In December of last year, Nina's Psychic Shop, the mysterious and often-closed palm reading joint on Divisadero, shut its doors for good. The 1,260-square-foot space has been under construction for the past few months, and now we have confirmation of its new tenant. CANE, a sugaring studio and training facility for estheticians, will be opening its doors before the end of the year. 

Business partners Carrie Baltezore and Amy Ephraim have years of experience in hair removal. In 2005, Baltezore opened HABIT, a Marina waxing studio; Ephraim, who has worked at HABIT for the past four years, is a certified educator for the Alexandria Professional Body Sugaring flagship studio.

One of the treatment rooms at HABIT. (Photo: Janice C./Yelp)

For those unfamiliar with sugaring, it's a hair removal process used as a gentle alternative to waxing. It's arguably more effective at removing short, deeply-rooted hairs, and results last longer. Baltezore says that even though she started HABIT as a waxing studio, 70 percent of its business is now devoted to sugaring, which encouraged her to start a business focused on the service. 

The Divisadero location was chosen in part due to its curious history. "You can't really resist snatching up a space with such funny rumors," Baltezore told us.

The pair is friendly with other local business owners along the corridor, and are regular patrons of the neighborhood's restaurants and shops. "We can't wait to open our doors and serve the clients we know exist in this area. In the meantime, Nopa's burgers are keeping us sane," Baltezore says. "That, and their cocktail list."

We'll keep you in the loop with CANE's plans as work wraps up, and will let you know when the sugaring studio opens its doors.