Owner Cindy Nguyen delights in offering only organic products at Cloud 9 Photo R. Aragones Stenzel

Ever wonder about the chemicals that are in a manicure and pedicure? Or how about the impact of the products used in a spa treatment on the environment? Orinda resident Cindy Nguyen did, and after much research, opened Cloud 9 Organic Hand and Foot Therapy in Orinda in late October.
Nguyen got her cosmetology license 25 years ago and then after graduating college, she had a career in marketing, accounting and design. But in 2007 she decided to go back to what she really enjoyed - doing nails.
The only problem was she was always bothered by the smell of acrylic used to apply acrylic nails. She started working at a day spa in Marin County where the focus was on natural nails with no acrylic nails. Nguyen was inspired to open her own place and named it Cloud 9 because of the cloud nine experience one would have there.
All products used at Cloud 9 are organic, non-toxic and friendly to the environment, according to Nguyen who says everything is carefully chosen with the living green and organic lifestyle that she and her family follow at home. For example, all the nail polish is non-toxic and free of potential, harmful chemicals. And to remove nail polish, only a non-acetone lacquer remover is used. Additionally, instead of using a plastic pumice stone which is thrown away after each use, they use a paper-made nail file which is biodegradable. Moreover, all the furniture including the sofa, tables and massage chairs are either recycled and/or made from organic materials.
Also of utmost importance for Nguyen is for all clients to have a relaxing treatment in a peaceful, soothing environment where they will never be rushed. At Cloud 9 the treatments take longer than most places; the pedicure is at least an hour, and the manicure is at least 45 minutes. In addition, while getting a treatment, customers get to relax in a massage chair that would be normally found in a chiropractic office.
"When customers walk in, I want them to feel like they are in their living room.
I don't want them to feel rushed or part of an assembly line. I want them to be relaxed and not inundated with the smell of acrylic," Nguyen explains. Consequently, they only take appointments and no walk-ins. (Mini treatments are available for 30 minutes or less for those limited on time.)
And last but not least, she takes great care in ensuring cleanliness. Influenced by her dad who was a dentist, only dentist-quality sterilization is used for the tools. And instead of self-draining tubs, a large non-absorbent pedicure bowl is used so it can be thoroughly disinfected.
Cloud 9 is available for private parties where friends can enjoy a glass of wine and appetizers in addition to a treatment. And for couples looking for something different to do on date night, Cloud 9 can be reserved to enjoy a treatment privately.
Cloud 9 is located at 1 Orinda Way, Suite 3 in Orinda and is opened Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday from 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. by appointment only. In January, they plan to be open seven days a week. For an appointment, call 925/258-9811 or visit www.cloud9organictherapy.com.