I always wanted to be just like my mother, who was a cosmetologist. That’s what led me to attend the Cosmetology Program at Chariho High School and take nail classes. There is so much fashion to keep pace with when it comes nail color and design trends. Uptown clients often tell me how much they love it when I provide them the perfect French or Shellac Manicure. I’ve been honing my craft for more than 6 years, and what keeps me going is seeing how happy Uptown clients are with the services I deliver!

If you’re tired of run of the mill manicures found in every suburban strip mall and instead want an outstanding nail spa experience featuring the highest standards of cleanliness, look no further than Uptown. I specialize in gel nails; nail art, and mixing custom nail colors. Experience has taught me how to combine nail color pigments in order to achieve whatever hue or shade you desire. If you’re looking for something traditional, Uptown clients say I deliver the ultimate French manicure because of my perfectionism for sculpting and shaping nails. I left the Philippines at age 19 to come to America for education and a better life. I miss the simple way of life of my home country, but have found a family of sisters at Uptown Salon who inspire me, support me, and show me how to live an independent life.

With a Cosmetology license from the Empire Beauty School in Warwick RI, there are so many options for special focus. I chose to go in the direction of a manicurist. I love the face-to-face interactions with my guests, where I provide a "judgement-free zone" to discuss life, family, and future, or just a listening and compassionate ear. I'm passionate about preserving the integrity of the natural nail, so I'm thoughtful about the best nail shape to complement the form of the hand, and the lifestyle needs and demands being placed on the hand and nail. I also love to use our footlogix product line in my pedicures as it addresses the different health concerns that my clients face on the skin of their feet, and toenails. I love variety in my life, so when I'm not delivering nail services, you may find me filling the role of guest service expert, where I enjoy delivering a guest experience that is special and memorable and try hard to make every Uptown guest feel at home.   On my days off you'll find me in flip-flops, listening to my collection of vinyl records with my husband and my kitties, Gypsy Moonbeam and Ziggy Stardust, who make me laugh with their naughty lovableness. 

My husband encouraged me to pursue my dream to become a manicurist, and I’ve not looked back. Making the hands and toes of our Uptown Seaside Salon customers look fabulous is so much fun. I’m always learning about new products and the best way to apply them. Our customers come to us to look their best at the biggest moments in their life. When I am delivering a service, I appreciate the trust the clients have in me, and how they share details on the most important moments in their loves with me. This is why I enjoy sharing with those that ask that I was proposed to in the Space Needle in Seattle Washington. One thing I can’t live with out is my dog Honey.

I grew up in Westerly, RI and attended Empire Cosmetology School in Warwick. There I learned skills for how to do hair, nails and also became certified in lash extensions. For the last 3 years I've been honing my capabilities and adopting the latest techniques to bring my clients what's new and exciting in trends. My focus is the guest's comfort, health, and ensuring that the services I deliver last as long as possible. I love the diversity of my job because each day I get to welcome back returning guests, and also meet new interesting people. When at Uptown I am most often providing nail and lash services or blow out hair services. Because I have naturally curly hair, I've spent my whole life figuring out how to style and treat raucous waves. It's something I excel at!

The biggest joy in my career is taking care of the amazing people that come to Uptown. I love strategizing with my clients to set long-term goals, and being a part of the self-care journey is truly an honor. When you make a commitment to your skincare routine, you will see the results, and I get so much satisfaction in being part of the process. Keeping our guests looking and feeling their best requires an individual treatment plan, and I always take the time to understand what’s happening below the surface so I can design a tailored solution with the highest quality skincare, services, and products. Understanding how nutrition can impact your skin is equally important, so I enjoy sharing strategies for improving skin from the inside out.  Because our clients live such big lives, I love pampering them in ways that leave them feeling relaxed, refreshed, and with a renewed sense of calm. Glowing, healthy skin is a great outcome too! I love keeping up with education and new treatment options. Some of my favorites over the years are dermaplaning, nanoinfusion for maximum product delivery, oncology esthetics, and the use of micro-current.     Just like my clients, I live a big life and take time to unwind (with a glass of wine) in my garden, spending time with my husband and 3 children, boating, yoga, and walking my dogs. 

[et_pb_section admin_label="section"] [et_pb_row admin_label="row"] [et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_text admin_label="Text"]Being an esthetician is an emotionally rewarding profession because I get the privilege to help people feel great about themselves, and for me that is what it is all about! My nickname is Liv and I graduated from the Empire Beauty School. Today I specialize in waxing and lash extensions. Sharing skin care tips and expert advice that  advances my clients' individual skincare regimes is a big focus for me. When I'm not at Uptown, you can find me watching Lifetime movies with my puppy Mickey. Another big focus for me is coaching high school cheerleading. I pride myself in still being able to keep up with my team on the mat and do some serious gymnastic moves. I'm so happy to be a member of the Uptown Salon and Spa team![/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column] [/et_pb_row] [/et_pb_section]

 I started at Uptown working as a Guest Service Expert and soon realized that this is exactly where I wanted to pursue my career as a Licensed Massage Therapist. I recognized that the positive, upbeat environment, mingled with the luxuries of our well-appointed Spa was exactly the place where I could provide the very relaxing, feel-good massage for both body and mind that is my specialty. I now enjoy the responsibilities of Spa Coordinator, which allows me to pay it forward to our team and our guests by taking the lead in the efficient everyday activities in our Spa. I love meeting new staff and helping them learn the ropes and develop their skills and clientele.   One way I stay inspired in my practice is by learning new modalities to add depth and variety to my routine. I hold many certifications including Deep Tissue, Sports Massage, Thai Massage, and Cupping.  I appreciate that everybody is truly unique, and you can count on me to do a strong verbal intake so I can get to know your specific needs for each session. I’m a great listener and my long-term clients know how hard I work to ensure each massage has the desired outcome.  When I’m not at work, I am enjoying the company of my husband and dog, Primrose, and sipping iced vanilla chais.

My focus is helping Uptown clients find pain relief with lasting effects through massage. Hello! I'm Kayla and grew up in Griswold CT. Today I am a local of Westerly Rhode Islander and graduated from the Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy in of Groton CT. My career inspiration is from Amy Hendry, a former teacher and mentor. Her personal experience as a sports massage therapist and expert in Myofascial Release gave me the direction and confidence to pursue a career as a massage therapist. I use a variety of techniques and modalities to provide the best and most unique experience possible to each client. I'm known for getting to the root source of your pain during a massage. Clients leave my table feeling better and healed by the experience. I specialize in different forms of Swedish and Deep Tissue Massage, Myofascial Release, Sports/ Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation or (PNF) Stretching, combined with Orthopedic Massage techniques. These techniques are a great solution for those suffering from Forward Head Posture, Rounded Shoulders, Low Back or Hip/Sacral Stiffness, knee and sciatic nerve pain. My mission at uptown is to help all our clients achieve pain relief, healing, and ultimate relaxation. One thing a new client would be surprised to learn about me is that I eat a plant-based only diet.

[et_pb_section admin_label="section"] [et_pb_row admin_label="row"] [et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_text admin_label="Text"]I consider myself very fortunate to work in a field where I am able to enhance people's lives by alleviating pain. My career as a massage therapist has led me on a rewarding path of professional growth and development and I now specialize in therapeutic massage with the intention of helping my clients improve mobility and overcome injury. This is accomplished through my work of deep tissue massage, trigger point therapy, sports massage, stretching, and myofascial work, along with added modalities of hot stone therapy and bamboo fusion. While firm pressure is my strength, relaxation and comfort are still the ideal goals. I have taken several extended courses to practice prenatal massage and enjoy variety in my practice as I work with mothers-to-be, bringing them relief as their bodies transition through pregnancy and helping prepare for labor and delivery. I work with many clients to help resolve chronic pain such as sciatica, plantar fasciitis frozen shoulder, among other issues. I love practicing massage and find it extremely rewarding to help relieve serious pain or discomfort for my clients. I look forward to continued learning and growth.  If you'd like to book a reservation with Devynn please contact her directly at 860-367 5576 or email her at DevynnMalek@gmail.com[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column] [/et_pb_row] [/et_pb_section]

There's a lot that goes on behind the scenes in order to create and maintain a clean and efficient work environment for our team to perform at their best, and a welcoming oasis of renewal for our guests to be transformed. This is my strength! I received my bachelor's degree from the University of Rhode Island with a focus on hospitality, and I've spent my career working in hotel and salon and spa management.   When I arrive for my shift each day I start by checking in with our guests, making sure you feel welcome, comfortable, and are enjoying your services and time with us. We don't always know what you are going through in your personal or professional lives, but we do know that you've come to us to escape, relax, and unwind. If we, as a team put a smile on your face and make you feel good, then we've done our job. I also love coming in to see my work family. We make a difference in each other's lives, we have each other's backs, we love to laugh together, and we've built rewarding relationships. Outside of Uptown you might see me around Westerly at the local shops and restaurants. I have an eye for good quality and unique items when it comes to shopping, and I'm a regular at our local boutiques as well as Marshalls, TJ Max, or Homegoods, where I love to spot a good deal. I enjoy weekend getaways, kayaking, going to dinner with my family and friends, and of course vacations!