MENU
SEARCHSays NAILS salesperson Michelle Mullen: "My first pedicure was causing me a little anxiety but Laura Mix, founder/VP of Footworks in Elk Grove, Calif., welcomed us with her lovely smile and I began to relax."
A pedicure at Footworks is treated like an opportunity to educate and bond with the client. They want their walk-in customers to become regular clients and it shows.
A pedicure at Footworks is treated like an opportunity to educate and bond with the client. They want their walk-in customers to become regular clients and it shows.
Although NAILS managing editor Debbie Rosenkrantz and I had wonderful meetings on our one-day road trip, everything that could go wrong certainly did. By the time we found our way to our final appointment, we were frazzled and tired – and our feet were killing us. My first pedicure was causing me a little anxiety but Laura Mix, founder/VP of Footworks in Elk Grove, Calif., welcomed us with her lovely smile and I began to relax.
As we moved around the salon I became aware of the calming music (chosen for its ability to lower a client’s heart rate quickly bring about relaxation) and the sound of the small water fountains placed around the reception area and manicure tables. The atmosphere was wearing down the tension I trudged in with.
Laura and her husband Dr. G.F. Oscar Mix, a podiatrist (whose columns appear in past issues of NAILS), worked with several specialists to develop the interior of the salon to make it a haven for relaxation. The walls are painted a soft peach with ocean-coloured carpet, giving the feeling of five minutes after sundown. The wood grain and glass retail area displays all of the salon’s specialty retail products neatly. No detail is too small – the salon’s gift certificates even come in a gold gift box with a ribbon instead of an envelope. Down the hall are six doors leading to private rooms for pedicures, reflexology/massage, skin care, and a podiatry treatment room and office for Dr. Mix, who practices out of the salon two days a week. Besides this being a unique service offering, it came in handy as Dr. Mix was able to look at built-up calluses on Debbie’s feet during her pedicure and help her technician prescribe a treatment regimen.
I was led to my private room where I changed into the soft terrycloth shorts supplied by Footworks and sank into the custom-built pedicure throne. Laura designed the throne in her garage using a hooded kitty litter box, some scissors, and an office chair. The outcome is a station where she sits at a comfortable level without putting strain on her back. A custom-designed mini-Jacuzzi with ultra-quiet jets slightly massaged my tired feet. Toward the end of the service, a plastic cover slides over the water to create a flat surface for polishing. The chair itself is an R.V. seat, allowing the client to recline the back and adjust the arms to get comfortable. The seat is installed on rails and moves backward or forward for any length of legs.
Of course, I hate my feet and was reluctant to have anyone touch them, but with Laura’s demeanor, which was as relaxing as the room’s atmosphere and adjustable lighting, I was quickly persuaded. I would have napped but for NAILS readers, I stayed alert to the scent of eucalyptus aromatherapy and Laura’s relaxing touch. Somewhere among the ambiance, the music, the mud treatment, the massage, and the kind Laura Mix, I unwound and found the beauty of a pedicure.
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.
