Are you secretive, preferring to keep the information knowledge, and skills you have acquired through the years to yourself, or do you love to share all you know and have with your fellow nail techs?

Some nail techs fear that if they divulge too much it may take away from their own business, while others believe that the more nail techs, the better the industry becomes as a whole.

We asked a salon owner, a booth renter, and an employee that question. Here’s what they had to say.

Salon Owner: Renne Borowy, VIP Salon & Spa, Riverview, Mich.

We help other salons I feel that we should not be competitive with each other. My mother once told me that there is enough business to go around when you put your heart into something.

I worked with another salon owner, Sharon Matle, a few years ago to put together a salons against MMA initiative. It was such a great feeling to be able to help other nail technicians. I also receive a call from a struggling nail technician and invited her to my salon for help with her techniques. Other salon owners often ask us for help because we are well respected in our area.

I believe we are a hand-working, creative group of people, and will do whatever it takes to keep our industry alive and well - and of course, take my mother’s advice!

Karousis

Karousis

Booth Renter: Pam Karousis, Nail Designs, Cortland, Ohio

I’ve had nail techs contact me to ask if I would let them sit in and observe while I did my clients’ nail. They were hoping to pick up some pointers on doing sculpting nails, gel nails, and nail art. Although  I agree that it would be helpful to watch was that I would not be providing my clients with the privacy and relaxation time they are expecting (and paying for) during our appointments.

I solve this situation by arranging for the nail techs to book an appointment with me, during which time I discuss and explain any techniques, products, services, and concerns, they may have while i do their nails or their friend’s nails.

I enjoy networking with other nail techs, and it’s rewarding to hear that their clients are pleased with their work.

Cowan

Cowan

Employee: Michele Cowan, American Image Salon, Plymouth, Mass.

I am always willing to help out any fellow nail technician, especially a newbie. I’ve been a nail tech for about two-and-a-half years, so I’m relatively new to the industry. I found an awesome mentor online who’s a 20-year nail veteran and have receive so much help from her. She’s been such a huge inspiration to me that I vowed to do the same for anyone. I believe in “paying it forward,” as they say.

I love to share and bounce ideas off other nail technicians on new services,marketing, or advertising ideas I’m always interested in anything to draw in new clients and in services that will keep them coming back. I am definitely a sharer when it comes to helping out other technicians. That’s one of the most important ways we can help improve our industry’s professionalism and knowledge.

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