
The Beauty Pro Book Club: 4 Reads to Inspire Growth and Success
Four publications for beauty industry professionals to enhance their leadership skills, financial awareness, professional growth, and joy!
As a globetrotting educator for Orly International and Develop 10, cover tech Elsbeth Grutter-Schutz is able to stay up to date with what’s going on in the worldwide nail care industry.
Elsbeth Grutter-Schutz, a part-time nail technician at Michael Edwards Day Spa and Salon in Villa Park, Calif., is getting the chance to see the world and share valuable information with diverse cultures. As a globetrotting educator for Orly International and Develop 10 she is able to stay up to date with what’s going on in the worldwide nail care industry.
Her secret to success overseas begins with “having the ability to deal with different cultures and understand their way of thinking,” she says. “For example, selling strategies for salon owners and nail technicians in some countries may differ from those in the U.S. I’ve found that a low-key sales pitch using persuasion — not pressure, works best.”
During her most recent overseas trip to a conference on nail, hair, and skin care in the Dominican Republic, Grutter-Schutz found a tremendous hunger for knowledge and education among nail technicians there. She says, “Natural nail care is really starting to grow in the; Dominican Republic. I think it’s because natural nail care products have greatly improved.”
Grutter-Schutz believes that natural nails are the focus of the international nail industry partly because they are much more affordable for clients. In her homeland of Switzerland, Grutter-Schutz says the price for a full set of acrylic nails ranges from the U.S. equivalent of $100-$200, depending on the area, while a natural nail manicure costs $25-$30. “Right now, there is not enough competition to lower the prices,” she says.
Prices for artificial nails are also very high in Japan, says Grutter-Schutz, who has traveled there seven times as an educator. She has seen the growth in natural nails there too. She has also traveled to Israel, where she says there is a tremendous demand for natural nail care products, noting that Israeli women expend a great deal of effort on their beauty, especially for their face and hands.
Next on her agenda are visits to Finland and Russia. In the meantime, she keeps busy doing nails and tending to her hobbies — cartoon drawing and oil portrait painting. Her passion for art led her to a part-time job at Disneyland last summer painting portraits in New Orleans Square.
Her next portrait model? “President Clinton,” she says with a laugh. But until her work of art hangs in the White House, Grutter-Schutz’s goal as a nail technician is to continue delivering quality work in everything she does.

Four publications for beauty industry professionals to enhance their leadership skills, financial awareness, professional growth, and joy!

The most successful salon suites balance personality, function, and comfort. Megan Communale of My Salon Suite shares her best advice for designing a space that supports your business goals and leaves a lasting impression on every guest.

Square data shows that regular customers tip 11% higher and are shared across 32% of businesses in the same ZIP code, driving thousands of dollars in additional revenue per connection.

When Bowie Lau and Jeffrey Ching opened JBW Jeffrey Ching Salon in 2011, they weren’t just launching another luxury hair destination—they were building a business rooted in passion, artistry, and thoughtful growth.
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Sponsored by Amex

Want to grow your career as a beauty professional? K18 Sales Manager Sabrina Sanborn shares advice on networking, mentorship, and self-advocacy—from attending hair shows to finding the right guidance to reach your goals.

A combination of clear policies, effective communication, and strong client relationships has helped me create a more reliable and efficient booking system.

Founded by Cleveland serial entrepreneur Shaura Rodgers, Nailtorious has grown to include a nail supply megastore, training facilities, and retail line for nail techs.

This period after the holidays can bring on a huge lull for hairstylists. We asked Cosmo Prof's team of professionals to offer their best advice on how to deal with the January-February slow period.

Key highlights include a push toward inclusive spaces for all abilities, an emphasis on maximizing livable square footage, and a continued love for modern farmhouse exteriors.

The busy holiday season is here, and with it comes jam-packed days, last-minute client requests and booming retail sales. For many salon owners, the highlight of the season is Small Business Saturday® (SBS). This year on Saturday, November 30, consumers can take their shopping into the small businesses in their communities.
Sponsored by Amex

Want to become savvy about your personal finances, but don't quite know where to start? Anna Manukyan identifies six important concepts for building a strong financial foundation.

Salon owner Nuri Yurt had a dream of owning a salon on New York City’s Madison Avenue. "Through perseverance, hard work and stellar customer service, he and partner John Kaygisiz founded Toka Salon in 2007.
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This guide is your one-stop shop for a plethora of technology tools, software and services created to keep your salon or spa thriving.

Anna Manukyan shares a breakdown of what different types of financial accounts should be used for.

Vagaro has consistently been at the forefront of salon software technology, helping businesses be more efficient, create more effective communication, and even improve company culture. Now, Connect by Vagaro, the platform’s two-way communication capability, and Vagaro’s new generative AI tools are giving owners new opportunities to grow and expand.
Sponsored by Vagaro

Young Nails' Greg, Habib, and Tracey discuss whether getting too close to clients can damage your business.