Manufacturer’s Association... Are we ready?

The behind-the-scenes discussion taking place within the industry, and becoming increasingly widespread, center on the possibility of a manufacturer/supplier based association ... one that could plan, promote and protect the nail industry and the nail technician.

The idea and discussions, largely due to the efforts of several dedicated and long range thinking individuals, is finally becoming more acceptable and serious, partly it seems to the growing number of nail shows, suppliers and salons entering the industry, and partly we hope from a very real desire to see this industry continue to grow in a healthy environment.

The benefits, in our minds, far out weigh the minor problems of ego and the logistics that such an effort would take. By assembling a group of individuals that can discuss, and offer solutions to, the problems peculiar to this industry and the technician, this microcosm of the beauty industry takes one more step toward furthering its unique and very real identity.

Beyond that, it would afford the industry a base of support, a collective vision and direction that can support and continue the growth that we’ve all seen just in the last few years.

There have been other attempts at associations; in fact the industry supports several manicurist-oriented associations currently. And this effort would not and should not eliminate or subjugate the associations in existence ... this industry needs manicurist associations just as it does a manufacturer-based association; there are problems unique to both groups.

Associations require a great deal of work and a commitment to a vision ... it is not something that should be jumped into. However, to paraphrase an old yet appropriate cliché, united we stand...