How New Top Way Nail Spa Balances Passion with Risk?

Nestled in the busy streets of Brooklyn, New Top Way Nail Spa blends international beauty trends with the spirit of local business. Founded in 2022, this is owner Ann Wu’s third nail spa—but it’s more than just another salon.

Ann has dedicated more than 30 years to the nail industry. She has traveled to major cities worldwide to learn new techniques and uncover emerging trends.

“This business is my passion and my livelihood,” Ann says with a warm smile. “I’ve built New Top Way for the younger generation. "I want it to feel fresh, modern, and inspiring, while also reflecting the quality I’ve gained from years of experience."

The salon boasts a chic interior. Its menu includes spa pedicures, gel treatments, and hand-care services. This combination quickly made it a favorite among beauty-conscious customers in Brooklyn. However, beneath the surface, Ann faces a reality familiar to many small business owners. There are hidden risks that could threaten everything she has worked to create.

Blue Rock: Ann, thank you for sitting down with us today. New Top Way Nail Spa has been creating quite a buzz in Brooklyn. Can you tell us a little about your background and how this salon came to life?

Ann: Thank you for having me! I’ve been in the nail industry for over 30 years. "This is my third salon, but New Top Way stands out. It’s a fresh concept aimed at connecting with a younger generation." I opened it in 2022 after traveling to cities around the world to learn new trends. This business is not just my career, it’s my passion and my livelihood.

Blue Rock: That’s an incredible journey. With your decades of experience, what are the biggest risks you face running a modern nail spa?

Ann: Honestly, there are many. First, the chemicals we use in nail services can be harmful if not handled correctly. Even with ventilation and training, exposure can affect employees’ health. Then there’s our equipment—our spa pedicure chairs and imported hand capsules are very expensive. A single breakdown can cost thousands to replace or repair.

Blue Rock: Those are serious concerns. For employee health, Workers’ Compensation Insurance is key. It covers medical bills and lost wages if someone gets sick or injured from chemical exposure. And for your equipment, Equipment Breakdown Coverage can pay for repairs or replacement if a machine suddenly stops working.

Ann: That’s good to know. We do our best with maintenance, but accidents happen.

Blue Rock: How many people work with you?

Ann: We have a dedicated team of technicians and assistants, about a dozen in total. During slow seasons, I also offer special training classes to young people who want to enter the nail business.

Blue Rock: That’s amazing community work! Because you’re training people on-site, General Liability Insurance and Professional Liability Insurance are important. They protect you if a student or customer is injured or claims a service caused harm.

Ann: I hadn’t thought about the training classes needing extra coverage, but it makes sense.

Blue Rock: What about financial risks—do you ever face issues with payments?

Ann: Yes. Occasionally, we get credit card chargebacks or even fraud. When a customer disputes a charge, it freezes the payment and creates a lot of back-and-forth.

Blue Rock: Unfortunately, that’s common in beauty businesses. Cyber Liability Insurance can protect your salon from fraud, data breaches, or chargeback disputes. It won’t resolve every issue, but it provides financial support.

Ann: That would definitely give me peace of mind.

Blue Rock: And we can’t forget about the unexpected—fires, vandalism, or even an unhappy customer causing damage.

Ann: Yes, I’ve seen other salons get ransacked. It’s rare, but it worries me.

Blue Rock: This is where Commercial Property Insurance and Business Interruption Insurance are critical. Property insurance protects your building, furniture, and all that high-end equipment. Business interruption covers lost income if you have to close temporarily after an event like a fire or vandalism.

Ann: That would be a lifesaver. A single shutdown could be devastating for us.

Blue Rock: Exactly. Insurance isn’t just paperwork—it’s the safety net that lets you focus on your craft and your customers.

Ann: I agree. Having the right coverage allows me to create a welcoming space for my clients. It also helps me provide opportunities for young people to learn this trade.

Blue Rock: Ann, your passion shows in everything you do. For other nail spa owners listening, what advice would you give about insurance?

Ann: Don’t wait for something to happen. Talk to a broker early. Protect your employees, your customers, and yourself. When you know you’re covered, you can focus on what you love instead of worrying every day.

The Unseen Risks Behind the Glamour

Running a nail spa is more than creating beautiful manicures. It’s a complex operation involving expensive equipment, chemical exposure, and daily customer interactions. Ann explains the biggest concerns:

• Toxic Chemicals and Employee Health
  Nail technicians work with products that contain strong chemicals. Long-term exposure can lead to respiratory issues, skin irritation, and other health concerns.

• High-Value Equipment
  New Top Way’s spa pedicure chairs and imported hand capsules represent significant investments.

• Seasonal Slowdowns & Training Programs
  To balance slow periods, Ann offers special training courses for young people interested in the nail business. These programs create opportunity but also require liability coverage for students learning to use equipment.

• Payment Disputes and Fraud
  Like many modern businesses, New Top Way occasionally faces credit card chargebacks or fraudulent transactions.

• Unexpected Incidents
  In the U.S., nail salons sometimes encounter customer disputes or vandalism.

How Insurance Protects a Modern Nail Spa?

To keep her team and business safe, Ann works with an insurance advisor to build a comprehensive protection plan. Here are the key coverages that help New Top Way stay secure:

• General Liability Insurance
  This insurance covers injuries or property damage that occurs on the premises. It is essential to have a customer slip or have a reaction to a product.

• Workers’ Compensation
  Provides medical coverage and wage replacement for employees exposed to chemicals or injured while working.

• Commercial Property Insurance
  Protects Ann’s high-value equipment, from spa chairs to hand capsules, against fire, theft, or accidental damage.

• Equipment Breakdown Coverage
  Covers repairs and lost income if a pedicure chair or specialized machine suddenly fails.

• Professional Liability Insurance
  Shields the business from claims of mistakes or dissatisfaction with services.

• Cyber & Payment Fraud Protection
  Helps recover losses from credit card chargebacks or fraudulent transactions, which are increasingly common in the beauty industry.

• Business Interruption Insurance
  Provides income replacement if the salon must temporarily close due to fire, vandalism, or natural disasters.

“Insurance gives me peace of mind,” Ann says. “It allows me to focus on my passion. I enjoy creating a welcoming space for my customers. I also love providing young people with opportunities to learn. I can do this without constantly worrying about potential problems.”

Key Takeaway:

Running a nail spa like New Top Way is exciting, but it comes with hidden risks. These include chemical exposure, equipment failures, payment disputes, and unexpected incidents. To safeguard the business and promote its success, it is crucial to have the appropriate mix of insurance. This includes Workers’ Compensation, Equipment Breakdown, General Liability, Cyber Liability, Commercial Property, and Business Interruption Insurance.