Tina Daubenspeck owns the popular Head to Toes nail Salon on Sanibel. She is a whimsical free-spirited soul with a creative flair and a penchant for perfection. You can normally find her chatting and smiling away with clients at the salon.

Where did you spend your childhood?

I grew up in Noblesville, Indiana a small town outside of Indianapolis the north side.

What brought you to Sanibel?

When I was growing up my family and two other family friends would spend the month of July at Loggerhead Cay. There’s only three units per floor and each family had a unit. Man I thought we rocked! We played and had full run of the island. Those endless summers were so amazing! Our families did that for three years. Lots of good times.

What do you enjoy most about Sanibel?

Everything! Its so diverse. Everything you need is here. But mostly its our beaches and teal blue water. But then again sunsets are wonderful, and the sunrise is just as amazing!

We know you own and run the Head to Toes nail salon. What is it like working in that aspect of the beauty business?

I love it ! I like meeting new people, talking with them and hearing them tell me about themselves. I have met alot of amazing people. I love providing my service to help others. Every one is different and doesn’t always need the same treatment. I like that personal touch. I want to make a difference.

How did you get into this line of work? How long have you been keeping people

looking their best?

I didn’t like the way I was treated by the person on the other side. I thought was she clueless. Can’t she see that polish on my skin? What about that hair on the tip of my nail? And on and on… I’ve been pampering people for about 15 years. Hope to be hear 15 more!

We hear you are

pretty popular among the clients. What do you attribute your loyal followers to?

I try to treat every one the way I would like to be treated – do the service the way its supposed to be done. I only use the top of the line products, also.

So dish with us Tina – who are some of your more well-known clients? What

services do they like best?

Most people already know that Willard Scott is a long time client and of course its my pedicure service he craves. It’s the customized pedicure he likes which he started after having knee surgery. But everyone in my book is treated the same, you are not just a ticket, but a friend, a friend who’s here when you need me.

What is some of your memorable nail art requests?

American Flag, daisies, every type of French imaginable, watermelons, lady bugs, I’ve even done a black Scottie on a big toe.

Any advice on helping manicures and

pedicures last longer?

Whether its me polishing your nails or yourself, make sure the the nail plate is clean before applying your basecoat.

You always look so fashionable and chic? Can you share some of your secrets to dress success?

I love going to thrift stores and second hand consignment stores, you know those cute little boutiques that sell vintage designers. I love accessories! Long chunky necklaces, longer the better dresses up any outfit.

What do you do when you are done with work? What are your hobbies and

interests?

My daughter is my everything. Chloe is a varsity cheerleader and softball player as well. So I’m pretty busy with her after school activities.

At least their games are in the evening, that’s when I volunteer for Bishop Verot Viking Pride Program. I’m at every home football game selling school memorabilia, watching the game and the students and of course the cheerleaders! But when I can I like to stop by my all my little boutiques to see what treasure I might add to my closet.

What is your family life like?

Dysfunctional of course!

What is something most people would be surprised to learn about you?

That I actually went to high school here at Fort Myers High.

What are your long/short-term goals?

To make it through this month and next, and to be healthy, stay healthy.

Most people know you as a bubbly, outgoing person. What do you attribute your

happiness to?

My happiness comes from the unconditional love and support from

Ted and chloe and family, friends and faith. That’s all I need, really.