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SEARCHThis month we asked nail techs: How do you connect and talk shop with fellow nail techs?
Tri Candy Manicursit Meet-up.
I work in a large hair salon and there is one other manicurist, but I still feel the need to network with other manicurists. At the ISSE show in January, the wonderful girls at the CND booth knew I was looking to connect with people in my area and introduced me to Ginger Brandstrom. She started a networking group, Tri County Manicurists, and invited me to one of their meet-ups. Even though they meet about 70 miles from my home, it’s worth the drive. There are usually around 20-30 women. We are all at different stages of our careers and have different services and products in which we specialize. I have been in the business for 30-plus years but still love learning about products, techniques, and people. I love to “talk shop” and I have found the perfect place.
Dori Swope
Essence Hair Salon
Pasadena, Calif.
Tri Candy Manicursit Meet-up.
Being new to this wonderful world of nails, I’ve found it quite hard to connect with local nail techs, due to the catty and deceptive nature of the business. Facebook and Instagram have been a great way for me to find inspiration, vent about nail tech problems, and get advice on business. Although social media does invite unwarranted criticism and bad advice, it does help to seek out the meaningful groups and techs willing to give you support.
Via Instagram
I started a Facebook group: Nail Tech World Wide — Sharing, News, and Support. Anyone who is a nail tech at any level can join. We all have so much to share and learn from one another!
Via Instagram
I’ve met my nail buddies (licensed pros) through nail events and trade shows. We talk over the phone or text each other a lot. And my hairstylist buddy next to me and I chat all the time about what it is like to be in the beauty industry and a service industry, and I feel we face a lot of the same issues and troubles, but we have created a relationship where we trade services, refer clients, and chat about our pro life to boost each other’s business as well. I also have many friends through social media and belong to pro- only groups.
@Hemi Park
Via Facebook
SalonGeek! It’s online, but they also have an app. It has a nail tech section, which is very helpful for people to chat and ask questions in threads. Most of the techs are from the U.K., but the information is pretty transferable.
Via Instagram
I try to sign up for classes, chat with product distributors, and attend any expos I can find. And then of course find all the people I met on social media and really make an effort to stay connected.
Via Instagram
I am in a wonderful group on Instagram (@unitednailcommunity). I can always ask questions, see who is hiring, and peruse upcoming classes. It’s a great group full of wonderful nail techs.
Via Instagram
I organize small meet-ups at cafes for anyone who wants to chat and network. It’s so nice to hang out with a few like-minded techs when you don’t get to work with any!
Via Instagram
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