Nail salon owners pick Central Valley location for its charm

CENTRAL VALLEY — Delighted by small-town charm and valuing personal client connections, a couple recently opened Nails by Fannie Lee on Route 32 in Central Valley.
“We came up with the name of our salon by combining our names,” said Yi Lee, the owner. “My fiancée’s name is Fannie, and my last name is Lee.”
After ending a partnership at a New Jersey nail salon, Yi looked for a new place to build his business.
“I found in the paper that they were selling this nail salon, so I bought it to begin my business,” Yi said. “I liked the place when I looked at it, I liked the area, and I liked the people.”
Yi felt such a connection to Woodbury that he even decided to leave his life in New Jersey to buy a place to live in Central Valley so he could build a life with his family.
“With my nail salon in New Jersey, it didn’t have that neighborhood feel, and in our trade, we’re pretty personable and like to get to know our customers,” said Yi. “It’s a small neighborhood, and everyone is really close with each other, so that was another reason why I picked this place to live and work.”
In manicure/pedicure industry, business thrives from word of mouth.
“While we are a small salon, with this industry, I feel that it (success) is really based on loyal customers,” Yi said. “And moving up here and being part of the community, I feel will really help our business. When you get to know the people you interact with at work, you get close to them. When you go grocery shopping, you see them and know they’re your neighbors.”
Appointments are available by calling 827-6188.
- Christine Urio