By LAURA BROOKHART / Community Columnist

An unexpectedly received gift certificate recently took me to an afternoon pedicure at Nail Star in Helena.

While enjoying my initial foot soaking, and having had this service only once before many years ago, the experience turned into, well an experience worth sharing!

Nail Star, which opened in Helena in 2005, is owned by the Vietnamese Mai family and managed by Tina Mai.

Other estheticians are her niece, Brittnay Mai, Holly Mai, Tommy Mai, Ly Mai and Kevin Hoang.

“We have been well-received in Helena. We love this friendly and safe community we now call home,” Brittnay said.

The family members reside in Helena, as well.

Nail Star has been a nominee for Shelby Living’s Best of the Best Manicure in the past.

My pedicure was deftly executed by Ly Mai.

I struck up conversations with two other ladies in adjacent chairs, both of who turned out to be regular customers.

Krista Salesberry, on my right, said she has been coming to Nail Star for four years. “They have current colors and reasonable prices; it is very sanitary here,” she added.

Observing her foil-wrapped fingernails, she explained the process coats the natural fingernails during pedicure time, then her fingernails are ‘baked’ under an ultra-violet light to crystallize the finish.

Salesberry and her husband were transferred from Seattle. After a 30-year naval career, he is currently Head of Recruiting for State of Alabama.

An English and journalism teacher for 20 years, Salesberry told me she chose to take a break from teaching and works in HR at Alabama Power.

We discussed books—a favorite for her is “The Awakening” by Kate Chopin and as a teacher, she found students receptive and enthusiastic about “The Kite Runner” by Kahled Hosseini.

Nearby, mother and daughter Margo and Mariah Hamrick noted they come about every three weeks.

Mariah will be a senior at HHS this year. She babysits and enjoys modeling, makeup and hair, which makes perfect sense with her natural and striking looks.

Nail Star is located in the Publix center at Five Points and is open seven days a week.

Walk-ins are welcome. And gift certificates are available.