MENU
SEARCHAt this bustling salon with 13 nail techs, it's all about family and "home-made" products.
Californians and Midwesterners take a different approach to weather: I didn't want my picture taken with my bulky coat on even though I was freezing (but the California Girl still needed sunglasses). These hearty Midwesterners didn’t even have sweaters on! (from left) me, the De Cores: Cindy (owner/mom), Toni, Natalie, Michelle, and Gigi Ruscitti, and Frank DeSantis.
Californians and Midwesterners take a different approach to weather: I didn't want my picture taken with my bulky coat on even though I was freezing (but the California Girl still needed sunglasses). These hearty Midwesterners didn’t even have sweaters on! (from left) me, the De Cores: Cindy (owner/mom), Toni, Natalie, Michelle, and Gigi Ruscitti, and Frank DeSantis.
After attending the Midwest Beauty Show in Chicago, I stopped in to see Frank DeSantis of Aqua Nails/International Chemical Formulations in Brookfield, IL. We got to talking about how Aqua Nails was invented and I suggested we go see a salon that was using it. He called his sister-in-law, Cindy DeCore, who owns CinDe’s Nail Pazzaz in Roselle. I didn’t make the connection until we arrived at the salon when I realized that CinDe’s was one of NAILS’ own Top 100 Salons (#75 in 1996) and has been since 1994. There are currently 13 nail technicians at the salon, in addition to a team of hairstylists and estheticians.
DeCore has an enviable situation: Because she is both a working nail technician and a relative of DeSantis, who is a primary manufacturer of nail products, she has direct feedback on the products she uses and can have products ultra-customized to work on a particular client or in a particular environment (the day I was there Frank and she discussed an ultra-white powder he was working on for her). She also tests products from the laboratory and lets Frank know how they perform under salon conditions. They don’t rely only on Uncle Frank for product information, though; they recently hosted a visit from top competitor and educator Tom Bachik, who came to the salon to train the nail team on backfills.
Last year DeCore expanded the salon to accommodate more skin care services. Its décor has a touch of ancient Greece, decorated with faux marble, cool and soothing hues of gray and celery, and “antiqued” iron.
When asked about her children, she doesn’t tell you how many girls she has or their ages, she says, ‘I have three nail technicians.” Her three grown daughters – Toni, Natalie, and Michelle – all work in the salon, as does their cousin Gigi Ruscitti. Salon clients are equally close-knit: Cindy’s client during my visit was Kim Lalagos, who had been a client for 15 years (and the guinea pig for many R&D tests over the years).
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.
