If you’ve ever wished your nail appointment felt less like a rushed errand and more like a full-on self-care date, this new Makati spot might just be your next obsession.
After a soft opening last January 31, 2026, Lavande Nails & Café is now officially open to the public starting February 23, 2026 – and it’s not your typical nail salon.
Located in Legazpi Village, just across Greenbelt 5, Lavande is a premium hybrid concept that combines a luxury nail spa with a curated café experience. Think: plush interiors, intentional space, private rooms, and a cozy café where your bestie or work buddy can actually enjoy waiting for you.
Behind this beautifully executed concept is 4th year Entrepreneurship student Isabel Umali, who is taking up Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship with a specialization in Culinary Arts at Enderun Colleges.
And yes – Lavande isn’t just a passion project. It’s her living, breathing thesis.
According to Isabel, her journey as an Entrepreneurship student at Enderun was “truly transformative.” Instead of just dreaming up business ideas, she was trained to validate, test, execute, and defend them.
Subjects like Business Plan Development, Market Research, Innovation Management, Financial Management, and Operations Planning weren’t just classroom requirements – they became the blueprint for Lavande.
“Entrepreneurship is not just about ideas. It’s about execution, innovation, and impact,” she shares.
Lavande was developed alongside her coursework, making it a real-world output of everything she learned – from branding and finance to operations and customer experience. Rather than submitting a theoretical thesis, Isabel launched an actual business in the heart of Makati.
Let’s be honest: some nail salons feel cramped, chaotic, and far from relaxing. Isabel noticed that too.
So she designed Lavande as a “private sanctuary between moments.” The space features:
- A couples VIP room
- A solo VIP room
- Three large main nail stations
- Indoor and outdoor café seating
The goal? Space, comfort, and privacy.
But what truly sets Lavande apart is its café integration – inspired by her own experience. Isabel recalls feeling guilty whenever her boyfriend had to wait hours at nail salons with nothing to do.
So she asked: Why not create a space where companions can enjoy their time too?
Now, while one person gets pampered, the other can sip coffee, enjoy curated bites, and actually have a pleasant time. It’s self-care – without the side of guilt.
Lavande is currently the first nail spa in the Philippines to offer premium luxury nail polishes from designer houses like Chanel and Hermès.
Beyond aesthetics, Lavande also advocates for proper sanitation and hygiene in nail services – something many customers overlook when choosing salons based only on price. Isabel is passionate about educating clients on safety and nail health, ensuring that luxury and responsibility go hand in hand.
And if that’s not enough? She hints at an upcoming industry-first concept launching soon – proof that innovation doesn’t stop at opening day.
Isabel credits much of her growth to her mentors at Enderun, especially Mr. Lito Almajose, Program Head for Entrepreneurship at Enderun Colleges, who pushed her to justify decisions logically, anticipate risks, and approach entrepreneurship strategically – not just creatively.
“School became my strategy lab, and Lavande became my real-world application,” she says.
Her message to aspiring student entrepreneurs?
Start now. Don’t wait for graduation. Use every class, project, and critique to build your dream.
Because sometimes, your thesis isn’t a paper.
Sometimes, it’s a luxury nail spa across Greenbelt 5.
