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Andrea Leon was the center of
attention on Sunday afternoon as the community came together to
celebrate her new business, the Lioness Nail Salon in downtown
Lincoln. The business is located at 519 Pulaski Street just a
stone’s throw from Spirited Republic.
The day included a ribbon cutting ceremony outside the storefront.
Andrea was joined behind the ribbon by her brothers Martin (El
Mazatlan) and Filipi with Filipi’s wife Karina and children Fili and
Paula. Beside her was her fiancé’ Lindi Balazi and his parents Imo
and Selvije (owners of Imo’s Café). Others behind the ribbon
included niece Layla, Lincoln Mayor Tracy Welch, alderman Dennis
Clemmons, County Board Chair Lance Conahan, Little Miss Logan County
Findley Farmer, Junior Miss Falyn Farmer, and Andrea’s part-time
employee Daisy Jackson.
It was mentioned early on that the new business was occupying a
previously vacated store front, thus it was appreciated that another
new business had come to the heart of the city to help keep it vital
and thriving.
It was noted that Leon has been in the United States only five
years. She hails from Mexico, and when she came to the community,
she went to work with her older brother Martin at ElMazatlan. There
was a bit of a joke made about how that Lindy Balazi of Imo’s Café
hooked up with the competition. Moving on, it was noted that while
she was at the restaurant, she had enjoyed doing nails and other
tasks since childhood. Those were her true loves and after a while
she decided to follow those dreams and become a certified
manicurist.
The first person to speak to the large
crowd gathered for the ribbon cut was Mayor Welch. He echoed the
comments about the new business filling a vacancy in the city and
how it was appreciated.
He went on to say that he had known
Leon and her family for a number of years, and he was very happy for
what she had accomplished. He said that it had taken all those
behind the ribbon helping her and supporting her in her efforts and
he was happy to see her succeed.
Next alderman Clemmons and county chair Conahan were asked if they
wanted to speak. Clemmons welcomed her to the community and wished
her the best. Conahan said he would simply echo the words of Mayor
Welch. Leon spoke then,
saying she appreciated everyone coming out and thanked all those who
had shown their support. She said she really appreciated those who
had patronized her business when she was first getting started with
a small set up in her home.
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There was a general call for anyone
else who wished to say anything, and her brother Martin spoke up
saying he was very proud of his sister for what she had
accomplished.
Then it was time for the posed picture
and the snipping of the ribbon. The large number of guests in
attendance helped with the countdown, then Leon snipped the ribbon.
Guests were then invited inside for a variety of refreshments and a
chance to get to visit with Leon her employee Daisy Jackson, and the
two families.
In an interview prior to the ribbon cutting, Leon talked about her
choices. She said that when she was a teenager she loved doing
nails, and envisioned being a manicurist. She said when she came to
the United States she went to work at ElMazatlan but knew in her
heart that it was not her life’s work.
After much contemplation, she decided to go for her dream. This
included spending three and half months at a school in Chicago.
After completing her courses, she had to pass a school test, then
she had to pass a state test before she could get her license.
Now that her business is open, she offers five types of manicures
including acrylic, Builder Gel, Gel-S, dipping, and rubber Gel. She
offers pedicures from basic to luxury that includes use of hot
stones. All of this is done while the client relaxes comfortably in
a soft massage chair.
The store front is located next door to Sherwin Williams in the
office that was previously occupied by Central Illinois Insurance.
Leon said when she rented the space, it was gutted out and set up to
accommodate her business including multiple chairs, and a large
display of nail products. She said they even moved the restrooms, so
make the layout flow better for her needs. The building belongs to
Guzzardo’s, and she said they were great to work with on getting her
space established.
Leon is hoping to grow her business and said she is looking for
additional licensed manicurists to work alongside her at the
Lioness. Anyone who is interested in this type of opportunity is
encouraged to reach out to Leon.
Currently the business is open Tuesday through Saturday 9:30 a.m. to
6 p.m. and closed on Sunday and Monday. For the time being, clients
are served by appointment only. To make an appointment call
447-447-9114 or you may message Leon through Facebook or Instagam.
Lioness Nail Salon ribbon
cutting ceremony video
[Nila Smith]
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