Inspiring Conversations with Steve Pak of Stella Nails and Spa, LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Steve Pak.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My career didn’t start in the beauty industry. For years, I worked as a specialized mechanic in the dry cleaning industry, handling everything from equipment sales and installation to complex maintenance. This technical background gave me a unique eye for detail and a deep understanding of operational precision.

In March 2019, my life took a new turn. My family had been in the nail business for a long time, and when they needed my help, I stepped in as a manager. I spent the next six years managing a salon in Franklin Lakes, NJ, where I built deep-rooted trust with my clients. Many of those clients continue to follow me today, which is a testament to the relationships we’ve built.

Recently, I embarked on a new chapter here in Mahwah as the manager of Stella Nails & Spa. We chose the name ‘Stella’—meaning ‘star’ in Latin—to symbolize a fresh vision. After years of working with heavy, industrial machinery, I wanted to lead a space that offers light, beauty, and radiance. My goal for Stella is to be a place where every client can shine like a star, and where my team feels empowered as the bright center of our success.

My philosophy of prioritizing the team’s well-being actually began during those six years in Franklin Lakes. I started gradually reducing business hours there to ensure my staff wasn’t overworked. Now, in my new role at Stella, I’ve taken this a step further to reach another leap in my career.

While we previously closed at 7:00 PM, I have further reduced the hours here to close at 6:30 PM. While most salons open at 9:00 AM and stay open late, we operate from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM. This ‘life with evenings’ for my staff has led to incredible job satisfaction. I firmly believe that happy, well-rested employees are the engine behind the exceptional service our clients receive. By valuing my team, we create an environment where quality and care come naturally—allowing the true beauty of our service to shine through, just like our name suggests.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It certainly hasn’t been a smooth road from day one. The biggest challenge was earning the community’s trust. I’ve always believed that a business should be the heart of its community, not just a place of commerce. To bridge that gap, we decided to lead with generosity.

Right from the start, we prioritized giving back. Unlike many other businesses, we reached out to our local heroes—donating meals to the local fire and police departments, town workers and supporting PTO programs at nearby schools. We wanted the town to know that we weren’t just here to do business; we were here to be a neighbor.

Building trust also meant looking inward at my team and outward at our clients. To build a culture of loyalty, I make sure every employee feels celebrated with a birthday cake and a special bonus on their big day. For our customers, we offer a complimentary pedicure for their birthdays as a gift of appreciation.

These weren’t just promotions; they were the building blocks of a relationship. Investing in the community, our staff, and our clients was how we navigated the early struggles. That foundation of mutual respect and trust is exactly what has shaped us into the business we are today.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I believe a nail salon’s true purpose is hidden in the words themselves: Mani-‘cure’ and Pedi-‘cure’. To me, our business is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about care, health, and wellness.

This philosophy starts with uncompromising hygiene and premium materials. What truly sets us apart is our technical integrity. For instance, when we perform gel services, we apply a high-quality nail strengthener before the base gel. While many salons consider this an ‘extra charge’ service, we provide it as a standard. We do this because it ensures the natural nail stays healthy and strong, and the gel lasts much longer. We don’t believe in charging extra for the health of our clients’ nails; it’s simply the right way to do a ‘cure.’

What truly defines our brand is the practice of empathy—putting myself in others’ shoes. I constantly ask myself, ‘If I were the customer sitting in this chair, what would make me feel truly cared for?’ This mindset dictates how I manage the salon. Even during our busiest hours, I never rush my technicians. High-quality work requires focus and a calm environment.

Although I am not a manicurist myself, I am always on the floor, handling the prep work and logistics. By staying active behind the scenes, I help save our customers’ time and ensure a seamless experience. I’m most proud of this culture: a place where we treat our staff like family—celebrating their birthdays with cakes and bonuses—and treat our neighbors with respect. When you visit us, you aren’t just a client; you’re a neighbor receiving a service built on honesty, health, and a genuine heart for the community.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
To me, risk-taking isn’t about reckless gambling; it’s about having the courage to invest in long-term values when the industry trend is focused on short-term profit.

The biggest risk I took was a financial and operational one: deciding to provide premium services—like applying nail strengtheners as a standard and maintaining elite hygiene protocols—without charging the ‘extra fees’ that are common in this industry. From a traditional business perspective, increasing your material costs and labor time while keeping prices competitive is a major risk to your profit margins.

However, I viewed this as a ‘calculated investment in trust.’ I bet on the fact that if we treated the ‘Cure’ in Manicure and Pedicure with total integrity, customers would notice the difference in their nail health and keep coming back. I risked a smaller immediate profit for a foundation of long-term loyalty.

Another risk I take daily is trusting my team over the clock. In a busy salon, the common practice is to rush staff to increase turnover. I take the risk of ‘slowing down.

Pricing:

• Classic Manicure – $17. A foundational ‘cure’ for your hands, including meticulous cuticle care, shaping, and a relaxing hand massage.
• Gel Manicure (with Complimentary Strengthener). – $40 Includes our signature process: a premium nail strengthener is applied before the base gel at no extra cost to ensure nail health and long-lasting wear.
• UV Gel Fill-ins (CND Brisa Gel) – $60 We use CND Brisa Gel, which is recognized for being hypoallergenic and free of harmful chemicals per MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) standards. It provides a durable, odorless ‘cure’ that doesn’t compromise your health.
• New Gel Set (on Natural Nails) – $100 A full set applied directly to your own nails for a natural yet strong finish. This service includes our health-first approach, ensuring your natural nails stay protected underneath.
• New Gel Set (with Extensions) – $120 For those looking for added length and elegance. We use premium extension techniques combined with our safe UV gel systems to provide beautiful, long-lasting results.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.stellanailsnspa.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stellanailsnspa/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/stella-nails-and-spa-mahwah