MENU
SEARCHA one-stop shop, Nails Icon in Montclair, Calif., boasts a bustling retail area, clean, affordable services, and isn’t afraid to stay open ’til 1 a.m. for mani-pedi parties. The owner credits the salon’s customer service as key to surviving the recession.
After threatening my fiancé (second from front) with colored polish, nail tech Lee Tran whipped out Orly’s Nails for Males matte nail finish.
After threatening my fiancé (second from front) with colored polish, nail tech Lee Tran whipped out Orly’s Nails for Males matte nail finish.
No Means No
Salon owner Mai Tran (right) is a Vietnamese immigrant, has other relatives in the nail salon business, and is well-aware of the potential culture clashes that can occur. To that end, she trains her techs that it’s OK to take no for an answer regarding add-on services. “Don’t ask the customer why she doesn’t want the callus treatment or make her uncomfortable,” she tells her techs. “Many clients tell me they feel uncomfortable in other salons.” Mai purposely went to an English-speaking beauty school, so she could “get the culture right.”
At-the-Ready Retail
Honestly, I think the retail boutique was the main component of my friend Lisa’s — who suggested this salon to me — infatuation with Nails Icon. She kept saying, “It’s a one-stop shop, Sree!” And that’s accurate actually. Let’s see: there are shoes, purses, blouses, headbands and barrettes, necklaces, bracelets, and, of course, polish. Owner Mai says, “My customers love it. While they’re waiting, they look around.”
A Clean Freak’s Dream
Stainless steel bowls without jets leave little room for bacteria to hide. While this practice is popular in salons in neighboring Los Angeles County, in San Bernadino County jetless spa chairs are rare, Mai says, which gives Nails Icon a selling point to sanitation-conscious clients. The salon also states its commitment to sanitation on its menu, which was key to my decision to book an appointment.
Fun Facts
> Not content with just the typical bridal parties and birthday parties, Nails Icon has played host to breakfast meetings, direct sales groups (think Avon or The Pampered Chef), and even Bible study groups. Sometimes the staff works until 1 a.m. on party nights.
> Mai takes karma seriously. “Do not compete against the salons where you learned, then someone will do that to you,” she cautions. How does she beat her competition? Attending shows like ISSE Long Beach and IBS Las Vegas and making all of her clients feel like her No. 1 client. A bystander piped up, “It’s like family here.”
> It may be a little weird when she’s not on the job, but Mai wears a different nail art design on each of her nails so clients can choose from several choices literally at Mai’s fingertips. More conventionally, she also keeps a portfolio on hand.
Menu Highlights
De-wrinkle Manicure: $20;
Intensive Callus Pedicure: $30;
Fiberglass/Silk Wraps (full set): $40; Nail Design (per nail): $3;
Reflexology: $40;
Eyelash Extensions: $100
Product Highlights
Polish: OPI, China Glaze, Essie, Orly; Brush-on Gel Polish: Gelish;
Lotion: CND; Cuticle Oil: Haken.
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.
