Tired of having to commute to find safe, eco-friendly nail care options in her Bed-Stuy neighborhood, Karla Carrington decided to open her own salon.

“There’s nothing close to home that really upheld the standard of cleanliness and service. So I said, ‘’Build it and they will come,'” says Carrington.

The real estate agent, who is also a trained nail technician, decided to open her own salon when she learned about the sheer volume chemicals that customers and workers are exposed to.

Carrington’s salon, The Nail Belle, is located in a 400-square foot space at 199 Malcolm X Blvd. near Putnam Avenue. The salon uses carcinogen-free polishes and offers environmentally-conscious manicures. The Nail Belle is also partnered with a recycling company and takes steps to reduce waste.

Carrington hopes that her salon will set a new standard in the beauty industry.

For more information and to visit The Nail Belle, head over to www.TheNailBelle.com.

Interviews. Meet India Williams. The Beauty Entrepreneur Whose Organic Vegan-Friendly Nail Polish Line Stresses Self-Care.

Originally from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, India Williams is a Chicago, Illinois-based corporate finance lawyer who is also the founder of Rooted Woman, an organic nail polish company. The line features bold, timeless hues, in a variety of styles, with names like “Unconditionally Loved” and “Healed.” Can you tell us a bit about Rooted Woman?