MENU
SEARCHShea McCarthy combines her love for airliners with her nail career, working as a lead de-icer for Integrated Deicing Services (IDS) at Salt Lake City International Airport.
For Shea McCarthy of Layton, Utah, aviation is a longtime passion that even inspired the name of her home salon: Sky’s the Limit Nails. During the winter, she combines her love for airliners with her nail career, working as a lead de-icer for Integrated Deicing Services (IDS) at Salt Lake City International Airport. Before her de-icing job, McCarthy worked at the airport for 12 years, starting out as a line service technician. “I was responsible for servicing corporate and privately-owned aircraft,” she explains. “This included fueling, towing, parking, lavatory services, de-icing, and several other services. I did that for a few years before becoming a line supervisor, when I usually assigned others those tasks and ran the ramp.”
After her second child was born, McCarthy realized that her income wasn’t enough to afford daycare for her children, so she left that job. A friend referred her to IDS, which offers a flexible and seasonal schedule that allows her to continue to work in aviation without the need for daycare. The job fits in around her nail career too: She works for IDS on weekday nights and weekends and does nails during the day and on days off.
McCarthy finds her job rewarding. “I love knowing that I’m helping keep air travel safe for everyone on the planes we spray, crew and passengers alike,” she says. “Without de-icing, aircraft can lose lift. This results in poor takeoff performance, and perhaps the inability to stay airborne.” She loves operating the de-icing equipment, too. “Our trucks are capable of being driven and operated from the sprayer’s basket,” she says. “It’s an awesome feeling looking 40 feet below and no one is in the cab of the truck because I’m driving it from up in the air!”
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.
