Located in the sleepy neighbourhood of Siglap is Hands + Feet Studio. When I walked in, I first saw Caryn standing behind the counter, attending to a customer and her mother. Her cheerful disposition and relaxed nature quickly put me at ease. The white walls and open concept of the studio felt like home.
A middle-aged lady walking around the counter area caught my eye. I observed as she gently reminded Caryn of the customer’s next appointment slot. Acknowledging my arrival, she gave a firm nod and a slight smile. I wondered who she was. Was she one of Caryn’s staff? I entertained a few possibilities but put them out of mind as Caryn approached me. We were to head to the staff’s pantry area.
The pantry was every bit like my grandma’s kitchen. A slow cooker, and food and drinks filled the tables, while friendly reminders to staff were taped to the walls. Caryn took the seat opposite me, and we started our quick Q&A session.
IF YOU NEVER TRY, YOU’LL NEVER KNOW
Hi Caryn, could you tell us more about yourself?
Four years ago, I started Hands + Feet Studio. The studio combines two services – nail services and massages. Most salons only focus on nail services, but I felt that there was demand for a complete experience for customers. Besides, husbands/ boyfriends could get massages done while waiting for their wives/ girlfriends.
Before Hands + Feet, I was working in the banking industry for two years. I’ve actually always known that I wanted to open a mani-pedi salon, so I took the plunge when this shop space was made available. In September 2014, I also started Coat Colours, a non-toxic nail polish.
How did you know that you’ve always wanted to open a mani-pedi salon?
I’ve always enjoyed nail and massage services. Through my teenage and adult years, I would frequent salons. This love for such services started partly because of my mom’s influence.
When I was younger, about 13 years old, I sometimes followed my mum for her nail and massage sessions and I always enjoyed it. So when I told my mum about my decision to quit my banking job and open Hands + Feet, she was very supportive, much to my surprise.
The services at Hands + Feet are very affordable. How do you manage this?
Let me tell you a story. When I opened Hands + Feet and told my friends about it, they had 2 comments. First, why is it so far? Second, it’s really affordable.
What they didn’t know was that the slightly distant location allowed us to price as such. In fact, we’ve only had one price increase since we started. When we increased the prices, I felt bad about it. But it was also then when I realised how affordable we were – none of our customers had complaints or any issue with the increase!
Click here for prices. We’re really tempted by the $12 express manicure, $60 for 1hr of full body massage, and $46 for 1hr of foot reflexology, shoulder and neck massage.
What about Coat? What led you to start a line of non-toxic nail polishes?
At Hands + Feet, we were seeing increasing demand from customers regarding non-toxic nail polishes. Most nail polishes available in the market contain certain chemicals such as camphor, paraben, and formaldehyde.
There was a study done on it. After application of such nail polishes, there was an increased amount of these toxins detected in the urine levels of the individual. It shows that our bodies do absorb what we apply on our nails.
Hence, Coat is 8-free. Our formula has no formaldehyde resin, no formaldehyde, no toluene, no camphor, no DBP, no TPHP, no paraben and no xylene. Our colours are also FDA approved. Some of the non-toxic nail polishes in the market can be quite watery.
However, Coat’s texture is thicker and more viscous. This consistency helps the polish to last longer after application. The shades and colours for Coat are also chosen in-house, and we’ve taken special care to select colours that will suit the Asian skin tone. Coat is made in USA.
Coat can be purchased online or at selected stores.
It must be tough going at this yourself.
It’s definitely not easy, but I have the help of my mum. She doesn’t need to be around at the studio actually, we have a manager to oversee operations. However, she has always shown support by putting in effort and time to be around – she helps out with the operations, inspects for cleanliness, and even buys and cooks food for the staff!
I would say she’s the peacemaker at the studio. When I’m being harsh and strict, she’ll encourage and motivate. As a result, she has gained the respect of staff. I will always remember how my mum supported me in my decision to start Hands + Feet.
Hands + Feet is doing really well, you’ve mentioned that it’s almost full house on weekends. Coat Colours has also been picked up by numerous salons and magazines for its 8-free formula. You’ve proven yourself as a business owner in every way. Do you still have anything else lined up?
I’m actually working on a new project, beauty-related, and we’re hoping to launch towards the end of this year. I’m really excited by the progress we’re making, but I can’t reveal anything else at this period of time. I’ll definitely keep you posted.
A word of advice for aspiring business owners?
Don’t hesitate. Just do it.
As I lingered at the reception area while waiting for a cab, the phone at the studio rang. Caryn answered, and in a split second later, exclaimed “Muummm!”. The same middle-aged lady I saw earlier appeared and took the phone. Ah, so that’s Caryn’s mum. She looked at me and smiled, her lips lifting up to her eyes.
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Hands + Feet studio
Address: 44 Siglap Drive, Singapore 456169
Contact: 6448 7187
Opening Hours: 11AM – 10PM
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Coat Colours
Purchase online or at selected stores
20% of all online purchases from now until 14 May with “ILOVEMUM”
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Brought to you by Discover SG x Caryn Lim
Also read: Yun Xiang Kolo Mee – For Your Authentic M’sian Noodle Craving!
