How One Nail Tech Keeps It Fresh After 24 Years with One Company

Editor’s note: Just because she’s worked for the same company for 24 years doesn’t mean nail tech Cindy Stamper is standing still. NAILS asked Stamper to explain how it is she keeps motivated after all this time.

I have been a licensed nail technician for 25 years, and spent 24 of those years working for the same company — Premier Salons. I changed locations once after 14 years, but continued working for the same company. I have seen the industry change since my first nails-only show in the ’80s, where we argued whether tips with overlay would be the next up-and-coming thing.

How do I stay motivated and fulfilled? I love change — something most nail technicians are afraid of. I attend any class I can find and I will try any new product out there. My clients are excited to come and see me — they’re always wondering what I will have for them next.

Even after 24 years with Premier Salons, I am still happy and excited to go to work each day. I love my clients. The company has been sold several times and my job duties have changed over the course of the years. I used to be an in-house educator for all new-hires who attended a three-day intensive training as part of their interview process. Since that position was eliminated (we now use manufacturers’ educators to train our staff), I now am happy to attend all classes pertaining to our business and use every bit of information I absorb to apply it to my business. Today, I work four days a week behind my table servicing my clients, and for the last nine years I have been an OPI educator. I get the best of both worlds: working with other nail techs sharing my knowledge and experience (and learning from them as well), as well as getting behind my table and giving it all back to my clients.

Working for a big company, we change products often, sometimes choosing the most cost-effective product over what really works the best. I purchase most of my supplies myself so I have control over this. I attend shows and classes and read every bit of information on nails I can find to keep up with the ever-changing industry.

As an employee of Premier Salons I have acquired four weeks of vacation, personal days and holidays off, and a 401(k), not to mention an employee discount for the Marshall Field’s department store we are located in. Medical, dental, and vision benefits are also available.

Working with people and nails are my passion. I learn so much every day, and it’s never boring.

Cindy Stamper is a nail technician at Premier Salons in Marshall Field’s in Westland, Mich.