The New York Scene

New York is the melting pot of the USA. Whether you go to Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, or the Bronx, immigrants from around the world continue to enrich New York in countless ways. Today I would like to touch on one of those cultures – the magnificent Brazilians. During my short stay here, I've learned that every September there is a Brazilian Festival at East 46th Street between Times Square and Madison Avenue. At this festivity, one will explore Brazilian music, food, and crafts (so book now!).

During one of her design hunt, my wife Vyna met Mirella who represents EcoArts (a Brazilian trade and investment promotion agency), but more about Mirella in my next post. Now is my ‘Plug’ time for Vyna, who sells online handmade Brazilian designs. See for yourself at www.vynastphard.com.

Mirella invited Vyna to a promotion day at Maria Bonita Salon & Spa, where they served delicious Caipirinhas (a signature Brazilian drink - simply the best!!! so much so, I went out and brought a couple of bottles), snacks and the sounds of bossa nova with the locals and Brazilian friends. Vyna found that she couldn't refuse this offer, and I ‘reluctantly’ went with her (smile). Among the many folks that I met were these two gentlemen from Brazil, Vanderlei Inauo and Vanderlei Inauo, Jr. Both father and son were good fun; and I enjoyed my soccer discussions with them. I've always believed that good will is reciprocal, plus Jennifer, our gracious waitress kept me topped up. The ladies were getting their hair styled and the 3-step manicure was well underway. Yes, they looked like a million dollars! Sorry guys you need more work done, one day is not enough! The delightful Fernanda Lacerda is the owner of Maria Bonita Salon & Spa. Her salon is exceptionally well run, professional, with a wide range of beauty services. There is a friendly and comfortable atmosphere that permeates throughout her beauty haven. She is the perfect Brazilian host. Well done, is the Brazilian coffee brewing?

I had the pleasure to put some questions to this outstanding businesswoman who does have a true New Yorker spirit. Here we go!

Q: At what point in your life, did you become motivated to open your own beauty salon? Tell us the story behind it.

A: I became motivated to open my own beauty salon when I moved to Manhattan in 2003 after living in New Orleans for a couple of years. I found a void of a full service Brazilian salon in Downtown Manhattan and really believed that I had a great idea for a unique business.

Q: Why should the trendy and fashionable New Yorker choose your salon over another?

A: I believe that when clients come to Maria Bonita they feel like they went to Brazil for a couple of hours. I cannot emphasize that more to my staff when we talk about service. I always explained that clients need to feel special and treatments need to be personable. There are many different types of clients, and my staff does make them feel special, and are trained to adapt to their individual needs.

Competition is particularly hard in New York, so I always try to bring the newest techniques and products for my employees to try. Also, Maria Bonita is one of the only full-service Brazilian salons to offer one-stop hair, nail, and waxing services, as well as facials and massages. It is also the only place in the city to use Skala, a Brazilian line of hair and body products made of sodium-free ingredients.

Q: Please share your funniest experience at the Maria Bonita Salon.

A: I have a couple of funny stories to share. We had a client once that was booked to get a full head of highlights by the name of Kristine. At the same time, another Kristine was booked to get a Brazilian bikini wax. So, we got the mixed up and ended up bringing the girl that had the full highlights appointment to the wax room and she was asked to remove her clothes and lie down. We found out seconds later what had happened and everybody just cracked up laughing.

Q: Is there room for you to promote Brazilian culture throughout your business? If so, how do you accomplish that?

A: Absolutely. We offer Brazilian Services the way they are done in Brazil. My clients listen to Bossa Nova, drink Brazilian coffee and quite often celebrate a Holiday at the salon by having all of the things that are listed above.

Q: Hair trends and spa treatments come and go. How does the Maria Bonita Salon stay ahead of them all?

A: Our signature services include the Brazilian bikini wax. We try to be the best in the city and be recognized by this label. The wax, the waxer, everything is special. Everything else depends on a lot of research that we do on a daily basis. We are always trying to reinvent ourselves and we never settle for less.