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: Essential Nail Bar
This nail salon in Birmingham, MI, opened right before COVID hit in 2020, but that didn't stop the business from thriving.
October 19, 2021
1/6
3 min to read
When Essential Nail Bar in Birmingham, MI, opened in January 2020, its owner, Michael Tran, of course had no idea what was coming down the pipeline. But fortunately, those short six weeks the salon was open pre-shutdown solidified its name and reputation in the bustling downtown area, allowing Tran to reopen the business in June 2020 without an issue.
Thanks to the salon’s success, Tran has his sights set on expanding the franchise, taking the knowledge that his mom taught him as a career nail tech and combining it with his business management skills to propel Essential Nail Bar to the next level.
The Setup
The bar at Essential Nail Bar is unique in its market, taking inspiration from West Coast salons. “We wanted to implement the nail bar for health reasons, specifically for the techs,” Tran — who is from California — explains. “Sitting all day is not good, so giving them the option to stand was really important.”
The rest of the 2,300-square-foot space, which was built from the ground up, was centered around the nail bar. The modern, streamlined design is uncluttered and full of beautiful details, like Venus ET Fleur arrangements and luxury room fragrance.
And that fragrance is truly all that hits your nose — no harsh chemical smells or dust fills the air, thanks to the salon’s top-notch ventilation system. Tran’s business partner is in the heating and cooling industry, and they made sure that they installed the best system possible.
“We want to make clients feel pampered from start to finish,” Tran says. “From the Lenox pedicure chairs in the back, to our safe sanitation practices, and even down to our beverage service, we take pride in the fact that our clients feel safe coming here.”
And Tran says that actually, COVID made the business progress even further. The salon runs appointment-only now and is booked out for weeks. He has 11 techs working for him, but is looking to add more. “Demand for services is so high,” he says. “We want to add techs, but it’s been challenging to find the right people.”
Tran runs the business almost entirely online — guests book directly through the website or Instagram, and he utilizes Instagram, Yelp and Google for organic marketing. He’s spent no money on marketing since they’ve been open.
Essential’s Difference
Essential Nail Bar has serviced more than 7,000 clients since it opened in January of last year, becoming a destination for beautiful nails in the metro Detroit area.
Tran says the most popular service requested nowadays is nail art, and Gel-X extensions from Aprés, both thanks to celebrities like Kylie Jenner. Essential is one of the few salons in Michigan that offers Gel-X extensions, further catering to its clientele.
Tran also had his future clientele in mind when he was brainstorming the name of his salon, too. It took him 2 years to come up with the perfect one.
“I knew the name had to be meaningful and something that we wouldn’t grow out of,” Tran says. “‘Essential’ means ‘need,’ and our services are definitely essential to our guests. That’s the philosophy.”
Originally posted on Modern Salon
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.