
The Beauty Pro Book Club: 4 Reads to Inspire Growth and Success
Four publications for beauty industry professionals to enhance their leadership skills, financial awareness, professional growth, and joy!
It’s not just the spa-like atmosphere at Long Island’s Nail & Skin Institute that makes the school unique. Its financial aid program allows students to receive Title IV funding through the U.S. Department of Education.


It’s not just the spa-like atmosphere at Long Island’s Nail & Skin Institute that makes the school unique. Its financial aid program allows students to receive Title IV funding through the U.S. Department of Education. “It’s difficult to get the Title IV funding,” says Dana Caruso, founder of the Institute. “There is a tremendous amount of red tape and paperwork. It took a few years from start to finish.”
NAILS asked Caruso to tell us more about the accreditation process.
Why make Title IV funding available to students?
Caruso: The Title IV component was implemented due to changes in the economy and students’ needs for additional financial resources to support their education and career goals. It’s very important and something every school owner should consider, because it allows access to education for people who may not have had an opportunity.
How much money do the students typically receive?
Caruso: Students can receive a maximum of $10,000 in Title IV Funding to pay for tuition. They can receive the Pell Grant and subsidized and unsubsidized Direct Stafford Loans.
Describe the process you went through to get accredited.
Caruso: The accreditation process begins with an in-depth self-evaluation study that measures the educational program’s performance against the standards established by the accrediting agency. There is an on-site evaluation during which a team selected by the accrediting agency visits the program to determine first-hand if the applicant meets the established standards. Upon being satisfied that the applicant meets its standards, the accrediting agency grants accreditation or pre-accreditation status. The accrediting agency monitors the program throughout the period of accreditation to verify that it continues to meet the agency’s standards.
How have things changed at the school since you were successful?
Caruso: Since the institute launched in 1996, I have been very fortunate to educate aspiring beauty professionals from a variety of backgrounds with impressive goals for their beauty careers. Their inspiration made it a priority to me as an executive director to be able to continue to provide quality education. Federal funding has afforded many women, who did not have the financial resources needed, educational opportunities.

Four publications for beauty industry professionals to enhance their leadership skills, financial awareness, professional growth, and joy!

The most successful salon suites balance personality, function, and comfort. Megan Communale of My Salon Suite shares her best advice for designing a space that supports your business goals and leaves a lasting impression on every guest.

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When Bowie Lau and Jeffrey Ching opened JBW Jeffrey Ching Salon in 2011, they weren’t just launching another luxury hair destination—they were building a business rooted in passion, artistry, and thoughtful growth.
Sponsored by Amex

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Sponsored by Amex

Want to grow your career as a beauty professional? K18 Sales Manager Sabrina Sanborn shares advice on networking, mentorship, and self-advocacy—from attending hair shows to finding the right guidance to reach your goals.

A combination of clear policies, effective communication, and strong client relationships has helped me create a more reliable and efficient booking system.

Founded by Cleveland serial entrepreneur Shaura Rodgers, Nailtorious has grown to include a nail supply megastore, training facilities, and retail line for nail techs.

This period after the holidays can bring on a huge lull for hairstylists. We asked Cosmo Prof's team of professionals to offer their best advice on how to deal with the January-February slow period.

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Sponsored by Amex

Want to become savvy about your personal finances, but don't quite know where to start? Anna Manukyan identifies six important concepts for building a strong financial foundation.

Salon owner Nuri Yurt had a dream of owning a salon on New York City’s Madison Avenue. "Through perseverance, hard work and stellar customer service, he and partner John Kaygisiz founded Toka Salon in 2007.
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This guide is your one-stop shop for a plethora of technology tools, software and services created to keep your salon or spa thriving.

Anna Manukyan shares a breakdown of what different types of financial accounts should be used for.

Vagaro has consistently been at the forefront of salon software technology, helping businesses be more efficient, create more effective communication, and even improve company culture. Now, Connect by Vagaro, the platform’s two-way communication capability, and Vagaro’s new generative AI tools are giving owners new opportunities to grow and expand.
Sponsored by Vagaro

Young Nails' Greg, Habib, and Tracey discuss whether getting too close to clients can damage your business.