
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!
This month we asked nail techs: What is Your Biggest Fear?


In 30 years of doing nails, I’ve found that my biggest fear is sitting with a client you don’t mesh with, but they keep coming back. That’s pure torture!
Beth Eden Polcari
Via Facebook

I’ve already faced it. My fear was doubting myself. I went through a time where I felt my work wasn’t good enough. I was really hard on myself and wanted to walk away. I finally pulled myself together and saw that techs who have been in the game longer than me sometimes had issues as well. I got out of my funk and snapped back.
Kristal Pounds
Via Facebook

My biggest fear is not being able to recover from the client loss caused by having to take time away from work for cancer treatment.
Melissa Schumann
Via Facebook

I don’t have any fears as a nail tech. Fear can keep you frozen and afraid to venture outward. I guess I have been in the industry too long. Pretty much anything bad that can happen has already happened and it hasn’t stopped me.
Vickie Girardi
Via Facebook

My biggest fear is that I’ll stop improving. I’m always trying to get better with all kinds of techniques. It would be awful to feel like I’m not good enough when I’m always working my hardest.
@nailsbyalyssarivers
Via Instagram

My biggest fear is not entering a nail competition soon. I’ve been in the business 13 years and I’m no spring chicken, but I know I can do it — I just need to enter. Help, I need a mentor!
@nailsbyaa39
Via Instagram

I would say my biggest fear is waking up one day and not loving what I do. Nails are my passion and a big part of my life, and to think I could one day lose all that, well, it’s scary. I’ve built my life around nails and can’t imagine not doing it.
@creativesol
Via Instagram

Having to “break up” with a client. That conversation could be very tricky. You don’t want to hurt their feelings, but you also know you have to let them go for various reasons (rude, never satisfied, always late, insubordinate, etc).
@nailsbynanette
Via Instagram

My biggest fear is not conquering the early onset of arthritis and back pain and then not being able to work as a result of those issues. I love what I do, but after only two years of doing nails professionally, I can tell my hands and wrists are cramping up more than usual.
@rebekahnailsit
Via Instagram

My biggest fear as a nail tech is to have to rush a client out of the chair to accommodate another client based on time and the fact that other clients are waiting.
@nailzbytrudy
Via Instagram

My greatest challenge is when new clients look at my extensive gallery, but still ask me to copy a random picture. I try my best, but when I fail I feel like a bad nail tech. I get so discouraged and doubt myself, even though I am very successful and have a book full of regulars who love my work. I know failure keeps me humble and striving to improve, but I live for that moment when my client says she loves her nails, and it’s such a bummer when she doesn’t. I also have a very good reputation, so it’s even more disappointing for both of us because our expectations are high. People expect perfection from us at all times. Sometimes they will go on social media and slam my business. This scares me so badly. It often escalates into a posting war. It can get ugly and bad reviews are so mean. They leave us all feeling so bullied we start to fear each new client as a potential threat instead of the fun opportunity to make a new friend.
@candacepanner
Via Instagram

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.