MENU
SEARCHTucked inside a sub-tropical oasis, Lourdes’ Nail Studio in Sarasota, Fla., offers clients a calm, peaceful environment where they’ll walk away with good conversation and beautiful nails.
That’s me relaxing in one of two pedicure chairs.
When Castillo removed a nail desk, she used the space as a consignment corner for clients to sell handbags and shoes.
> Lourdes’ open floor plan and floor-to-ceiling windows looking out to the garden courtyard create a breezy, relaxed vibe. But it’s the almost palpable feeling of having arrived at a place that feels as if you belong that sets Lourdes apart from the other salons in Burns Court, a small, historic district of Sarasota, Fla. Burns Court is home to trendy boutiques and niche restaurants, yoga studios, and tiny storefronts where skin, hair, and nail artisans create their own form of art. At Lourdes’, clients linger, pulling new arrivals into a conversation that weaves throughout the day. Many stop in without an appointment, just to talk with owner Lourdes Castillo and each other.
Lourdes Castillo’s (left) personality creates a culture where clients are instant friends.
> A nail tech of 23 years, Castillo is originally from Cuba. She’s traveled to Prague, Miami, and Houston, before landing in Sarasota in 2008. She opened Lourdes’ Nail Studio in its current location in July 2012.
That’s me relaxing in one of two pedicure chairs.
> The salon has room for two pedi booths and two nail desks, though only one desk is set up as a nail station. Until Castillo finds a good fit to work in her second seat, she uses the space as a small consignment boutique where clients bring new and gently used handbags, shoes, and shades.
The large windows give the small space an open, breezy feel.
> Castillo performs natural nail manis and pedis, plus acrylic and gels. Her first love is pink-and-white acrylics, but pedicures are her specialty. Though a veteran with a thriving business, she continues to educate herself. Skilled in the Footlogix B/S Brace technique, Castillo has built a reputation as the go-to tech for troubled toes.
When Castillo removed a nail desk, she used the space as a consignment corner for clients to sell handbags and shoes.
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.
