MENU
SEARCHMary Kennebeck is nothing if not solution-minded. She’s the original “can-do” gal.
Mary Kennebeck
Mary Kennebeck
Mary Kennebeck is nothing if not solution-minded. She’s the original “can-do” gal. Once, when she was on the road giving a state presentation at a trade show for Creative Nail Design (she’s done just about every job this industry has to offer) her two temporary caps came off her front teeth (the caps were a result of a childhood injury). Horrified at the idea of making a presentation snaggle-toothed, she considered her options: make the presentation and barley move her lips so the broken teeth wouldn’t show, cancel the presentation, or fix the teeth herself. She chose fixing the teeth herself.
She went to her bag of supplies, pulled out solarnial powder (after all, she reasoned, the product was originally designed by a dentist), and began sculpting over the temporary caps. “I used a CND honey tip brush and a 2:1 liquid to powder ratio. Then I buffed it ever so gently with a koala buffer, and finished with a 3-way buffer. If I do say so myself, it looked pretty darned good,” says Kennebeck. She did her presentation and no one was the wiser. When she got home, she immediately saw her real dentist, who commended her on the job she did. (Naturally, Solarnail and other nail enhancement products are NOT recommended for use anywhere but the fingernails. Don’t try this at home!)
Mary has given up amateur dentistry and is now running her own company. After 25 years in the nail industry, she’s ventured out on her own with a company called etcetera unlimited.
The word etcetera has a double meaning: Besides meaning she handles a variety of functions, ETC stands for Excellence Through Customization. Kennebeck and associate Mary Pertile provide customized promotional solutions to beauty industry companies—everything from imprinted retail bags to promotional products to marketing ideas. For more information on etcetera unlimited, contact the company at (815) 675-3382 or e-mail etc 3382 @aol.com.
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.
