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;
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Engine Work
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Duram e in
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Computer Diagnostics
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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.