MENU
SEARCHKaren Marks, nail technician. In her other life: sweater designer.
"I've always had my own mind and my own way of doing things."
If you have yen to wear one of nail tech Karen Marks’ sumptuous hand-knit sweaters, be prepared to pay upwards of $250 for the privilege. Rich with color and interesting textures, her handiwork isn’t limited to knitting. The Glendale, Ariz.-based tech also does beaded embroidery, whipping up unique beaded bras and bustiers, shawls, even beaded and sequined flip flops. The common ingredient is color. “I just love to play with colors!” says Marks. “Even when I was little and I crocheted, my sister and mother would always ask me why I always used so many different colors. They also asked why I didn’t follow the pattern in the book or magazine. When I look back, I see I always had my own mind and my own way of doing things.”
She learned to knit long before she began doing nails. “I started knitting in 1985 when I worked at the Detroit Police Department’s Fourth Precinct as a typist,” she recalls. “I used to eat lunch with the Commander’s secretary and she knitted beautiful sweaters. I asked her to knit one for me and she told me I could do it myself. My feelings were hurt at first, and I told her I didn’t know how to knit, so she taught me.”
In order to decorate her sweaters, she learned beading at a bridal store in downtown Detroit. “Then, I went to New Jersey and learned more advance techniques from a designer’s designer,” she says. “He created bead embroidery designs for top designers in New York. I learned how to bead shoes and do more elaborate beading stitches.” Since then, her designs have been featured in Crochet Fantasy and Bead and Button magazines.
You can check out Marks’ knitting and beading — along with her handmade jewelry and decorative bird houses made from gourds — at www.sugarkdesigns.com.
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.
