Nikki Vermaas likes her Comstock Park location. She moved her business Nikki’s Nails from Howard City to Comstock Park and held a Grand Opening on Oct. 21. After driving from her home in Coopersville to Howard City for over a year she appreciates the shorter commute and affordable rent. She also worked at Vicki’s Nails in Comstock Park, prior to getting her nail license during the pandemic.
“I like it here. There’s a small town feel and a lot more room for growth and expansion,” Vermaas said.
Many of her clients have followed her to her new Comstock Park location including from Sparta and Plainwell and even one from as far away as Farwell in central Michigan.
“I like interacting with my clients. We tend to become friends rather than just clients,” Vermaas said.
Her nail related services include dip, acrylic, gel polish, and Gel X nails. Gel X is a nail extension system that last up to four weeks. A dip includes a base coat dipped into pigmented powder and topped with a clear sealant.
She offers no less than 247 colors of dip, gel and regular pots as well as highly reflective glitter. Clients can also choose from a selection of cat eye offerings and high resolution, glow-in-the-dark choices. Her affordable prices range from $30 - $60+.
“Everyone wants sparkling nails,” said Vermaas. One of her specialties is drawing nail art such as jack o’lanterns, spider webs ghosts and cow prints.
“They will bring in pictures of what they like,” Vermaas said. “Ever since I opened it’s been something I specialize in.”
She also offers pedicures, eyelash extensions, dreads and braids.
Her customer service and work quality sets her apart from the competition, according to Vermaas.
“I take my time. I don’t like to rush. I try to always do the best I can,” Vermaas said.
She hopes to stay at least five years in the Comstock Park location. Her niece, Amaya, apprenticed under Vermass and will join her at Nikki’s nails once she passes her state boards.
Nikki’s nails hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Wednesday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Saturday, by appointment only. Call (616) 589-3199.
Busy Household
Vermaas juggles a busy household and a second job as a care partner in an assisted living facility in Grandville.
She has two children ages 14 and 19 as well as a 10-month-old granddaughter. Her best friend passed away from COVID so Vermaas stepped in to care of and look after her four children ages 12-20.
Vermaas is originally from Vista, California and moved to Michigan in 1997.