MENU
SEARCHThe hardest thing about being a balloon artist, says nail tech Lynda Langille, is that she’s had to sacrifice her long, gorgeous nails.
The hardest thing about being a balloon artist, says nail tech Lynda Langille, is that she’s had to sacrifice her long, gorgeous nails to keep the popping to a minimum. “I can’t believe I haven’t popped more balloons with all the different nail shapes and lengths I’ve worn. I’ve found it’s especially important to keep my right thumbnail short or my nail bed will hurt from tying the knots,” she says. Langille, owner of A Twist of Colour Nails in Brooks, Alberta, Canada, learned the art of balloon twisting from a friend. “She showed me 10 easy designs, then I started watching YouTube to expand my knowledge. Now I love balloons,” she says.
Langille takes custom orders for centerpieces and gifts, and also performs at children’s parties. “I started out doing balloons at birthday parties and events, then progressed to bigger, more detailed creations to challenge myself,” she says. “At parties you have to do quick, simple designs so you can get through the line up quickly. They’re usually made with four balloons or less.”
It’s making centerpieces and gifts that really allows her creativity to flow. “Last Christmas I started stuffing clear balloons with candy and incorporating them into larger balloon creations,” she says. “Since then, I made a stork carrying a balloon full of diapers for a friend’s baby shower, stuffed nail polish and candy into a girl’s birthday gift, and worked with a local coffee shop to add chocolate-dipped strawberries for Valentine’s Day.” Her goal is to make a wearable balloon dress someday.
A few times a year, Langille teaches balloon twisting to kids at a nearby public library as part of its summer and after-school programs. “Even if the kids struggle with twisting, they still ask when I will be back again,” she says. “There’s nothing better than seeing a kid’s face when they watch a handful of ordinary balloons transform into a character.”
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.
