Business

Reader to Reader: Who is your best "nail friend"?

December 19, 2011 | Bookmark +

For our annual Reader-Written Issue, NAILS asked our readers: Who is your best "nail friend" (AKA another nail tech who you talk shop with)?

Answer

Kim Hanzlik (above right) — she herself is a salon owner, but she helped me open my own salon in the same city. You’d think she’d act cutthroat like competition, but she’s the greatest friend. For fun we do each other’s nails when we have time.
Rosario Muething
Just P’nk, Winnemucca, Nev.

Sandi Bishop (left) and I have worked together for 21 years. I started Nail Expressions Nail Spa in July 1990. Sandi lived in the same condo complex and when she found out I had a salon she asked for a job. That was in October 1990. We’ve been together through all the ups and downs, not only in business but in our personal lives too. We both try to read, attend classes, and network, then share our ideas and what we’ve learned.  
Rhonda Coe-Beck
Nail Expressions Nail Spa, Winston Salem, N.C.

My employee Brittany Higdon (left) — I was so fortunate that she walked through my doors to apply for a job. I’ve looked for years for someone as passionate about nails as I am. Who would’ve known if I just stopped looking she would find me. I feel like I’ve found someone I can pass my clientele on to when I decide to finally step back from nails — since 13 years of sitting at a nail table has taken a toll on my neck, back, and wrists. She’s a natural and there’s nothing Brittany isn’t willing to try. That’s what I love about her.
Sonja Larkin
Reflectionz Hair and Nail Studio, Ottumwa, Iowa

My best nail friend is Rebecca Mendez (left), A.K.A. Becky. I am a nail technician instructor and Becky was my nail student in 2009. We kept a professional student/teacher relationship while she was in school. But we kept in contact afterward. In August 2011, she decided to open a shop in Lombard, Ill., called Secret Style Nail Salon, and I am her “right hand man.” We have become great friends who work together, do one another’s nails, and enjoy everything that has to do with our wonderful industry. I don’t think we would trust our nails in anyone else’s hands.
Angie Roman
Chicago

My best nail friend, Donna Pettigrew (right), has also become one of my best friends. We have worked together for over three years now. We spend kids’ birthdays, holidays, and girl weekends together. We work all day together and talk/text all night. I don’t know what I’d do without her.
Amanda Torrez
Horseshoe Bay Resort, Horseshoe Bay, Texas

My best nail friend is Jamella Gory (left). We started off adversaries over a man I was engaged to and she had a child with. Now we are spiritually and emotionally close. We work side-by-side and share techniques, tricks, and glitters for rock star toes. I adore her!
Hannah Brown
A Lasting Touch, Tucson, Ariz.

My sister, Laurie (right) — we work in different salons, both in Columbus (she works at Premier Salon), but we share stories and help each other in the industry.
Kim Taylor
Americana Nail Company, Columbus, Ohio

I have two best nail friends (because one is not enough): Chantale Fourny (left) and Savanna Glazier (right). I met them both in esthetics school. We are all totally opposite characters, have different lives, different work places, but all share one common love of nails! We love to quiz each other on the products we use and take road trip weekends to different industry shows. I love my girls and can call them to share every idea, crisis, or new product.
Tania Rice
Indira Salon and Spa, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada

You Might Also Like:

Q&A: How do I know if a salon is right for me?

Pass It On: Become a Mentor

Read more about
Bookmark +

How can I cut costs and finally make a profit?

I’ve been doing nails for almost two years and have built a decent clientele. The only problem is, I did the math and over 50% of my income is going back into nail products. I’m using top-of-the-line brands and disposable files. How can I cut costs and finally make a profit? I know our prices are too low as well, but we are trying to stay competitive. Any advice?

Bookmark +

As a mobile tech, how do I ensure I get paid?

I have a question about working as a mobile tech. When clients book group events or nail parties, how do you go about getting deposits and payments? Have you ever traveled to a client’s house and they were unable to pay? What did you do?

We respect your data and privacy.
By clicking the submit button below, you are agreeing with Bobit’s Privacy Policy and this outlined level of consent.

Bookmark +

What should I do differently with male clients?

I’m starting to get more and more male clients. I am wondering how long a manicure for a man should last and how to price it? Also do you have any recommendations on what else I can do to give them an extra masculine sense of comfort?

Bookmark +

Should I Use Punch Cards?

I recently started working at a high-end salon and I’m looking for marketing ideas. Should I do punch cards? I can’t do “refer-a-friend” because I don’t have consistent clients yet. We are already doing social media.

Bookmark +

Should I start requiring a nonrefundable deposit for special-time appointments?

I want to start requiring a nonrefundable deposit for special-time appointments. My posted hours are 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. by appointment only. I am ridiculously flexible with my schedule, and let people book earlier and later if they can’t get in during normal hours. Recently, I had a 7:30 a.m. no-show! She was supposed to get services totaling over $100, and I forfeited holiday plans to accommodate her. She comes every two weeks, so I can’t lose her, but this is the second time she’s no-showed. What should I do? And how would I go about informing current clients of the new policy on off-hour deposits?

Load More
a Bobit media brand

Create your free Bobit Connect account to bookmark content.

The secure and easy all-access connection to your content.
Bookmarked content can then be accessed anytime on all of your logged in devices!

Create Account