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This issue showcases the culmination of years of hard work for a lot of people. Some have toiled without recognition — until now. We have devoted nearly all of this month’s feature pages to individuals, business owners, products, and manufacturers that are outstanding in their field — the best of the best.
We start with our Artists & Visionaries Awards (AVAs). From a towering stack of applications that come in sometimes-twoinch- thick binders, we began the excrutiating task of narrowing down all the entries to the top three in each category. To be perfectly honest, it isn’t a lot of fun judging. It’s not that it’s not gratifying to see what salons are doing or how they’re setting higher standards for their industry, and it’s not because it takes hours and hours (often done at home) to judge them. It’s simply because we can only choose one winner.
This year we added a few smaller categories so that we could recognize those salons that were doing something particularly well but weren’t candidates for the “big” awards. You’ll enjoy reading about Miss Congeniality and Best Salon Atmosphere among these new awards.
The other cream-of-the-crop list is the Top 25 Competitors. This year an old-timer (no offense, Trang!) returns to the top spot after eight years. His ability to remain at the top of his game while also running a school, leading a major manufacturing company (which takes him around the world), and mentoring a competition team is a tribute to his commitment. Read about him and 27 other competitors (there were several ties) who competed — and won — often enough to land a spot on NAILS’ Top 25 List. Finally, the manufacturers are putting their best products in front of you and asking you to choose favorites. Our annual Readers
Readers'Choice Awards survey is open for voting, and may the best products win! These awards mean a great deal to the industry leaders: knowing their products are favored by the experts in the salons is a prize they covet. This year, we’ve made the voting process easier. Just log onto our website (www.nailsmag.com) and click on the purple VOTE button on the homepage. It’s super-easy: just click on your favorite product in each category and submit. Everyone who votes is entered to win one of several terrific prizes (see page 141 to view a list of the prizes as well as to review the full ballot).
And what discussion of the best of the best would be complete without a mention of the editorial team at NAILS Magazine? I thank the outstanding Hannah Lee, who led this magazine to unprecedented 12th, 13th, and 14th Maggie Awards this spring for Best Trade Publication in the beauty field (as well as Best Cover and Best Color Editorial Layout). Along with beauty editor Judy Lessin, she welcomes two new editors to the team: Jayna Rust, who’s been with us since last fall, and Sree Roy, who just joined the team a few weeks ago. It is a team without peer.
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.
