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SEARCHOur cyber-corrrespondent gives us a roundup of what's been going on online this month.
This month's distinguished visitors included Robyn Kiefski (robynopi@aol.com), northeast regional school manager for OPI, popped into the chat room one night. One of the other chatters asked Robyn what OPI stood for. At first she playfully replied, “It stands for... nothing!” Some of the chatters chimed in with their own ideas of what OPI should stand for: Only Perfect Individuals and Only Polish Indeed! Finally, she explained that the name originated when OPI was a dental supply company. “It stood for Odontorium Products, Inc.”
Janet Baker (nailpolish@charni.com), president and CEO of Charni Cosmetics, Inc., announced online that Charni is back. The company is offering samples of their polish and a color chart, by e-mailing Baker or calling 1-800-4-CHARNI.
Chatting Online
Sunday nights 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time and Monday through Saturday at 10:00 p.m.
Pricing probe. How to price backfills for pink-and-white sculptured nails was a topic of discussion one evening. There was a wide range of responses from no extra charge above the price of a standard fill to an additional $ 15.
Crossing the line. Mary Ballering (Nailz2Envy@aol.com, Nails To Envy, Mukwonago, Wis.) asked, “So what do all of you think about inviting a client to a personal function, say, your wedding?” Most chatters said they would not ask clients to a personal function, but would make an exception for a particularly long-time client.
Nail Tech Mailing List
Relaxation Techniques. Elaine Raymond (raymonds@cybertours.com, Nail Envy, Biddeford, Maine) has noticed that in addition to serving coffee, some salons offer clients a glass of wine or a bottle of beer Elaine was very concerned about the liability of serving alcohol in her salon, so she posted an e-mail soliciting opinions. Doug Schoon (dschoon @ix.netcom.com), director of K&D at Creative Nail Design Systems, warned that it is against OSHA regulations to eat or drink in the salon. Some people replied that their salons do offer the client a glass of wine, but in very small glasses — plastic ones that can be tossed in the garbage, no sanitizing required. The overall consensus was to check your state’s liquor laws and check with your state board.
Self-Promotion. No wonder she was voted NAILS’ 1996 Nail Technician of the Year Debra Shoaff (nails4u@bella7.lantic.net The Nail & Hair Gallery Wampum, Pa.) has some brilliant marketing ideas. On the first anniversary of her salon’s grand opening, she sent out an e-newsletter that was titled “Forget Me Not,” thanking her clients for making her first year in business a great success In each letter Shoaff enclosed a packet of forget-me-not seeds.
People Connection. Laurie Engels (lengels@interaccess.com), a recent nail school graduate, was reading local competition results and noticed that Finger’s Nails Studios in W. Dundee, Ill., placed in almost every category A few days later; Engels was reading the posts on the NAILTECH list and came across one signed by the salon’s owner Shari Finger (nailu@aol.com). Hoping for a mentor, Engels e- mailed Finger who wrote back saying she’d help all she could. They met a few days later at the-salon and after a very short mentoring period, Engels was asked to participate in their apprentice program. “The most amazing part about all of this to me is that I live about 15 minutes from her salon and probably would have never met her if it wasn’t for this list,” says Engels.
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.
