FLINT, Mich. — When you walk into Eight Ten Nail Bar, someone always greets you, even if staff members are in the middle of a manicure or pedicure. It’s part of the rhythm co-owners Alex and Natalie Kadie have created — a place where hospitality matters just as much as polish.
The husband-and-wife duo have built their downtown Flint salon into a place where clients are more than appointments — they’re known, welcomed, and remembered.
“It’s a community. It’s not just a nail salon,” Natalie said, “We definitely do nails, pedicures and manicures, but I really feel like we’ve built a safe space for people to come to. My favorite thing to do is actually talk to people. It’s not just about doing nails, it’s about exchanging with people.”
Kadie and her seven-person staff are all licensed technicians. Even her husband Alex, who manages payroll and other administrative duties, has taken on an apprentice role and can occasionally be spotted giving pedicures himself.
In 2015, during the height of Flint’s water crisis, the couple moved from Flint Township into the city to be closer to the community they had long considered home. While raising twin daughters, Natalie worked toward her nail license. After securing a storefront, Eight Ten Nail Bar officially opened in May 2018.
Today, they employ several Flint residents — many of whom have been with the salon for more than three years, a point of pride for the Kadies.
Some clients are longtime friends or family, while others came through word of mouth and kept coming back. Over time, many have built steady relationships with the owners and staff. On a typical day, conversation bounces easily around the space as clients and technicians chat during one-on-one services.
“We know our clients’ names,” Natalie said, with Alex adding that they strive to make their clients feel valued.
But more than that, Natalie says they have a history of connecting clients with other clients. Maybe you are looking for a doctor, a wedding photographer or a realtor — she probably knows a guy.
“The best thing about my job is being able to connect people with each other,” she said. “I can kind of help them, because I know a lot of people.”
Despite the laid-back vibe, the team runs a tight ship. Appointments are booked on the hour, every hour, and the salon stays busy.
“We got them trained,” said Alex Kadie. “People come in and say, ‘Man, y’all are really busy.’ And yeah, people make appointments. When you create what we created, it makes people want to fight to get in. And to me, that’s the easiest compliment.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Eight Ten closed for four months. But clients stayed connected — some donated to the business, others called regularly to check in, especially after Natalie lost her parents and grandmother in close succession.
“It kind of reinforced certain things and reinforced the culture that we have here,” Alex Kadie added.
Customer service is key to that culture. The salon guarantees its work, welcomes feedback, and pays close attention to small details — from music to décor. Alex, who previously worked in hospitality at Marriott, brings that same sensibility to the nail bar experience.
Nail technician Abigail Ramirez said the salon’s high client retention comes down to clear communication and mutual respect.
“We educate our clients on what the expectations are for them, and we just really have mutual respect for one another,” Ramirez said.
The owners said the staff take part in regular training, including visits to other salons and annual cosmetology shows focused on nail trends and techniques. They also stay current through social media and what they jokingly call “YouTube University.” Each year, the tight-knit team takes a trip together. Chicago is a regular stop, Natalie Kadie said, and next year’s destination is Orlando.
Outside of regular services, the salon has hosted community events and they are particularly interested in events that support women, the multiple businesses of their clientele, and the community at large.
This summer, they’ll celebrate their seventh anniversary with a customer appreciation event, “Cheers for 7 Years,” on July 27. The celebration will include local vendors, a DJ, chair massages, prizes, merchandise, and food. While it’s meant to thank loyal clients, the wider community is welcome.
Looking ahead, the couple hopes to expand into a full-service spa over the next five years.
For more information about Eight Ten Nail Bar or to book an appointment, visit eighttennailbar.com or call 810-422-9568. The business can also be found on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.