Nail salons come and go, but newly opened Olive’s Nail & Spa plans to be a delightful exception to the norm. Owned by Tony Rad — long-time stylist at Pete’s Barber Shop in Suniland — and his newlywed wife Jenalyn Avella, the salon quickly stands out from the others.
“We spent most of our savings to create a premiere salon,” says Tony. “We picked a prime location, spared no expense to bring the best equipment and talent, and we have the experience to deliver a superior experience.”
“This is our dream coming true!” Jenalyn added. “I’ve worked in other salons, both here and in my native Philippines, and it just feels different to build something from scratch. We are already having success and look forward to serving many more in the years to come.”
Olive’s opened on Dec. 15 and has seen a steady stream of traffic.
“We see a lot of people who stop in because of the Starbucks. Once they are here, they get pampered and become repeat clients,” says Jenalyn.
So what is Olive’s like? Monica Franco, Francesca Acosta, Lavane Brown, Diane Silva, Yaneisy Herrero and Aniris Merida make up the friendly and smiling team of technicians. The row of sparkling new massage pedicure chairs, special ventilation system, artwork and the spacious, pleasing layout let you know this is more than your regular nail shop.
Olive’s overall feel was even enough to inspire me, a person who had never gotten a manicure. I sat in the chair, enjoyed the massage chair and let the technicians do their thing. Fifty-five minutes later, I felt like a new man. Nothing fancy mind you, but well-nurtured nails does give you a feeling of relaxation. I walked out pampered and happy.
Olive’s is located at 9071 S. Dixie Hwy. in the strip mall with Starbucks and Game Stop and there is ample parking. You can make an appointment by calling 786-212- 1841 or by emailing olivesnailsandspa@gmail.com. Hours are Mon-Sat 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. First-time customers get a great deal of a mani-pedi combo for just $25. Check them out on the web at www.olivesnailandspa.com
11TH ANNUAL CCDH POKER TOURNAMENT
In 2004, Palmetto Middle School student Michael Grey, started a poker tournament to raise money for wheelchair repairs. When Grey graduated high school in 2010, the Morrison brothers (Brian, 16, and Jay, 14)took over. Jared Heller, 17, joined soon thereafter. This year marks the 11th CCDH poker tournament, which has grown to well over 100 participants annually.
On Feb. 1, come join this worthy local charity event. Congregation Bet Shira (SW 120th Street and 77th Avenue) hosts the threehour Texas Hold’em Tournament beginning at 12:30 pm. Entry costs $20 (though many contribute more) to try your luck, but more importantly to support the boys in their quest to help wheelchair bound individuals. All players and volunteers receive four hours of community service credit.
During the event, there will be free food and drink, raffles and lots of good conversation. Volunteers of all ages make sure this is an event everyone can enjoy. Through the years, Martin Berger has provided the poker chips, Congregation Bet Shira donates their venue and the Morrison, Heller and Grey families volunteer food, drink, time and effort to making this a special day.
Since 1975, CCDH www.CCDH.com has been Miami- Dade County’s leading agency to plan, provide, coordinate and arrange services for individuals with disabilities and their families. Last year more than $6,200 was raised. With your help, more will be donated this year. For event information or to volunteer call, Brian and Jay Morrison at 305-613-2069 or Jared Heller at 305-484-8831. You can also email pokertournament4charity@gmail.com.
LACROSSE BOOSTER FUNDRAISER
The Palmetto High School varsity lacrosse team is stepping up its fundraising efforts this year with the help of the Williamson Automotive Group. Since the Miami-Dade County School Board does not fund lacrosse, the team is 100 percent funded by students, their families and the community.
On Feb. 26 from 7-10 p.m., Williamson will clear the cars from their showroom and host the event, complete with food and a silent auction. Williamson will auction off a “3-day lease” of a vehicle. Dozens of other items will also be available. Coach Robert Murray will talk about the effort, and of course the team will be there to add to the excitement.
“We are honored to help our community,” says general sales manager Benito Ledesma, Jr. “We look forward to supporting our local school and seeing everyone at our beautiful showroom.”
The Williamson Automotive group is located at US 1 and SW 104 Street. Come on out and support this worthy cause for our kids. Last year’s efforts brought in $7,000. They hope to easily top that figure this time.
REAL ESTATE UPDATE
Sell smarter. Sell faster. When it comes to real estate, you need two things: a competent local professional and a personality match. Buying or selling requires a true partnership to attain goals. Market statistics are not the entire picture. Each transaction is personal. Call me and let’s see how I can help.
Hal Feldman Pictured (l-r) is a Realtor with RE/MAX Advance Realty. Contact him with your story ideas or real estate questions at www.MiamiHal.com, Hal@MiamiHal.com or www.facebook.com/MiamiHal.