Riverview Business Named "Salon of the Year" in Las Vegas |
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By Laura Hipshire The News-Herald
Riverview – Renee Borowy had dreamed of owning her own nail salon ever since she was a little girl.
“I always wanted long nails,” Borowy said.
After becoming a licensed nail technician, her dream became a reality when she founded V.I.P. Salon & Spa in 1986.
And now, 20 years later, her salon at 15580 King Road has been named the “Salon of the Year” at an annual Las Vegas Hair & Conference. Last year, the salon was first runner-up.
Borowy, 45, has endured both personal and professional setbacks over the years, making the win that much more meaningful.
In 1999, both of her parents died with 18 days of each other. In 2002, a four-alarm fire totaled the salon.
“I lost everything,” Borowy said. “But I knew I wanted to rebuild. I couldn't let my people down.”
After five months of hard work, the salon reopened in November 2002.
Approximately 800 to 1,000 clients come through V.I.P.'s doors each week, for a variety of services including manicures, pedicures, skin treatments, massages and haircuts.
Inspired by the décor at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas , Borowy has decorated the salon in “ Roman Empire ” style, complete with ornate mirrors, paintings and walls, which were hand painted over lace for a unique and elegant look.
“It's a nice theme for both men and women,” Borowy said. “It's classy.”
The salon features three lighted makeup rooms, two facial rooms, and six rooms used for pedicures that include whirlpool chairs and built-in DVDs for clients' enjoyment.
Eight weeks ago, the salon launched the “Skin Authority Physician's Grade Skincare” line.
Only three other spas in the United States feature the exclusive line, which uses pharmaceutical-grade ingredients manufactured in laboratories monitored by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
“These products have a shelf-life of only six months, so the are not available in retail stores,” Borowy said.
The 100 percent natural glycolic foot soak features no scents or dyes and costs $35. A licensed aesthetician applies the sugar cane product by brushing it on.
“It exfoliates through 14 layers of dry, dead skin,” Borowy said. “You'll see an instant difference.”
According to Borowy, the foot soak, hand and face peel treatments contain “nourishing vitamin therapy” with antioxidants and pure vitamins A and C.
“Vitamin C is not produced by our bodies,” aesthetician Elizabeth Holbrook said. “We rely solely on food as a source. When applied topically, it penetrates into the bloodstream and helps build up the immune system.”
Holbrook, who has administered many of the new skincare treatments, said she has been receiving a lot of positive feedback about the line.
“Clients have called saying their lines have diminished,” Holbrook said. “Husbands are noticing, too. Everybody here uses it, and we can all see the difference.”
V.I.P. also offers a men's healthy skin pack.
“It's great for razor bumps and fine lines,” Holbrook said. “It would make a great Father's Day gift.”
Another kit is designed specifically for teen acne.
“The peel is great for teenagers 13 and up,” Borowy said.
The facial peels, which are usually priced at $100, are being offered at a special price of $35; the hand peels, which are great for diminishing sun spots, cost $25.
“This is huge for the Downriver area,” Borowy said.
V.I.P. also is developing its own natural nail glazing system, which will hold polish for two to three weeks.
“I'm working on it with a world-renowned chemist in California ,” Borowy said. “It's going to harden the natural nail; it's not to replace acrylic. It will give clients a chance to grow their nails out.”
V.I.P. has an apprenticeship program through the state and was named “Nail Salon of the Year” in Michigan in 1997 and 1998. Borowy has personally trained 35 nail technicians to date.
Other treatments offered at V.I.P. include aloe body wraps, which promote weight loss, Borowy said. Also offered are European facials, deep tissue massages and more.
Service also include birthday parties for young girls, which include mini-manicures, nail art, polish and a surprise for the birthday girl for $70.
V.I.P. is an active sponsor of charities such as the Penrickton Center for Blind Children and Covenant House in Detroit . In March, the salon closed for six hours so that 30 children from Covenant House could be brought by limousine for pizza, manicures, pedicures, haircuts, facials, massages and other goodies.
“Some said it was like a dream vacation,” Borowy said. “It was awesome.”
On July 9, the owners of Skin Authority will be in from California for a day of “Fine Lines and Fine Wines,” hosted by V.I.P.
“We're officially kicking off the line that day,” Borowy said. “Those interested will need to sign up in advance for the event. There will be no walk-ins.”
The event will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will feature wine and hors d'oeuvres.
“Everyone on my staff is a V.I.P.,” Borowy said. “They've carried me through a lot of tough times. They've helped make my salon successful.”
To make an appointment for any of the services offered or to sign up for the event, call V.I.P. Salon & Spa at 1-734-479-1166 or visit the Web site at www.vipsalonandspa.com.
VIP Salon & Spa
15580 King Road
Riverview , MI 48193
Founded: 1986
Owner: Renee Borowy
Employees: 50
Hours: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays; 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays; and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. Closed Sundays.
Info: Call 1-734-479-1166 or visit www.vipsalonandspa.com
