By Kathy Chouteau
A soon-to-launch Richmond business born out of the owner’s concern for kids during the pandemic aims to give them a place to be pampered, socialize and learn self-care.
BouGie Babies Nail Spa—a nail salon for kids ages two to 13 years old that’s the brainchild of Richmond resident Monica Whitley, is set to launch in mid-August at 1158 23rd St. in Richmond.
“We specialize in pampering young children and making them feel beautiful inside out,” said Whitley about her vision for BouGie Babies. “Our mission is to teach young children the importance of self-love and self-care at an early age to hopefully encourage such behavior throughout their [lives].”
BouGie Babies will offer the younger set an array of services including manicures, pedicures, facials, birthday party packages and a juice bar with toppings. The salon will use top-of-the-line nail polish and gels and will even have a printer to add designs or images to kids’ nails. A TV set and a parent lounge will be available for those waiting for their kids, said Whitley. A gift shop will also be onsite, where the kiddos can get all sorts of BouGie Babies’ swag like purses, water bottles, lip gloss, pants, bracelets, T- shirts, custom nail polish and more.
Both appointments and walk-ins are welcome; inquire with Whitley about monthly packages that will be available for $19.99.
Whitley, who worked in child care for many years and is also the mother of three children, said the idea for BouGie Babies came to her during the pandemic when she had “nothing but time on [her] hands.” She found herself thinking about children being “pulled out of school and stripped from their everyday social life” and “was inspired to create something special and unique for the community.”
Once it opens, BouGie Babies’ hours of operation will be Sun.-Thurs. from 3-7 p.m. and 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Fri. & Sat.
A Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting for BouGie Babies is in the works for mid-August on a date yet to be announced. In the meantime, stay updated by following the business on Instagram and Facebook at @bougiebabiesnails. Questions? Contact Whitley at [email protected].
