New salon offers more than pretty feet

Finding yourself barefoot at The Belfry could turn into a therapeutic experience for your feet.

Tracy Streeter Foteff, owner of Sisters' newest nail salon, Barefoot at The Belfry, has been a nail technician for over 20 years.

"I am a master nail technician and I operate above the state standards," she said.

Foteff lived in Portland when she graduated beauty school in 1990. She worked as a dental office manager at the time and then added her new part-time career as a nail technician into the scheme of things.

"It's helpful to have a medical background when dealing with sterilization procedures as a nail technician. It was the perfect combination for me," said Foteff.

The American Podiatric Medical Association urges people to be aware of the risks involved in getting pedicures. Unsanitary conditions can lead to the spread of foot funguses, bacteria and more.

"I use a jetless, germless footbath. I don't use jets because they can harbor infectious bacteria," Foteff said. "It is an enhanced pedicure that is called a medi-pedi."

Her pedicures are more than a beauty treatment. A master nail technician who performs a medi-pedi can recognize a foot condition and then recommend a podiatrist to her clients for treatment.

"The first thing I do is a visual assessment to check for cuts, blisters, etc. If I see anything that looks suspicious then I refer my client to the right service," says Foteff. "Your feet are so important. They take you everywhere from the moment you get out of bed."

Two of Foteff's clients, a woman and her husband, have been coming for pedicures monthly for six years.

"Primarily, Tracy cares and does a fantastic job," the woman said. "She considers seniors and pays attention to their needs. She also offers discounted maintenance."

Foteff administers manicures as well. She uses the same precautions and care for her client's fingernails.

"I want my clients to have an amazing experience during their manicure or pedicure. I am an artist, so I can paint many designs on fingernails and toes. I do nail art for kids' birthday parties. I can turn your toes into looking like cute little lady bugs. It's a lot of fun and all ages are welcome here."

Foteff moved to Sisters nine years ago and works seasonally at Hoodoo Mountain Resort.

At the end of last year, Foteff decided since she had enough clients, she would open her own nail salon in Sisters.

"Besides being a fully functional venue equipped with an event hall, The Belfry rents out suites to artists. In January I rented out one small area for my salon," she said.

The name Barefoot at The Belfry was inspired by her daughter Sydney, who just graduated from Sisters High School.

"I had old-fashioned photos taken of Sydney when she was six with my nephew Tim who was five. In the photo they are both barefoot. I use that photo on my business card," said Foteff.

"I have been managing the retail store in Hoodoo during the ski season and will continue to have Barefoot at The Belfry open part-time during the winter," Foteff said. "My friends and Sisters community have really helped me get my feet off the ground. It's been a great experience opening my own business."

Located at 302 E. Main Ave., Tracy can be reached at 541-390-2657.