
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!
NAILS and The Industry Source (a Nailco company) are pleased to honor this year’s 14 finalists. We recognize these salon owners, nail technicians, and educators for raising the bar of professionalism and offering the utmost in services to their clients.

(left to right) Educator of the Year finalists Barb Wetzel, Tanis Darling, and Joanne Linck with The Nailco Group's Larry Gaynor.

(left to right) Educator of the Year finalists Barb Wetzel, Tanis Darling, and Joanne Linck with The Nailco Group's Larry Gaynor.
After seven years of calling them the Salon of the Year Awards, we thought we’d do things a little differently – hence the new name, Artists and Visionaries Awards (the AVAs). We feel our annual award’s new name truly represents all of our finalists. After all, they’re true artists in the sense that they carefully hone and perfect what they do, and they also envision a better future for our industry and care enough about it to make a difference.
Something else we did different this year was bring back the Educator of the Year category and add a new one: Salon Makeover, which honors salon owners who have taken the time, effort, and dedication to expand and refurbish their business or relocate to a new locale.
NAILS and The Industry Source (a Nailco company) are pleased to honor this year’s 14 finalists. We recognize these salon owners, nail technicians, and educators for raising the bar of professionalism and offering the utmost in services to their clients. Our finalists were feted at an award ceremony held during the Great Lakes Beauty Show 2001 in Dearborn, Mich. Nail technicians, salon owners, and other industry figures made up the crowd of well-wishers at the ceremony, which was hosted by NAILS editor/publisher Cyndy Drummey and Larry Gaynor, president/CEO of The Nailco Group.
On the following pages, you’ll get a chance to read about our Educator of the Year, Nail Technician of the Year, Salon Makeover of the Year, Salon of the Year (1-4 Nail Technicians), and Salon of the Year (5+ Nail Technicians) winners and runners-up. Each of our winners received a plaque and $500 for their efforts, and runners-up received a framed certificate and $250. The Nail Technician of the Year will also be flown to California later this year to do the nails for an upcoming NAILS cover shoot.
We hope that the salons, educators, and nail technicians you read about on the following pages inspire you to make improvements in your industry, your salon environment, and yourself. Stay tuned for more information on our upcoming AVA awards in future issues.

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.
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.