Jackson Free Press

Best Salon for Manicure; Best Salon for Pedicure: The Nail Bar

4800 Interstate 55 N., Suite 20, 769-216-2152

What better way for a lady to pamper herself than with a trip to the bar? In a room with 12-foot-tall picture windows, she can sink into a cozy leather turquoise chair or stretch out on a brown leather couch to wait, not for a drink, but for her nails to be dazzled.

Melissa Harrison and Cathy Campbell opened The Nail Bar Oct. 8, 2013, and it is already setting a new standard for nail care. Almost 400 polish shades rest on silver racks on the wall. Black leather chairs with optional massage settings are available for relaxation during pedicures. The Nail Bar currently offers manicures, pedicures and gel nails. The shop is filled with dainty decorations such as floor lamps, a pink couch pillows and flowers to add a homey atmosphere.

"It's their home away from home," Campbell says. In the back of the salon is a kitchen area. "Customers can put their groceries in the fridge and help themselves to a complimentary snack while they wait to get service."—Brittany Sanford

Best Salon for Manicure

Second: Cuticles Nail Studio (2947 Old Canton Road, 601-366-6999) / Third (tie): Fondren Nails (2906 N. State St., Suite B1, 601-362-6292); Red Pro Nail Studio (1935 Lakeland Drive, 601-383-0559) / Finalist: Beyond Stripes (5846 Ridgewood Road, 
Suite B-203 and B-204, 601-667-9167)

Best Salon for Pedicure

Second: Cuticles Nail Studio (2947 Old Canton Road, 601-366-6999) / Third: Fondren Nails (2906 N. State St., Suite B1, 601-362-6292) / Finalist: Red Pro Nail Studio (1935 Lakeland Drive, 601-383-0559); Beyond Stripes  (5846 Ridgewood Road, Suite B-203 and B-204, 601-667-9167)

Best Nail Technician: Erica Gates

Beyond Stripes, 5846 Ridgewood Road, Suite B-203 and B-204, 601-667-9167

Erica Gates, "Bling Queen" of Jackson, is more than your average nail technician. She treats each of her clients like family and works hard to build relationships 
with them.

"My favorite part (of my job) is making people smile. I live for people's happiness, for making their day," she says.

Although Gates just opened Beyond Stripes a few months ago, she has worked in nail care for more than 10 years. She graduated from Magnolia College of Cosmetology three years ago, but she learned the trade from her aunt, another licensed professional, and worked with her for years prior to getting her own license.

"I saw a need for what I do in town," Gates says. "I don't use a drill. Everything is hand-painted."

Gates knows she's one of the best at her craft, and the world does, too. She has been recognized in several magazines, such as Vibe Vixen and Nailpro, and she has participated in numerous nail shows. Gates also has a degree in business administration from Jackson State University.

Beyond Stripes offers full manicure and pedicure services, and is appointment only. Follow Erica Gates and Beyond Stripes on Instagram @erica_gates_nailtech.—LaShanda Phillips

Second: Victoria Walker (Cuticles Nail Studio, 2947 Old Canton Road, 601-366-6999) / Third: Keri Hemba (Jewel of the Nail Studio at Lacey's Salon, 1935 Lakeland Drive, 225-301-6075) / Finalists: Adrienne Williams (Fondren Nails, 2906 N. State St., Suite B1, 601-362-6292); Finalist: Cathy Campbell (The Nail Bar, 4800 Interstate 55 N., Suite 20, 769-216-2152); Melissa Harrison (The Nail Bar, 4800 Interstate 55 N., 
Suite 20, 769-216-2152)