Am I the only one who walked in here and thought -

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- I had the wrong address because of the coffee and chocolate on the wall? Hahaha.

Seriously, though, I came here for a wax procedure, as my regular place was closed for renovations, and my two back-up places were unable to accommodate me, as their waxologists (yep, I just invented that word) were on vacation.

I must say, I was a little hesitant about their organic theme. I always just kind of assumed that you needed chemicals for anything to actually work. You're probably guessing where I'm going with this...but I was wrong!

So, i walked to Tierra Mia (or is it Mi Cumbia? A little confused about the name...), which is a few blocks off Rittenhouse Square. I almost would have missed the brick storefront, since it's in a little residential neighborhood. I was immediately greeted by Sebastian (yes, that's his name! Love it...and he's really cool--I spoke to him on the phone when I scheduled, and then forgot the time of, my appointment.) He offered me a drink, which is almost always the sign of a classy establishment. The place is a little small but definitely cozy and comfortable. A minute later, I met Karina, who is their waxer.

She was very sweet and friendly, but the best part of all is that a procedure which usually hurts a whole lot didn't hurt nearly as much as some of the more expensive Rittenhouse Square spas. I think they use some kind of soy wax, which I assumed would be painful and possibly ineffective, but I was so wrong. The procedure was super-quick and pleasant, and it was about $30 less expensive than the "high-end" Rittenhouse places.

All this to say, I found my new wax place! =D I'm still a little hesitant about getting a mani/pedi here, since it sounds like it's a little extra work with the type of polish they use. But considering everything they use is food or smells like it, I don't know if I'll be able to hold out for too long.  My favorite part may be is that it's not so busy and rushed as a lot of RH places. I'll definitely be back!  Alison K.

Mi Cumbia is an AMAZING salon!! I felt at -

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- home from the second I walked in the door. 

I have been looking for a salon that adheres to the organic lifestyle for quite some time and I couldn't be happier to have found this gem in Rittenhouse Square!!

I always hated getting my eyebrows waxed because of the pain involved. Karina took the time to explain to me what she was going to use to wax my eyebrows and how she was going to help me regrow them. I was pleasantly surprised at how little pain there was as she did my eyebrows! When she was done, I was ecstatic to see how full and beautifully shaped my brows were! 

Before I went to the register, Karina gave me instructions on how to apply the antiseptic cream she applied to my brows after she was done waxing them. She explained to me how the antiseptic was necessary to prevent my skin from overreacting to the waxing and soothing the area to prevent irritation and breakouts. 

I will never go anywhere else to get my eyebrows waxed. LOVE LOVE LOVE everything about Mi Cumbia!!!  Miranda C.

So, while it may seem that I lack -

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- credibility due to the fact that this is my first and therefore only review, I want it to be noted that I've joined Yelp primarily to rave about Tierra Mia/Mi Cumbia. Having moved from Manhattan a few years back I was shocked and terrified at a couple things with regards to the brazilian wax options available in Philly:
A. The duct tape stories! Who the ef uses duct tape in that area!? Not only is that incredibly ghetto, it is unbelievably psychotic!
B. The price. I think that has to do with the lack of options and not many places offering this type of wax.
C. The time. A lot of places that had solid reviews and one place that I tried out (Body Sanctuary) stated the wax would take approximately 45 mins to an hour. Which,by the way, is preposterous! 

Let me preface by explaining that there were a few places in NY i frequented where the quality of the wax was stellar, the prices varied between $35-$60 and took anywhere between 15 mins to 30 mins. At Mi Cumbia, i had my wax with Karina. The wax itself was great quality and literally as painless as wax can be. She was full of tips and very helpful at making it a very relaxing and pleasant experience. She provided me with lotion for afterwards as well. While it took a little while it was nowhere near the alleged 45 mins other places stated. It was, without a doubt, THE BEST brazilian I've ever had,and at $65, a steal if you really consider the other options. Also, I think the first time is $10 more than usual, but I wouldn't quote that.

All in all,a solid wax, very friendly and SUPER helpful and accomodating staff, great location and great price. I will for sure be a regular! Thanks Tierra Mia!  Neha P.

I was relocating across the country and wanted -

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- a quick brow cleaning.  I found this place and chose it from Yelp reviews and WOW, couldn't be happier.
Beautiful charming place,  genuine accommodating staff, clean and relaxing.  Karina took her time and her process was the most gentle I've experienced to date.  Delightful woman.  I walked out feeling ready to face the world.  I recommended them to anyone that would listen.
Merci Karina - was a pleasure.  Sami B.

Great experience from the moment I -

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- stepped in the door. Very welcoming staff without the Rittenhouse pretentiousness. 
Went to Karina for a brazilian. She spent 10 minutes going over how she executes the wax, including a bit of education about the wax and hair growth, and welcomed any questions. Beforehand she asked if I would like to be warned of the more painful parts and I said "yes" so she walked me through the breathing during those instances.Karina was friendly, but did not engage in too much small talk but rather walked me through her steps which I appreciated. When I did have questions (about other services or the neighborhood) she was happy to engage, but I was content without forced small talk. 
A wonderful experience and I cannot imagine going elsewhere! Definitely recommend.  Lindsay M.

Although there are reviews-a-plenty about -

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- Karina's skill as a waxologist, I feel like the perspective of a first-time brazilian waxer is lacking, so here ya go all you hairy dare-devils-to-be. 

When reading Yelp reviews before my first ever brazilian wax, Tierra Mia was an obvious choice. Everything you read on here is absolutely true:

-Karina is adorable, professional, and explains every part of the process
-The place is so cute and obviously very clean without feeling (or smelling) like an obgyn office
-The price is comparable to others in the area, if not cheaper than some swanky Rittenhouse establishments

The other comment left repeatedly by reviewers is the the process is painless. Listen, dolls. You are ripping hair out of your hoo-ha. It hurts. Not hurts as in "Oh my lord, I'm going to have to walk out of here half-waxed because I can't take it!"... but hurts as in "Hey, everyone who said this didn't hurt at all: LIES!"

However, Karina totally prepared me for when it was going to be most painful, so I was ready. I can see how a first-time experience with someone who is not as skilled or detail oriented as Karina could be horrible, so I'm so glad she was *sigh* my first. I might swig a glass of wine or two before my next appointment, though!

I will most certainly be back in 5 weeks!  Kristen H.

I am writing this review a little late but -

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- wanted to make sure to give credit where credit is due. As a small business owner, I know the importance of great and honest feedback!

I came here based on other Yelp reviews because I won't go to a salon or spa without first reading thoroughly through reviews. Obviously you get people who will complain no matter what or are very particular (and that's totally fine) but you should be open minded when reading reviews. I do feel that if you have a bad experience with any business, it is best to confront the business about your concerns first before expressing them publicly. If they don't respond or offer a chance to redeem themselves, then by all means, let us all know! Please!

Yes, this place is a bit small and I can certainly see how it might get cramped but having had a chance to meet and speak with the owners, I can tell that they care a great deal about their customers comfort level so I know they would never over book the place. 

You are greeted warmly and offered coffee and chocolate samples (for a very small fee of $1 ea - TOTALLY worth it). Then when I was taken back for my Bagazo Del Coconut pedicure, I met Karina, who is totally adorable and sweet. I loved talking to her throughout the pedicure and getting to know a bit more about Columbia and their culture. Karina explained a lot about the products they use and why they are environmentally safe - this was interesting and I really appreciated their efforts to educate clients. The service was great and the non-toxic nail polish lasted WEEKS!

I will absolutely return (once my busy schedule calms down) and I hope to make this a lasting relationship with their business. I look forward to watching them grow and hope they become one of Philly's most popular spas!! I have already recommended them to all my facebook friends and even got a friend to go the day after I did. I would gladly recommend this place to everyone I know!!

 

Noelle A.

I have been here four times: once for a -

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- manicure by myself, once for a bachelorette, another time for a bachelorette that I planned because I loved the 1st bach so much, and once with my boyfriend for a pedicure. The staff is so friendly and they take care of you. They warmed up our food, poured our champagne, and offered us coffee and chocolate flights. They made my boyfriend (who was sheepish about getting a pedicure!) feel right at home. They care about the product and won't let you leave if you're not happy with your nails. The atmosphere is so relaxing and calming and you really get a great service for the price.  Erica H.

As a Rittenhouse resident, I pass by -

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- Tierra Mia almost daily and am so glad that I finally stopped in for a pedicura.  Tierra Mia is a haven for anyone who needs to relax with a manicura o pedicura.  As a Spanish teacher, I was extra excited to know that the Colombian owner sources Latin American art and tons of chocolates.  The coconut oil foot massage trumps the regular lotion you  may get elsewhere.

I have never wanted to chip my toenail polish in anticipation of getting to go back to Tierra Mia sooner until now!  Melissa P.

Quite simply, the BEST manicure and pedicure I've -

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- ever had. The woman who cared for me (and there's really no other way to put it, she cared!) was excellent.  I  proposed marriage to her (and I'm straight) when she was giving me the pedicure.  

Love this place because there are no awful fumes, you are sooo well cared for and my mani and pedi lasted nearly 2 weeks - 12 days to be exact.  This alone is amazing because I'm an artist, and my hands get some rough treatment with oil paint, turpentine, etc., my manicures usually last 5 days before chipping, etc., 

Yes, it's pricey, but when you consider how long the manicure lasts and the incredible care you get, it's actually no more than a  standard manicure and a much better value.  Materese R.

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.