Today we’d like to introduce you to Linda Sharp.
Hi Linda, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
For years, I was a nail biter who picked at my nails relentlessly. As I got older, I became embarrassed by the state of my hands and started seeking professional help. But as I continued my journey as a nail client, my nails never really improved. I realized that most of the salons I visited had no idea how to actually help me. I was often uncomfortable during services and left many appointments injured in some way.
None of the salons I visited met the level of cleanliness I expected or that seemed difficult to achieve. My plan to open a nail salon actually began while I was sitting in a pedicure throne, enduring yet another uncomfortable “spa pedicure.” As I looked around at the clutter, half-painted walls, and visible dirt, it struck me that creating a beautiful, well-kept space I’d actually enjoy visiting couldn’t be that hard.
Soon after, I found myself in nail school, working toward my license. I had some hesitation about entering the nail salon industry. I was confident I could create an inviting space, but I worried about the health risks that come with working in a traditional salon environment. I wasn’t sure if it was even possible to build a successful business focusing only on natural nails without the heavy chemical smells I’d experienced in every other salon. At that time, I didn’t even know about the dangers of plastic nail dust yet. Another major concern was the carbon footprint I’d be leaving behind. Salons produce a tremendous amount of waste, and I knew I’d have to find a better way.
My first task was to find a safe product line, and I didn’t even know if one existed. I came across several brands claiming to be “organic” or “natural,” but I couldn’t understand how a nail coating could possibly be organic. Was it made of henna? I even experimented with stains, but they didn’t really work.
It turned out that most of those “organic” claims were bogus. A quick look at the ingredients revealed they were basically acrylic powder labeled as “organically processed.” Some were marketed as “non-toxic” or “odor-free,” which sounded promising until I realized I had actually used that type of product before. It was so difficult to remove that it had to be roughly filed off with an electric file. How was that healthier or safer?
The more I researched, the more I learned that one of the biggest hazards for nail technicians is inhaling microfine plastic dust. As someone with sensory sensitivities, the idea of that dust coating everything sounded unbearable. Yes, there are machines designed to help keep salon air cleaner, but I still had no interest in working with those kinds of products.
When I discovered CND Shellac, everything clicked. I finally found a professional system that allowed me to create long-lasting, beautiful nails without harsh odors or harmful dust. From that moment on, I committed to building a clean air salon with a strict policy that only soak-off products would ever be used and removed in our space. Thankfully, the industry has continued to grow in this direction, expanding safe and sustainable options for both clients and professionals.
Another part of our brand that truly sets us apart is our in-house skincare line. One of my personal passions is skincare, and I love creating natural body butters, scrubs, and skin oils that complement the healthy, restorative experience we provide at the salon. Every product is handmade with intention, using ingredients that nourish the skin and align with our commitment to wellness and sustainability. Our guests love knowing that the same care and integrity we bring to nail services extends to the products we craft right here in-house.
Another key part of our brand is the incredibly talented team of nail technicians who work here. I feel so lucky to spend each day surrounded by artists who share my passion for creativity, quality, and care. They inspire me constantly, not just with their talent but with their dedication to their craft and the way they uplift one another. Our team is the heart of Lark & Sparrow, and I’m endlessly proud of the work they do and the experience they create for every client who walks through our doors.
The nail art is the icing on the cake. I get to work alongside some truly incredible artists. It’s funny, I dropped out of art school years ago intending to become a cosmetologist, and now I find myself creating tiny pieces of art every day. It’s amazing, and I truly love what I do and the shop we’ve built.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
You would not believe how much waste this industry produces. While I was still in nail school, I researched companies that recycled salon supplies and knew that creating an environmentally responsible salon would always be my ultimate goal.
Before expanding, we did our best to reduce the amount of waste we produced. Luckily, we’re located close to an incredible local resource, CHaRM (the Center for Hard to Recycle Materials). Having that nearby allowed us to recycle far more than the average business. We even set up our own street recycling with Earthwise Waste Services, since our landlord only provided garbage service. Still, even with all of that effort, a surprising amount of waste was ending up in the trash.
Thankfully, after expanding the salon a couple of years into business, we were finally able to partner with Green Circle Salons, an amazing company that empowers salons to recover up to 95% of their beauty waste. This partnership allowed us to establish our complete salon recycling program. Green Circle helps salons like ours recycle and repurpose everything from metal and plastic to used glass polish bottles.
As a business, this partnership has made us far more mindful of how we use and dispose of materials. We pay for this program and consider it a mandatory cost of running a responsible and sustainable salon. We are extremely proud of our environmental program and our ongoing commitment to recycling and sustainability.
Of course, the biggest struggle as a business owner over the past ten years has been recovering from the financial setbacks that came with Covid in 2020. It has been a difficult five years, and we are still bracing for what’s to come. So many of our client family are struggling with layoffs and furloughs, and we feel that impact every day. Still, we remain committed to our clients and our craft, continuing to find ways to stay resilient, creative, and connected through it all.
We’ve been impressed with Lark & Sparrow, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Lark & Sparrow, we believe nail care should be safe, clean, and beautiful. Our salon was built on a commitment to clean air practices, sustainability, and exceptional artistry.
Our talented team shares a passion for creating healthy, natural nails in a welcoming, creative space. Every detail, from the products we choose to the techniques we use, is designed with your well-being in mind.
When you visit us, you’re not just getting your nails done. You’re experiencing the best in care, creativity, and conscious beauty.
What’s next?
Who knows what the future might bring? It is always full of surprises.
Take our recent addition of Soft Gel Extensions, for example. The nail industry is constantly evolving, and so are we.
What I know for sure is that our hearts are set on education in natural nail care, helping others get back to the basics of healthy, beautiful nails.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Larkandsparrownails.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/larkandsparrownails?igsh=MWRtYjg0OHVuaDF4bg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
