The HRTE Recap, Pricing, and More

I can't believe summer is here already! I have officially been open for eight months now. Business is steady, and I'm very happy with that. After tax season this year, I raised my prices and to my amazement not one client complained. In fact, many of them said they would never leave me. It was so great to feel appreciated.

The increase in price isn't the only thing that has changed at my studio. I have been having major problems with my back. Because of that, I made the decision to resign from traveling and working at beauty shows. Instead I am going to focus my energy toward my health, first and foremost, and then my business. I am focusing on getting even the little tasks completed. For instance, my hubby helped me hang all of my educational certificates this weekend. I am also setting aside money to attend as many educational opportunities as possible. This studio is my dream and I want to offer my clients the best of everything.

I recently attended The HRTE in Portland, Ore., and I have to say it was worth every penny and then some. The education offered was above and beyond any training I have attended so far. Jim McConnell of Light Elegance gave us an in-depth look at the science behind our business, and it was incredible! I also had the opportunity to be the model for my friend, Denise Anderson, in a private class with Carla Collier. I was so inspired by her words of wisdom that I have been practicing, practicing, practicing. Jamie Schrabeck of Precision Nails also gave us sound advice about how to run our businesses efficiently. Finally, I had the opportunity to stalk Sandy Combs and just absorb all of her overflowing creativity. I even purchased the entire Hand & Nail Harmony acrylic color line and Sandy is a rep for them — they are so beautiful!

In the next few weeks I will be seeing a surgeon and making the decision as to whether I will be having back surgery. Depending on that, my summer plans in the studio may be drastically changed, but as for now, my intentions are to host several play dates with my nail tech girl friends to exchange as much knowledge as possible. I will also be having a booth at our Summerfest, here in Dallas, Ore., to promote my studio.

—Marie, All Polished Up!, Dallas, Ore.