About The Sweetest Lime
Providing a luxurious and inclusive space where wellness and community converge.
About Us
Welcome to The Sweetest Lime Salon Spa, where self-care meets luxury, and luxury means exceptional service. Located in the heart of the community, we offer a premier beauty and wellness experience designed to refresh, rejuvenate, and inspire. Our salon features two hairstyling suites, a nail spa suite with spa pedicure chairs and manicure stations, and a dedicated body work suite offering massage therapy and body sculpting.
We are proud to partner with Green Circle Salons, enabling us to recycle and responsibly dispose of all our salon waste, including hair, foils, and color tubes. This commitment to our core value of sustainability reflects our dedication to beauty that cares for both our clients and the planet. At The Sweetest Lime Salon Spa, we are committed to sustainability and reducing our environmental impact. That's why we've implemented a $1.50 Eco Fee on each service, which allows us to recycle approximately 98% of our waste—including hair clippings, foils, color tubes, excess hair color, and more. This small fee helps us participate in a professional beauty industry recycling program, ensuring that waste from our salon and spa services is properly processed and repurposed instead of ending up in landfills. By supporting this initiative, our clients are helping us maintain a luxurious, eco-conscious space while doing our part for the planet. We appreciate your support in making beauty more sustainable!
We are passionate about empowering Black and Brown beauty professionals, providing them with a space to grow their careers and deliver top-tier customer care. At The Sweetest Lime, professionalism and personalized service are at the heart of everything we do.
Indulge in a moment of self-care and let us help you look and feel your best while enjoying the sweetest lime.
Vision
To empower Black and Brown beauty and wellness professionals by fostering their talent and nurturing their careers, while delivering exceptional personalized service to every guest. Through intentional care, innovation, and cultural celebration, we aim to create a sanctuary where self-expression thrives, and every professional and guest feels seen, pampered and inspired.
What Does The Sweetest Lime Mean?
The question we're most often asked is “Why does The Sweetest Lime” mean?
In 2005, The Sweetest Lime founder, Makayah was doing hair part time at her home and serving one of her favorite guests; her best friend's mother, the late Sue Simms Davidson. Makayah had just cooked, and offered Ma Sue, as she was affectionately called, some food. As Ma Sue nibbled on the dish du jour, she suddenly pulled away and said, “You need to figure out how to put ALLLL of this together in one location.” Noting Makayah's confusion, she continued, “All of this! This vibe… the peace in your home, the food, the hair, all the cute stuff you have around the house. Just bottle it up and make it a business!” As they sat discussing the idea, Ma Sue suggested a salon, boutique and café (due to Makayah's background is in culinary arts and food service). After a few not-so-good name suggestions, Ma Sue said it had to be something cultural. Makayah blurted out her first thought- “Sweet Lime!”, and Ma Sue LOVED it! In 2022, Sweet Lime was rebranded as “The Sweetest Lime”.
We all know a lime as a small, green citrus fruit, but in the twin island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago where Makayah spent her formative years, the word has a totally different meaning. "Lime" is a term that originated in Trinidad and Tobago but is commonly recognized and used throughout the Caribbean.
lime /lime/
noun
an informal gathering where people enjoy good music, food, drinks and each other's company.
“They're having a lime on Friday evening”
verb
- To socialize, chill, relax or hang out with friends in a casual setting, usually in a public place.
- The act of being at a lime.
“We are going to lime at Joe's house"
The goal of The Sweetest Lime Salon Spa is to create an environment and become a destination where you want to spend your time. Our aim is for you to leave feeling that you just had “the sweetest lime!”
Our Core Values
Excellence
We are committed to delivering exceptional service, with attention to detail, cleanliness and dedication to ensuring every guest experiences luxury care with every visit.
Empowerment
We uplift and support the growth of young Black and Brown beauty professionals, helping them cultivate their careers and build their clientele.
Integrity & Trust
We build lasting relationships with our guests and professionals through honesty, transparency, and consistent delivery on our promises.
Innovation & Creativity
We encourage continuous learning, creativity, and the use of modern techniques to stay at the forefront of beauty and wellness trends.
Inclusivity & Community
We celebrate diversity and foster a welcoming space where all guests and professionals feel valued, respected, and embraced.
Holistic Wellness
We believe in nurturing the mind, body, and spirit, offering services that promote relaxation, rejuvenation, and self-care.
Meet Our Team
Our talented team of professionals brings years of experience and passion to every service.
Makayah brings over 30 years of expertise as a master Loctician, stylist, and makeup artist. Her passion for beauty and wellness is rooted in a commitment to artistry, professionalism, and uplifting others. With decades of experience nurturing natural hair, creating stunning styles, and enhancing her clients' confidence, Makayah is dedicated to healthy hair and providing exemplary services to each of her guests. Makayah is also an Educator for Ashtae Products, an international professional hair care line that specializes in products for global texture clients. Makayah relocated from Boston, MA to Winston-Salem, NC over 20 years ago, but will always consider Trinidad and Tobago “home”. She is the proud mom of two brilliant young kings, Akheal & Samir, and Nona (grandma) to the magnificent young prince, Kareem.
Makayah Mitchell
Founder, Master Loctician, Stylist & Make-Up Artist
A native New Yorker, Alley Shay has been perfecting her craft as a braider since the age of 12. Her passion shines through in the intricate and creative styles she creates. With a heart for children of all ages, Alley takes pride in nurturing their hair, but more importantly, their confidence. She is thrilled to share her talent and over 20 years of experience with the community.
Alley Shay
Master Braider & Stylist
Apryl Gonzalez is a licensed massage and bodywork therapist with 13 years of experience, specializing in Swedish (relaxation) massages that promote deep relaxation and stress relief. She also works full-time as a pharmacy technician, focusing on health and wellness, which allows her to bring a holistic approach to guest care. As a dedicated mother of two and a proud Oma (grandmother), Apryl understands the importance of balance and well-being in everyday life. She will be available for evening and weekend bookings, and we are thrilled to welcome her to The Sweetest Lime Salon Spa family!
Apryl Gonzalez
Licensed Massage Therapist
We’re excited to welcome Karen Nguyen to The Sweetest Lime Salon Spa! With over 25 years of experience as a nail technician, Karen brings a wealth of skill and expertise to our team. She has a passion for pedicures, ensuring every client enjoys a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.
Karen Nguyen
Nail Technician & Massage Therapist
Noelle Mills-Tarmey
Social Media
Phony (Ponnie) has been a licensed nail technician for 18 years and is a gifted nail artist with a passion for making her clients feel confident and beautiful. Outside of her craft, Ponnie loves cooking, painting, photography, and crocheting. She is a proud mother to a beautiful daughter, a loving fur son, and grandma of three adorable grand-cats!
Phany Chhorn
Nail Artist & Technician
Typhani Richmond, a recent Reagan High School graduate, is dedicated to both beauty and business. She is currently attending Guilford Technical Community College to earn an associate degree in Business Administration alongside her cosmetology certification. As the oldest of three sisters, she has spent a lifetime honing her skills and nurturing her passion for beauty and care.
Typhani Richmond
Guest Services
Ready to Experience the Difference?
Join our community of satisfied clients and let us help you achieve your beauty goals.