MENU
SEARCH
DiDi Merriman (right) of Peel’s Salon Services brought Jan Oates’ Nails or Not Salon in Omaha, Neb., to my attention. I was in town for the Peel’s Fall Show. LaCinda Headings (center) met us for dinner.
DiDi Merriman (right) of Peel’s Salon Services brought Jan Oates’ Nails or Not Salon in Omaha, Neb., to my attention. I was in town for the Peel’s Fall Show. LaCinda Headings (center) met us for dinner.
OMAHA, Neb. – Cyndy Drummey, editor/publisher – Omaha is famous for several things: steaks that melt in your mouth, its insurance and financial industries, and Jan Oates’ manicure at Nails or Not Salon. The Jan Oates deluxe manicure starts with an at-your-car greeting from her home-based salon and doesn’t conclude until one hour later. A former home economics teacher, Jan converted a room in the front of her house, and not only does nails there, but she also has a thriving – in fact, award-winning – retail business. Against an entire wall of the room is one of the most impressive and professionally displayed retail “sections” you could hope to find in any nail salon – home-based or chain. And sitting opposite the retail area is the Highest Average Retail Ticket award Jan won from Peel’s Salon Services.
“What’s your retail philosophy?” I asked her, for clearly she had a program that worked because it was based in belief as much as business. She explained: “I spend at least 15 minutes of every service talking about product. No matter what service I’m doing or how long that client has been coming, I talk about product.” Jan’s procedure is brilliant in the way it uses such a variety of products: it enhances the sensation for the client, it allows the nail technician to show her product knowledge, and it opens up the opportunity to retail.
She starts with an analysis of the hands, nails, and cuticles, then start the cuticle softening step, using two different products. I’m sure that in the client’s mind the results are achieved by the combination of the two products. She does solid hand and arm massage with a heavy cream, followed by plastic wrap and heated hand mitts. Her polish process starts with a dehydration step, then one brand of product as a base, another brand of polish (which she chooses from near the retail area, keeping the client’s eyes on the product), and finishes with a top coat and a polish drying accelerator. The entire process concludes with a lathering of a high-end hand cream, also displayed on her table (with a price tag). Jan also shared how she rubs cuticle cream on her nails during her son’s baseball games, and usually ends up taking order for it from other spectators.
Jan’s husband Jerry also operates a home-based business, but their schedules and priorities rarely allow them to dine together midday or even to see each other. They’ve carved out a professional yet homey atmosphere that allows them to work at jobs they love and be near home and family at the same time. You don’t get the sense you’re in someone’s home (except when their daughter comes home from school and bounds in to greet her mom).
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.
