MENU
SEARCHI was in beautiful Toronto for four days visiting salons and attending the Canadian Hairdresser magazine show. I learned that our salon neighbors to the north share a lot of the same joys and frustrations in their work as you do. Although still not as prominent, discount salons are redefining the nail industry there as well.
Debbie Krakalovich (left) and NAILS editor Cyndy Drummey (right)
Debbie Krakalovich (left) and NAILS editor Cyndy Drummey (right)
Oh, Canada! I was in beautiful Toronto for four days visiting salons and attending the Canadian Hairdresser magazine show. I learned that our salon neighbors to the north share a lot of the same joys and frustrations in their work as you do. Although still not as prominent, discount salons are redefining the nail industry there as well. One upscale salon owner admitted that the “discount” service she had experienced as a client was probably superior to her own salon’s offering. However, despite the influx, salons still seem to be demanding high prices for their services (even at an exchange rate favorable to Americans, the prices were higher than U.S. averages).
Kim Tanner, Star Nail Products’ Ontario distributor, was a most gracious host my first day in the city. She took me to the city of Streetsville to meet the team at Hot Tips. The city may be quaint, but the salon is the model of professionalism, with techs in starched white lab coats. Salon owner Lucy Eki told me about a recent client education program, showing clients how to repair their own nails until they can get into the shop.
Tanner talks excitedly and passionately
Not only did the ladies at Hot tell me what was hot in nails in Canada salons, but they also showed me the hot spots in Toronto nightlife.
about professional education and industry news. “We’re hungry for anything and everything,” she says. Her practical approach has a huge payoff: At the show, where she and her team were doing live demos, the audience was three deep trying to see a gel nail application.
I’ve known my other host, Debbie Krakalovich, since she and her husband Gary won the first Salon of the Year Award in 1996 and I was delighted to finally see the famous Nail Shoppes in person. The couple has three locations in the major Toronto area, all high end. Her staff is a friendly, highly professional bunch from all over the world. Carla Furlong, who did a dream-like pedicure for me, came to Canada from South Africa just two years ago, and Marcia-Ann Callender, who put on my first set of acrylics in three years, is from Trinidad and Tobago and hasn’t been in North America long enough for her beautiful accent to soften in the slightest.
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.
