Melissa Myers is the owner of Yes, M.A.M., a combination nail salon and gift shop that features her handmade creations.
by Staff
January 13, 2016
Melissa Myers
2 min to read
The salon portion of Yes, M.A.M. comprises about 40% of the overall space.
Melissa Myers describes her Martinsburg, W. Va., storefront as a “one-stop-shop for ladies.” Myers is the owner of Yes, M.A.M., a combination nail salon and gift shop that features her handmade creations. “I have always been a crafter,” she says. So in 2005 she launched her first business, Mel’s Smells, selling hand-poured soy candles and handmade lye soap. In 2009, she opened the first of several gift shops. “The last location I was in was small and I didn’t have very good exposure to foot traffic,” she says. “My husband and I learned of another space that would be available in January 2015 that would put us on a prime block for foot traffic.” She jumped at the chance, not only to expand her gift shop, but to launch her new career as a nail tech. “I was enrolled as a nail student at the time, set to take my state boards in May.”
The gift shop features a variety of offerings, such as jewelry, wreaths, aprons, sewn items, and refurbished furniture, and includes consignment items from local crafters.
Myers’ new 2,600-sq. ft. space is mostly open, with the nail salon situated in back and separated by a half-wall. Myers divides her time between nail salon and gift shop duties. “I’m usually at the shop at least an hour before we open so I can get my accounting and ordering done,” she says. “I find time in between nail clients to make my less-involved craft items. Then I block time off in my schedule to make the more detailed, time-consuming items.”
Ad Loading...
Melissa Myers
From her perch — a raised platform in the work area — Myers can see everything going on within the store while she creates her candles, soaps, and other scented items. “This also allows the customers to see me working, without seeing the mess involved,” she notes. True to the handcrafted theme within the gift shop, she also incorporates homemade products like sugar scrubs, lotions, and foot soaks into her nail service as much as possible.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.