MENU
SEARCHTo hear salon owners tell it, recruiting new techs is no easy feat. To help, we asked techs to tell us how they learned about their current position. More often than not, the connection was made through informal networking.
I found out about my current job because I lived in the area and it was the only American-owned salon I had heard of. When I walked in, the beautiful ladies at the front desk said they were out of applications and handed me a piece of paper and told me to put my name, number, and position on it. They assured me that it would personally be handed to the manager. Then four months later my phone rang. It was the owner, Renee Borrowy, calling to set up an interview. While cleaning out her cabinet she found that tiny piece of paper and now I have been working at this wonderful salon for three years and loving every minute of it.
Sabrina Thomas - V.I.P. SALON - RIVERVIEW, MICH.
I was visiting a friend and her hairdresser was there. This hairdresser noticed my nails (at the time I had long pink-and-white acrylics with 3-D nail art and charms) and asked where I got them done. I told her I was a nail tech and I do them myself. She then told me she was a salon owner looking for a good nail tech. We met a couple days later for the interview and the rest is history.
Ann-Marie Reaves - SCISSOR ACTION SALON - PEPPERELL, MASS.
One of my coworkers’ clients kept telling me I would really like to work at this salon. I just can’t thank this client enough for putting me in the best salon I’ve ever worked at.
Mercedes Prendergast - ROSA MARTINEZ FOR STUDIO ARTUR - JENKINTOWN, PA.
I found out about my current salon job in the Pennysaver, which is a little weekly publication that gets mailed to homes once a week. It has a help wanted section, and my job was listed in there.
Sandra Stueben - ROCKSOLID NAILS - HOPEWELL JUNCTION, N.Y.
My friends in my church choir found my present job for me. They were at a Super Bowl party hosted by the owner of a nail shop. She told them she was looking for a nail tech. They knew I was looking to move from the spa I was at. I called, and we hit it off. I have been there for six-and-a-half years.
Tracye Osby - LILA’S HANDS TOTAL BODY SALON - ATLANTA
I got really lucky when it came to finding a salon — my cousin owned one. I actually went to school specifically to work for her.
Holly Schippers – FINGERNAILFIXER - BUSSEY, IOWA
In 1999 I was working in a bank as a teller and a customer came in. She noticed my nails and asked where I got them done and I told her I do them myself. She looked at them closely and asked if I was licensed. I told her no, then she said, “You have a natural talent for that. You should go to school.” I said, “There’s a school for that?” I had no idea. She then informed me that she was the co-owner of a hair and tanning salon in town. I looked into it and ended up going to school and getting licensed. I worked at her salon for three years.
Katrina Bell - MICHAEL’S HAIR DESIGN - MARTINS FERRY, OHIO
Finding my current job was a fluke. In the moving process I had found a salon online that was close to where we were thinking of living. I decided to stop in on a Thursday to check it out and asked if they might be in need of a nail tech. I handed my resume to the receptionist. She looked at me with this deer in headlights look and said that their nail tech’s last day was Saturday. I was convinced this was a sign from above. I’ve now been there almost two years.
Renee’ Doran - GLITZ SALON - ROCHESTER HILLS, MICH.
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.
