Elle Washington, owner of Nailz by Elle, had always been passionate about beauty, a path that led her to beauty school. Originally from Shreveport, Louisiana, she, and her family moved to Southern California when she was six.
Washington shared that her family roots are in hard work and creativity surrounded by Southern entrepreneurs and artists who instilled a strong work ethic in her. She said she was inspired by relatives who built their own businesses and expressed themselves through their crafts.
This blend of entrepreneurship and artistry, Washington noted, gave her the foundation and drive to pursue her own vision in the beauty industry.
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“I grew up with a group of women and men who worked for themselves,” she said. “I ended up pregnant at a very young age — 17 — I had my son, I put myself through cosmetology school and got my license. I moved to Ladera Heights and had my first Black-owned nail salon.”
Washington’s path to entrepreneurship was marked by loss and resilience. She shared that as the widow of Roderick D. Williams, Jr., who died in a police altercation, she faced a tragedy that deeply impacted her. Washington said the experience was both painful and motivating in her commitment to the community.
“One of the things he [Williams] wanted for me was to open a Black-owned nail salon. In 2018, he was profiled in Riverside County,” said Washington.
“He was followed around in a store, pulled out of his vehicle, and held down until he couldn’t breathe.” Washington said that two department store security guards and two police officers were involved, and to her knowledge, none of them faced any consequences.
Determined to offer a refined, upscale salon experience, Washington designed Nailz by Elle with elegance in mind. She wanted each detail, from decor to service, to reflect quality. Her salon now offers premium manicures and pedicures that combine luxury with relaxation.
“We carry high-end apothecary, vegan products, and we have all the candles and the crystals,” said Washington. “We have things and contracts with companies that you would also find in Neiman Marcus and Saks [Fifth Avenue].”
Washington also mentioned that the minority-owned boutique apothecary is women-owned and eco-friendly, with gel manicures available and preferred by her male clients.
“We are definitely offering the white-glove service. I’m focused on providing a high-end service…. you’re going to relax, you’re going to get a glass of champagne, tea, water, coffee, and you’re going to be treated well,” Washington added.
Washington emphasized her commitment to providing a high-end experience at Nailz by Elle.
“We offer manicures, pedicures, facials, we make our own vegan scrubs, and nail care, body care,” she said. “We do wax, scalp and hair rejuvenation, braids, weaves, color, and we specialize in our Mimosa [manicure] and [pedicure].”
Choosing Baldwin Hills and View Park was intentional for Washington. She wanted to serve a predominantly Black community, bringing her business into an area rich with cultural heritage.
Washington felt the community’s evolution aligned with her vision for high-quality local businesses
“I really wanted to get back into the ‘Black Beverly Hills,’” said Washington. “This salon has been a beauty space for the last twenty years, and it was originally Kim Kimble Salon, so it’s like being grandfathered into a beauty space. I didn’t want to be anywhere else.”
For those seeking a luxury nail experience, Nailz by Elle is located at 4062 S Victoria Ave in the View Park neighborhood of Los Angeles. Appointments can be made by calling (213) 657-7131.
