When I called, Sean (who is wonderful both -

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- over the phone and in person) was able to get me a same day appointment even though there were no appointments left for the day.  I was leaving on vacation, and was in desperate need.  Sean was wonderful enough to ask Karina if she would take me after her last appointment, and she said "yes"!

After I arrived everyone in MuCumbia was so wonderful, friendly and interesting to talk to.  When I went in for my wax, Karina was very professional and explained the whole waxing "science" to me, which no one had ever done before.  The wax itself was the most pleasant, yes I used the word pleasant, wax experience of my life.  It was the least painful and thorough wax I have every had.  So, thank you MiCumbia for opening my eyes, I will be back!

 

Sarah C.

Thank God for yelp and Karina at Mi Cumbia!

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After a horrible experience at the Naked Peach this morning I called and begged for a quick brow wax as I was in desperate need. Karina meticulously shaped my brows in 20 minutes and was a pleasure to work with. I can't wait to go back for the rest of my waxing needs and have already scheduled another appointment. If you want perfect brows and a friendly staff, look no further than Mi Cumbia. Well worth the extra few dollars. Remember, you get what you pay for.  Lady L.

I went to Tierra Mia and had the coconut mani/pedi.

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The place is small, but I think that works in its favor making it a more intimate experience.

I got there a little early and didn't have to wait long.  There are two chairs in the backroom for pedicures.  These chairs are awesome.  They were comfortable and easily adjustable. 

The coconut oil applied was organic and felt wonderful and made my skin glow.  Rosie gave me a mini leg massage which also felt wonderful.  The coconut scrub looked yummy enough to eat!  It is an effective exfoliator.  While she was buffing my nails, the buffer fell, the owner was passing by and just automatically picked it up and threw it out while Rosie was simultaneously reaching for a new one.  This was a big positive for me.

My feet had been neglected for some time, but she put in the time and effort to get my feet looking and feeling right.  My hands got the same loving attention.  When discussing the color that I had chosen for my fingernail, Rosie let me know that that color was not pink tinted as I thought but was actually sheer.  She helped me choose the right color I was looking for. 

The nail polishes are water based, eliminating the toxic fumes that are usually associated with nail salons.  However, because of the different base in the nail polish, it requires special care.  I was told how to care for my nails in the first 12 hrs to help the curing process.

While my fingernails were drying, Justin came over and offered me a delightful Colombian drink made of sugar cane juice and limes, and a piece of dark chocolate.  We also chatted briefly about where the sugar cane came from in Colombia.  He was quite personable and checked with me if I had been told about the curing process.  

I'm really impressed with this place.  I don't mind spending a little more if the place is clean and well run.  I've had a few horror stories from cheap, fast and unclean places so I've become VERY picky about where I will go for a mani/pedi, and this is where I will return.

Well done, Tierra Mia!  Jean C.

Okay. I'll give you that there is something that isn't perfect -

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- about this place - it's a bit pricey.

Now that THAT's out of the way, notice that it still gets 5 stars. You get what you pay for because...

1) All the manicurists are SO skilled. I call for appointments and have no preference for who I see, because I've never been disappointed.

2) The fun and organic treatments are wonderful. And, as I tell all my friends, after my first foot massage here my life was never the same. 

3) They offer you coffee or herbal tea when you walk in. Take the coffee. It's good.

4) Everyone is SO friendly, and always upbeat and in a good mood. And they're funny. Makes getting a pedi that much more fun.

5) This is small, but they have more than your typical Cosmos and People magazine (do they even have People magazine) for you during-pedi reading...love that they have Travel & Leisure - I actually have something to read there!

6) Lastly, the best part - there's no formaldehyde lingering in the air, threatening to knock you out with a cancer-causing punch the second you walk in. It smells SO good in there. 

Call them. Set up an appointment. Like, NOW.  Avneet S.

I bite my nails and I have gnarly toes, -

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- so when my girly friend announced, "let's get mani pedis!" I was hit with a rush of sadness and shame. I would love to be one of the pretty-nailed ladies unabashedly flailing their shiny nails around town, I'd love to beckon a gentleman with the wave of a perfectly manicured finger. But I am not one of them. No, I am not a manicured maiden. Or so I thought. 

Rosie was the first to assess the situation. As I sat in the fancy pedi-chair, Rosie asked me to put on the headphones and prepare myself for a spiritual toe-voyage into a dream filled with Enya sounds and rhythmic chair massages. Rosie and I didn't talk much, but I'm pretty sure it's because she was busy catching her breath the whole time she scrubbed away at my feet. On she trudged applying lotions, ground cornmeal (no joke), and finally the blue polish I selected for my toes. They're brilliant. 

Next, I walked my sorry fingers over to Colombian Karina. Without even mentioning their dire condition, she applied creams and massaged my hands (like they even deserved it). We chatted along, about our similar ethnic background, about the machete she wishes she had with which to cut the coconuts, about sports, the weather, and love. It was a very human experience.  She prodded me to go with a french manicure until finally, I didn't say (but said) "oui s'il vous plaît."

So here I sit, in front of my computer with pretty toes and pretty fingers feeling like a pretty girl.  Monica S.

OMG - go here! this place is absolutely wonderful.

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I went here for *waxing* services because I'm going to the Caribbeans for New Years and everything went so smoothly. 

The spa is beautiful and quaint. Very very clean, and the staff are very professional and friendly. They even give you a free piece of Colombian chocolate after your service. I've had a bad waxing experience in the recent pass with a nail spa I went to. I thought maybe I just have sensitive skin but that's not the case. After going here I truly see how a professional takes time and strategic efforts to achieve optimal results! They even provide an after waxing creme to use a day after your service. This place is wonderful and I will definitely be a returning client.  LeLe E.

Love that I found this organic nail salon!!

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No overwhelming toxic fumes (actually, no fumes at all) and the mani/pedi service was superb.  Added bonus, I definitely recommend the $1 Colombian coffee during your service...is delicious.

There are two types of non-toxic nail polish to choose from.  I went with the Zoya and my mother-in-law went with the other water-based one (apparently you should not get it wet for around 12 hours after application). She noticed that, due to the extreme humidity over the following days, the nail polish curled right up off her fingernails approximately three days after application. It was fine on her toes though.  Just something to be aware of.  The Zoya worked great for me and lasted as long as any other toxic nail polish. 

The prices are a little more expensive than a typical nail salon; however, as nail salons are traditionally the most toxic and unhealthy beauty places, it is definitely worth it.   The staff members were very personable and I will definitely head back here!

Bridget W.

This is the most amazing nail salon I have ever been to.

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Not only is it a chemical free experience, but the service is warm and attentive. Like many people, I am used to the "assembly-line" style service that happens at most nail salons - you walk in, they rush you to pick a color, they make you sign your name on a list and wait, then they rush you to a chair, rush you through your service, and then you're out the door. While the efficiency is admirable, the experience is far from relaxing. Traditionally these environments are also lacking - stark white walls with random pictures on the walls, beyonce blasting, and maybe a vase of fake flowers to try and warm it up. Also, your in a room with as many as 15 strangers getting the same sort of treatment, which can also make it hard to relax.

Mi Cumbia is leaps and bounds superior, and it shows. 

When I called to make an appointment, Shaun answered the phone; he is the nicest person I have ever spoken to on the phone in Philadephia. Seriously. He listened to my needs and guided me in the right direction in terms of services, and I never felt like he was in a hurry to get off the phone; customers are clearly the priority here. 

When my sister and I showed up for services, they didn't even need to ask for our names. Theresa immediately came and took our bulky coats from us, and asked if we wanted colombian coffee. (The coffee is amazing! get it! Also, you can get chocolate flights or BYO!). Theresa took her time explaining all the different kinds of polishes to us, and helped us select a color. Jenny, the woman that did my nails, let me test out a few different polishes so I could pick the colors I truly liked. 

Once we made our decisions, we were ushered into the back of the salon, where we had our pedicures. The whole salon is warm and inviting, and cuban/salsa music was playing in the background. We were the only ones there, making for a truly relaxing and private experience. 

I could go on and on detailing the whole event, but honestly, the take aways are these: 

it was the best experience I have ever had at a nail salon, I am in love with the way my nails came out, I was thoroughly relaxed upon leaving, and the entire staff is fabulous. 

Also, it should be noted that my sister and I got "express" manicures and pedicures, which were very luxurious - I can only imagine what the coconut pedi and mani, their signature service, is like!

Please go and support this wonderful business - you will not regret it!

 

Laura J.

I wish every spa/shopping/dining experience -

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- could be like the one I had at Terra Mia. From the moment I stepped through the door, and was greeted immediately, to the follow-up emails I received after my treatments, I was impressed at the level of attention and care that the two owners of Terra Mia give to their customers. They've made me a customer for life; I'll never go to another nail salon!

The salon smells wonderful when you walk in, one of the many benefits of an organic experience. They have fabulous artwork on the walls, and the furniture and wall colors contribute to a relaxing, peaceful atmosphere. Laura did my manicure first, and did a beautiful job. The coconut scrub used on my hands and forearms left my arms soft and yummy-smelling.

I got a pedicure afterwards, and was surprised that the experience was even more fun than the manicure. THOSE CHAIRS! They have these lovely massage-type chairs that vibrate from the bass in music being played within the chair. I felt like I was in the future!  They are the most relaxing things in the world and I want one for my house!

The checkout experience was easy and the owners are a pleasure to talk to. I was really happy to see an email from them the next day, asking for feedback on my manicure and pedicure. The email also included instructions for caring for your nails. My manicure lasted a little longer than one week, and I think it would have lasted longer if I hadn't insisted on doing dishes without gloves. My pedicure lasted a month, and also probably would have lasted longer if I hadn't taken the polish off myself. The polish is a bit difficult to get off, but they warn you about that, and it's a very small price to pay for such gorgeous nails and such a great experience. Thank you, Terra Mia!

Leslie G.

Hooray! Tons of colors now!

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Two comments after my last two relaxing visits:

1.  Minx pedicures really bring in the compliments!  I had silver  toenails that looked like little mirrors, which I endearingly referred to as my  "robo-toes," that lasted for about 4 weeks!  You can walk right out of there without waiting for Minx to dry, can slap on some closed toed shoes and not worry about smudges (perfect for the cold months ahead). 

2. Marjorie is the sweetest. Thanks for such a great Cumbia Colombiana pedi (I swear the platter filled with pedi ingredients looked good enough to eat!) and your help with touch up!

And they were reviewed in Grid Magazine (FINALLY!):
gridphilly.com/digital-e…
September 2011 issue

Karina and Justin, thanks for making Philly a healthier place to primp!

Kelly W.

My husband took me here for my birthday. -

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- We both got the coconut pedicures and manicures.  This place is fantastic.  It is decorated beautifully, smells clean and clear of any toxic smells.  Everyone was so friendly and nice.

Karina did my manicure and she was an absolute sweetheart and a pro at what she is doing.  The coconut massage on your arms and hands is amazing.  The color of polish was beautiful and my nails looked like a million dollars.  My husbands fingernails were perfect and are still shining even without any polish.

For the pedicure Karina switched and did my husband's pedicure while the woman that did his hands now took care of my feet.  I feel horrible that I don't remember her name.  I am one of those people that is too embarassed to reask someone their name.  But she was wonderful too.  We both loved the pedicure and the massage.  

Justin, whom I believe is Karina's fiance was so nice and I think he really made my husband feel very at home there.

We left there like we were walking on air and will be back soon.  If you haven't gone yet, get there now!

Cheryl M.

This is a terrific nail salon -

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- you won't be disappointed! Everything is soothing and serene, from the decor to the aromas, etc. 

I had a mani and pedi--the mani was with fresh coconut (smelled wonderful and result was terrific) and the pedi was with an orange based produced (my feet are super smooth). It would be a great place for a couple (friends or lovers) to do a joint afternoon of beauty, the pedicure chairs face one another, etc. and the salon is intimate (meaning, not that big, but in a good way). 

Majorie was my technician and she's wonderful--very friendly and professional. I've already recommended the salon and her to my friends.

Scott R.

Came in again for a hair removal service -

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- and had another great experience. Everyone is friendly-you are greeted wen you walk in, I was immediately taken back, and Karina didn't keep me waiting. Some people might feel awkward chatting during a Brazilian wax service, but Karina makes you feel very comfortable. She is professional, quick and meticulous. She makes what could be a very unpleasant grooming session quite easy!

 

Kaitlin K.

​I was in need of a new waxing place -

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- since I recently moved back to Philly. Mi Cumbia and Karina were highly recommended so I scheduled my appointment. Yesterday was my first appointment and I will definitely be going there for all my waxing needs! I arrived about 5 minutes before my scheduled appointment and on the dot, Karina greeted me and walked me back to the waxing room. WOW!!! She took the time to talk to me about waxing and the techniques and wax she would be using. This was my first full on Brazilian and she made me feel very comfortable. When she got to waxing she was quick (not rushed) and thorough!! She talked to me about maintaining the area to help reduce ingrown hairs and I left with a little antibacterial cream for the first 12-24 hours. In all the years I have been getting waxed this was ranked possibly the top. There was pain, but it was minimal. Upon getting home I maybe had 1 rogue hair not caught by Karina's eye. Not to mention the summer special that if you go back in 3 weeks, they offer a discounting follow up to keep you beach ready. 

The atmosphere and rest of the staff were also top notch. I will most definitely be going back!!!

Alia P.