MENU
SEARCHThis month we asked nail techs: If you could change one thing about your work environment, what would it be?
I asked myself this a little over a year ago and decided that what I would change was my entire environment. I went from booth renting in a salon to renting a room all to myself in a wonderful tanning establishment. I love being my own boss, making my own schedule, decorating how I want, and not dealing with the often catty salon feel. I have an entire room at my disposal instead of being confined to a desk. I love being independent, and I am so happy working one-on-one with my clients that I will absolutely never go back!
Kathryn Spivey, Kate Nails It, Albany, Ore.
If I could change anything about my work environment it would be to have a more relaxing atmosphere for my pedicures. I work in a high-volume nail salon that’s small, so all the nail stations are close together. I would love to have a Zen room that’s quiet with relaxing music so I know my clients can have a peaceful experience.
Hope Szymanski, Nailtique, Whitewater, Wis.
The one thing my workplace lacks is windows. Where the nail stations are located in the salon, there aren’t any windows, and I like to draw some of my inspiration for nail art from outside — from trees, flowers, the sky, sun, rain, etc. The tanning and nail salon I work at has a plethora of different people wearing different styles, colors, and textures, which provides a lot inspiration. But I would just love a view of nature and the natural light exposure.
Sam Rivenbark, Tarheel Tan & Spa, Eure, N.C.
I absolutely love the salon I work at. The location is easily accessible, has great parking, an array of services for everyone, and 35 talented artists ready to accommodate clients’ needs. However, if there is one thing I could change, it would be to have tandem pedicure stations. Accommodating two people for pedicures would be pleasing to clients and lucrative for the nail technicians.
Danalynn Stockwood, Genesis Salon, Fitchburg, Mass.
We love our work environment, clients love the look and feel, but we're a boutique spa in a pretty intimate space. It’s perfect for private groups of up to eight or nine guests getting mostly manicures and pedicures, but with a single treatment room, we’re only able to offer body treatments one at a time. Luckily though, we do offer mobile-spa service as well. We often go out to homes or hotels for larger bachelorette parties, birthdays, and couples services.
Michael Gordon and Kelly Davy, Luxe Beauty Lounge & Mobile Spa, Vancouver
If I could change one thing about my work environment it would be to have a receptionist. I dislike when I have to stop what I am doing to answer the phone. It would also be nice to have someone to dust and clean up around the shop.
Robyn Burd, Core Hair Studio, Nipawin, Saskatchewan Canada
If I could change one thing about my work environment, I would have a private room for spa pedicures. My salon is only 400 sq. feet, so there is not a lot of room. The spa pedicure chair is in the room with my nail station. I do enjoy managing a small place, though.
Vickie Meador, European Body Wraps, Olive Branch, Miss.
You can never have too much lighting or storage!
Anne VanSpronsen, McIntyre's Salon and Day Spa, Portage, Mich.
Next Question: What are the best-selling retail items at your salon? What has a hard time selling? [Answers will be printed in the November 2014 issue.] Share your opinion on the topic by e-mailing your response by August 15 to tracy.rubert@bobit.com. Please include your name, salon, city and state, and a high-resolution headshot with your response.
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.
