A few weeks ago I got a call from a lady sounding very upset. She was asking if I had any available appointments for a regular french manicure that day, and more specifically if I would take a handicap client.
I was instantly taken back and said I apologize I wanted to make sure I heard you correctly did you say do I accept handicap clients?
She proceeded to tell me the nail salon down the street refused her services for a simple regular manicure because her paralysis had also affected one hand causing it to become clawed up, and she was unable to hold it open on her own and would be hard for them to do regular polish on especially for it to dry.
My heart completely sank. I was not at my salon that moment or I absolutely would’ve taken her, so instead I said do you live here in town?
She said yes. I said let me do something even better. I’ll come to your home tomorrow and give you the best regular manicure you’ve ever had in the comfort of your own space. She was so happy and eager to let me.
Fast forward to appointment day. When I showed up, what I did was blocked out a little more time knowing it would take some navigation and I held her hand while I painted it with the other and then I simply held it to dry. We laughed, shared stories and became great friends. Resulting in a beautiful manicure.
I did my research for the next few days knowing in three weeks I’d see her again. Today, I went to her house with a surprise. I found an awesome brace that allowed her hand to easily rest over this stress ball, and strapped it around so neither of us had to force her fingers open the whole time! She thought it was so awesome. So, I held the ball with my hand while I painted with my other and guess what, we made it happen.
The point of this story isn’t to brag or make my salon stand out in anyway. It is here to raise awareness. Like they say, “if they wanted to they would,” and we did. We found a way, took some extra time and brainstormed together.
It makes me sick to my stomach to think anyone of any disability would be turned away from a service that truly can make someone feel beautiful. In fact, her best friend pulled me aside when I got there and said you have no idea what this means to her.
She never got her nails done and now she looks forward to you coming because it’s something that brings her happiness and makes her feel good, so thank you. I softly said this is why this is my passion and not my job.
Do not discriminate, we are all human.
I don’t care what color you are, who you love, what you wear, where you live, what disability you may have or what you ate for lunch. Every single person deserves to be treated exactly the same and if you can’t do that then you are the problem not them.
-Sarah Smith, The Nail Shack
If you want to see more good news stories, please send them to us. You can either send them to Taylor Press attn: Good News, 211 W. Third Street, Taylor, TX 76574, or post to the Good News Taylor Made Facebook page.
Always remember there is goodness everywhere and kindness matters.
