In the Savin Hill section of Dorchester lies the Pink and Pretty Nail Salon, a business that offers a warm and welcoming environment — each client is greeted by the owner, 23-year-old Dana Bonner, who worked hard to create a place for people from all walks of life to come and enjoy some “me-time.”

“On my 21st birthday, I was offered the opportunity to open my own salon. I always wanted to but didn’t know when. I did it to really bring out more artists in the area,” Bonner said.

The technicians make an effort to be respectful to every client they see and explain what they’re doing every step of the way, discussing the differences in certain nail services. They also work to remain respectful of people’s budgets and don’t pressure anyone into upgrading to a more expensive service.

When customers sit to get their nails done, it feels like sitting down with a friend, said nail technician Sofia Goncalves. Conversation flows throughout the salon; It’s easy to see how connections can be formed in spaces like this.

“I like the fact that it’s a shop with a bunch of ladies and we’re all here having a good time,” Goncalves said. “It doesn’t feel like work when you’re here.”

All of the employees are like family based on the playful way they interact with one another, dancing to the R&B music coming from a TV in the shop. Other employees discuss the latest episode of a netflix show that is being played on another TV.

“I wanted to give people the experience of art and enjoying a vibe. I wanted them to be in a place they can kick it and talk, like you’re at home,” Bonner said.

Despite not experiencing challenges from being a Black woman that owns a business, it was clear to Bonner that the nail cosmetics industry didn’t have many Black-owned salons.

“There’s not many places like this run by Black women so I was really excited to bring my business to Boston,” she said.

The business opened up in February 2020 with the help of Bonner’s mother and was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, but Bonner said that as soon as restrictions began to lift, she opened back up and took precautions to make sure everyone stayed safe. Clients are still required to sanitize their hands and have their temperatures taken at the door.

Despite any revenue lost from its temporary closure, prices at this salon have remained affordable and rival other places in the Greater Boston area, such as local favorite Treasured Hands Salon in Back Bay, whose services are $10 to $20 more expensive. From acrylics and gel, to nail designs and artistic freestyling, Pink and Pretty is guaranteed to offer services and an environment that all kinds of people will enjoy.

They can be contacted @PinkandPretty on all social media and at 617-822-3558.