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This month we asked nail techs: If you could say “thank you” to one person in the nail industry, who would it be and what would you be thanking them for?

I’d like to say thank you to NAILS’ former associate editor/publisher Hannah Lee. Back in 2007, when I was trying to organize a little networking event in Gatlinburg, Tenn., nail companies wanted no part of it. I reached out to Hannah for help and she encouraged me to not give up. She was able to get NAILS to sponsor our networking lunch and then when Amy Becker signed on as our first company, others in the industry took notice. The first Smokies Event in 2008 was a big success and within three years it grew to become the largest nail tech networking event in the U.S. Then in 2012 it became a licensed LLC nails-only trade show. Without Hannah’s encouragement, I might have given up.
Jill Wright
Bowling Green, Ky.

If I could say “thank you” to one person in the nail industry, it would be to the late Monica Bruin of Color My Nails School of Nail Technology. She started the first nails-only school in the state of Utah and was the first person I knew who made a successful career of doing only nails. I wish I had another chance to say thank you for being such an inspiration and wonderful instructor to me. 
Kelly Hanna Thompson
Paintbox, New York City

Robin Moses – she helps you learn how to do fine art on nails and makes it so easy.
Charlene Haberle
Via Facebook

Julie Dickson gave me the push to start competing and stop holding back. Since then I have only gained more strength and improved a lot.
Sarah Kay Abbott
Via Facebook

Lynn Cote Morrison gave me the confidence boost to change my life and my career outlook. She still does this to this day. I am grateful she came into my life. She is an amazing educator and an asset to our nail industry.
East Bay Nail & Beauty Lab
Via Facebook

Thank you Hillary Dawn Herrera! Any time I have a question she will answer my DMs. She’s funny and extremely talented!
Tammy Chris Murphy-Miller
Via Facebook

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