Nails
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Just My Opinion: Knowledge Is Power

by Linda Champion
November 1, 1998
2 min to read


Throughout my involvement with the nail industry, I have noticed that when an employer pays the fees for continuing education, many nail technicians do not seem to take learning as seriously as they would if they had paid the tuition themselves.

My observations come not only from an educator’s point of view, but also from being a salon owner and student. When I instruct a class, I try to casually survey the attendees to get an idea of who has been sent by a salon and who is there independently. It never ceases to amaze me that many times the only ones taking notes are those who have paid their own way. I have also attended classes where fellow students have signed in and then left during the break, never to return.

Ad Loading...

At our salon, we don’t pay for continuing education, but we may reimburse the nail technician for meals or expenses, depending on the situation. We also arrange for in-salon classes, which have worked really well.

No matter who pays for the cultivation of your career turn yourself into a sponge. Give the educator (who has probably given up a day off to nurture you) your undivided attention. Stay until the class ends, and take notes so you can refer back to them later. If you are holding back from shows and classes because you have to pay for them yourself, consider your future and don’t let anything deter you from learning. The nail industry is constantly changing. Chemical systems keep advancing and new tools and techniques continue to emerge. You will never waste your money on self-development and wisdom. Always consider them a great investment and remember ... knowledge is power!

Linda Champion is a an educator for NSI, a nail technician, and manager of the 1997 Salon of the Year award-winning Golden Shears in Runnemede, N.J.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

More Business

A row of styling stations at JBW Jeffrey Ching Salon
Business|Articles|Mar 3, 2026

Precision, Passion, and the Business of Beauty

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

Ad Loading...
Business|Articles|Nov 27, 2024

Prepare for Small Business Saturday® with American Express

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

Ad Loading...
Business|Articles|Oct 22, 2024

Success at the Top: Thriving on Madison Ave.

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

Business|Articles|Sep 6, 2024

Vagaro’s New AI Features and Communication Tool Pave the Way for a More Efficient, Profitable Business

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

Business|Articles|Aug 6, 2024

5 Things I Won't Do as a Nail Tech

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.

Ad Loading...