When Bree Robak started doing nails during her cosmetology program at Mid-Valley High School five years ago, she never dreamed it would be like this.

At the age of 23, Robak is tackling her wildest dreams: owning her own boutique and salon – and doing things exactly how she wants to. Robak is the new owner of The 411 Studio and Boutique in Olyphant, a full-service salon and boutique with a flair for the fun and the unique.

“We always thrived on doing things differently, so that’s what we’re doing here,” Robak said.

Her dreams started with a passion for nails and a little help from Instagram. Robak, known to her followers on Instagram as @nailsbybreee, has nearly 4,500 followers and gained notoriety throughout NEPA as being one of the “Queens of Nail Art” – if you can dream it, she can do it.

“I love Instagram simply because people love pictures,” she said. “I can talk until I’m blue in the face about how great I am at nails, but until you see it, it doesn’t sink in.”

Instagram helped Robak build a clientele who couldn’t get enough of her work.

“I was based out of the Wilkes-Barre area for a while,” she said. “I had girls coming from Hazleton, Berwick, Nanticoke …now that we’re here, we still get those same girls, plus new ones from the Lackawanna County area as well.”

Robak’s new salon came to be two months ago, thanks to a little tip from her mother, Julie Robak.

“I had always thought of opening on my own, and always had it in the back of my head,” she said. “My mom actually had mentioned that to an acquaintance of hers in passing one day and the friend responded that she actually had a salon for rent in Olyphant. There was an opportunity in my lap and I had to take it.”

Robak rebirthed the 411 Salon and Boutique in remarkable fashion, leaving her unique flair on everything she touches.

“When I moved in, I remodeled the place from top to bottom. Everything in here reflects the youthful vibe we’re intending to go for.”

Robak added top-of-the-line manicure and pedicure stations.

“This isn’t a ‘standard’ pedicure – 10 minutes in the tub, 10 minutes of work,” she said. “We do things very differently here. You get a high quality pedicure, nothing less.”

There’s also a full tea bar stocked with a variety of beverages – tea, coffee, flavored waters and more to make the experience a relaxing getaway for all the senses.

Robak brought in her right-hand woman, hair stylist Alicia Mecca, also 23, originally from Moscow.

“I’ve been doing hair for 4 years now. I’ve known Bree on a personal and professional level and when this opportunity came up, it seemed natural,” Mecca said. “I’ve worked in a lot of shops where I was always the youngest one there by a number of years – and it showed in my techniques. Adventurous hair styling and new beauty trends are what I do best. Bree helps foster that and encourages it.”

Mecca specializes in hair coloration– fashion shades such as pastels, balayage, color correction and more.

“I even do men’s cuts,” added Mecca. “I love barbering on top of it all.”

The 411 Studio and Boutique lives up to the latter end of the name. In the front portion of the store is a full line of women’s clothing and jewelry primarily curated by Robak.

411 Studio will celebrate its grand reopening on Oct. 3 starting at 11 a.m. and will feature raffles, discounts and proceeds from services done Oct. 4-10 will benefit a local chapter of the Susan G. Komen foundation to help fight breast cancer.

“I’d tell people to come by and check us out – we have amazing clothes and jewelry for sale, an amazing staff to pamper you and help make you feel incredible,” Robak said. “We like to think we’re definitely a one-stop shop.”

IF YOU GO:

What: 411 Studio and Boutique re-opening celebration

Where: 411 Lackawanna Ave., Olyphant

When: Starts at 11 a.m.

More info: Call 570-483-4883 or facebook.com/the411studioandboutique

Social media: Instagram @nailsbybreee and @hair.by.aliciamarie

Reach the Weekender at 570-829-7242 or at wbw@civitasmedia.com

By Rachel Holly

For Weekender

Bree Robak and Alica Mecca stand in the newly remodeled 411 Salon and Boutique. The business will host its grand re-opening on Oct. 3.
http://www.theweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/web1_nailsbree.jpg.optimal.jpgBree Robak and Alica Mecca stand in the newly remodeled 411 Salon and Boutique. The business will host its grand re-opening on Oct. 3. Rachel Holly | For Weekender

The 411 Salon and Boutique will hold its grand re-opening celebration on Oct. 3.
http://www.theweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/web1_salon.jpg.optimal.jpgThe 411 Salon and Boutique will hold its grand re-opening celebration on Oct. 3. Rachel Holly | For Weekender