Lisa Miner
Lisa Miner owns Lisa’s Natural Nails and Spa, located on Ashman Street. Miner said, “On the right-hand side, just after Ashman Plaza,” when you’re driving toward downtown. Miner is a licensed cosmetologist. They provide spa manicures and pedicures using gel polish, eyebrow and lip waxing, facials, and massage. Her assistants are Amber Bourbina and Vicki Miner, both are licensed manicurists and specialize in the different services. They serve wedding parties and small groups by appointment. They also offer gift certificates. Miner is a graduate of Midland High School and attended Delta College and the former M.J. Murphy Beauty College in downtown Midland. Lisa and her husband, Bryan Miner, have been married for 25 years. Their daughter, Kasandra, just graduated from veterinary school at the University of Illinois.
1. How long have you owned your business? I have been here since Dec. 17, 2004. I’ve done nails for over 33 years.
2. What inspired you to own this business? I first started to do nails to help put myself through college. I realized I could provide a personal service they couldn’t do for themselves. I wanted to create a natural, fume free, and relaxing environment.
3. What makes Midland a great place to own a business? Being a resident of Midland for over 55 years, Midland, per square mile, has everything available to you that a large city has, you just have to look for it. Plus, there’s strong networking among the businesses. Midland has a strong sense of community. We’re happy to be part of the community.
4. What are some ways your business is active in the local community? Lots of ways. I’m also a Zonta Club of Midland member, for over 16 years. They work closely with local service agencies. We accept applications from different agencies. We give out grants. Our Home Walk allows us to give out scholarships. I created CONNECT. When I talk closely with service agency managers about what their immediate needs are, I have what they need to them at the end of the week. With COVID and the flood, the need is exponential. I notice how closely linked the service agencies, the people who want to provide those services, and the people that need those services are.
The last two years, I’ve started to compete in a couple of pageants. Community outreach is part of that. When you reach out, it makes you feel like you’re making a difference.
5. What are some of your interests and hobbies? Competing in pageants. I really to reach out and find out what unique talents and gifts a person has. Also involved in Self Love Beauty as an ambassador. It’s led by Lisa Thompson. Her vision is to improve self-esteem and confidence by holding workshops for young women. It’s vital for them to have strong self-esteem. I like to help her with her vision. We’re trying to make a better future for these kids.
6. What are some local businesses you work with that help make your business a success? Live Oak Coffeehouse, Botanica, Elodie Clothing, Brick’s Realty with Jamie and Daniel Broderick. All of those people, I just noticed that they have the same set of ideals as mine and they have a strong sense of community. We give each other referrals. You’re more likely to visit a business if a client has given a great review. When people move here from out of town and Google me, it’s helped me get a lot of business.
7. Other thoughts? I want to thank God for giving me the calling to reach out to help the community any way I can. I want to thank my staff for supporting me and helping me create the relaxing environment that we have. I want to thank my regular standing customers, some who’ve been with me for over 25 years, through a recession, pandemic, and flood and enabled me to continue to do what I love so much.
