Terminal Bliss
Gate 9, Flight 277 . . . Gate 10, pedicures for everybody . . .
Busy jet-setters often don't have time to eat, much less get
a massage or a manicure. But thanks to Kristin Rhyne, founder and
president of Polished Inc., a beauty boutique located in airports,
harried travelers' next facials are just a flight delay
away.
"Essentially, we target busy professionals and make beauty
and wellness convenient for them," Rhyne says. "It's
really about having a little time for yourself." Polished Inc.
offers such services as manicures, pedicures, makeovers, massages
and facials, and also sells popular beauty products to flight-weary
customers.
Rhyne, 30, came up with the idea while attending Harvard
Business School. On one summer break, she and her mother were stuck
in an airport waiting for a flight. Her mother said,
"Wouldn't it be great if we could get our nails
done?"
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Rhyne thought that was not only a great idea, but a great
business idea. After some research, she entered her plan in
Harvard's business plan contest. Not only was she a
semifinalist, but her plan was the only non-Internet company to
make it that far.
Rhyne started her Boston-based company in 1999 with roughly
$750,000 from family, friends and angel investors. Her first
Polished location opened in Boston's Logan International
Airport in December 2000. With two other airport locations in the
works, Rhyne hopes to eventually expand the business into other
venues convenient to those on the go.
"Our goal is 200 stores in the next five to seven
years," says Rhyne. "We'll go where the business
goes."
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