More than just a touch of LA glamour has been brought to Penrith with the opening of a new nail and treatments venture.
Nykia Herron-Ash has officially launched her Little Dockray-based Enchanted Nail and Healing Parlour.
Nykia, who lives at Low Hesket, was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, before spending 18 years in Los Angeles.
She first started doing nails in 1992 and became a fully qualified licensed nail technician. “In the States, it is a bit more stringent to do nails than it is here, as you have to get licensed. You have to sit exams in front of the state, you do a practical and a theory exam.
“Once you pass that, you get your licence and you can work in a salon or spa, or for yourself,” said Nykia.
While she was still living in Detroit, Nykia had her own business, which she ran from home, and then, when she moved to LA, she worked as a mobile nail tech.
“I worked in an exclusive spa as well when I was in LA. I won’t name drop, but I did have a few celebrity clients including a couple of actors and executive producers,” said Nykia.
She came over to live in the UK in October 2018, after meeting her husband, Darren, who hails from Kirkoswald.
Previously, Nykia worked at Eden Arts where she was a finance and office manager, as well as a project manager, but running her own business was what she really wanted to do.
“I enjoy doing nails, along with reiki and crystal healing, so I thought it would be really lovely to have my own business.
“I really enjoy working with people one-to-one so I knew it was the right direction for me to go full circle and come back to that,” said Nykia.
At Enchanted, she offers a range of manicures and pedicures, some of which combine elements of reiki infusion, as well as crystal healing sessions.
On the reason behind the name of her business, she said it is a word which she really likes.
“In healing, the kind of work that we do is very magical, but it is not magic. It is magical in that it really helps people to relax and it releases anxiety and stress and just gives a feeling of enchantment,” said Nykia.
Previously, the parlour at 3A, Little Dockray — which has steps going down to it — has been a clothing shop and at one time a salon.
There are two main rooms, a nail care room plus a healing room, where a relaxing and tranquil atmosphere has been created.
Clients are offered coffee, tea or water. They can also try the special spa water.
“When I worked in the spa we had water with lemon and cucumber, so it is very refreshing,” said Nykia.
Allie Jackson, of Penrith, said she was thrilled to be able to get her nails treated by Nykia.
“I get my nails done monthly. I think nails are a massive part for a woman. It is an affordable treatment and it really does uplift you — well it certainly does me.
“Seeing Nykia, she is lovely to listen to and talk to. It is just that zone out, that time out. I enjoy it, that is why I have it done,” said Allie.
