14 Years of Glamour, Friendship, and Fabulous Nails: Why Poised Nail Spa is My Forever Go-To

Let me take you on a little journey—a tale of perfectly polished nails, soul-healing pedicures, and, well, some questionable life choices that were solved with a single visit to Poised Nail Spa. Now, if you’re thinking, “Great, another nail salon post,” then buckle up because this isn’t just any salon. Oh no, darling, this is where nail dreams come true, friendships are forged, and where a simple pedicure might just solve world peace (Okay, I can’t prove that last one, but I’m telling you—pedicure magic is real).

For 14 solid years, I’ve been a loyal, obsessive, downright giddy customer of Poised Nail Spa, owned by none other than the queen of nails herself, Marisa Hupe. We’re not talking just any nail technician—nope, Marisa is the Picasso of pedicures, the Da Vinci of dips, and the Michelangelo of manicures (I might have exaggerated just a tiny bit, but stay with me here). You won’t find a drill in her hand—oh no, everything is filed meticulously by hand because apparently, some angels walk among us. And I don’t know about you, but I’m not trying to get my nails done by someone who sounds like they’re revving a lawnmower next to my cuticles.

First Impressions: How I Met Marisa

Let’s rewind to 14 years ago. Picture me, a woman on a desperate search for a decent nail tech in the wild streets of Pittsburgh. It was like searching for the holy grail, but the grail was acrylic nails that didn’t look like they were assembled by a toddler. Enter Poised Nail Spa, located at 2852 Broadway Avenue in Dormont, PA. There she was—Marisa Hupe, the Nail Whisperer. I mean, I was skeptical at first (I’m picky about who touches my nails, so sue me), but from the moment she touched my nails, I knew I was in for a ride. A ride that’s lasted over a decade, might I add.

Why Marisa is the Nail Goddess You Didn’t Know You Needed

Now, if you’ve ever been to a run-of-the-mill nail salon where they practically blowtorch your nails with a drill, you know what I’m talking about. But Marisa? She doesn’t play that game. The first time she filed my nails—BY HAND—I nearly cried tears of joy. It was like watching an artist with a canvas, except the canvas was my fingers, and the art? Well, I guess you could say she turned my hands into masterpieces. And don’t even get me started on her nail art. Honey, she does everything freehand—no stencils, no stickers, no shortcuts, just pure, unadulterated talent. Need a delicate floral design or something more out-of-the-box like…miniature pizza slices? (True story.) Marisa’s got you.

Pedicure Heaven: A Love Story

I don’t just go to Poised Nail Spa for my nails, though. Oh no, I get my toes pampered too. Pedicures here aren’t just pedicures; they are experiences. Marisa offers several types, from the “I’ve Walked a Marathon and My Feet Are Crying” pedicure to the “Just Make Me Feel Like Beyoncé” deluxe.

Friendship & Fabulousness: The Human Side of Marisa

Here’s where things get real. Marisa and I have been through some things together. Over the past 14 years, she’s seen me at my best, my worst, and my “I-haven’t-slept-in-two-days-but-I-need-nice-nails” moments. We’ve supported each other through life’s ups and downs. You know how some people have a therapist? I have Marisa. Who needs therapy when you can vent while getting a manicure? Honestly, she’s a life coach with a nail file.

Nail Options: A Menu to Die For

Do you want a coffin shape? Almond? Stiletto (for when you’re feeling feisty)? Marisa offers every shape you can think of, plus some I’m pretty sure she invented herself. And if you think you’ve seen every type of nail finish, think again. There are gel options, acrylics, dips—you name it. The woman’s got a PhD in Polish, for crying out loud. Whether you want something subtle and classic or nails that scream, “LOOK AT ME, I’M FABULOUS,” she’s got you covered.

The Sterilization Queen

If I had to pick one thing Marisa is more obsessed with than nails, it’s cleanliness. She’s like the Serena Williams of sterilization. I once joked that she could probably perform surgery in her salon, and honestly, I wasn’t that far off. Everything is cleaned, sterilized, and then cleaned again. If a germ even thinks about entering her salon, it’s basically signing its own death certificate. I’ve been to plenty of other places where I wasn’t entirely sure if the tools had been cleaned since the 90s, but at Poised Nail Spa, cleanliness is non-negotiable.  She’s meticulous about cleanliness—borderline fanatical, actually. Each tool she reaches for is sterilized to the point where I think she might have instituted NASA’s hygiene protocols.

My Nail Journey: From Client to Lifelong Devotee

People often ask me, “Why have you been going to the same nail salon for 14 years? Aren’t there other places?” Well, technically, yes. But once you’ve had the Marisa Experience, you don’t ever want to go back. The way she remembers every tiny detail about her clients’ lives, their likes and their dislikes is like having a nail tech with the memory of an elephant and the artistic skills of a Renaissance painter. And it’s not just me—I’d love to say Marisa treats me like a Queen, but Marisa is one of those rare gems who treats each of her clients like they’re royalty. Even after all these years, I still walk out of her salon feeling like I just won the nail lottery and had an awesome girl’s day with one of my besties.

Why You NEED to Book an Appointment Right Now

If you haven’t picked up the phone by now, you’re seriously missing out. I know I’ve made Marisa sound like some sort of nail unicorn, but guess what? SHE IS. And guess what else? She told me today that she is currently accepting new clients! Now, you might be thinking, “Oh, I can always just call later.” NO. CALL. NOW. Because once people realize how amazing she is, her books will fill up again faster than you can say “manicure.”

If you’re ready to book your appointment, you can reach Poised Nail Spa at (412) 398-2180. Be sure to tell her I sent you, and maybe—just maybe—she’ll squeeze you in for the best mani-pedi of your life.

You – Yes, YOU – Deserve the Poised Nail Spa Experience

I’ve been with Marisa for 14 years, and let me tell you, she’s worth every single penny. In a world filled with generic nail salons that treat you like a number, Marisa treats you like family (and makes your nails look incredible while doing it). Whether you’re looking for a simple polish change, an elaborate freehand design, or just an escape from life’s chaos, Poised Nail Spa is your answer.

So what are you waiting for? Your nails deserve the royal treatment, and trust me—once you’ve experienced the magic of Marisa, you won’t ever want to go anywhere else.

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