Founder Debbie Canadas found herself making the trip to San Francisco whenever a special occasion called for a top quality mani-pedi. She wanted to bring these experiences to her hometown of Half Moon Bay, so when the opportunity arose, she set out to create her vision of the perfect mani-pedi shop that locals and visitors alike could enjoy. Her goal was to create a clean, fume-free, artistically curated plant filled space where the products would be natural and eco-friendly. The mani-pedis would be luxurious and detailed oriented at approachable prices. Guests would be welcomed by friendly staff and relax with a cup of organic tea or glass of bubbly.
Debbie’s belief is that beauty and pampering shouldn’t come at the expense of the planet, animal welfare, your health or the health and safety of nail technicians. Her passion for everything natural comes from her mother Karla, who was a pioneer of good nutrition and taught her that all things should be healthy and natural: from the food we eat to the household cleaners and beauty products we use.
Alma and Bee is a place that celebrates family, friends, and heritage. The shop was the former home of Debbie’s husband Tony’s Great Aunt Diva, purchased in the 1920s and where his Aunt Loretta was raised. Debbie and Tony made sure to honor his aunt’s heritage when helping to restore the home. Many vintage features remain and a variety of original, family photos can be found in the shop.