Today we’re talking with Erin Vars, Magpie USA Beauty Educator and owner of Nails by Erin & Co. in Williston, Florida. She sees a full clientele on a daily basis but had just become a new educator at the start of the pandemic. I spoke with her a few days ago to get her insights on in-person education during the pandemic.
TRACY: Tell me a little about your academy set-up at your salon headquarters.
ERIN: My classes are all-inclusive, meaning that you just show up. No need to bring lots of things with you, because I furnish those items to make travel easier on you.
TRACY: How do you feel the pandemic has affected you as a brand new educator within the industry?
ERIN: There have been many challenges with getting my classes up and going. The biggest hurdle is the fact that people are still afraid to gather in person. My studio would normally house 10 students, but social distancing recommendations have taken that down to three or four. Many of them do not feel confident, just yet, coming back into a classroom.
TRACY: How have you been able to adapt to the pandemic's challenges?
ERIN: Within a few weeks of becoming an educator, I was already seeing and feeling the effects of the pandemic. I thought, “Why not offer my classes over zoom?" The schools were doing it quite successfully, and it should work for me. And it did!
TRACY: What incentives do you offer for taking your online classes?
ERIN: My students are given a class code that they can use for products through Magpie beauty once they’ve completed their course. I also offer private Facebook groups for continued help and troubleshooting afterwards, so they can really master their techniques.
Erin has a beautiful classroom set up, with all latest technology and a refreshment bar. If you’re in her area and need specialized help, she would love to talk with you about scheduling a class. Feel free to contact her on social media at Nails by Erin & Company.
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