“Many techs come out of school only knowing how to pass the state board exam and aren’t salon ready. Because we live in the Midwest, there are so few educational opportunities for advanced training,” says Sharon Frenz, owner of The Nail Boutique in Tomah, Wis., and the newly opened Next Step Nails Training. “Most salons want nail techs who can hit the ground running. I hope I can help new techs with education that doesn’t cost a fortune.”

Frenz has been there herself. Six years ago, she had a license to work and not much experience. In a Midwest town with a population of 8,000, there were few working nail techs and only one or two were willing to help her out. “Post-school nail training required extensive travel and time away from my family and my job. The only classes I could find were in other cities and not near where I lived,” she says. “That’s when I decided that when I honed my skills, I would share my expertise and help other professionals in smaller markets.”

Now Next Step Nails Training has officially opened its doors, offering workshops in a new facility. Topics include mastering basic acrylic and gel techniques, e-file certification, quick and easy hand-painted nail art, reverse application, color theory, 3-D art, advanced nail shapes, and even business skills. “Because the classes are small, I can give individual attention to each attendee and fine-tune her skills,” she says.

Throughout the year, visiting and guest nail artists will be scheduled to bring the latest trends and techniques to the Midwest. Frenz will also travel to other areas in the Midwest and will teach workshops with 10 or more pre-paid attendees. Flexible scheduling is available.

For more information, go to www.nextstepnails.com.

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