NEWS
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 13, 2008 THE PENINSULA BEACON
5
Mai Blossom salon puts the green into pampering BY TRISH CLENNEY BROWN | THE BEACON
Mindy Nguyen has been going green for years. The licensed cosmetologist has practiced recycling, eating organically and doing everything she can to live a healthy, ecologically sound life. And now she operates Mai Blossom, Point Loma’s only ecofriendly salon, where clients can receive traditional salon services, such as haircuts and hair color, in addition to massages and body treatments – all with the use of organic ingredients and herbs. That means no trace of the traditionally vile ammonia smell of hair color in the salon. And no more of the other harmful chemicals found in most mainstream salons. Instead, Nguyen seeks out nontoxic products to use with her clients. In the continual searches for new products, her latest find has been a skincare line based on traditional Chinese medicine. Nguyen said she chose to locate her new salon in Point Loma because it is a wonderful community and she has many clients from the area. “I’m happy to be here,” she said. Not all her clients are as dedicated to an ecologically sound life as Nguyen, but she usually manages to educate them about its importance. The new salon combines Nguyen’s 20 years of salon experience with traditional Asian customs and healing practices to create a haven for its clients. The salon’s name illustrates
Nguyen’s ecological philosophy. The mai (pronounced “my”) blossom, Vietnamese for plum blossom, represents both beauty and longevity in Asian culture. Mai Blossom clients can expect world-class service and personalized attention in a tranquil, upscale setting filled with dark polished wood, punctuated with exotic orchid plants. The massage room, a secluded retreat that exudes serenity, has been described by a client as a lovely cocoon. Each client is welcomed to this peaceful, refreshing environment with tea and water flavored with organic citrus fruits. The salon offers an extensive list of services, including haircuts, ammonia-free hair color, signature facials, therapeutic massages, and waxing. In addition, it provides organic airbrush tanning, airbrush makeup, permanent makeup and body treatments. Mai Blossom is not quite complete yet, in Nguyen’s eyes. The salon hasn’t yet had its grand opening. The web site is not quite finished. But clients find nothing lacking about it. Longtime clients are pleased with the new surroundings and happy to see Nguyen in a setting that seems perfect for her. “The new salon is wonderful,” said longtime client Valerie Miller, who relies on Mai Blossom for several ongoing services, including haircuts, color, massages and waxing. “Mindy now has things her way; she’s selected everything and everybody here so that the environment reflects her philosophy.”
SAN DIEGO FRENCH # AMERICAN SCHOOL INVITES YOU!
OPEN HOUSE November 18 - Preschool 9am to 10:30am November 19 - Grades K-8 9am to 10:30am
Holiday Gift Fair Marché de Noël Friday, November 21 · 2-6 Welcome
• Preschool and Kindergarten through 8th grade. Public • French-English dual language immersion program • Accelerated academics • Prepares students for an American high school or French lycée Daycare License number 376700274
6550 Soledad Mountain Road, La Jolla · 858.456.2807 www.sdfrenchschool.org
MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT Please join us for the bi-monthly meeting of the Airport Noise Advisory Commitee San Diego International Airport
Thursday, November 20, 2008 5:30 –7:00 p.m. The Noise Mitigation Room Commuter Terminal @ San Diego International Airport 3225 N. Harbor Drive, 3rd Floor, San Diego, CA 92101 Park in pay lot — bring ticket for validation
Future Meeting Date TBD
PLEASE CALL AIRPORT NOISE MITIGATION AT (619) 400-2781 FOR DIRECTIONS
Miller also had Nguyen perform some permanent makeup and is very pleased with the result. She is a former Point Loma resident who still works in the area. For those who are concerned about toxic chemicals found in haircare and beauty products and for those who simply want excellent service in a soothing and pleasing environment, Mai Blossom offers a delightful experience. Services are available for men, women and children, with haircuts for women starting at $50. Mai Blossom Eco Wellness Salon is located at 1800 Rosecrans St. For an appointment or additional information, call (619) 222-1000, or visit www.maiblossomecosalon.com.
Mai Blossom is Point Loma’s only eco-friendly salon, where clients can receive traditional salon services, such as haircuts and hair color, in addition to massages and body treatments – all with the use of organic ingredients and herbs. Above, the massage room, a secluded retreat that exudes serenity, has been described by a client as a lovely cocoon. Left, owner Mindy Nguyen gives a Signature Facelift facial to client Janice Arriola. COURTESY PHOTOS | THE BEACON