I’ve long accepted that painting my own nails is not for me. I’m not very good at it and I’m also extremely irritated by the tiniest imperfections—the splotchy edge, the painted cuticle. So I graduated to the occasional manicure, but my pickiness remains, and as soon as I see the tiniest chip, it’s off with it all. So it’s sort of an expensive extravagance, given that my manis usually only remain perfect for three days—four, tops (I tend not to curtail my dishwashing activities). But this has all changed since I paid a lunchtime visit to Catherine Pacak at Poa Studio (98 Church St., Toronto, 416-364-2761, poastudio.com).
With minimal fuss—no overwhelming wall of polishes, no gossip rags—the serene space is a nice retreat from the downtown rush. I got comfy in the recliner chair with my glass of herbal tea and the lovely Catherine painted a perfect Essie “Watermelon” mini mani in no time (for a wallet-friendly $20) and it lasted a record-breaking five days without a single flaw! On day six, I administered a quick similar-colour tip touch-up and a coat of clear and it soldiered on another two days! Amazing. A great manicure doesn’t seem like such a fleeting pleasure anymore.
 by James Lourenço
I’ve long accepted that painting my own nails is not for me. I’m not very good at it and I’m also extremely irritated by the tiniest imperfections—the splotchy edge, the painted cuticle. So I graduated to the occasional manicure, but my pickiness remains, and as soon as I see the tiniest chip, it’s off with it all. So it’s sort of an expensive extravagance, given that my manis usually only remain perfect for three days—four, tops (I tend not to curtail my dishwashing activities). But this has all changed since I paid a lunchtime visit to Catherine Pacak at Poa Studio (98 Church St., Toronto, 416-364-2761, poastudio.com).
With minimal fuss—no overwhelming wall of polishes, no gossip rags—the serene space is a nice retreat from the downtown rush. I got comfy in the recliner chair with my glass of herbal tea and the lovely Catherine painted a perfect Essie “Watermelon” mini mani in no time (for a wallet-friendly $20) and it lasted a record-breaking five days without a single flaw! On day six, I administered a quick similar-colour tip touch-up and a coat of clear and it soldiered on another two days! Amazing. A great manicure doesn’t seem like such a fleeting pleasure anymore.
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