There are nail salons, and then there’s sundays – a wellness-focused nail studio in SoHo that feels more like a sanctuary than a quick manicure.
From the moment I walked in, I was warmly greeted and invited to choose a polish color. I tried to be bold and pick a light shade for summer, but ultimately, I caved and chose black. What can I say? I prefer my toes to be dark. One day I’ll get that crisp white pedicure like all the other girlies… but I’m not there yet. 😂
I was seated and introduced to my manicurist, who set up a warm soak for my Signature Pedicure. Then the real pampering began! I was brought one of the flakiest, most delicious croissants I’ve ever had, a chocolate muffin, and a cup of jasmine green tea. It felt more like a cozy café than a nail salon. I was also handed a pair of headphones and guided through a meditative audio experience, a zen twist that took the service from relaxing to restorative. Then came a beautiful, heartfelt touch: I was given paper, a pen, and an envelope to write a love letter to myself, which will be mailed back to me in the future. It may sound a little cheesy, but it honestly made me feel so cared for. That small, intentional act made the experience feel more meaningful, like I was truly investing in myself, not just getting my nails done.
Afterward, I chatted with Carmel Gisslow, sundays’ Events & Partnerships Manager, who shared what sets the studio apart: “The consensus is that there’s not something like this in New York – or anywhere. It’s a place people can come and get their nails done, but it feels more like a sanctuary than the normal nail studio experience.”
I also spoke with Amy Ling, the Founder of sundays, who built the brand with wellness and safety in mind. All of their polishes are non-toxic and free from the top 10 most harmful ingredients commonly found in nail lacquers. sundays doesn’t use hard gel or electric files either — practices that often release microplastics into the air and can compromise respiratory health. “We want it to feel like home,” Amy told me. “Some clients come in after a crazy week, and they don’t want to talk — they just want a peaceful moment to themselves. That’s why we created things like the meditation manicure. It’s not just about beauty. It’s about mental wellness and giving yourself a break.”
sundays also doubles as an event space — with pop-ups, brand collabs, and self-care events hosted regularly. Whether it’s a girls’ day, a solo reset, or something curated for hotel staff and restaurant workers, the mission is to build community through care.
My final verdict? The pedicure was flawless. The vibe was soothing. And that love letter to myself? It’s already made me smile more than once since I wrote it. sundays Nail Studio is a 10/10 – I highly recommend! If you’re in NYC and need a reset, do yourself a favor and book an appointment. You’ll walk out with more than just pretty nails, besties.
XOXO,
Your Beauty Bestie
