Front Desk Host

VarnishLane, LLC.; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

HR support for health insurance,Vision

401k plan

Discounted services and retail

Positive work environment

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Varnish Lane in Washington, DC seeks friendly, customer-focused front desk associates to create the ultimate client experience. The role supports daily shop operations, ensuring a welcoming, seamless visit while upholding shop standards and a warm environment.

Requirements include 1+ year in retail or hospitality; salon/spa experience is a bonus. Location flexibility across DC area shops is noted, with travel between sites encouraged when needed.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience in retail or hospitality, salon/spa a bonus

Responsibilities

• Maintain a positive, welcoming disposition when interacting with clients
• Handle client feedback or issues in real-time with a calm demeanor
• Assist the shop manager with client feedback follow-up when needed
• Educate clients on services, upgrades and retail products
• Act as a brand ambassador sharing the Varnish Lane story and commitment to natural, waterless care
• Lead operational flow and support nail stylists to ensure a smooth shift
• Multitask and stay calm when busy
• Collaborate effectively within a team
• Assist with sterilization and restocking duties
• Master the appointment and POS system
• Communicate promotions and merchandising standards to clients
• Uphold cleanliness and tidiness standards during shifts

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Reliability/Punctuality

Multi-tasking

Team collaboration

Job description

Founded in Washington DC, Varnish Lane has grown over the past decade into a beloved community destination known for our clean, waterless nail care services in a warm, home-like atmosphere. Our team is dedicated to elevating the nail care experience through thoughtful hospitality, meticulous cleanliness and a deep commitment to client and team wellbeing. We take pride not only in what we do, but how we make people feel.

We’re seeking friendly, customer-focused front desk associates who are passionate about creating the ultimate client experience. This role supports the daily operations of the shop to ensure a welcoming, seamless experience for every guest while upholding our shop standards and overall environment.

This role requires 1+ years of experience in the field of retail or hospitality (experience at a salon/spa is a bonus!). We currently have three locations in the DC area: Friendship Heights, West End, and Mt. Vernon Triangle. Most of our team members work at more than one location and are willing to travel between shops. However, if one location is most convenient for you, we take that into consideration when scheduling.

Key Responsibilities

Customer Care & Hospitality

• Maintain a positive, welcoming and personable disposition when interacting with clients
• Ability to handle client feedback or issues in real-time with a calm demeanor
• Assist the shop manager with client feedback follow-up as needed when the manager is not available
• Helps educate clients on services, upgrades and retail products that enhance their visit.
• Acts as a brand ambassador, sharing the Varnish Lane story and our commitment to natural, waterless, non-toxic care

Team Support & Guidance

• While on shift, you are responsible for leading the operational flow of the shop and supporting nail stylists to ensure a smooth, successful shift
• Ability to multitask and stay calm when things get busy
• Brings a collaborative attitude and works well within a team
• Assist the nail stylists with necessary operational flow tasks such as the sterilization of implements, restocking hot towels, etc.

Operations & Shop Upkeep

• Must be able to master our appointment and POS system
• Maintains awareness of active promotions, marketing materials, and visual merchandising standards (through company provided announcements) so that you can clearly communicate to clients
• Consistently upholds Varnish Lane’s standards of cleanliness and tidiness through your shift

What makes you a great fit for Varnish Lane:

• Extremely reliable and punctual. This is a critical component of the role, and we are seeking candidates who are fully confident in their ability to arrive on time for every shift
• Resourceful problem solver with resilience in navigating day-to-day operational challenges
• Clear, confident and collaborative communication style (both verbal and written)
• A desire to work in a space that is warm, fun, supportive and welcoming!

Perks of being a part of the Varnish Lane family:

• Dedicated HR support and guidance in enrolling for health insurance, vision dental &401k
• Competitive salary and incentivized bonus structure
• Discounted services and retail products
• Positive work environment
• Potential to grow into a more senior operations role