3152 Studio Aims To Pamper Wyandotte

Those driving or walking down Biddle Avenue may have noticed striking window display advertising salon services with photos of colorful nails and done-up faces.

Inside, the owners of the salon are making those glamorous looks a reality.

Tricia Raymond and Cassie Jolliffe opened 3152 Studio, conveniently located at 3152 Biddle Ave., in late September. Raymond has been working in the industry since 2005 and Jolliffe has been involved for about five years. Both women are first-time business owners, and had worked together at salons previously before deciding to open their own shop.

After completing an apprenticeship and going to school for business, Raymond said, she knew what she wanted to do with her skills.

“I always knew it would be something that would be the end result–to own my own place,” Raymond said.

Jolliffe said her mother, who ran Sandy’s Shoppe in the same location, had always told her the building could someday be Jolliffe’s salon. Raymond and Jolliffe took on the challenge of renovating the long, narrow building into several luxurious rooms for giving manicures and pedicures, as well as doing waxing, make up, facials and spray tans.

Robin Sanfilippo of Grosse Ile said she’s been a client of Raymond and Jolliffe’s since before they opened their salon in Wyandotte. The new building just adds onto the classiness of the services offered, she said.

“It’s fantastic," Sanfilippo said, as she got her nails done. "It’s refreshing and clean."

The owners said other clients have described the place as “classy” and “beautiful,” which is the environment they were hoping to establish. The building is full of delicate, glistening chandeliers, mirrors and elegant wall hangings.

“We wanted clients to feel like they’re treating themselves when they come in here, but at affordable prices,” Jolliffe said.

The salon puts an emphasis on their manicures and pedicures. While acrylic nails are offered, the salon specializes in gel nails, an odorless alternative to acrylic. Customers have more than 350 gel colors to choose from.

“A lot of times, salons will have the nail girls in the corner,” Jolliffe said. “We fall into the salon category, but we’re strictly spa services. Most places are hair and the focus is hair. ... Here we specialize in the nails.”

Facials also are a popular service amongst customers, Jolliffe said, adding that they offer a “Make-up 101” tutorial. The salon also sells retail products such as hair accessories, scarves, nail polish and jewelry so customers can pamper themselves outside of the shop as well.

Both Raymond and Jolliffe said they’re happy and surprised by the amount of attention their salon has received thus far. They credit a lot of it to their downtown location.

“It’s a great business community and there’s a lot of foot traffic here," Raymond said. "We thought it’d be a nice area for our clients to be able to experience the rest of the city. We’re pleasantly surprised, especially with the welcome from neighboring and local businesses. We’ve had so many other local business owners come in, introduce themselves (and) look around. That was something I had never experienced.”

3152 Studio is open Tuesdays through Saturdays. Appointments can be made by calling 734-285-4430. For a full list of salon services and prices, check out the studio's Facebook page.

The business is hosting a grand opening celebration from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday with hors d'oeuvres, refreshments and a chance to win gift baskets.