Any mani/pedi aficionado in Montreal knows about Rouge Nail Bar. Why? Because it is the ultimate spot to give love to your hands and feet. Husband/wife duo, and the forces behind running this successful franchise, Marc and Jenny Benattar, have worked hard to create a beautiful and comfortable space for their customers to get spoiled at. Last time we popped by, we enjoyed a glass of champagne and laughed over “The Wedding Singer” while we got some of the finest manicures and pedicures Montreal has to offer. We recently talked to these two to find out what drives them, the success of Rouge, and advice they can share with our young professional readers.
What is the concept behind Rouge?
We offer women the perfect environment to get pampered; it’s a beautiful, unpretentious, and comfortable space for our guests to relax in.
We want everyone who comes in to Rouge Nail Bar to get cozy on our living room couches while getting a mani-pedi and watching an episode (or two) of their favourite show… and why not order a little something to eat and sip on from our menu while they’re at it?
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How did you two get involved?
It started out as a fun project and ended up surpassing our expectations as we brought this unique concept to Montrealers. In fact, it ended up being a lifestyle movement in the esthetics industry.
How many locations do you currently have?
We own 3 Rouges:
· Rouge Downtown located at 2070 Crescent Street
· Rouge Plateau Mont Royal located at 4065 St-Denis Street, corner Duluth.
· Rouge South Shore located in the Square of le Quartier DIX30 in Brossard
Are you thinking of adding more in the future?
Anything is possible…
How is each of the three locations different?
We really try to keep them as homogeneous as possible so that the experience that our clients have is as amazing no matter where they decide to go. The consistency in the décor as well as the fabulous services and menus allows us to ensure that our guests will be pampered in the same environment by technicians who have learned the Rouge steps and techniques when servicing clients
What sets Rouge apart from other nail salons in Montreal?
Everything.
Our concept.
Our Cleanliness.
The nail industry in Canada is essentially unregulated, leaving the door open for many nail salons to offer their customers service in an unhealthy environment – often using unsanitary tools and implements. Not only can this be an unpleasant experience, it places you, the customer, at risk for any number of diseases and health risks
Our Timing.
With all due respect to our spa sisters, and despite the fine services they provide, most people simply don’t have time anymore to spend the afternoon in a robe drinking cucumber water and getting a pedicure in a tranquil spa environment.?That’s why we base our service times and appointments around the schedule of the dashing diva. We will get our guests in, out and on their way in just 70 minutes for a mani-pedi combo. But never will they feel the need to rush out right after their service. Everyone is welcome to lounge for as long as they like.
Price.
We have intentionally created an entry price point that doesn’t discriminate against any diva. Our goal is to provide our clients with the luxury they deserve at a price every girl (and guy) can afford.?Although we have a wide range of service prices, our base mani/pedi combo ensures that guests will be able to pamper themselves without breaking the bank.??We all make sacrifices for beauty – but there is a difference in compromising your feet for a night in a 3-inch heel and exposing yourself to the dangerous chemicals that are often found in beauty products. We take your well-being seriously, as well as our planet’s, and so we only carry products that are as gentle on the environment, and your health, as possible. In our Rouge Boutique you will find a wide array of natural products from essential oils and organic soy-based candles to gifts that inspire the greener side of life.
Have there been any challenges along the way? If so how did you overcome them?
Each new store had its own challenges, ranging from lease negotiations to renovations and recruitment of the right team members. So like any business, you encounter challenges along the way, but you can overcome most challenges that arise with perseverance and the right attitude.
What is the best part of owning and running Rouge?
Knowing that we are in the business of making people happy and looking forward to coming to see us… that makes being in this business worth every second!
Any words of advice for young professionals?
It’s OK to be good in many different things, but being the best in one particular thing is what will make you successful and set you apart from the rest of the pack. So find something that you truly want to excel in and then immerse yourself in it by surrounding yourself with people in the business, literature and social networks.