Mi Cumbia and Karina exceeded my -

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- expectations. As a cosmetologist I usually do my waxing myself so I have high expectations when I am going to a salon and paying for this service. I researched some places specializing in waxing. All of the reviews that I read were on point. Karina provided a comfortable, professional, clean and quick service. I was impressed by her knowledge of the whole waxing process and how she took the time to explain her process even though I have had waxing before. This is my new go to place for waxing and can't wait to try other services.  Samantha R.

 

I am so glad I listened to these wonderful reviews -

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- and came here! It was my first time in Philly and I definitely wanted a mani and pedi. This place is WORTH the money. They take their time to cater to your needs, make you feel relaxed, and treat you like a goddess. Also, I have never been to a nail salon that didn't smell like chemicals until this one. I got the coconut mani and pedi and it was wonderful and smelled amazing. I also chose the gel hybrid polish which is said to last quite a while. This place has definitely raised my standards and I would love to come back! Don't even think about it; just book an appointment here now!  Shavonne B.

I highly recommend this place -

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- for bikini waxing (and probably anything else they do, but waxing is all I've tried there). Karina is pleasant and professional, and chats while she works, which distracts you from what's going on down there. She also explains what she's going to do, so it's super comfortable even for first-timers. Go there if you've never done this before and want to make sure your first time doesn't scare you off for life. 

I also highly recommend Mi Cumbia's waxing for those with super-sensitive skin, like me, because I had very minimal irritation, thanks to the good ingredients they use. They give you a (free) refreshing/sterilizing cream to use after the treatment to make sure your pores don't get infected.

If you're feeling squeamish (or you're not but you want to treat yourself to a positive waxing experience), this is a great pick.  Stephanie H.

Top Notch in every way.

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I planned a party for 6 friends to get mani/pani and itcouldn't have been more perfect. They allow you to bring in your own food and beverages for private parties and even served the champagne for us.
I think the owners are just really nice people and that tone from the top trickles down to all the employees.

I also love that there are two pedicure stations that face each other, so if you want to come in with a girlfriend..it makes it perfect to chat.  Nova Y.

I will not go anywhere else for a -

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- wax or pedicure in the Philly area! Ever since my first experience, I've had nothing but exceptional service. Karina is warm, personable, knowledgeable and always remembers details from my life that I shared with her at my last visit. The waxing is pretty ouchless and since I tend to be having a nice conversation with Karina, I don't really notice any pain! The pedicures have been amazing!! I've always had the coconut one and I practically fall asleep when the technician paints warm oil over my feet and legs and then massages them. It is so relaxing!! The added plus to all this is that the nail polish is organic. I've had the coffee, chocolate and even brought a bottle of bubbly when I was there with a friend, all adding to a luxurious visit. You will not be tempted to go elsewhere after coming to Mi Cumbia.  Serena S.

This salon in a one-of-a-kind establishment.

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Katrina, the owner, provides excellent waxing services. I just moved here from California and was nervous to find a new place for my brazilians. Katrina explained the entire job she was about to preform ahead of time and really informed me on aftercare, etc. She was fast, friendly, and most importantly professional. I'd never been so satisfied leaving a salon. 

Their customer service is also great. Typically with mom-and-pop places, I find the customer service to be inconsistent. That is definitely not the case with Mi Cumbia Organica. Alecia, one of the appointment bookers, is very accommodating and helpful. I forgot my credit card at home (a very embarrassing whoopsy), and she offered to have me call her from my house with the number once I got home. I wound up calling my boyfriend while I was there and giving her the number that way, but it was still an incredibly trusting offer. No one made me feel awkward or stupid for having left the card at home.

Lastly, I want to applaud them on their organic nail services. I got a pedicure for the first time last night, and my experience was delightful. The nail technician, Blanca, was very genuine and conversational. She did a fantastic job on my feet (a weird thing to say, I know) and there wasn't any chemical, plug-your-nose, here comes cancer, smell. She took her time and paid great attention to detail. I was very impressed.

Overall, I've had nothing but great experiences as Mi Cumbia Organica and highly recommend this salon to anyone in need of waxing/nail services!  Hannah M.

I have NEVER had such an easy, -

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- painless, fast Brazilian in my entire life.  The owner, Katrina, did the waxing.  She was friendly, made me comfortable, was absurdly quick (like a fraction of the normal time), and was so gentle that I honestly asked, "Wait, that's it?" when she said it was done.  

Other total plus is that it is all organic, the waiting area was calming, they served a solid cup of Colombian coffee while I waited, and sell really cute jewelry and some Brooklyn chocolates I didn't know you could buy in Philly.  This place made me want to shout it from the rooftops that everybody should be getting bikini waxes at MI CUMBIA!  If I fall into some extra money and want to pamper myself, this looks like a great place for a mani/pedi too!  Digby F.

"Mucho Gusto" is right!

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We sat down first so she could explain some waxing methodology. While Karina was talking to me I just wanted to say, "You are so pretty" and then, "You are so nice." But I felt that might have been weird for my first visit. Things only got better from there.

Karina explains everything and tells you when to breathe. She even knows that it will take "about twelve minutes" and that you're about "8 percent" finished. 

Precise, minimal pain, and worth every penny ($75 if you waited, like I did, until summer.)  Felicia Q.

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.