Newbie nail tech Starr Rooks
My update: I graduated from The Academy of Nails and Esthetics in Charlotte, N.C., in August 2012. Since graduation I have been preparing for my state board exam, which I will take by the end of 2012. I have also been using the small break to work on new and updated versions of the practice sheets that I offered on my student blog for future and current nail students as well as new techs. I’m also planning on moving to Greensboro, N.C., to work with my mentor Chanda Jenkins. Chanda was a tremendous help to me while I was in school, and I am so excited about the opportunity to work with her. I know I am going to learn so much. There are so many opportunities in this industry. I can’t wait to experience all it has to offer.
Newbie nail tech Karyn Lenhart
My update: I graduated from Citrus Heights Beauty College in Citrus Heights, Calif., in January 2010, and took (and passed!) my state board exam the following month. During that time I was a student blogger for NAILS Magazine, which was followed by a year of blogging for NAILS’ Blueprint of a First Year. My prior training started in 2004. I became an esthetician and massage therapist and have actively been working in the industry since then. I currently work out of a studio office in Roseville, Calif. My business is Body, Skin and Nails by Karyn. My space is set up in such a way that allows me to use all of my training — massage therapy, esthetics, and nails. Adding nails to my menu of services was a huge business booster for me. I focus on natural nail manicures and pedicures and soak-off gel services.
Read on as Starr and Karyn interview six long-time salon owners.
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Veteran Tech: Jill Wright
Salon Name: Jill’s — A Place for Nails, Bowling Green, Ky.
Years in Business: 25
Number of nail techs/employees at salon: 1
Interviewed by: Starr
Q: What is the secret to keeping your salon open so long?
A: Building solid relationships with your clients so they know they can always count on you. You can do the most fantastic nails in the world, but if you flake out on your clients by showing up only when you feel like working, continuously running late, or not returning their messages promptly, then your clients will go searching for a more reliable nail tech.
Q: Can you give at least three secrets to success for a long-term salon?
A: 1. Don’t open a salon fresh out of beauty school because despite what you think, you don’t know squat. Work under someone you respect in this business, at least for a few years in order to learn what to do and what NOT to do when it comes to running a salon.
2. Take as many business classes as you can because doing nails is only 50% of your career. The other 50% is the business of running the salon such as budgeting, marketing, purchasing, projecting, paying bills, taking inventory, etc.
3. You have to bring in more cash than you spend to keep your salon going, which is why buying in bulk to save money and cutting out waste (unnecessary purchases) is so important.
Q: Do you have any advice for new techs beginning their career?
A: Don’t expect this to be easy because it’s not. If you throw in the towel when the going gets tough (basically the first five years) then you’ll never reap the rewards of having a full book of loyal clients, owning your own salon, or experiencing a fulfilling career with autonomy that pays so well.
Veteran Tech: MaeLing Parrish
Salon Name: Nail Sensation — Nails by MaeLing, Reynoldsburg, Ohio
Years in Business: 22
Number of nail techs/employees at the salon: 3
Interviewed by: Starr
Q: What is the secret to keeping your salon open so long?
A: Treat your clients like you would want to be treated and do your best work every time — no cutting corners.
Q: Can you give at least three secrets to success for a long-term salon?
A: 1. Be professional.
2. Do your best work.
3. Treat staff and coworkers with respect.
Q: Do you have any advice for new techs beginning their career?
A: Practice, practice, practice! Try to find a quality salon with experienced nail techs who are willing to help you in the beginning. Don’t be afraid to ask for help — ever.
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Veteran Tech: Maisie Dunbar
Salon Name: Maisie Dunbar Spa Lounge, Silver Spring, Md.
Years in Business: 19
Number of nail techs/employees at salon: 9
Interviewed by: Starr
Q: What is the secret to keeping your salon open so long?
A: Being true to who I am — I don’t compromise and I’m committed to education (staying ahead of myself). I have also been innovative and understand that, for me, failure isn’t an option.
Q: Can you give at least three secrets to success for a long-term salon?
A: 1. Understand you will be the first one there and the last one to leave.
2. Operate your business with integrity.
3. Educate yourself and your team constantly.
Q: Do you have any advice for new techs beginning their career?
A: Find a great mentor. Arrive to work on time. Never forget the people who help you. Always remain humble. Remember, you are in the business of selling beauty; you always have to look like it. Be honest. And don’t burn any bridges.
Veteran Tech: Ami McClure & Traci Dungan
Salon Name: ProFiles, Cape Coral, Fla.
Years in Business: 16
Number of nail techs/employees at salon: 18
Interviewed by: Karyn
Q: What is the secret to keeping your salon open so long?
A: It’s all about the staff! Keep your staff happy and they will keep the clients coming back.
Q: Can you give at least three secrets to success for a long-term salon?
A: 1. Keep your staff happy.
2. Create a healthy and encouraging work environment.
3. Be a present salon owner.
Q: Do you have any advice for new techs beginning their career?
A: If you are opening a salon, you can’t do it all! It’s been hard to learn to delegate, but your chances of a happier, longer career in this industry will be greater with a good business partner. For nail techs: Keep up on trends, go to shows, attend classes, and find a way to make yourself different and then market your differences. There are nail shops in every plaza in every city. What are you going to do to stand out?
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Veteran Tech: LaShaun Brown-Glenn
Salon Name: Nails Naturally Hand and Foot Spa, Chicago
Years in Business: 24
Number of nail techs/employees at the salon: 4
Interviewed by: Karyn
Q: What is the secret to keeping your salon open so long?
A: I nurture my business and I am never satisfied. I always want to make it better. I have always wanted my staff to truly feel like a part of the business; we are all responsible for the success of it. I include my staff in most decisions, including the new-hire interview process.
It is my goal to provide a great guest experience, a meticulous service, educate the guest on service and products, and build relationships. Twenty-four years later, we still ask our guests, “Are you pleased with your service today?” We never forget to thank them for another chance to service them. After all, they pass a million salons to get to us and they should know that we appreciate them.
Q: Can you give at least three secrets to success for a long-term salon?
A: 1. Be a good leader. You must lead by example and be willing to do more than everyone else. Also, push your staff to be in the top of their field and support them as they grow and maybe open their own business one day. It should make you proud, as it is a reflection of you.
2. Communication is key. Have an open door policy and build trust with your staff. Do not have a “my way or the highway” mentality. Share your vision for your business with your staff and get a commitment from them to live the vision.
3. Affirm and reward. Always tell your staff what they are doing well. Keep them excited, motivated, and looking forward to coming to your (their) place of business each day.
4. Schedule an appointment at other salons in your area that are your true competition and compare the experience. Be honest about your visit. Talk about what was good and what needed improvement as well as areas that you are willing to improve on.
5. Share with your staff your growing pains and always come from a place of honesty. Don’t reinvent the wheel; people are already running their businesses successfully. Find a model you like and make it your own.
Q: Do you have any advice for new techs beginning their career?
A: Do not open your business without a plan. There is a quote that states, “People don’t plan to fail, they just fail to plan.” If you are going to be successful in your business you have to set goals and have a plan of action. Have a vision for your business and see the outcome in your mind. Write down what you want your business to look like and the type of guests that you want to service.
Know that you are in business for yourself even if you work in someone else’s salon. You are responsible for the success of that eight square feet that you work in.
Always look for opportunities to cross-market with other businesses within a mile radius of your location.
Veteran Tech: Renee Marie Borowy
Salon Name: VIP Salon & Spa, Riverview, Mich.
Years in Business: 26
Number of nail techs/employees at salon: 65
Interviewed by: Karyn
Q: What is the secret to keeping your salon open so long?
A: First of all, there is no secret! The answer lies within all of us — it is respect. I respect my employees and our customers. I feel if we really respect and listen to them they will in turn do the same. I also feel that my employees have a life even though I have a business. What I mean by that is that yes, I have to run my business and have employees to survive, however if everyone pitches in and helps each other when situations are needed such as time off — it works!
Q: Can you give at least three secrets to success for a long-term salon?
A: 1. Give back to the community that supports your business. This is done in so many ways from helping them with homecoming and prom specials to donating for someone in the community that is in need or simply taking out ads to help support them in the local school projects.
2. Having a consistently high quality of workmanship and backing up that quality if there ever is a problem.
3. Always provide the “latest and greatest” for our employees and customers. You want them to feel excited when they come in to the salon knowing that you have all of the latest products and trends. All they have to do is walk in our doors to find it!
Q: Do you have any advice for new techs beginning their career?
A: Make sure you know what the federal and state government rules are when you are determining if you want to be a booth renter or an employee. Secondly, education is key. It doesn’t matter if there are 10 salons next to each other if you offer your client a fabulous service on a consistent basis. The value you give (not discounts) for the service that you are performing, education to help her understand what it is she needs to maintain the beautiful treatments that you are providing, and a clean and sanitized work area where she feels comfortable putting her hands and feet are also very important. Listen to your client and her needs and not your own. Letting her see the latest in our industry shows her your true passion and commitment and she will not only be dedicated to you, she will not miss appointments because you will have a waitlist.
I have been a nail technician/owner for almost 30 years. This is one of the greatest industries to be a part of. You can use your creativity and develop great relationships that will be with you throughout life. The passion that I feel is so rewarding when I can help teach and give back to technicians who want a life in our industry, whether it be a veteran technician or someone just starting out. We have so much today to promote, educate, and create beautiful nails. It is a great time to be a nail technician!
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