Local Salon Owner Nails a Reality Show

Katie Cazorla’s business savvy and unfiltered personality as the owner of The Painted Nail salon in Sherman Oaks is being channeled into a TV reality series, to begin airing June 21 at 10 p.m. on the TV Guide Network.

Cazorla sat down with Patch and, after giving a thumbs-up on the condition of this reporter’s nails, she talked about the expectations of being a reality star on the show, The Nail Files, and the criticism already showing up on the TV Guide website comments.

“Everything is good for me. A packed house is now a normal business day," Cazorla said. "I’m so excited about the show. I just watched the first episode, but then I started obsessing about things and picking myself apart.”

She said she knows people can be mean and isn’t planning to read the blogs, comments and tweets about the show because she doesn’t have time.

“I’m running a real business—not a made-for-TV-business," Cazorla said. "But let’s face it, the more they talk, the longer the line is out my door with more people waiting to get in.”

Cazorla loves talking about the services she offers at the salon like the “Ice Cream Sundae,” her own line of nail polish and all the organic products she offers.

SallyAnn Salsano, the creator of The Nail Files as well as Jersey Shore, said that her love for manicures and a tip about Cazorla’s personality from a fellow producer led her to The Painted Nail.

“I came a few times without telling [Cazorla] and just observed everyone in action," Salsano said. "The third time, I approached her about the reality show idea. I know the girls and the gays are going to be on board with this show one hundred percent."

Salsano, the founder and president of 495 Productions, said she fought hard to get Jersey Shore on the air and sees the same potential for The Nail Files. She said the backdrop of a cool nail salon with the combination of Cazorla's dynamic personality and squabbling women with Type-A personalities will keep people tuned in.

“Give me some shiny nail polish and a couple of cat fights, and I’m in,” Salsano said as she showed off her fresh manicure.

According to Cazorla and Salsano, we can expect to see plenty of celebrities dropping by the salon this season. Some of the big names are Vanessa Hudgens, Debbie Gibson, Candace Cameron and even Snookie from Jersey Shore.

When asked if there was a little cross-promotion going on with the two shows, Salsano said with a smile, “Could be a little of that.”

In fact, the cast of Jersey Shore popped into the salon for treatment on one shoot day. "It got loud," Cazorla said.

“I have a lot of celebrities coming in the salon anyway," Cazorla said. "Lisa Rinna and Harry Hamlin are having their daughter’s birthday party here, and Vanessa Williams lives right over the hill so she comes by,” she said.

Another entertaining aspect of the show is the man who gave Cazorla the giant engagement ring she’s sporting, Grammy award-winning recording artist Walter Afansieff. Afansieff has worked with Barbra Streisand, Michael Jackson and Mariah Carey, and wrote the hit song in the movie Titanic, “My Heart Will Go On,” for Celine Dion.

Cazorla said Afansieff is her rock, and is truly happy for her success.

“He’s excited for me. He’s 20 years older than I am and a brilliant musician with a successful career of his own. He wants to see me do well separate from his success. He calls me his ‘little nail star’ and he always says, ‘You nailed it,’ and I say, ‘I’ll nail you,’ ” Cazorla said.

To promote the show, customers will be offered free mani-pedis on June 21, from 3 to 6 p.m., when The Painted Nail tour bus will be parked in front of the salon at 13327 Ventura Blvd. Before that, the bus will be at the Grove in Los Angeles.

"Of course I’ll be going on the tour—there's chandeliers on the bus and everything. Show or no show, welcome to my life!” Cazorla said.