MENU
SEARCHIra Bloom does everything in a big way. Maybe it’s living in the state of Texas. Bloom owns the biggest nail salon in the country, and when it comes to business, he does not work on a small scale.
Ira Bloom (in photo above with Cyndy Drummey) does everything in a big way. Maybe it’s living in the state of Texas. Bloom owns the biggest nail salon in the country (actually two of the 10 biggest salon), and when it comes to business, he does not work on a small scale. Before the real estate market plummeted in Texas, bloom was a successful real estate developer, and he made and lost a fortune dealing in retail shopping centers (that’s how he found out about the lucrative nail business).
I met Ira five years ago at a NAILS Magazine show in Dallas. It was his first show, and I had invited him to a focus group we were conducting with local salon owners. Although he was new to the salon industry, he offered so much wisdom and personal insight that we became friends on the spot. When he opened his first Nails Now! Salon in the Dallas area in 1992 with 18 technicians, it was clear that he was going to become a big name in the nail industry.
Although originally conceived to be moderate-priced salon, the four Nails Now! salons have carved out for themselves a unique niche, specializing in quick service, convenience, competitive prices, and warm ambiance. Bloom had designed key salon elements all of which he patented that make the salon attractive to both workers and clients. There’s a custom built polish drying area that utilizes UV light for hands and feet, a ventilation system that removes 90% of salon dust and door, and nail workstations with hidden storage, shared supply cabinets, maximized work space, and privacy for both the technician and the client.
Although I had certainly known of the Nails Now! Salon for some time and had kept in touch with Ira, I had not actually visited the salon in person until last year. On a cool and rainy autumn Saturday, I stopped in the Plano salon and had a manicure with LouAnn Moore. LouAnn has been doing nails for two and a half years and, she says she’s never been happier in her life. After three years in the Army (she and a friend enlisted, thinking they’d get to see the world, meet interesting people, and get in good shape), she was a grocery store clerk for eight years before looking into nails. She was meticulous and one of the better polishers I’ve had. Ira and the Nails Now! Nail technicians showed me true Texas hospitality, and a great set of nails to boot.
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.
