
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!
Giving new meaning to "oversharing," we hear from nail technicians who have had some jaw-dropping moments in the nail salon, courtesy of their clients.

Shocking but true, nail techs spill the client tea.
Alexey Marcov from Pixabay
“She was going to kill her husband and just exactly how she was going to do it.” - Pam Kempf
The rest of the story: “She was having an affair and owned a company with her husband, but didn't want to split it, so she devised a plan to have him hit by a car. She had his routine, the cross streets that it would happen and the time he would be hit. This went on for a couple of visits. I was a new tech in the salon so I didn't know what to do--do you tell and it not be true so you lose a client, if you don't say something someone might die? Well, in the end I couldn't keep it to myself so I talked with the owner of the salon. On the lady's next visit she told me her husband walked in on her and her boyfriend. Apparently, he was ok with her affair, after all, and they continued to stay married.”
“My client told me that she was gagged and tied up. I was trying to tell if it was consensual...and it was.” - Skylar Young
The rest of the story: “She was tied to a chair and gagged and her boyfriend took pictures. The chair fell over and she looked dead. After the film developed, she realized it wasn’t sexy and they broke up shortly afterwards. The apartment staff found the pics left in the apartment and a detective showed up at her job because he thought she was MURDERED.”
“An elderly customer who I did for years was having a conversation about leaking. She stood up, pulled her pants down to show me the pad she was wearing. I was staring at an 86 year old vagina!” - Brenda Rogers Gibson
“See the lady getting her hair done behind me? I’m sleeping with her husband.” I almost fell over. - Melanie Rivera-Maurice
“My 63 year old client said she was doing 'granny' porn. When she made the the centerfold she brought it in and asked if I wanted it autographed. It really didn't bother me much until I saw the centerfold..."-Gina Estrada
“When I first got out of nail school I had a client that wanted a pedicure with gel and an acrylic fill. (Granted I was new to the industry and I did the best that I could do). When I was finished she looked at me and said I need to quit my job and I did the worst job that she had ever seen. The client also called me a horrible nail tech. I cried right in front of her, then walked away.” - Delia Caruso
“A client said ‘I went into solitary confinement for 30 days so I wouldn't have to cut off my stiletto nails!" - Julia Montney Paul

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.

Square data shows that regular customers tip 11% higher and are shared across 32% of businesses in the same ZIP code, driving thousands of dollars in additional revenue per connection.

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

Inside the Systems That Power an Elevated Salon Experience From seamless online booking to a team-first culture, J Gold Salon in Atlanta offers more than great hair—it delivers consistent, high-touch service with the help of partners like Boulevard and American Express.
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.

Key highlights include a push toward inclusive spaces for all abilities, an emphasis on maximizing livable square footage, and a continued love for modern farmhouse exteriors.

The busy holiday season is here, and with it comes jam-packed days, last-minute client requests and booming retail sales. For many salon owners, the highlight of the season is Small Business Saturday® (SBS). This year on Saturday, November 30, consumers can take their shopping into the small businesses in their communities.
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.
Sponsored by Amex

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.