MENU
SEARCH“Interior decorating is a lot like doing nails. You create, you have your own style and technique, and there’s a before and after. Your interior space can give you confidence and make you feel good about yourself — just like beautiful nails!”
“Whenever people would come to my house, they’d tell me, ‘You should be a decorator,’” says Cindy Walston, a 25-year nail industry veteran. Now based in Portland, Ore., she lived in Rio Vista, Calif., at the time. “I had a large vintage home built in the early 1900s. It was what I was most proud of and that was what propelled me to become a decorator.”
Walston landed an opportunity to work with a local design company as a freelance decorator. “I worked on many homes, even businesses!” she says. She became certified in the field, but says you really just have to have an eye for it. “Scale and balance should come naturally to you.”
Eventually she and a friend opened a country antique store that also housed her decorating office. “At this wild time, I managed to work long hours at the salon, cramming all my clients within a three-day work week,” she recalls. “The rest of the week I was at the store, consulting on homes, or doing store displays after hours.” That was until her husband dropped a bombshell. They had to move for his new job.
“So here I am now in Portland. I bought a house and you guessed it — I’m decorating!” Walston is also in the process of opening a home-based salon. “I love French country decor. My home is very colorful, but my salon will showcase French whites, distressed glamour, and vintage furniture. I have never been a fan of the traditional nail table, so I will have a vintage French console table with curved legs. Once again I’m bringing my two loves together — decorating and nails.
“Interior decorating is a lot like doing nails. You create, you have your own style and technique, and there’s a before and after. Your interior space can give you confidence and make you feel good about yourself — just like beautiful nails!”
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.
