MENU
SEARCHKym Lee dazzles by earinging a runner-up title for Educator of the Year.
Kym Lee travels all over the world teaching nail technicians how to be the best. She draws on her 15 years' experience doing nails, competing, and running a company.
Kym Lee
Owner: Galaxy Nail Products
Location: Corona, Calif.
Years doing nails: 15
Age: 33
Kym Lee travels all over the world teaching nail technicians how to be the best. She draws on her 15 years' experience doing nails, competing, and running a company.
Kym Lee’s class didn’t start until 2:00 p.m., but that didn’t stop attendees at the NAILS Show West from coming early to get a good seat. One of the best-known leaders in the nail industry, Lee not only runs a multi-million dollar nail products company, but she is a skilled and charismatic educator as well. She holds as many as 60 workshops and seminars with capacity crowds around the world each year, teaching her techniques to nail technicians and training other educators for Galaxy Nail Products. Recently, she introduced KL Systems and will incorporate more workshops into her schedule to teach the new acrylic system. “I stay focused on education, because without it you are stagnant,” Lee says.
Although she’s busy running a company, giving workshops, and competing, Lee makes herself available to her customers. Nail technicians calling Galaxy for technical information will find themselves speaking to Lee herself. Through process elimination, Lee helps callers narrow down problems so they can try a few technical solutions. Her success rate? “I’d say about 95% of the time, technicians I speak to feel comfortable with the advice they get,” Lee says. “That’s extremely gratifying to me because I know how it is out there. It’s up to you to keep your clients coming back; I want nail technicians to know they have us as resource.”
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.
