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SEARCHTo see the work of an award-winning nail technician, just take a look at NAILS' cover this month. It's the handiwork of 1998 Nail Technician of the Year Athena Elliott.
To see the work of an award-winning nail technician, just take a look at NAILS' cover this month. It's the handiwork of 1998 Nail Technician of the Year Athena Elliott. But that's hardly been her only triumph since winning her title. Here's what's happened in her own words:
"Let me tell you the wonderful things that have happened since winning NAILS' Nail Technician of the Year Award. First, I was invited to become a committee member on the board of cosmetology for Lee College in Baytown, Texas. This has been so wonderful because I was part of revamping their curriculum on nails, and I am able to teach technique as well as explain the benefits of good salon environment.
I also have the great pleasure of working for a Texas-based men's fashion magazine called Male Ego.
Being Nail Technician of the Year has allowed me to market myself a lot easier. I made an appearance on a local news station explaining what to look for in a salon and nail technician. It was good exposure except I got stage fright real bad. But it all turned out OK.
My most exciting moment was when Toma Industries asked me to endorse its line of nail lacquer (which I love!). They took photos of me to use in their adverstisements and I am negotiating with them now to become a spokesperson.
I just finished my portfolio and am deciding which of two agents I want to represent me for magazine work. Hey, every fashion mag needs a resident nail expert, right? I have drummed up plenty of work for myself and I'm hoping this will bring me up and out from behind the chair. Most of all, I am able to teach and preach about the importance of creating a positive and supportive salon environment. And the techs listen more attentively now, because of my title."
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Sponsored by Amex
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Sponsored by Amex
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Founded by Cleveland serial entrepreneur Shaura Rodgers, Nailtorious has grown to include a nail supply megastore, training facilities, and retail line for nail techs.
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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.
