November 9, 2026
ST. LOUIS — What began as one woman’s vision became a celebration of entrepreneurship, perseverance and community support Sunday, November 8, as Corsica Dancer celebrated the grand opening of Top Coat Nail Lounge at 3956 S. Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63118.
Family, longtime customers, fellow nail artists and community leaders gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a celebration that gave Dancer an opportunity to recognize the people who supported her journey.
Watch VOTP News STL’s report from the grand opening.
“If you’re scared, do it. If you’re crying, do it. If you’re happy, do it. Let this be proof that it can be done,” Dancer told supporters during the ceremony.
City leader highlights neighborhood investment
St. Louis 8th Ward Alderwoman Jami Cox Antwi joined the celebration, emphasizing the need for more neighborhood businesses and opportunities for Black and women entrepreneurs.
“We need more Black business owners. We need more women-owned business owners,” Cox Antwi said during an interview with VOTP News STL. She described salons as places where people can gather, build community and celebrate themselves.
Fellow artists turn out in support
Among those attending was Tarshae, a St. Louis nail artist who said she wanted to celebrate Dancer’s success rather than view another nail professional as competition.
“First of all, our Black women got to support each other. I don’t care what industry you’re in,” Tarshae said. Dancer, who also works as a nail instructor, told VOTP News STL that building a stronger community among nail professionals is part of what motivates her.
Longtime customers receive recognition
Dancer also took time to honor customers and supporters who had stayed with her through different stages of her career. Recalling one of those relationships, she said a supporter had visited the new space when it was still “nothing but a white box.”
The acknowledgments underscored how much the milestone meant to the people who had followed her work long before the grand opening.
Plans beyond the grand opening
During a tour of the salon, Dancer showed VOTP News STL a VIP waiting area and discussed services including acrylic nails, polygel, overlays and water-based and waterless pedicures. She said she is seeking additional nail technicians and hopes eventually to create an educational institution dedicated to training future nail professionals.
Her message to aspiring entrepreneurs was direct: “Get up. Keep going. Don’t stop. Don’t let the outside world tell you you can’t because you can.”
Top Coat Nail Lounge offers online booking. For business and appointment information, Dancer provided the number 314-833-4777.
Location, hours and appointments
Top Coat Nail Lounge
3956 S. Broadway
St. Louis, MO 63118
Appointments: 314-833-4777
Operating hours currently shown on the business listing:
- Monday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Tuesday: 5 p.m. to midnight
- Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Thursday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Friday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Saturday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Sunday: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Hours are based on the salon’s public business listing and may change. Customers are encouraged to confirm availability when booking.
Video and field reporting: VOTP News STL.
