MENU
SEARCHA mentor and mentee discuss the evolution of their salons, which are in adjacent towns.
Gina Silvestro (left) has been a great mentor to Amy Oung. [inset] Gina’s specialty is fantastic, eye-catching nail designs.
Gina Silvestro (left) has been a great mentor to Amy Oung. [inset] Gina’s specialty is fantastic, eye-catching nail designs.
I had the great honor of being mentored by Gina Silvestro, an internationally certified Akzéntz educator and U.S. distributor. She bases her business, Gel Essentialz, in Michael K. Galvin Salon in Cranston, R. I. “Having my business at MKG Salon is the best move I’ve made so far,” Gina muses. “My work builds up new clients for the full-service salon while I have the perfect place to take care of my long-time clientele, manage my distribution, and travel for education and celebrity freelance work.”
The decor from the exterior to the interior of MKG Salon/Gel Essentialz illuminates the grandeur of history meets contemporary. The establishment is based in a renovated Victorian-style house, complete with wood shingles and oversized windows. Once inside, you immediately feel transported into an upscale, sophisticated environment. The reception desk and nail stations consist of glass tops with stainless steel accoutrements, emphasizing clean lines and a sleek, metropolitan style. Even the silver Akzéntz jars lined on each nail table go with the look.
MKG Salon houses the nail department on the fi rst fl oor, hair on the second, and massage and skin care on the third. The salon is inside a Victorian-style house.
The building has three floors, each one providing an individual service type. On the first floor is the nail department, where Gina works on her clients while managing two additional nail techs. Past the nail tables on your left are two pedicure stations nicely tiled with two massage chairs. Dry gel pedicures are a highly requested service, which is why the stations are pipeless. If clients miss the water, MKG also provides portable Belava tubs. For those who desire a jet-spa pedicure, there is a private room with a Jacuzzi chair.
Gel Essentialz also has two pedicure stations, plus a private pedicure station in another room.
Gina’s fame, with her award winning nails and celebrity work, has attracted a variety of clients looking for high-quality, artistic, distinctive nails. Services range from elegant French to couture styles that make a statement such as edge and stiletto nails. When asked what clients like most, Gina told me, “I have to say, most people like glitter. But I like to do the 3-D art the best.” And even though the designs are fantastic, clients are lined up and ready for more. “We are booked weeks in advance,” Gina adds.
Gel Essentialz is housed inside of the Michael K. Galvin (MKG) Salon in Cranston, R.I., and has six manicuring stations.
Gina, being in the industry for more than 20 years, has been through it all, from working at home, earning commission in a salon, booth renting, to even owning her own salon. Right now, Gina is comfortable having her business in a full-service establishment. With her extensive traveling to teach, work on celebrities, and take care of Akzéntz distribution, owning a salon is last on her agenda.
Prices are steep compared to her competitors, but rightly so. The work is impeccable from the hair to the nails. Bridal packages are popular and total body makeover service packages are not uncommon. One thing I’ve learned from Gina is that the nails are characteristic of the nail technician herself. Gina has created a highly sought-after style; her clients’ nails always attract attention.
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.
