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!
by Anne Moratto
What Has Happened to Our Trade Shows?
Trade shows used to seem bigger, brighter, and shinier and I wasn’t familiar with all the product lines. Every booth had something undiscovered to show me, and I couldn’t wait till the next big trade show. Where did that feeling go?
by Maggie Franklin
August 1, 20023 min to read
It seems to me that back in the days, trade shows had more to offer nail technicians than they do today. I suppose it is possible that I was younger then and had not been in the industry very long, and perhaps trade shows only seemed bigger brighter, and shinier I wasn’t familiar with all the product lines, every booth had something undiscovered to show me, and I couldn’t wait till the next big trade show.
The last few shows I have attended have been huge beauty industry extravaganzas. The brochures promised all the latest in products and education. Once the brochure was opened it revealed a plethora of exhibitors, platform artists, and classes available — for hairstylists. While this is not a problem if you happen to do hair; it is a bit disappointing to those of us who specialize in other disciplines, such as nails.
We get enticed to attend a major trade show, spend the money for the tickets, the travel costs, the accommodations, then walk onto the showroom floor and begin searching frantically for our favourite companies — and keep our eyes open for anything new.
All too often nail exhibitors are hidden in secondary rooms, or overshadowed by glittering platform performers boasting bright lights, loud music, and scantily clad dancers. Woe be to the individual hoping to get some one-on-one advice or demonstration time with one of these ill-placed companies. You cannot hear over the din of the elaborately constructed spectacle going on next door.
Which begs the question: Why do so many hair companies invest so much money, time, and effort into their trade show exhibits while so many nail companies stand meekly in the shadows letting their customers pass them by unnoticed? Are we not worthy of the same investment? Do mere nail technicians not account for high enough profit margins to warrant such glamorous marketing strategies?
Even more disturbing, however; is that fewer and fewer nail companies are bothering to make an appearance at some of the larger trade shows. I understand the expenses involved with renting the space, toting the booths and the products from town to town, and paying educators to man the booths. But I have a difficult time believing that having a presence at these events is not profitable for a company, whether it is a new one seeking visibility in the industry, or a well- established one seeking to reach new clients and reinforce its position in the industry. As a businesswoman, I know you can never afford to stop advertising, so why does it appear that so many companies are choosing to do exactly that by not attending trade shows!
One reason I have been given for this situation is that attendance at major trade shows has dwindled. Could that be a direct result of the lack of exhibitors available for us? I know I will be picking and choosing my trade shows more carefully next yean I will be opting for more nails- only shows, shows that offer competitions, and shows that offer networking events specializing in the nail industry, As a result, there are a few “big” shows that will have to go on without me, decreasing the attendance and possibly costing someone else the opportunity to discover a great nail company that just couldn’t justify the cost of being there without me.
Moggie Franklin is a nail tech and salon owner in Visalia, Calif
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
More Business
Create a Salon Suite That Reflects Your Brand and Delights Your Clients
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.
by Anne Moratto
Square's 2026 Local Economy Report Reveals the Neighborhood Network Effect
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.
Precision, Passion, and the Business of Beauty
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
The Golden Touch: Luxury Service Helps Drive Loyalty at J Gold Salon
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
How to Build Career Connections in Beauty: Expert Networking Advice from K18’s Sabrina Sanborn
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.
How Can I Minimize Cancellations and No-Shows?
A combination of clear policies, effective communication, and strong client relationships has helped me create a more reliable and efficient booking system.
Nailtorious Iconz Beauty Academy Announces the Rollout of its Professional Product Line
Founded by Cleveland serial entrepreneur Shaura Rodgers, Nailtorious has grown to include a nail supply megastore, training facilities, and retail line for nail techs.
Stylists Share Their Advice for the Post-Holiday Quiet Period
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.
10 Housing and Interior Design Trends for 2025
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.
Prepare for Small Business Saturday® with American Express
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
6 Quick Tips for Building Financial Mastery
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.
Success at the Top: Thriving on Madison Ave.
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
The Salon Today 2024 Technology Solutions Guide
This guide is your one-stop shop for a plethora of technology tools, software and services created to keep your salon or spa thriving.
Where Should My Money Live: An Account Breakdown
Anna Manukyan shares a breakdown of what different types of financial accounts should be used for.
Vagaro’s New AI Features and Communication Tool Pave the Way for a More Efficient, Profitable Business
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 Biz Talk: Are You Getting Too Close to Clients?
Young Nails' Greg, Habib, and Tracey discuss whether getting too close to clients can damage your business.