From July 7-9, nail techs gathered in Gatlinburg, Tenn., for the Nail Tech Event of the Smokies. Precision Nails owner Jaime Schrabeck hosted a Gala pre-show dinner soiree at beautiful cabin venue where guests could enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding Great Smoky Mountains. Door prizes and swag bags were handed out to guests with items from sponsors Light Elegance, Nail Magic, Designed by Tony Ly, Precision Nails, Nail Tech Event of the Smokies, and CND.

Shopping and educational workshops were the main activities for the weekend, and manufacturers reported 37%-50% higher sales in 2018 than at last year’s event. The optional workshops were also very popular — most sold out months in advance. A charity raffle raised $570 for Nashville’s Thistlefarms.org, which helps rescue women from life on the streets, providing housing, medical care, therapy, education, and job training. One prize package featured in the raffle included tickets and passes to local attractions, shows, hotels, and restaurants, as well as a basket of spa products made by women at Thistle Farms. This prize was taken home by Virginia nail tech Donna Harbour.

The grand prize, valued at $4000, was sponsored by American International Industries and their local distributor, Yolanda Ramsey of AML Distribution. The prize consisted of nail products from aiibeauty.com and went to Sharon Frenz, a nail tech from Wisconsin who almost left before the drawing. “I’ve been coming to the Smokies show for 10 years and have never won anything!” Frenz said, but is certainly glad she stayed!

The 2019 Nail Tech Event of the Smokies runs from June 29-July 1.