To supplement her husband’s farming income, Bonnie Metzger, now owner of The Nail Connection in Langdon, N.D., decided to open a nails-only salon in her town. There was, however one big problem. North Dakota cosmetology schools didn’t offer nails-only certification programs or nail licensing. Metzger, originally from California, packed her bags and car, tearfully said goodbye to her husband and two children, and headed for Pormona Cosmetology School in California.

After three months of schooling, Metzger graduated with a 4.0 grade-point average and headed home to open the first nails-only salon in North Dakota. She is the first licensed manicurist to be tested by North Dakota’s State Board of Cosmetology. Metzger’s salon is doing well, and since she’s a one-woman show, she is very busy. Says Metzger, “Since North Dakota is starting its first nails-only program in August 1993, I’m looking forward to expanding soon.”

For reprint and licensing requests for this article, Click here.