Manicures, Champagne, and Community Impact: Inside Eliza Sipin’s Vision for TNCB

Written By Valiski Bernard

Written by Valiski Bernard

In the bustling world of entrepreneurship, when innovation meets passion, there exist stories that redefine business paradigms. One such story is the genesis of The Nail and Champagne Bar (TNCB), a unique concept intertwining the elegance of nails with the effervescence of champagne. The Nail and Champagne Bar was founded by Eliza Sipin, who reimagined the traditional services, infusing them with sophistication and community empowerment. Picture this: a fusion of elegance where manicures meet the sparkling allure of champagne. It all started with a deep-rooted love for nails and bubbly. Eliza was struck by an ingenious idea – why not blend the two? TNCB was born, a concept as unique as it was delightful. What started as an idea to elevate manicures while reminiscing about familial experiences has evolved into a thriving business model that intertwines business success with community upliftment.

The Nail and Champagne Bar (TNCB) is the first full-service on-site nail and champagne brand in Toronto. TNCB offers bespoke nail, champagne, beauty, and wellness experiences, all in the comfort of your own space. Whether you want to pamper yourself or entertain guests, TNCB curates unique experiences through at-home services and corporate and private events. “The team” at TNCB comprises a certified group of nail technicians, aestheticians, makeup artists, hairstylists, a yoga instructor, and sommeliers, all dedicated to making you feel relaxed and rejuvenated.

The Visionary Beginnings: Inspiration and Innovation

Eliza’s journey began with a fervent passion for nails and champagne and a desire to fuse the two seemingly distinct luxuries into a harmonious experience. Inspired by the nostalgia of witnessing her mother's nail routine, Eliza envisioned a mobile service transcending the traditional salon experiences.

“I have a deep passion for nails and champagne and wanted to create a unique business by combining the two. I was inspired to elevate a familiar service like manicures with friends and incorporate a champagne tasting by a Sommelier. I was interested in having an elevated service come to one’s home, how my Mom used to get her nails done in the 80s in Manila.”

Overcoming Challenges: Shaping Leadership and Growth

As with any venture, the road wasn't paved with rose petals. Challenges emerged in the initial stages. Building a team from scratch was no easy feat, and time management felt like a juggling act.

“Building a team and time management were some of the initial challenges. I learned to trust the individuals I hired and understand what type of people I needed to make our company successful.  Over time, I gained the appreciation of prioritizing and not overthinking issues to be more productive.”

The lesson? Prioritize and avoid overthinking. It was about learning to channel energy into productivity, a skill honed over time that now shapes her approach to leadership. Learning to trust the team she built around her and discerning the right talent became pivotal. Eliza’s approach to leadership evolved, emphasizing the prioritization of tasks and adopting a more proactive stance toward problem-solving.

Becoming an entrepreneur in a niche industry presented its own set of hurdles. Limited knowledge and pioneering a unique business concept demanded a steep learning curve. However, thinking innovatively and refusing to be discouraged fueled Eliza’s journey toward success. Starting a business catering to B2C (Business to Consumer) and B2B (Business to Business) markets meant a lot of trial and error. Eliza had to navigate uncharted territories, balancing the needs and dynamics of both sectors.

On the B2C front, it’s about understanding and meeting the expectations of individual customers seeking personalized and luxurious experiences. Eliza had to craft services that resonated with them personally, creating an atmosphere of indulgence.

Simultaneously, delving into the B2B realm required a different approach. It meant catering to businesses and their diverse needs, like providing unique corporate experiences. It was about building strategic partnerships that added value not just to TNCB but also to the businesses she engaged with.

Adopting an innovative mindset was crucial. She learned to think outside the box, constantly seeking creative ways to merge these two worlds while ensuring that neither compromised the essence of her business. It wasn’t just about navigating challenges; it was about embracing them as opportunities for growth and innovation.

“I had limited knowledge when I was starting this unique business concept that now does both B2C and B2B. I had to figure out a lot on my own. I have been accustomed to thinking outside the box and not be discouraged. ”

Driving Community Impact

TNCB isn't just about nails and champagne; it's about giving back. They’ve worked with the Women Empowerment Awards, whose mission is to “elevate, educate and empower women who will not only inspire the next generation of strong leaders and key change makers but provide a community for those currently leading.”

“We actively support and partner with small businesses for various initiatives. We also sponsor events yearly such as Women Empowerment Awards that have several entrepreneur-focused awards.”

Pivotal Moments

Eliza says receiving the accolade for Toronto's Best Mobile Beauty Business in 2019 was transformative. It wasn't just an award; it was validation—a testament to the team's dedication and a catalyst for subsequent achievements.

“When we received our first award in 2019 for Toronto’s Best Mobile Beauty  Business. It was very rewarding and encouraging as a team. We have since received several awards.”

The Nail and Champagne Bar has gone on to achieve accolades such as

  • 2023 Health Beauty and Wellness Awards for Leading Providers of Sustainable Mobile Beauty

  • 2022 Canadian Business Awards for Best Mobile Beauty in the GTA

  • 2022 Global Excellence Awards for Leading Providers of Luxury Beauty Experience in the GTA

  • 2022 Health Beauty and Wellness Awards for Best Luxury Mobile Beauty Service in the GTA

  • Toronto’s 2021 Top Choice Awards for Mobile Beauty Services,

  • 2020 Health Beauty and Wellness Awards for Best Mobile Beauty Company - Ontario

  • 2019 Toronto Hair & Beauty Awards for Best Mobile Beauty Business

  • 2019 Ontario Hair & Beauty Awards for Highly Commended in Mobile Beauty

Winning awards can be a powerful catalyst for team empowerment, igniting a collective sense of pride, validation, and motivation. Recognition not only celebrates the team's achievements but also reaffirms their hard work and dedication. It instills confidence, fostering a belief in their abilities and the value of their contributions. Winning awards isn't just about the shiny trophy; it's a massive confidence booster.

Empowering Others: Mentorship, Support, and Collaboration

TNCB isn't just a workplace; it's a nurturing ground for aspiring entrepreneurs. They don't bid adieu when team members move on to start their own ventures. Instead, they stay connected, extending support and collaboration.

“We have always employed aspiring entrepreneurs and freelancers in our team and continue to support them in any way we can through their journey. We have kept in touch with past employees who have moved on to open their own companies, and some still try to continue working with us if possible.”

“We partner with many women-founded, owned, and operated businesses in Toronto. Companies that have aligned beliefs and sincerely want to uplift one another are very important to us.”

Upholding Values: Balancing Growth and Empowerment

Balancing growth while staying true to the brand's empowerment mission is no easy task. It requires constant dialogue within ‘the team.” Listening to everyone's ideas and analyzing their impact on growth and empowerment is critical. She explains, “I make sure to continuously have a dialogue with the team. I listen to feedback and ideas and analyze how it will affect growth and empowerment.” It's about finding that equilibrium between progress and purpose. It's a delicate balance that requires active participation and consideration of all perspectives.

The Heart of Impact

TNCB's commitment to social causes isn't just talk; it's action-driven. A touching initiative supporting families affected by the Maui wildfires is a testament to TNCB's commitment to community welfare. By leveraging social media and promotions, the brand rallied support, offering a percentage of nail booking proceeds to assist those in need.

“An initiative I am proud of impacted my family and friends in Maui. The Maui wildfires devastated hundreds of people. By sharing the news on our social media outlets and through e-blasts, many were made aware of the devastation. We ran a promo that a percentage of all at-home nail bookings in September will be donated. Our community (friends, clients, business partners, etc) in Canada and the US came together and donated directly to families in Maui to assist them with food and shelter and to help them get back on their feet.”

Cultivating Empowerment: Culture, Motivation and Mentorship

Creating an environment that fosters growth and inclusivity is paramount at TNCB. The open-door policy and a culture that values everyone's input have expanded their service list, benefiting both ‘the team’ and the company. Eliza actively listens to’ the team,’ encourages idea-sharing, and constantly seeks avenues for service expansion.

“By listening to my team and giving them opportunities for growth. Over the years, I have always encouraged everyone to share services they have been working on to add to our menu, and we introduced a few. It has broadened our service list, honed their craft, and has benefited the company as a whole.”

Eliza’s motivation comes from empowering others:

“Seeing other entrepreneurs thrive and, in turn, help other entrepreneurs.”

“I truly want to help anyone I can with their entrepreneurship journey. May it be within my team or any aspiring business owner. My advice would be to surround yourself with entrepreneurs or individuals who are uplifting and are willing to help you with your entrepreneurial path.”

“Find your passion and stay true to yourself. A company’s growth and employing individuals contribute to community empowerment. “

Sustainability and Impact

The team's collective brainstorming ensures a mindful approach to their services, aiming for sustainability without compromising quality.

“By using high-quality products and reducing the need for frequent replacements. We try our best to be mindful of the waste we produce, and the team provides ideas on how we can better our services without producing too much waste.”

A Personal Touch: The Essence of Passion

"I truly love what I do and am excited for what's next!” Eliza looks forward to expanding TNCB and continuing to employ more women who are freelancers and future entrepreneurs.

Eliza’s narrative and that of TNCB is a testament to the power of entrepreneurship fused with empowerment. It's a journey of passion, resilience, and a relentless drive to make a difference. As TNCB continues to redefine the norms, its story serves as an inspiration, urging others to embark on ventures that not only drive business success but also empower communities. Through mentorship, community engagement, sustainability efforts, and a genuine passion for empowerment, TNCB stands tall, a beacon of hope for aspiring entrepreneurs aiming to make a meaningful impact.