Aloha Nail and Hair Spa set to open

A colorful spa and hair and nail salon under construction on State Road 70 is just weeks away from bringing an indulgent, high-tech pampering experience to South Manatee County.

Under construction since early 2015, the two-story Aloha Nail and Hair Spa has created its own high-visibility location in recent weeks. Painted two-tone electric and pastel green, the 4006 53rd Ave. E. structure pops out from its Gap Creek frontage lot.

Expected to open in July, the spa’s 3,740-square-foot interior will accommodate at least eight nail technicians along with hair stylists and massage therapists. Manatee County property records show that the property once was occupied by two single-family homes. Both were demolished more than 15 years ago.

Spa owners Trina Tran and Frank Chan are working with their contractor, Hai Van Construction of St. Petersburg, to finish interior work as soon as possible. Tran operated the Aloha Nails Bar just down the road from the new spa for eight years. She said she has a long list of customers waiting anxiously to relax and get their hair and nails done at the new location.

“I would like the people to relax and feel welcome and feel like they’re in Hawaii,” Tran said.

Tran had hoped to open the spa earlier, but a construction delay set the opening day back several weeks.

The concrete block building sits on two lots fronting S.R. 70. Inside, the green theme continues, punctuated by a custom-built, bamboo service desk. Under high ceilings, the spa’s decor echoes the 15 years Tran lived in Honolulu in earth-tone ceramic tile and bright wall colors. The building’s designer and engineer, Khang Nguyen Design of Kenneth City, included an elevator that makes travel between upstairs massage and hair services and the ground floor nail salon easy.

Tran and Chan, who are husband and wife, are building on land that Hai Van has owned since 2013. The construction company’s owner is a family friend, Tran said.

When complete, the spa will feature motorized chairs that provide a full body massage and a wi-fi entertainment unit, a room full of nail care stations, multiple hair stylists and private massage therapy studios. The spa will also offer hair removal services.

Tran said that once the building is finished and operational, it will mark the first time in her career she has owned the property in which her business operates.

“It’s like a dream,” she said.

Tran is still looking for more nail technicians. She is also seeking more hair stylists and massage therapists to lease chairs and studios.

Aloha Nail and Hair Spa can be reached at 941-224-4999.

This story was originally published June 10, 2016 at 3:47 PM with the headline "Aloha Nail and Hair Spa set to open."