“I express gratitude to CEF for placing trust in me and providing the opportunity to launch my own business. Their support extended beyond financial assistance, including valuable complimentary services such as legal advice on contracts."
– Narangoo Gregerio, Owner

Q&A with Owner, Narangoo "Nara" Gregerio

Give a high level overview of your business. What products or services you offer, where you're located, etc.
Etoile Salon - Advanced Nail Care & Beauty Boutique is your premier destination for a comprehensive range of beauty services in Denver. Our full-service salon specializes in advanced nail care and skincare treatments, ensuring a luxurious and rejuvenating experience for our clients.

Our skincare services include Facials, Lash Extensions, Lash Lifts, Spray Tans, Full body waxing, and professional Makeup Application. When it comes to nails, we offer a variety of manicures, pedicures, and intricate nail art. Additionally, our Certified Master Pedicurists (CMP) provide specialized foot care services such as toenail reconstruction, BS Brace for ingrown toenails, corn removal, and diabetic pedicures, catering to clients with specific health needs.

As the exclusive salon in Denver with Certified Master Pedicurists, we bring over six years of industry expertise to our discerning clientele. I, Nara Gregorio, CMP, am the proud founder and manager of Etoile Salon. With nearly two decades of experience and a passion for perfection, I lead a team of skilled professionals committed to delivering exceptional beauty services.

At Etoile Salon, our commitment to excellence and meticulous attention to detail sets us apart. We strive to provide unparalleled service, creating an environment that radiates relaxation and ensures a rewarding and satisfying experience for each valued client. Our ultimate goal is to offer incredible value while maintaining the highest standards in the beauty industry.

What inspired you to step into the world of small business?
As a dedicated perfectionist, my passion lies in prioritizing the well-being of my clients' nails. Having observed too many cases of damaged nails, I founded a salon with a clear mission: to maintain the health of natural nails while delivering top-tier services.

What neighborhood is your business located in and what do you love about that location?
Our salon is located in South East Denver, nestled between Cherry Creek and Cherry Hills—two delightful neighborhoods that have been home to many of our valued clients.

What led your business to seek out new/additional funding?
I've always envisioned a comprehensive, one-stop-shop experience. I began planning the expansion in 2022, and it finally came to fruition last year.

What was your experience like when trying to get funding for your business? Ie, how long had you been looking? Did you experience difficulties, etc.?
I am really appreciative for the process that I went through with CEF to secure funding. It felt like a really long and complicated process where I had to provide so much information, but I felt like that was such an important part to build accountability and really plan things out.

Describe your difficulties in obtaining funding for your small business and how that impacted you and your business.
When I initially decided to start my own business, I faced challenges due to being a Permanent Resident without an established business credit history. Securing a loan from the bank proved difficult, but Sunflower Bank recommended CEF.

What was your experience like in working with CEF?
Alan and the rest of the CEF team were immensely helpful throughout the entire process.

How did the funding you received from CEF make a difference for you, your employees, or even your community?
With my first loan, I acquired a business, and the second loan was necessary to cover operational costs associated with the expansion.

Tell us about some of the defining moments for you in your business, whether struggles or successes.
We have built a loyal base with over 60% of repeat customers on the nail side, many of whom have been with us since our opening—creating a sense of family. However, venturing into skincare is a new territory for me, and it's taking a bit more time to establish a clientele in this field.

What is something you're looking forward to in the next 3-6 months in your business?
I aim to operate our skincare services at full capacity.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
I express gratitude to CEF for placing trust in me and providing the opportunity to launch my own business over six years ago. Their support extended beyond financial assistance, including valuable complimentary services such as legal advice on contracts. As I reflect on my journey, I hold a larger vision for the next 5 to 10 years, and I am actively working towards achieving it.