Nail trends just keep getting more and more intricate these days. Before, a one-tone nail polish was already enough for hand beautification, but with the advancement and innovation of nail care and salon products, the classic manicure has now evolved. From guaranteed chip-free nails with the gel polish, to instant nail-lengthening with acrylics, the trends just keep on evolving! But what took longer to catch up is the full eco-consciousness of nail products salons use, because even though some claim to be, it’s just their selection of nail polishes that are plant-based.

Now proving that it’s possible to go green beyond the nail color, Arboretum Nail Salon in Promenade Mall, Greenhills, just opened recently. Claiming that their nail products are 100% organic almost all across their procedures and services, it’s quite surprising. Of course, there are some exceptions like nail art gems and stickers, but for everything else, it’s all organic. From scrubs to oils to lotions to nail polish removers, they are 100% clean, plant-powered, toxic-and-cruelty-free, and surely natural.

Arboretum Nail Salon has a heart for sustainability, ethical employment, and of course, pampering their clients

I’m happy I chanced upon this salon while strolling around Promenade mall. The salon easily catches the eye with its luxurious and airy interiors, while still tastefully incorporating natural garden elements. The word arboretum, afterall, means “a botanical garden devoted to trees.” The color palette of the salon is reminiscent of a polished and well-styled green room. Their cozy armchairs are upholstered in velvety emerald green fabric, and butterfly accents are sprinkled all around. The wooden dividers add a nice touch, and give guests enough privacy as they enjoy pampering themselves.

One thing I always observe when availing a service in an establishment is the energy of the staff, because I know it says a lot about their employers and culture. When I was talking to my nail technician, Mary, she was confident and joyful. She was also highly knowledgeable and would often give me insights on their products and procedures without being asked. I appreciate that as a customer, because it also helps me have a deeper understanding of the service I’m availing. She then shared with me that all of them are single moms working for Miguel and JP Lim, the husband and wife tandem behind the salon brand. What struck me the most is how Miguel did the hiring process for them.

Miguel Lim and his empowered staff of single moms during their grand opening

According to one of the nail technicians, Miguel went door-to-door around their neighborhood, asking women if they needed jobs. My jaw dropped. I thought I understood it wrong. But later on during a chat with Miguel, I was able to confirm it’s true. Miguel and JP are Christians, and as JP shared, “I promised God that I would give back with all the blessings He has given us. So in my scooter and shorts, I went around the city.”

Perhaps this is why their team is inspired to work excellently, they know they are valued and taken care of. “Minsan nga po kami na nahihiya mag-absent. Kami na nahihiya humingi. ‘Pag may sakit po kami pinagpe-pray pa po nila kami. Ang bait na bait na mga amo, ang lalambing, parang kaibigan talaga namin,” shared Mary further.

According to their ethos, Arboretum Nail Salon's goal is to “provide single mothers and breadwinners with the resources they need to build fulfilling careers and achieve financial independence. Miguel understands that many of the women we work with are the breadwinners for their families, and they face significant challenges in the workforce. By providing them with vocational training and employment opportunities, Arboretum is helping the women overcome obstacles and build better lives for themselves and their families.” They even feature the personalities and profiles of their staff on their website.

This joy and pride in being an Arboretum Salon nail technician is reflected in how they work. Meticulous, detailed, and always ready to give you the best nail salon experience, this staff of single moms are excellent in their service. No wonder it’s the top-rated salon in Greenhills based on Google reviews.

I availed their signature nail care package—The Arboretum (P1020 for hands) with non-toxic gel polish mani (P540). It includes:

• Warm soak - Epsom salt with eucalyptus and spearmint for relaxation and relief
• Exfoliation - Milk & honey sea salt scrub for 10 minutes
• Nail prep - Cut-file-light shaping
• Cuticle care - Cuticle softener in artisan shea & vetiver
• Moisturizing treatment - Deep dermal transforming wrap for 20 minutes
• Massage - Targeted pressure point massage using milk & honey hydrating massage oil for 20 minutes
• Non-toxic polish - Includes non-toxic base & top coat
• Moisturize - Milk & honey hydrating butter
• Restorative and revitalizing oil - With safflower oil, winterized sunflower oil, and vitamin E

I was so surprised at how Mary was able to precisely copy the nail peg I showed her

The overall package was relaxing, soothing, and highly satisfying. Mary was thoroughly orderly and ensured I was happy with the service every step of the way, asking me for feedback and giving me insights. The organic products they used are from New Zealand, and you can instantly tell that their lotions, scrubs, and nail care creams are of premium quality. I was so surprised that they also have non-toxic acrylic extensions that will do no damage to your cuticles and nails.

When a vision is shared with others, for others, good things happen. Just barely a year old, Arboretum Nail Salon is expecting to expand their venture with franchise opportunities and opening more branches in premium locations like Shangri-La Plaza and Rockwell. “In our other branches, we hope to work with the deaf and mute. It’s all about empowering marginalized people in our community,” Miguel shared.

Consciousness as consumers and business owners is something that reaps many fruits because of its goodness sowed. Arboretum Nail Salon ensures that their products, services, and employment are good for you, our planet, and our community. This proves that no matter how saturated the beauty industry is, it still can be conquered with compassion, excellence, and a whole lot of faith.

As Liberty Hyde Bailey, an American horticulturist, once said, “A garden requires patient labor and attention. Plants do not grow merely to satisfy ambitions or to fulfill good intentions. They thrive because someone expended effort on them,”—a very similar vision of the Lims on how they grow the staff of Arboretum Salon.

Book an appointment here. Visit their website here. Open daily from 10 AM, located at Promenade Mall, Greenhills San Juan (enter beside Happy Lemon).

Related Story: Here's Everything You Need to Know about Eyebrowdery

Related Story: This Wellness Clinic Is Where Spa Dates and Laser Appointments Meet