
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!
Last May, Columbus, Ohio-based salon owner Lisa Suárez-Brentzel saw her dreams come true when she married the ideal man in the ideal setting: her newly opened salon, Lacquer Gallery

Lisa Suárez-Brentzel


Lisa Suárez-Brentzel
Last May, Columbus, Ohio-based salon owner Lisa Suárez-Brentzel saw her dreams come true when she married the ideal man in the ideal setting: her newly opened salon, Lacquer Gallery. After a whirlwind romance, the couple married one year to the day after they met.
“My husband Jake and I met May 31, 2014. I was trying online dating for the first time and he was the first person to message me,” she says. “Being in a salon and doing nails, I’m surrounded by women 99% of the time. With that and being the single mom of a 5-year-old, it was very hard to meet people.” After that initial message, the two chatted via email for a few days, then spoke on the phone and “FaceTimed.” A week later, they were ready to meet in person. “Strangely enough, when we first chatted online I discovered he was living near Pittsburgh — three hours away. I had set my radius on the dating site for only 20 miles,” she says. Not too long after that first meeting came an engagement followed by some serious wedding planning.
“We thought it would be awesome to be married on a day that was special to both of us, and our one-year anniversary seemed perfect,” says Suárez-Brentzel. That meant a May wedding — and it also meant Suárez-Brentzel’s new salon would be open by then. “My salon is an open space with great hardwood flooring, brick walls, and ornate high metal ceilings with great lighting. [Editor’s note: You can read a profile of Lacquer Gallery at www.nailsmag.com/lacquerprofile.] We couldn’t imagine a better space to start our new beginning than in a place that meant so much to me. It’s been my dream since I was 5 to open my own salon, to be a mother, and to be married by my best friend, so I wanted everything to be combined.”

When the big day rolled around, the couple hosted a small Sunday brunch-style wedding. “Our immediate family came to the ceremony, which was performed by my best friend, while my daughter stood — or danced, really— in front with us. The reception was an open house with family, friends, and even clients stopping by. The day was perfect and exactly what we had pictured,” she says.

“I love that we had the wedding in the salon I worked my whole life for. It’s all a great reminder of how lucky I am, and with persistence and hard work everything and anything can happen.”

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

The most successful salon suites balance personality, function, and comfort. Megan Communale of My Salon Suite shares her best advice for designing a space that supports your business goals and leaves a lasting impression on every guest.

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.