A look back to 2023

Our clients came back from their holidays and breathed a sigh of relief as they settled into toast&co’s plush seats. Every year we hear stories of regulars going to other salons over the festive season and not getting the same quality of service and expertise. Nails languish with subpar polish, upper lips bristle with little, left-behind hairs, eyebrows long for a well-shaped arch, and mouths miss the good butter biscuits. As soon as our doors opened, clients began booking their New Year manis, pedis and facials. We loved welcoming them back.

Around March we had an uptick in bridal parties booking out the whole salon and making a day of it. When we host brides and their entourage, the champagne flows and snacks are served while everyone gets their nails done in the wedding colours. toast&co likes to make an event to remember. A path of rose petals guides the bride to her station and therapists often gather to sing for regular clients. This year we had a bride in the family, owner Julie’s daughter Ashleigh. It was an extra special occasion. She was welcomed with song, ululation and a shower of petals before getting her nails done in a nude pink to match the cosmos that adorned her nuptials.

Loren Page, Julie’s other daughter and Karen’s niece, joined toast&co in June. Coming from a position in property asset management, Loren chose to pursue her more creative side by joining the business. Julie and Karen have been teaching Loren what it takes to run a business, including buying, managing and taking stock; working with dozens of staff members; and creating a beautiful, calm and inviting atmosphere across two branches. Loren in turn is bringing her youthful knowledge and flair to keep toast&co on trend. She loves fashion, thinks good nails are an essential part of any outfit and is passionate about healthy skin. She is an exciting new asset.

With dizzying speed the year wound down. Many a tired foot and lovelorn hand was soaked and rubbed back to life while clients navigated dead traffic lights, empty taps and weird weather. To celebrate getting through it and to thank our patrons for their support, toast&co threw its legendary Christmas bash in late November. A tinselled tree twinkled amid the clink of glasses of bubbly while the new December stock of stocking fillers and Christmas pressies jostled for space on the shelves. Clients booked a treatment and then stayed on for the party, hoping to be one of the 24 people who received a bottle of nail polish, and taking advantage of the day’s 10% discount on goodies. Everyone looked gorgeous in their summertime best – with pop-of-colour toenails to match – and as the sun set, some of us couldn’t help but crack a move to the music. There was a touch of boogying, a fair bit of shimmying (up to the snacks table, mostly) and a whole lot of merry-making. 

So from toast&co, here is to another year. It may be difficult, but may it always be worthwhile.