Amid construction, local nail salon finds footing as escape from Tysons hustle

Nothing in Between Studio wants its customers to relax.

The nail salon opened the doors of its Tysons location on May 28, becoming one of the first retail tenants to take up residence in the Capital One Center development emerging near I-495 and the McLean Metro station.

Ongoing construction isn’t especially conducive to a stress-free environment, but Nothing in Between believes its emphasis on non-toxic products and wellness will prove enticing to the young professionals who populate the Tysons area.

“I really do think the aesthetic and experience and quality that we offer is very different, and we’re really excited to be able to offer that to the Tysons community,” Nothing in Between brand manager Amanda Vega told Tysons Reporter.

Nothing in Between opened its first location at 6410 Arlington Boulevard in Falls Church in November 2018.

A South Korean immigrant who worked in fashion before moving to Falls Church in 2014, founder Jade Kim Trusso wanted to offer an eco-friendly, cruelty-free option for nail care, avoiding the use of plastics, toxins, chemicals, and animal-based products like leather, according to Arlington Magazine.

Capital One Center then offered the business space for an expansion, according to Vega.

The studio’s reputation and mission made it an appealing addition to the development, Capital One Center Manager of Marketing and Community Affairs Meghan Trossen says.

“Nothing in Between’s great brand reputation in the Northern Virginia market and commitment to organic, non-toxic products stood out to our team,” Trossen said by email. “This zen oasis complements the dynamic environment at Capital One Center and has been a wonderful amenity to our mixed-use development.”

When Nothing in Between arrived in May, it was one of just two retailers operating at Capital One Center after Wegmans opened its 80,000 square-foot grocery store on Nov. 4, 2020.

The development previously had a City Works Eatery and Pour House, but the restaurant permanently shuttered last summer. The Starbucks at Capital One’s headquarters is also gone for good.

Since Nothing in Between opened, Capital One Center has add two dining options: Starr Hill Biergarten on The Perch and the Japanese restaurant Wren in The Watermark Hotel.

Vega says the development has been “very supportive” in helping market Nothing in Between and ensuring its success, even as Capital One’s return-to-office plans remain on hold.

While business was initially slow, it has picked up as more people have become aware of the new location, according to Vega.

“That Falls Church location, we do really well,” she said. “We’ve had clients come over that usually go to Falls Church, and they’ve come and tried Tysons.”

While the locations share a health-focused philosophy, massage services are only available at the Tysons site, which features four massage rooms as part of the team’s plan to ultimately expand beyond nail care to offer a wider range of wellness services.

The Tysons salon also aims for a more sophisticated atmosphere. Inspired by Japanese American artist Isamu Noguchi, it has oak wood flooring, a tea bar, and paper lantern lighting.

The studio offers manicures, pedicures, and massages from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays and 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Saturdays. It is closed on Sundays.

Vega says walk-in customers are accepted, but she recommends making an appointment, since space is limited.

Nothing in Between doesn’t have any additional locations in the works, though some customers have asked about getting a salon in D.C. or the Ashburn area of Loudoun County, Vega says.

“We’re definitely open to the possibility if the opportunity is right,” Vega said. “But for right now, we’re focusing on two locations and continuing to build up our clientele.”