More phone calls than usual have come in, here at NAILS Magazine, from several publications across the country with essentially the same question: “Has Olympic athlete Florence Griffith-Joyner started something new — long nails and nail art?”

Of course we all know the answer is that both have been around for quite a while. What may not be so obvious, even to the pros, is “Why?” Staff writer Jennifer Knox has been talking to several manicurists and clients who thrive on the notoriety resulting from their extra-long nails and flashy art. The timing was coincidental; the article was assigned and completed before all the publicity. It appears in this month’s issue.

Speaking of this month, November is traditionally the time to think about positive things and be thankful. Certainly for those in the nail industry, many advantages should be obvious. The industry has provided opportunities for men and women who are manicurists, salon managers and owners and at every level from education to manufacturing and distributing.

Throughout the United States, Canada and countries overseas, qualified people have worked hard to establish and justify the term “nail care professional.” A good source of income, good work experience, a chance to grow in a variety of directions, (even ideal conditions for moonlighting, as Allison Deerr’s assignment reveals) — all are inherent in manicuring.

Even the public has more options and benefits. Some clients have discovered the joys of having their own healthy nails through regular manicures; others are elated with the results of beautiful artificial nails. The variety of choices may pose some strategic problems for salon owners and technicians, as our cover story points out, but there are ways to solve the profit puzzle. Combine a fresh approach with renewed safety and security measures in your salon (per Lisa Baget’s suggestions) and let this be the start of a safe, rewarding and happy holiday season.

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