company headed by Danny Brown Sr., LaToria Brown, Bruce Robinson II, and Danny “DJ” Brown, Jr. The Salon specializes in highly-skilled technicians who pride themselves on detail. Pretty As Me Nails offers Manicure and Pedicure services, Lashes & Brows, Microblading, Threading, Facials, and Waxing. They strive to make their customers feel welcome and guarantee that they leave feeling satisfied. They have an array of manicure specials and offer services in Gel-X nails, Acrylic nails, Yani waxing, and more!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
For the most part, over the years it has been a smooth road opening the Pretty As Me Clothing Store back in 2012. However, with the opening of the Pretty As Me Nail Salon in 2020, some of the hurtles have been very difficult. We have experienced some truly surprising things. And yes racism. When we tried to spend our money to make purchases of supplies for the Nail Salon, we experienced vendors unwilling to work with us, prices going up, and downright insults. We have found that for the most part many vendors in the nail salon supplies area are willing to take our money and do business. However, the customer service is still not quite there yet. However, due to some really good vendors who want to do business, we managed to make the purchases of supplies we needed to start the Salon.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Pretty As Me Nails – what should we know?
The Salon specializes in highly-skilled technicians who pride themselves on detail. Pretty As Me Nails offers Manicure and Pedicure services, Lashes & Brows, Microblading, Threading, Facials, and Waxing. We strive to make our customers feel welcome and guarantee that they leave feeling satisfied. We have an array of manicure specials and offer services in Gel-X nails, Acrylic nails, Yani waxing, and more! The salon offers a beautiful sleek design with a pretty in pink flower wall. Nail stations are high tech with only the best in products and comfortable massaging chairs… We are proud of our friendly customer service and high energy outgoing spirit! We are proud to be a Black-owned Nail Salon that caters to everyone. We are also proud that we operate like a Corporation and treat our employees like they are family!

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
We do Love LA!!! LA is the place to be and whatever you want, it is here. If you want a high energy and fast-paced environment, then Los Angeles has it! If you want things slow-paced and chill, then Los Angeles has it! We live in Carson, California which is in the SouthBay and part of Los Angeles County. We are also part of the surrounding areas of Compton, Torrance, Long Beach and Gardena. All parts of Los Angeles and we do Love LA! The City of Carson has a very loyal community. This is a suburban town that has a large mix of ethnicities and minorities. This is a nice melting pot! Centrally located this is one of the best cities to live, work and do business in. There are very few things that we dislike about Los Angeles. If we had to name anything, it would be the traffic. Other than that…I love my CITY!!!!!

Pricing:

• Express Pedicure $25
• Deluxe Manicure $30
• Express Manicure $25
• Deluxe Manicure $30
• Champagne Manicure $40
• Champagne Pedicure $40

Contact Info:

• Address: Pretty As Me Nails 647 E. University Drive Carson, CA 90746
• Website: PrettyAsMe.com
• Phone: 310-817-4845
• Email: beprettyasme@gmail.com
• Instagram: @beprettyasme
• Facebook: PrettyAsMe

Image Credit:
Brandi Robinson (R) Erica Martin-Robinson (L) Pretty As Me Nails, LLc

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