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About Coast river business journal. (Astoria, OR) 2006-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 13, 2021)
BUSINESS NEWS 10 • January 2021 Coast River Business Journal Pamper yourself Le Petit Astoria Spa opens with strict health protocols Story by Linda Hoard For Coast River Business Journal During these COVID-19 days of uncertainty, restrictions and just plain fear, some fi nd there’s nothing quite as comforting as a time of pampering for oneself, be that with a soothing massage, mani- cure or pedicure. Le Petit Astoria Spa in Astoria has been providing such an escape since it opened in the fall. Following strict safety protocols, it is open for business, and ready to offer customers a time to relax and be pampered. If You Go PORT OF ILWACO Le Petit Astoria Spa 1191 Marine Drive, Astoria 503-468-0251 info@astoriaspa.salon Full Service Marina Self-Service Boatyard PHOTOS BY CAROLYN HOARD Waterfront Walkway Retail Shops Restaurants Lodging Fishing Charters www.portofilwaco.com 360-642-3143 Fam ily Ow ne 503-861-2791 60 SE 1 st St. • Warrenton • Full teardown including; head gaskets, studs, injectors, intakes • • • • • • • • Exhaust W CP3 Conversions specia e Engine Work liz Duram e in Transmission Repair a Computer Diagnostics work! x Suspension Work Brakes & A.C. Work General repair on all makes & models d On an early winter afternoon, a woman was enjoying her professional manicure, a large plexi- glass shield between her and the owner of the spa, Mai Le. There was relaxing piano music in the back- ground. The salon was sparkling clean, and colorful with bright rainbow displays of its numerous nail color selections on the walls. Le Petit Astoria Spa is a family business. Le, originally from Vietnam, had experience in the salon business, and decided to open her own salon along with her son, Christopher Nguyen, in Septem- ber 2020. They found a highly visible spot in Asto- ria, located at 1191 S. Marine Drive. “There’s not a lot of competition so it’s a good location,” Nguyen said. “I get to meet a lot of peo- ple and get to learn about Astoria too.” He and Le currently live in and commute from Longview, Washington. Opening a salon during the pandemic came with challenges as there was less foot traffi c and fewer customers at fi rst. Now, the business has picked up and they have some slow days still, but many busy days, too. The Professional Beauty Association has on its website resources for its members to help them stay open safely, follow specifi c health and safety proto- cols, and offer direction on other COVID-19 relief and support options. It is the only national organi- zation that supports the industry as a whole whether owners, operators or employees. Le said she and Nguyen have very high stan- dards for cleanliness. To keep themselves and all their customers safe, masks are mandatory and they have placed shields at their manicure tables and pedicure chairs to protect everyone. They only use disposable nail kits and clean between patrons. TOP TO BOTTOM: Mai Le gives a manicure to a customer through a small opening at the bot- tom of a clear shield. Mai Le shows the large plexiglass shields that go over the pedicure mas- sage chairs. A variety of nail polishes line the walls at Le Petit Astoria Spa. Nguyen pointed out that many folks are frus- trated and just want things to get back to normal. With their safety protocols in place, he explained their salon is a place where people can talk to some- one safely and enjoy a relaxing, pampering mani- cure or pedicure. “We are going to continue to require mandatory masks and use shields. We realize not everyone will be able to get the vaccine right away,” Nguyen said. “We want everyone to stay safe and healthy and for things to get back to normal as soon as possible.” Le Petit Astoria Spa’s website details the many services they offer, including manicures, pedicures and a variety of waxing, all done with the high stan- dards of safety protocols. Customers can book an appointment directly on the website or call. They are open Wednesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.