MENU
SEARCHWhen nail tech Suzette Rogers heard that her longtime client was once again going on a medical mission to Guatemala, her interest was piqued. The more she heard the more she knew she had to go along.
Nail tech Suzette Rogers (left) and hairstylist Jen Harley held a benefit to raise funds for Rogers’ journey to Guatemala.
When nail tech Suzette Rogers heard that her longtime client was once again going on a medical mission to Guatemala, her interest was piqued. The team, she learned, would include two physicians, two nurses, and 20 other individuals. This team would travel up into the remote mountains of Guatemala and provide acute medical care for families that have never seen a doctor — or an American for that matter. They endured very poor living conditions with little water and food, and no proper plumbing. The more she heard the more she knew she had to go along.
The price for the trip was steep: $2,000 — $300 of which was for medicine that was shipped before their departure. “After great thought I decided my clients would help me get there,” says Rogers, owner of The Natural Nail Cottage in Crossville, Tenn. “So I embarked on a six-month journey of raising money for my medical mission trip.”
First she put up a jar in the salon to collect extra tips. “Then I decided I would have a benefit — a day of complete mayhem offering 30-minute appointments with the client’s choice of services,” she says. “In addition to this, my very close friend, a hairstylist, also had appointments where she donated all the funds she made to my trip. I served coffee, tea, sandwiches, and cookies. I sent invitations on Facebook and was over-booked. On that day I raised $650 — and it was super fun.”
During the following months, clients, family, and friends continued to fill the jar and before Rogers knew it, she had exceeded her goal. “This is why I always say I have more friends than clients,” she says. “The extra funds were spent on toys for the children, toothbrushes, floss, and candy. The candy really helped after the terrible-tasting parasite medicine.”
On January 19, 2011, off she went to Guatemala. “My responsibility was to help with the pharmacy we brought with us,” she says. “We traveled up mountains for two hours riding in the back of pickup trucks standing up, on roads not meant for trucks with cliffs that went straight down. It was very scary. These Mayan descendants walked for miles to see a doctor. There was one man who was 85 years old and his feet were small and flat and curved from hanging on to the side of the mountains harvesting corn.
“They were simply amazing people! It was a fantastic 10-day experience and the people of Guatemala were so thankful.”
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.
