" - and I had a pedicure scheduled. It was pouring outside and I came in drenched. When I came in, I was given a towel to wipe my face and a warm neck pillow. They also threw my pants in the dryer and my socks as well. During the pedicure, I was given a small cup of coffee which was delicious.The pedicure itself was great and very relaxing.
" I'm very picky about my nails. "
/" Purely bc of the fact that whenever I get manicures, my nail beds always peel :( no bueno. But I got the coconut shellac manicure here and I loved it. I felt no pain, and my nails are perfect. The coffee here is just amazing btw... I have half a mind to go back and get it.. But I really love this place. Will definitely be going back when I visit Philly. " Monique N.
" I moved from CA and was looking - "
/" - for a great place to get waxed in Philly. I got a Brazilian here and am happy to say I have found my Philly wax parlor. Amazing service, very friendly staff, very cute space and the wax was on point. They know their stuff and give great aftercare products and advice. " Melissa D.
2017 Beauty & Wellness Guide: (Organic Mani/Pedi)
/" Mi Cumbia is – hands down – the best manicure I have ever had in Philly. Before I even stepped foot into the coveted organic nail salon, I heard rumblings that beckoned me to book an appointment.
“This beautiful hole in the wall in Rittenhouse feels like you've stepped into a five-star hotel in Colombia,” as one friend described it. Indeed, my all-organic coconut manicure transported me to Cartagena for a hot second. My manicurist, the gregarious Kendra, nourished my dry, brittle hands with coconut oil, coconut milk and fresh shredded coconut. Mi Cumbia’s owners, husband and wife duo Karina and Hustine Mitchell, are rumored to have started the first organic nail salon in the country.
Verdict: Here, we have a Center City oasis that’s just waiting to revive your hands and feet. This is also a special escape for expectant moms – Mi Cumbia’s hand and feet rubs don’t disappoint. "
328 S 17th St. | 215-735-7980 ( By JORDYN SHAFFER )
" I've been coming to Mi Cumbia - "
/" - now for years. I moved to NJ in 2014 and have tried many nail salons closer to home and still NO ONE comes close to Mi Cumbia. I feel like the staff are a part of my family. The customer service is outstanding. The quality and products are also outstanding. I can't wait for the day when a Mi Cumbia comes to NJ! Until then, I'll continue to visit my favorite place in Philly. " Sandy Stewart
" I have been going to Karina for - "
/" - a Brazilian and Eye Brow wax every 5 weeks for the past two years. She is personable, kind and caring as well as an incredibly professional and talented waxer. I swore I would never try getting a Brazilian again ages ago after a painful experience at a different salon... I absolutely promise you you will not have that experience here. After your first time, each trip becomes more quick and efficient as well as comfortable. Her technique and care make the pain barely noticeable from the start. You will not feel awkward or uncomfortable here, ever, even on the waxing table. You will not regret it! Their complimentary aftercare products are on point and you will feel totally welcome each time. Love it here!!! " Kate L.
" I was there in May with a group - "
/" - of girls for our friends wedding. As bridesmaids, we contacted Mi Cumbia and were able to set up a spa party for the bride to be! We were able to bring champagne and food and relax.
From the moment we arrived they were so welcoming and friendly. We were a little late, but they were very kind and were still able to accommodate us. Our manicures were very well done, and they lasted for weeks!
I loved it so much I plan on going back in August for my own wedding. I highly recommend! " Lisa A.
" A friend bought me a birthday gift - "
/" - card for Mi Cumbia and I'm so glad she did. I arrived at the small but hip salon (wooden tables, vintage signs) to a lovely welcome from the receptionist/fabulous hostess, and then sipped delicious Colombian-style coffee (free with a Yelp checkin deal, tea free always) while I waited a couple of minutes. I have never had such a careful manicure--I want to call it thoughtful--and it looks perfect: great shaping and application. (It's a sheer gel mani and I will report back on how it lasts.) The manicurist was friendly and she happily explained the salon's special nontoxic, water-based range of lacquers, which I'll be back to try soon. As other reviewers mentioned, it's so peaceful being in a salon with no toxic fumes! I loved the experience so much that I booked in for an eyebrow wax the same day, which was equally thoughtful, friendly, and well-explained as to what would suit my face and brow shape (after I asked for this advice). If you come here, you'll leave feeling gorgeous and well taken care of! " Becky H.
" This is the first time I've written a review - "
/" - for anything. I feel I need to write one for Mia Cumbia. I've been going here for years and I can't say enough about this place. The staff and owners are so friendly. Always make you feel at home. They do an excellent job on my nails and my cuticles are mess going in but after I'm done they look great. Love, love, love Blanca. She does an amazing job. Mia Cumbia is not your regular nail salon. No toxic fumes and you don't feel like you're in an assembly line getting your nails done. It's like being on a mini vacation. " Jennifer S.
" I just moved out of Philadelphia, and - "
/" - this is one place I'll miss for sure. I've gotten a few manicures and brow waxes here during my year in Philadelphia, and there's nowhere else in the city I'd recommend for those services. The employees here are warm and friendly, the shop is cute and super clean, and they have several creative manicures and pedicures to choose from (go coconut, you won't regret it).
One thing that's especially nice is that the employees at Mi Cumbia speak English (and at least a couple speak Spanish). This isn't one of those salons where you struggle to ask questions or convey what you want because nobody there speaks much English. It's not that I dislike people from other cultures, but I hate trying to conduct transactions with people who may or may not understand what I'm saying.
The other thing that's great at Mi Cumbia (and very rare in salons) is that they're extremely conscious of the environment, the toxicity of certain products, and what's best for your overall hair/skin/nail health. I've seen places where they use a dremel to remove old polish (throwing up all kinds of hazardous dust and killing your nail bed), and I can't even imagine something like that happening here.
Overall, highly recommended. Don't even shop around, just go here. You'd be hard-pressed to find anywhere else that's comparable. " Stefanie H.
" After driving around to what seemed - "
/" - like forever for a parking spot, I came here without an appointment and was able to get an express mani and pedi! It was the best pedicure i've ever had. It was cold and there was snow but step into Mi Cumbia and feel like you've gone on a tropical vacation. You can't help but feel completely relaxed as aroma of the products takes your worries away. Im a fan of their organic products and natural techniques. Everyone was very accommodating. Yeah, i paid much more than what i normally would, but the whole experience was worth it. After all, it's nice to treat yourself once in a while. " Joanne T.
" I've gone to MI CUMBIA twice now, - "
/" - and it's absolutely awesome. It's the most comfortable I've ever been in a salon, both because my head isn't aching from fumes and because the owners and staff are so friendly.
The decor makes it really relaxing and welcoming, plus the exfoliates and oils they use smell like heaven. And it's definitely worth the money considering my manicures lasted close to two weeks each time.
I'll definitely be going back! " Nicole K.
It's been almost a year since I - "
/" - first came here, and my feelings for this place just continue to grow.
I REFUSE to go anywhere else for my Brazilians OR my pedicures. Everyone here is the absolute best!
While it is indeed more pricy that others, it's TOTALLY worth it. " Janelle M.
" Always superb every time! Excellent pedicures - "
/" - and manicures. The services are worth the price. Let me repeat that. Worth. Every. Penny. It's a relaxing environment and the staff is friendly. The coffee is delicious too! I like that it's appointment only so you can ensure the salon is not packed. There are usually only 3-4 customers maximum at one time. I will continue to come here to pamper myself. " Alex S.
" Fantastic experience! "
/" Planned a small bachelorette party for five girls to get manis and pedis done. Armed with a few bottles of champagne, and we were ready to go! The owner was super friendly to work with, very organized, and made the afternoon very relaxing.
Champagne kept pouring, and the staff that did our services were phenomenal! I never got shellac on my nails, and now I'm a huge fan! It's been a few days, and no chips in sight! I rarely get manicures done for that reason, and now I am hooked!
The other yelpers were right about the smell and the great atmosphere. Place is well decorated with Colombian flair, and the music also sets you back in a different place.
Highly recommend this place! Service was quick, nails are looking perfect, and the staff is wonderful to work with! " Jennifer M.
" One of the best experiences that you - "
/" - may possibly get around town when it comes to mani and pedi. On top of that you get not to smell the fumes that are in nail polishes which are truly harmful. Especially for pregnant women. Let's not speak about all the other harmful things that you get by the nail polish remover and the lotion they put on you in any other nail salon. For these reasons, I would like to get them done at Mi Cumbia from now on.
The girls that work here are very kind and want you to relax while they do their job. They take very good care of their customers. What I like the most here is the fact that you get to experience an enjoyable, relaxing pampering of yourself. I got the mimos pedicura and coconut manicura. While I was getting my manicura, almost fell asleep. I was in another world! " Doina N.
" I went for my first experience - "
/" - at Mi Cumbia Organica. Unbelievable.
From the minute you walk in the door, you are transported to Colombia. The friendliness of everyone who works here is unmatched. They are very proud of their salon as they should be! The walls are decorated with coffee bean sacks and photos of Colombian culture. The music included salsa in the front of the salon and then in the back there was more traditional vallenato and cumbia music playing. I was in heaven.
They offer you peppermint tea or coffee while you have your pedicure too. I was there for the coconut pedicure which included leg and foot massage as well as shredded coconut as part of the massage. I left with my toes looking better than they ever had! Did I mention I almost fell asleep during my pedicure? Truly an amazing and one of a kind experience. I will return soon. It is pricey but totally worth every penny. " Jen G.
" Don't go anywhere else for waxing. "
/" The professionalism, products, atmosphere and results here are simply the best. Head over heels above the rest.
The organic nail services are quite good as well. They're slightly more expensive than your average nail salon but worth the periodic indulgence. I left smelling of coconut and my boyfriend actually noticed how smooth my hands were.
I understand that the non toxic products are also safe for pregnant women - a good idea for a shower gift. " Erika B.
" There is a reason Mi Cumbia has won - "
/" - the Best of Philly a few times. It is- without a doubt- the BEST salon in Philadelphia. I have never been so ecstatic with the service or product at a nail salon before. The staff, space, sanitation and product are all absolutely impeccable.
From the moment you call for an appointment until the moment you walk through the door, you are treated like family. I always leave feeling respected and informed. And seriously- do NOT skip the coffee. It may be the best I've ever had.
The products are top notch- all natural and organic, and the women always explain how to care for yourself post-appointment. The Brazilian wax is the most painless and economical that I've ever received. Carina is truly, as the receptionist called her, the "wax whisperer"- she is so sweet and truly talented.
Mi Cumbia has officially ruined every other salon for me. I can't wait to really become a regular here. " Adrienne H.
" I'm a Virgin to bikini waxing so - "
/" - needless to say that I was terrified! Karina is an angel who made me now love waxing! The entire experience was warm, welcoming and informative! I learned so much about my hair and it's growth and how to properly love it! Karina also made my experience virtually pain free and afterwards I felt like I was floating on cloud nine. My friend had an appointment after mine and we met up for lunch and confessed that we wish we could be naked to show off our brand new selves :-) We'll both be back for follow up in four to six weeks. Thanks Karina, you rock!
Oh and side note... The receptionist is uber sweet and helpful as well. A great choice of a rep for your place, if I do say so myself! " Shavon B.
