For Saundra Telemaque, owner of Glam Studio, a visit to the salon should offer more than a fresh manicure or perfectly polished toes. It's an opportunity for clients to take time for themselves, feel pampered and leave with a little extra confidence.

“My inspiration came from the love I have for beauty and the confidence that comes with looking and feeling your best. Being able to bring someone’s vision to life and see them leave with a smile is what makes this industry so rewarding.”

Although Glam Studio operates as a full-service beauty salon, manicures and pedicures are an important part of the business, with the latter becoming something of a specialty.

“We’re especially known for our pedicures. We welcome ladies and gentlemen, giving their feet and toenails the attention they deserve so they leave feeling fresh, smooth, and renewed.”

The salon offers everything from traditional manicures and natural nail care to acrylic extensions, hard gel and customised nail designs. Pedicure clients can also choose additional treatments, including paraffin wax, foot steaming and acrylic toenails.

For those unfamiliar with the latter, acrylic can be applied to toenails to enhance their appearance and create a more uniform shape.

“Clients can choose all 10 toes, although most ladies prefer acrylic on just the two big toes for a perfect square,” she explains.

Over the years, Ms Telemaque has watched nail trends evolve, with clients becoming increasingly particular about their preferences.

“At one point, designs on all ten nails with five different colours were popular. Today, many prefer nail art on just two accent nails.”

Currently, cat-eye gel polish, rich winter colours and updated French manicures are among the most requested looks. Short, neatly shaped nails remain popular for everyday wear, while clients seeking something more dramatic favour longer acrylic extensions in almond, coffin, stiletto or square shapes.

But beautiful nails are only part of the experience.

“Clients also want the full experience — cleanliness, personal attention, good conversation, and results that last.”

Pedicures, in particular, have become a regular part of personal grooming for both men and women rather than simply an occasional indulgence.

Beyond the aesthetic benefits, Ms Telemaque says proper foot care can help maintain comfort and keep feet looking and feeling their best.

“Trimming and filing the nails, gently removing dead skin, ingrown toenails, overgrown cuticles, tight nails, or deep calluses and moisturising help keep feet smoother and softer.”

She also encourages clients to take care of their hands and feet between appointments.

Common mistakes include peeling off gel polish, picking at acrylics, cutting cuticles too closely and using nails as tools.

Her advice is straightforward: moisturise regularly, use cuticle oil, wear gloves when cleaning and leave product removal to a professional. Anyone experiencing pain, swelling or signs of infection should seek medical advice.

Behind the polished results, however, is the demanding reality of running a beauty business in Bermuda.

“One of the biggest challenges is managing the many moving parts of a full-service salon — staffing, supplies, appointments, and maintaining consistent quality across our services.”

Importing products and equipment adds another layer of complexity, requiring careful planning to ensure the salon can consistently meet clients' needs.

Despite those challenges, the rewards remain deeply personal.

“When someone returns, recommends us, or tells us how much they enjoyed their experience, it makes the hard work worthwhile.”

Looking ahead, Ms Telemaque is focused on staff development, improving techniques and introducing new products and treatments while maintaining the welcoming atmosphere that clients appreciate.

“Our goal is to keep raising our standards so clients return for both the beautiful results and the way they feel when they’re with us.”