Together Through Thick And Thin

It’s about more than just money, it’s about friendship, loyalty, and unwavering support. The bond between a nail tech and her clients is truly something special So in our October issue, we asked nail techs to submit stories about their most loyal client for our Longtime Client Contest.

Raichel White of Raichel’s Place in Pembroke Pines, Fla., was typical of many who wrote. Her client Millicent has been with her since she began doing nails two years ago: “Millicent put up with breaking, three-hour full sets, two-hour fills, my learning to airbrush and getting paint on her and her clothes. She is the sweetest and greatest person all around.”

Robin Stopper of Volpe Nails in Plantation, Fla., was no less eloquent when she described her eight-year client, Alice Aldous. “This angel glides through the shop like a beam of sunshine, quick to give compliments to the other clients, bringing smiles to everyone who crosses her path,” she wrote. Says Shiela Greer of Get Nailed at Third Avenue in Naples, Fla., of her five-year client, Carla Eppler: “If I lost her as a client I would be sad, but if I lost her as a friend it would be devastating.”

The winning letter came from Jackie Hauck of JW’s Hair Salon in Slidell, La., whose client Brenda Billings has been with her for 16 years. For her loyalty, Brenda will win a $100 gift certificate for Jackie’s nail services. Here’s Jackie’s letter:

“When I stated my career in nails 16 years ago, my first client was Brenda Billings, who came into get her nails done for her oldest son’s wedding. That was the start of a great friendship. Brenda has been a wonderful and loyal client ever since.

In all these years, we have been through a lot of things. Brenda has been there for me when I have needed her. Anywhere from babysitting for me when my daughter was young, talking to me when my marriage was rocky, being my tester when I get new products, letting me cry and giving me hugs when my mom passed away, and commuting 30 minutes cut of her way to get her nails done when I recently moved to another city. Brenda was also there when my daughter suffered a tragic loss in her life. In 16 years, she has missed only two appointments. All this from a lady who, when I asked her, ‘How were the nails I did all those years ago?’ replied, ‘Well, I knew you would get better.’ What a great lady!

We spend a total of one hour every two weeks together. In that hour we share a lifetime of things. I wouldn’t change a moment of our shared life. Brenda is a wonderful client and a beautiful person. I have enjoyed being her manicurist for all of these years.”