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SEARCHAfter eight years as a member of the Detroit Police Department, Pamela Sawyer traded in her weapon for a different sort of gun—an airbrush.
After eight years as a member of the Detroit Police Department, Pamela Sawyer traded in her weapon for a different sort of gun—an airbrush. Facing an early retirement from the force, Sawyer began to explore other career options. After talking with her niece, a salon owner, she was stunned. “You earn how much?” she asked. “Without having to dodge bullets?” So she did some investigating of the beauty business and discovered that with 450 hours of education, a nail license could be hers. She approached other technicians for tips to supplement her schooling, but found that they were reluctant to part with their secrets. So she learned to sculpt acrylics by watching a Tammy Taylor video over and over. She also learned to airbrush by practicing on her own, often all night long. “When I felt frustrated about things that were happening at the department, I’d get out my airbrush and practice blending my colors. It was a great outlet,” she says. Sawyer began her career as a professional nail technician in 1993, and soon after began working at her niece’s shop, Salon Essence, in Oak Park, III. Two years later, Sawyer was so proficient with her airbrush that she became a teacher herself, producing three how-to videos on airbrushing techniques. She also demonstrates her methods at nail shows. “It’s so exciting,” she says, “People even come up to me and ask for my autograph.”
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Sponsored by Amex
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Sponsored by Amex
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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.
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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
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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.
