LUSK - Tuff as Nails and Tanning beloved owner Sherry Ellis will be officially passing her nail file to Heidi Cardwell on August 9.

For many of Ellis’ customers, there is the anticipated sadness that accompanies bidding farewell to their favorite nail artisan. Simultaneously, there is happiness over Ellis commencing a new chapter in her life. Ellis, who purchased her business over 15 years ago, has been a staple of the Lusk business community.

Now, Ellis plans to marry her long-time beau, Scott, and relocate to South Dakota, where she will help run a family ranch.  

Cardwell moved to Niobrara County in 2011 with her husband Tom and her oldest daughter to be closer to her husband’s family. A year after moving, both unforeseen tragedy and joy struck the Cardwell family. Cardwell discovered that she was pregnant. Yet, this joyous occasion was overshadowed when Tom was diagnosed with cancer. Sadly, Tom passed away. Cardwell then decided it was time to move into the town of Lusk, thereby situating her girls closer to their friends. Despite this change of venue, Cardwell still helped with her husband’s family with their ranch. Since she lost her husband, Cardwell has been focused on her two girls. Cardwell stated that family is chief among her concerns.

Ellis and Cardwell are not strangers. Both are from the same area. Ellis’s family was close to the family of Cardwell’s husband.

“Sherry has been doing my nails for 10 years,” Cardwell said.

Before Cardwell married her husband, she became certified working with hair and nails. She was employed at a salon in JC Penny’s for three years, where she worked with acrylic nails and eventually progressed to working with gel on nails. After marriage, she stepped away from this work to raise her young daughter.

“I have been taking care of people that needed end-of-life help, hospice care and estate work,” Cardwell said. “Sherry and I had a deal put together to take over her business. We had talked last year. I told her that if I didn’t take it, I would help her sell it. Then one day, Sherry called me and said, ‘Well my house has sold!’”

The sale of Ellis’ home was the final push that compelled Cardwell to take over Tuff as Nails and Tanning. Cardwell will be inheriting all of the equipment, tanning beds, gel nail products and Ellis’ clientele.

“I’m going back to doing something that makes me happy,” Cardwell said. “My girls are excited about me taking over. They already have plans with their friends to get their nails done.”

Ellis has been helping Cardwell with the business’ transition. In particular, Ellis has been advising Cardwell concerning customers’ preferences. Additionally, Ellis has been helping Cardwell to brush up on doing manicures and pedicures.

Cardwell will eventually bring new items to her shop, including doTERRA Oils and Zyia Active Wear. The latter item has been sold by Cardwell for some time.

“I don’t really have a place for the stuff. So, with how many people I’ll see, I thought I’d bring some stuff down to the shop and sell it,” she said.

Cardwell has no plans to change anything with Tuff as Nails and Tanning. It will retain the same name. Cardwell said that she will do her best to keep the rates the same. Of course, inflation might necessitate some adjustments. She is willing to try some nail art.

Cardwell is going to keep the same business hours, which will be Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Friday, the business will be closed. The only change that Cardwell has in mind is the removal of the landline telephone. She will be using her cell phone for the business.

“Another a reason I want to do this is that older folks have my heart,” Cardwell told the Herald. “I can visit with them more. And, I just want to thank God for all of this, too. He answered our prayers.”

“I am so blessed that she [Cardwell] taking it over,” Ellis said. “Everything has been falling into place for me. So, it is time. I am going to miss Lusk. It will always be my hometown. I can’t say a bad thing about this community. I just want to thank the community for supporting me all these years and I will miss everyone.”