Most nail techs aren’t crazy about their clients doing their own nails, but Yuriko Hoshina has made it part of her business, expanding her clientele by offering do-it-yourself nail art sessions at her supply store, Gellipop, in Torrance, Calif. Aspiring nail artists can drop in to do their nails or hold a nail art party with friends. “Since I’m a supplier, I have a lot of sample colors. Most of these products are so easy to use, and I wanted customers who are not professional nail technicians to be able to use and enjoy them,” explains Hoshina. Her minimum for a party is five participants, but she finds that groups tend to be larger than that. Individual sessions are walk-in only and cost $14.95 for the first hour, and an additional $2.45 for every 15 minutes thereafter.
Hoshina is an Akzentz and Crystal Culture educator, and she offers a variety of education opportunities for nail techs, but the DIY studio sessions primarily attract non-professionals. “Nail techs usually take the fee-based classes, or attend the free class I teach every second Monday of the month,” she explains. Hoshina thinks the concept is worth expanding. “I’d love to franchise this shop, so if there’s anyone who is interested, please let me know,” she says.
Canvas Recruit — a recruitment, education, and networking platform developed by two industry veterans — gives beauty professionals and students the ability to create beautiful digital resumes (“canvases”), apply for job openings, and collaborate with like-minded professionals.
SpotOn Salon appointment software includes a self-check-in function that integrates with scheduling, loyalty, marketing, and payment processing functions.
Greenwood, S.C.-based nail tech Orma Swearinger has a special insight into how nail products are made: She has worked at a specialty chemical company for nearly 20 years.
In a recent interview with NTNA champion and NAILS guest editor Valerie Ducharme, she reminded me that everything happens too quickly, and that the best course of action is usually to enjoy the moment rather than dread it.
Under proposed legislation, only hair service providers would be exempted from new independent contractor guidelines that severely limit booth rental in California.
100 nail techs and educators gathered at Ramah Darom Camp and Conference Center (about an hour and a half north of Atlanta) for nail education, networking, and fun. See what the experience was like in this video.
