What began as a creative outlet during the COVID-19 pandemic has blossomed into a new small business in Centralia, the Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce announced in a news release last week.
PNW Nails, owned and operated by Oriana Carreon, is celebrating the new salon with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the chamber at noon Tuesday, Sept. 22.
Located at 101 N. Rock St., Suite 103, Centralia, PNW Nails has been open since May, giving Carreon the opportunity to turn years of practicing and perfecting her craft into a business of her own.
Carreon began practicing nails during the COVID-19 pandemic, using the time to explore her creativity and develop her skills. As her passion grew, so did her dream of opening her own nail salon. This May, she decided it was time to turn that dream into reality.
PNW Nails is a by-appointment-only salon, allowing Carreon to create a more personal experience for each client. She takes the time to understand exactly what her clients are looking for and works to create a set of nails that reflects their personality, style or special occasion.
And when it comes to nail designs, Carreon loves getting creative.
From 21st birthday nails that make a statement to Mexico vacation nails with a little extra spicy flair, she enjoys creating designs that are as unique as the people wearing them.
Whether a customer comes in with a specific design in mind or gives Carreon the freedom to create, her goal is to make sure they leave happy with nails they love.
Her focus is on providing affordable, creative nails that are exactly what her customers want, all within a comfortable and personalized salon experience.
Carreon has also had plenty of support along the way. Her sisters have happily volunteered to be her nail models, giving her the opportunity to practice new techniques, experiment with designs and continue developing her skills. Their willingness to let Carreon get creative has helped her turn a hobby into a growing business.
Carreon’s dedication to her craft has also helped her build a following long before opening the doors to PNW Nails.
During a recent visit to the salon, Centralia-Chehalis Chamber Member Relations Manager Juanita MacNaughton was impressed by Carreon’s passion for her work and, especially, her commitment to making sure every client leaves happy. MacNaughton was so impressed that she took one of PNW Nails business cards home to her daughter, Amelia, and suggested she make an appointment.
What MacNaughton didn’t know was that Amelia already knew PNW Nails well.
Amelia told her mom that she had been following Carreon on Instagram for years and that Carreon was actually the person she had wanted to do her nails for her last dance.
The unexpected discovery was a fun reminder that Carreon has been building a loyal following and showcasing her creativity well before opening her own salon.
For Carreon, PNW Nails is about more than nails. It is about creating a space where clients can express themselves, celebrate life’s milestones and leave with something that feels uniquely theirs.
From learning and experimenting during COVID, to practicing on her sisters, to building a following on Instagram, and now opening her own salon, Carreon is excited about what comes next for PNW Nails and the opportunity to continue creating one-of-a-kind sets for her clients.
The Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce invites the community to join Carreon and PNW Nails for their ribbon cutting and celebrate this exciting new addition to Centralia’s small-business community.
