
The Beauty Pro Book Club: 4 Reads to Inspire Growth and Success
Four publications for beauty industry professionals to enhance their leadership skills, financial awareness, professional growth, and joy!
When it comes to decor, Graffiti Nail Bar breaks all the rules, says owner Lauren Boyd.


“Graffiti Nail Bar breaks all the rules of the nail salon world,” says Memphis-based salon owner and nail tech Lauren Boyd. “I don’t even call it a nail salon; it’s an art studio — a nail atelier, if you will. We don’t have a consistent color scheme or perfectly matched furniture. In fact, we don’t have any salon-specific furniture.” What she does have is vividly decorated walls splashed with bold graffiti.

Graffiti Nail Bar owner Lauren Boyd
“I’m an admirer of graffiti because of the colors and the talent it takes to create it,” says Boyd. “The pressure they’re under to create and escape getting caught is crazy. I love the passion and talent it takes to pull it off.” This passion and urge to explore and create were foremost in Boyd’s thoughts when she opened her salon four years ago. “We’re all supposed to stay in our perfect places, with neutral walls and sleek, posh decor. But what if for once we were allowed to be free, to create and escape from our boxes and just color? Wouldn’t that be great? That’s why I created Graffiti Nail Bar. Everyone who comes in is free to be themselves, whoever that may be.”

The salon is housed in a converted 1930s apartment. The 1,100-sq.-ft. space has four rooms: one for nails and art-specific retail merchandise, one for pedicures and skin-specific retail, an art studio, and Boyd’s office. “I also have a full kitchen where I like to cook for my clients,” she says.

“My husband and I did all the art on the walls and my husband created all the canvas art. I literally just paint wherever and whenever I feel the need to change the scenery in the place, or if I want to get something in my heart out. I have always been an artist — even before I became a nail tech. Conforming has always been my problem and my blessing.”

Learn more about Boyd’s salon and artwork at www.graffitinailbar.com or www.instagram.com/graffitinailbar.

Four publications for beauty industry professionals to enhance their leadership skills, financial awareness, professional growth, and joy!

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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.
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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.

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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.
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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.
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Young Nails' Greg, Habib, and Tracey discuss whether getting too close to clients can damage your business.