So today I dropped in to the local nail spa. I’ve been going for several years, getting my toes prepared to avoid the dreaded Toe Jam when I go skiing for Spring Break. I’ve always been a blase customer, getting a nice occasional pedicure, no big deal. Today, I hobbled in looking to get a long-overdue pedicure, pretty wobbly from this ongoing medical adventure I’ve stumbled into.
I Meet the Man
Just a few moments after I sat down, I was struck funny by the music video playing in the shop–a Norteño playlist in a shop staffed by crazy Asians, catering to a mostly Black and White suburbanites. W.T.F.?? So instead of sitting there like a dummy getting a pedicure, I decided to engage.
The first thing I got myself hip to was that I had been habitually indifferent to the guy that was pampering my tootsies. So without further ado, let me introduce Phuc Kim, proprietor of NY Nail & Spa.
PK was born in Viet Nam, but 30 years ago he got here as soon as he could. He’s a naturalized citizen running a successful business. One that trains a continuous stream of young folks who want to be as successful as PK. And those young folks give one damn good pedicure. Today was busy for the guys doing pedicures; the manicurists were sitting idle (neighbor ladies show up on weekends), playing cards.
That Goofy Shop
NY Nail & Spa is a kinda goofy place located in the neighborhood strip mall (between Great Clips and the Michoacana Ice Cream store). Decor is a weird combination of high tech and DIY, with inexplicable decorations–what’s with the Xmas lights? That throwaway bullshit phrase “world class” is at a right angle in the complex plane to this place. The customers all love it.
When I wasn’t looking, PK did some upgrades in decor and service. You get a complementary Pepsi beverage (the first stock I ever purchased, still paying dividends!) and in the reception corner….a FREE BAG OF CHIPS!
Northside San Antonio, in the MacArthur Terrace mall, next to MacArthur High School. Check. It. Out.
The Random Texan 
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