Pauline Boom house swapped in Ibiza in September 2001 and loved it so much she never left. Running a successful nail boutique in Holland with her mother before she retired, she launched her own company on the island, Ibiza Nails and Beauty. With over twenty years experience and a client list that reads like a who’s who of the modelling world, not to mention a loyal fanbase of ‘normal’ clients, she is one of the most sought after technicians on the island. Essentialibiza caught up with Pauline to get our nails done and find out what it is about Ibiza that she loves…
Which treatments do you offer?
Manicures, pedicures, gel nails, gel nail polish, acrylic nails, waxing, eyelash tinting, waxing. We frequently work together with professionals doing: individual eyelash extentions, permanent make-up, Nuskin treatments, dermabrasion, botox and fillers.
Which products are most popular?
We work with the best nail products like Creative, nail polishes from O.P.I. We have over 60 Gel colours from Artistic Nail Design, which products we also distribute on the island. (I will start teaching and supporting nail stylists again like I did in Holland for many years)
What led you to your particular profession?
My mother started a beauty and nail salon in 1981 in the heart of Amsterdam, I would come from school and sit with her and the clients and start trying out the products on myself. I studied to become a beautician, we started working together, we had the salon, wholesale of nail products and were also teaching nail styling. My mother retired and I took over until I sold the salon.
Why did you choose Ibiza as the location of your business?
I sold my salon in Amsterdam two years before and tried out the real estate business with my then boyfriend, we split up and I went for three months to Spain and the last month did a house swap with a friend on Ibiza, it was the end of September 2001, it was so beautiful and relaxed, I stayed!
What kind of clientele use your service?
I have all kinds of clients, that’s the fun of my work. They come from all over the world. I speak sometimes four languages per day. (Dutch, German, English and Spanish) I have clients that come all year round every three weeks, I have the 6 months summer clients who work here, the one time bride, the only winter client, they are mainly a bit older. The annual returning august clients, the rich and famous for photo shoots or private clients at their yacht or villa.
You have manicured numerous a-list celebrities, how does the conversation differ from a normal client?
I have met so many famous or well-known models and celebrities, they are all human beings like us. Cameron Diaz, Kate Moss, Giselle Bunschen, Gwen Stefani, Penelope Cruz. Only a few really behave like divas but most of the time we have a normal conversation and with some, even a lot of fun having a dance or drink.
Do you have any celebrity stories you can share?
The first time I met Claudia Schiffer I asked her very nervously if I could have a picture with her and she answered “Yes as soon as I have finished with hair and make-up”. I thought she would forget as it took ages, when she was finished she started chatting with other people, I was so nervous I thought she would forget, then the production called her to start and she looked at me and said, “first a picture with Pauline!¨
Are you location based or do you take your service to your clients?
I have a little salon as a base on the road to Santa Gertrudis in the huge shop and restaurant called Sluiz, I do see clients but charge extra to see them at their house, villa or yacht.
What makes Sluiz a good fit for your business?
It is an attractive place to go to, it is in the centre of the island, easy parking, most of my clients also have a massage, a coffee, buy a present or try out some of the clothes they sell.
Ibiza is a magical place; is the balance between the spiritual and hedonistic what makes the island unique?
I love the quietness in the winter, having the island to ourselves, horseback riding. Having a house inland faraway from the busy tourist places but then again so close and being able to have a great night out at one of the clubs like Lio or dining on the beach under the stars.
Given that Ibiza can be an island of excesses, how important is wellness in achieving balance?
Most of the time the sun shines here, you cannot hide under clothes. We need to remove that hair, show our hands and feet while working or being on holiday. It is a must!
