Elegant Situation Beauty Studio

The salon describes itself as a Chicago black-owned beauty salon. Its owner, Felicia, is a licensed nail technology educator who has owned the studio for over seven years and has 14 years of experience in the nail industry. The studio sits inside the Stewart Business Center, with free parking and a secure entrance.

Visits are booked online only, through the salon's GlossGenius page, while full pricing and availability are listed on Felicia's Booksy page. New clients pay a non-refundable $25 deposit toward the service after requesting an appointment, and first-time clients come with bare nails. Clients are asked not to arrive more than 10 minutes early, and there is a 15-minute grace period; anyone running late should call or text. Payments can be made by Zelle, PayPal, CashApp, card or cash, though cash change is not guaranteed and card taps and swipes carry a 1.25% convenience fee. Buy Now, Pay Later is available in person and for bookings from $50 to $4,000, with approval needed before the appointment.

Felicia's LUXE pedicure includes a paraffin wax treatment and massage. Felicia says her personal service experience is one clients cannot find elsewhere. The salon does not take off or fill in over other technicians' acrylic or gel work.

Booking rules are firm. A credit card on file is required for custom acrylic, no-chip manicure and pedicure services and is charged only for a late cancellation or a no-call/no-show. Cancellations or reschedules within 48 hours of the appointment carry a full service penalty, and a no-call/no-show is charged 75% of the service, is banned from future bookings and forfeits the new-client deposit.

Beyond nails, the studio rents salon and suite space to licensed professionals. Space rent includes marketing support, towel service, and access to in-salon classes and workshops. The rental inquiry form asks applicants which state license they hold. A monthly members-only subscription called Nail Babe Membership offers priority and exclusive booking, immediately confirmed appointments, a complimentary beverage and members-only pricing. Gift cards are available through the GlossGenius page.

Built on a personal service experience and on the owner's connection with the clients who come to the salon.