MENU
SEARCHBefore carving out a lofty career at Virgin Atlantic Airlines, Jane Breeden worked in a salon in England where she did manicures and performed other services such as massage therapy.
Before carving out a lofty career at Virgin Atlantic Airlines, Jane Breeden worked in a salon in England where she did manicures and performed other services such as massage therapy. One of her clients was the wife of Richard Branson, Virgin Atlantic’s CEO. While doing Mrs. Branson’s nails, Breeden came up with an idea to give manicures to passengers during long intercontinental flights. Mrs. Branson put the idea to her husband, who suggested Breeden make an appointment to discuss it with him.
Over a period of eight months he canceled several times, but Breeden was persistent. In January of 1990, she finally met Branson and gave him a manicure treatment that he obviously enjoyed. A month later, he sent her on her first flight to New York. Six clients wrote to Branson complimenting her work. That May, Virgin Touch was launched and Breeden started her new career as resident inflight therapist.
Some of the celebrities she had the pleasure of meeting and treating on various flights were Jane Seymour, Jacqueline Bisset, Phil Collins, David Hasselhoff, and members of the Grateful Dead. Emanuel (who designed Princess Di’s wedding dress) designed her all-white uniform. At least a few passengers fell asleep on her shoulder as she treated them and awoke to her vision in white and said, “I must have died and gone to heaven.”
On one late-night flight, she realized that she was treating someone for the second time that night. He said, “I just liked it so much I swapped with another chap and didn’t think you’d notice in the dim light.”
Another satisfied client asked the captain to go around the airport one more time so he could get his complete treatment before landing.
Because polish is flammable, Breeden instead uses white pencil for a French look, buffs the nails to a shine, and massages the arms of passengers. The treatments were — and still are — complimentary.
In 1993, Breeden expanded the menu to include preflight waxing and hydrotherapy, and introduced creams to prevent dehydration and more extensive massages for stress.
For several years, Breeden was Virgin Atlantic’s only inflight manicurist and passengers would specifically request a “Jane Flight.” The company finally increased its staff to two therapists, then to seven. Today, Breeden is manager of Virgin Touch, supervising about 190 inflight and preboard therapists.
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.
Sponsored by Amex
Inside the Systems That Power an Elevated Salon Experience From seamless online booking to a team-first culture, J Gold Salon in Atlanta offers more than great hair—it delivers consistent, high-touch service with the help of partners like Boulevard and American Express.
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.
Sponsored by Amex
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.
This list of watch-outs from @jodydoesjels prompted us to reach out to her and learn more. We had already fallen for her hand-painted designs and now we wanted to know more about this list she created to help clients decide if she was the nail tech for them.
Education is necessary for beauty professionals to maintain their cosmetology licenses, and paying for that education can be burdensome, but it doesn't have to be. Understand which education tax credits can help you offset those costs.
