MENU
SEARCHBy definition, inspiration is a divine influence or action on a person believed to qualify him or her to receive and communicate sacred revelation, or the action or power of moving the intellect or emotions.
How do you get inspired? I’m on a constant quest (in all facets of my life) to know where people find their inspiration: Inspiration to be great at what you do. Inspiration to be a better person in your relationships and personal lives. Inspiration to design and create new styles and trends.
“What was your inspiration?” is the first question you hear on red carpets and other interviews for big designers, actors, writers. I watch Project Runway (I love Tim Gunn!) and the judges always want to know what inspired the designers to come up with a specific dress or collection. Last night on American Idol (OK, you caught me, I’m a reality TV junkie!) the seven remaining contestants had to sing songs of inspiration. Here’s the thing: A song of inspiration is probably very different for me than it is for you. Likewise, what inspires me to create new things at work is likely very different than what inspires you to create new things at work.
By definition, inspiration is a divine influence or action on a person believed to qualify him or her to receive and communicate sacred revelation, or the action or power of moving the intellect or emotions. I tend to lean toward the non-religious definition, but you can see how inspiration and where it comes from is completely subjective. We are each our own people and we are all inspired or moved or influenced by different things. So you can understand my quest to understand how others get inspired.
Personally, I read a lot of books and magazines, listen to a lot of music, and watch a lot of television and movies. I get inspired by things I see in beauty and fashion magazines, but I also get inspired by shelter and food magazines. I’m constantly drawing inspiration for NAILS from Wired, Esquire, Yoga Journal, and Outdoor magazines, to name a few. Odd places to get inspired for a trade magazine about fingernails, no? I tear pages out of magazines wherever I am — airplanes, doctors’ offices, friends’ houses. I think it’s these far off, loosely related sources of inspiration where we really can get some of our best and most unique ideas.
So where do you get inspired? Where do you draw your inspiration for your nail styles? For new services? For ideas on salon design? I want to collect a series of short essays written by our readers on sources of inspiration and I’ll share what I hear. You can e-mail me, but I’d love it if you’d send me handwritten notes detailing what inspires you and maybe include a picture, a tear sheet, a swatch of fabric, or whatever it was that inspired you. (You can send it to: Hannah Lee, 3520 Challenger St., Torrance, CA 90503.) By asking you what inspires you, I’m getting inspired all over again!
You know what else I’m inspired by? All the work our awesome web team did to create the new Nail Art Gallery! Thanks to Brian Kim, Miljan Mihajlovic, Paul Rizo, Min Kim, and Sam Kim!
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.
