My biggest learning experience came from ordering products without researching them properly.

Julie Pecanty Perry

JuJu Does Nails, Brookhaven, Miss.

OH MY ACHING BACK

I’ve been in this business for 22 years and my biggest mistake was NOT listening to my body —specifically the lower back.

LaSharn Newbill

My enHANDSments by LaSharn, Bolingbrook, Ill. & Elkridge, Md.

THE FIX IS IN

Eight years ago I was a struggling nail tech fresh out of school and I told my clients I would fix breaks for free. It has helped me to be able to do a repair quickly but I find clients take advantage of the fact that it’s free.

Regina Hoffman Contreras

Premier Nails, Fremont, Ohio

BEING TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF

My biggest mistake has been making exceptions for people, i.e. price breaks, not enforcing policies, and being too lenient.

When you give some people an inch, they can sometimes take a foot. This is my business and in order for you to respect it I have to respect it. 

Shawn A. Wilkins

Chicago, Ill.

FINDING YOUR SPECIALTY

One mistake I’ve learned from is that as nail techs we don’t have to offer every kind of nail service. We usually start out as nail techs wanting to do and offer every nail service. Big mistake. Hone in on a specialty and you build a stronger clientele.    

Lynn Nicolai

Manicures to You, Naperville, Ill.