The Beauty Pro Book Club: 4 Reads to Inspire Growth and Success
Four publications for beauty industry professionals to enhance their leadership skills, financial awareness, professional growth, and joy!
by Anne Moratto
On the Road: Be Beauty, San Diego
I found Be Beauty by posting a message on the NAILS Facebook page (www.facebook.com/nailsmag) that I was looking for a salon in San Diego. Nail tech Brian Garces messaged me back to come to the salon where he works. When I looked it up online and saw it was in a cute little 1920s-era bungalow, I was sold.
June 1, 2010
3 min to read
San Diego — I love salons in houses — there’s just something so quaint and comfortable about them. So whenever I see a cottage or bungalow with a salon inside, I know I have to visit. I found Be Beauty by posting a message on the NAILS Facebook page (www.facebook.com/nailsmag) that I was looking for a salon in San Diego. Nail tech Brian Garces messaged me back to come to the salon where he works. When I looked it up online and saw it was in a cute little 1920s-era bungalow, I was sold.
The beauty boutique, located in the Little Italy neighborhood on an adorable street with a row of cottage shops, consists of a retail boutique, a makeup application area, a facial room, and a nail room. Salon owners and estheticians Tara Manna and Juliana Rodrigues opened the salon a little over a year ago and the whole down-to-earth, artsy vibe of the neighborhood was really appealing to them. In fact, a psychic told Manna they were going to find a yellow house, two blocks from the ocean, and they would find it by accident. Sure enough, two days later, they stumbled upon the cottage shops (just a few blocks from the water) and the yellow building had a for rent sign up in the window. They knew it was fate. And with a lot of help from friends and family, they opened the salon.
The nail room has two manicure tables and two pedicure stations where clients can get natural nail services. Each month they offer a new signature service — when I was there it was a Lavender Milk Pedicure with a homemade brown sugar scrub. In addition to the two owner/estheticians, Be Beauty employs three nail techs.
Garces (who has only been a licensed nail tech since September 2009) is mad for Minx. He was inspired to go to nail school after seeing a Lady Gaga video where she was wearing some super cool nails. He found out later she was wearing Minx. Believe it or not, this was my first personal experience with the product and it was pretty cool to watch the application process on my toes. (Garces changes his own Minx styles out once a week and says wearing it himself is the best form of advertising he could do.) I enjoyed the salon’s specialty cocktail while Brian worked on my feet and explained excitedly just how much he loves the nail industry.
Be Beauty hosts Beauty Soirées in the salon and out in the garden area. In addition to beauty and nail services, guests can shop, mingle, and enjoy refreshments, local artists, and live music. I can see why clients feel comfortable here and sometimes stop in just to hang out and say hi. It really is a home away from home.
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
More Business
Create a Salon Suite That Reflects Your Brand and Delights Your Clients
The most successful salon suites balance personality, function, and comfort. Megan Communale of My Salon Suite shares her best advice for designing a space that supports your business goals and leaves a lasting impression on every guest.
by Anne Moratto
Square's 2026 Local Economy Report Reveals the Neighborhood Network Effect
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.
Precision, Passion, and the Business of Beauty
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
The Golden Touch: Luxury Service Helps Drive Loyalty at J Gold Salon
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
How to Build Career Connections in Beauty: Expert Networking Advice from K18’s Sabrina Sanborn
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.
How Can I Minimize Cancellations and No-Shows?
A combination of clear policies, effective communication, and strong client relationships has helped me create a more reliable and efficient booking system.
Nailtorious Iconz Beauty Academy Announces the Rollout of its Professional Product Line
Founded by Cleveland serial entrepreneur Shaura Rodgers, Nailtorious has grown to include a nail supply megastore, training facilities, and retail line for nail techs.
Stylists Share Their Advice for the Post-Holiday Quiet Period
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.
10 Housing and Interior Design Trends for 2025
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.
Prepare for Small Business Saturday® with American Express
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
6 Quick Tips for Building Financial Mastery
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.
Success at the Top: Thriving on Madison Ave.
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
The Salon Today 2024 Technology Solutions Guide
This guide is your one-stop shop for a plethora of technology tools, software and services created to keep your salon or spa thriving.
Where Should My Money Live: An Account Breakdown
Anna Manukyan shares a breakdown of what different types of financial accounts should be used for.
Vagaro’s New AI Features and Communication Tool Pave the Way for a More Efficient, Profitable Business
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 Biz Talk: Are You Getting Too Close to Clients?
Young Nails' Greg, Habib, and Tracey discuss whether getting too close to clients can damage your business.