Azul Nail Salon Brings Eco-Friendly Flair to Carrollwood

Patricia L. Zamora-Asencio wants her business to be a "one-stop shop" for all things beauty.

That includes massage therapy, eyebrow waxing, skin care tips and $35 manicure-pedicures at Azul, her eco-friendly salon.

The New York native and her husband, Julio Asencio, opened their business at 14358-B N. Dale Mabry Highway on Aug. 16 after running a brow bar in the Big Apple.

After three months in Florida, they're settling into their new digs, complete with hardwood floors, comfy cushioned chairs and artwork adorning the baby blue walls.

We talked to Zamora-Asencio about why she and her husband chose Carrollwood for their newest venture, what makes the salon eco-friendly and what she wants the community to know about her.

Patch:  Why did you choose Carrollwood as Azul's location?

Zamora-Asencio: It's up and coming, and a flourishing neighborhood that needed this type of business. I did my research, and it's a booming area. The demographics we are seeking to serve are here. People ages 25 to 55.

Patch:  What makes your business eco-friendly?

Zamora-Asencio: It's fume-free. We don't do acrylics, and we specialize in natural nail care, so when you come in, you don't have that toxic smell. Our main polish line is Zoya, and it lasts seven to 10 days. We freshly make our scrubs, and we incorporate fresh fruits, veggies, essential oils and aromatheraphy. These are all made in house.

Patch:  How do you plan to succeed in this economic climate and stay afloat?

Zamora-Asencio: Keeping our prices very affordable and giving our clients the best value so they can keep on coming back. We make this affordable luxury. We are planning to work with the schools as well. What we would like to do is have some sort of referral system and donate proceeds to a school.

Patch: What do you want customers and the Carrollwood community to know about you?

Zamora-Asencio: All my life in New York city, I had celebrity clientele. I am a mom. I have two boys, 7 and 15 years old. I care about the services that are being offered. I want the ladies to know when they come in here, their health and beauty is my No. 1 priority.

For more information, call 813-962-8125.