FingerNailFixer

Read All About the Nail Talk Radio Cruise!

by Holly Schippers | January 17, 2017 | Bookmark +
Photo of some of the attendees on one of the formal nights after dinner.

Photo of some of the attendees on one of the formal nights after dinner.

I have returned from the Nail Talk Radio Nail Those Profits cruise and there’s so much fun to share with you. It was nice to be off the grid for a bit and relax, as well as get some education and fun in the sun. The trip itself was an adventure in addition to everything that happened around it! Let’s delve into it from beginning to end and then you can find out how to make sure you are on it next year.

The airport shooting created chaos and confusion while also reminding us to be thankful for the gift of being together.

The airport shooting created chaos and confusion while also reminding us to be thankful for the gift of being together.

As cruisers were flying in the day before embarking on the ship, a tragedy occurred in the form of shootings at the local airport. Some were present, some stuck on planes, and many rerouted. We were fortunate that none in our nail family were harmed even though some were on the flight with the shooter. This event made the coming week more poignant, thankful to have careers we love, and a celebration of knowledge and family.

The "Famous" wedding of Pam Black, incorporated Nail Talk Radio's Braden Jahr as officiant, and Athena Elliott as the "Dadi" flower girl.

The "Famous" wedding of Pam Black, incorporated Nail Talk Radio's Braden Jahr as officiant, and Athena Elliott as the "Dadi" flower girl.

Before leaving the hotel, on the morning of the cruise, Pam Black of Famous Names was married to her fiancé Jason by Braden Jahr of Nail Talk Radio. Talk about a lucky nail tech, having a spouse who calls the nail cruise a honeymoon … anyone jealous!?! It was a beautiful ceremony with yours truly as one of the photographers and adorable Dadi lotion and oil gifts in organza bags matching the wedding colors. After the wedding it was time to grab a cupcake, your cruise swag backpack, and your luggage to load up on the bus and head for the ship.

Elaine Watson and Nadja Freud wave from their place in the muster drill.

Elaine Watson and Nadja Freud wave from their place in the muster drill.

There’s a bountiful buffet waiting for you as you climb aboard the ship, a quick mandatory muster drill to teach you what to do in an emergency, and your “nailcation” has officially begun. The week is full of island stops in addition to classes on the ship while it’s at sea. If you are prone to motion sickness, make sure you are proactive in your packing! The island stops are awesome, however the focus is education.

The day-one classes consisted of business-building ideas with Elaine Watson: how to make your cruise money back and then some, in addition to a glimpse of her history. She stressed that the nail business is not a hobby and that we should not treat it as such! She was followed by Traci and Ami of Profiles who showed five trending looks that were not only wearable, but salon-friendly services that techs could take home and offer immediately. They also warned that we should be consistent in pricing of nail trends from one client to the next. Having a design menu or charging by the minute or hour could help.

Attendees look on as Amy Becker and Athena Elliott combine forces to explain some salon techniques.

Attendees look on as Amy Becker and Athena Elliott combine forces to explain some salon techniques.

The second day of classes began with Amy Becker giving tips for improving salon speed using gel. Something that she really would like for techs to understand is that you should pick up more gel than you need, as some of it will always stay on the brush. If you find your gels are lacking the arch or you always get them a little too thin and they crack, this could be the root of the issue. Nadja Freund followed Amy with some tips for hand painting, going around to assist each attendee with technique.

After an amazing lunch, class is back in session with the FingerNailFixer — oh wait, that’s me! #NailEyes is the subject under discussion: what they are, how to cultivate them, then how to break down what you see to make money. Just do a search of the hashtag to see some of the amazing designs that came from the class! After that it is time for some fun in the sun on the ship until the next day.

A group of attendees hit the sea for a day of snorkeling off St Maarten.

A group of attendees hit the sea for a day of snorkeling off St Maarten.

Learning day three began with Nellie Neal showing his signature foot massage. He prefers to offer clients an experience versus a service. This builds loyalty in addition to establishing your value which helps with client retention when it comes time to raise your prices. The service they might find elsewhere, the experience they cannot. Following his segment is the first Tech Talk of 2017 with Associated Nail Professionals' Rise Carter. Rise offers sound advice and information on the wisdom of carrying liability insurance as a nail professional, in addition to questions to ask of your current provider to ensure you are safe from law suit happy people. Several attendees gave personal testimony supporting the importance of coverage by a company that understands what you do.

Athena Elliott rounded out the morning with demonstrations using rocks, gems, and snakeskin, in addition to creating custom cabochons on the nail. They can range from simple, natural nail designs to elaborate embellishments over an enhancement. The afternoon offered a choice of some time with your favorite educator or entering the competition. There was some great talent represented in the competition and happy nail techs getting some freestyle time with educators so they can ask questions that didn’t fall into the scope of class or delve further into what they learned.

Winner Christina Cronk did these adorable cruise-themed nails to take first place in the competition.

Winner Christina Cronk did these adorable cruise-themed nails to take first place in the competition.

There are a few things you miss from this brief overview: running into people you see in magazines at breakfast, dressed like you, and willing to chat with you; group dinners over three course meals where at least one educator is at every single table; experiencing other cultures and opening your mind to new experiences with fellow nail professionals.

If you are interested in joining me on the cruise next year, here is the official information for sign up:

#NTRATSEA sailing for the Mexican Riviera from L.A.

February 3-10, 2018

Rooms range from $499 per person for an interior quad to $849 for a balcony duo.

You must book through Ship to Shore to be included in all Nail Those Profits events and classes on the cruise. Booking number is 800-809-6623.

Deposit to reserve your spot now is $250. The cruise will have a limited number of spaces to keep the ratio of educators to attendees reasonable. Seminar fee is $299 for attendees wishing to attend classes. You are welcome to book a spouse, client, friend, etc., to share your room and they will not owe the seminar fee. If you sign up in January 2017, you will have 10 months to make payments and break it down into smaller increments.

The education line up will be announced by the end of February 2017. Half of the cruisers who just disembarked have already signed up and paid the deposit for the next one! Hope to see you on the seas next year.

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