Self-Taught
A significant portion of the comments on a recent post accused me of being “jealous” because the blogosphere is filled with talented nail artists who are “self-taught.” Apparently, there’s a widespread misconception that when one enrolls
Maggie Franklin
Blogger
Ignorance, Personal Taste, and Just Plain Mean
Why is it that people have such a hard time differentiating opinion from fact? I get that not everybodylikesthe work I do, and I don’tlikethe work that everybody else does. In fact, I’m not always so
Blurring the Smile Lines
Well, so much for the notion of the “professional nail industry” being comprised of — and driven by — actual nail professionals. You know, those of us who sit behind manicuring tables and at pedicure stations
I Can’t Get to the Phone Right Now
Seriously. I know I’ve mentioned in the past that I just hate being on the phone in general. And I envy the techs who have receptionists, or a clientele who “gets” — and appreciates — an
Perpetuating the Problem
The problem is, our industry is made up of everyday, ordinary people. Every state in the U.S. has different rules and regulations for regulating the industry and different criteria and requirements for determining who’s “qualified” to
The Munchies
When I moved into my current location, one of the perks of the new address was that it is situated firmly in the heart of our local downtown business district, i.e., restaurants. Lots and lots of
Disadvantages to a Mobile Phone
Putting the emphasis on mobile, here. I joined the multitudes of pros who use only their cell phone for business a little over a year ago. I carry the dang thing around with me everywhere I
Is This an Orange-Red or a Blue-Red? The Mystery of Colorblind Clients
I used to — back in the 1900s — have a couple of clients who were friends and coworkers. They occupied my last two Friday evening appointments and often kept me in the salon for hours
“Are You New?”
I’ve been in my current location for just over three years. That’s not as long as the massage therapist next door, and almost a full year longer than the hairstylist across the hall. You know what I
What Is It With People?
Another post title that could go just about anywhere! But today, as I’m doing a gel-polish change on a set of toes, it occurs to me that this is the second person who has refused to
A Little Cooperation, Please
Once upon a time I found myself suckered into the “time is money” mantra and worked very hard to get all my service times to under one hour.This made me miserable. Every night I would go
Get a Real Website
Today I ran out of gel top coat. Not that I don’t have about 20 other bottles of gel top coat. Several of which, frankly, I like very much and know exactly where and how to
Mercedes...Mehaz...Same Difference, Right?
The BF is a BMW/Mercedes Benz automotive technician for a small, local, independent shop in town. He's also the best mechanic I've ever known. Which is why I'm dating him. When he left the shop that
Another Happy New Year Post
So how was your year? Mine got off to a promising start and then sort of just went a little flat — and then, of course, ended up skidding to a screeching halt with this stupid
You Never Forget Your First
I’m always flummoxed by how many manufacturers seek to get their products into the schools. I keep hearing them say that nail techs usually stick with the product line they worked with when they were in
DEA Agents Welcome
I’m cleared to return to my regular work schedule as of the first of the year. I’m very much looking forward to getting back to work, catching up with clients I haven’t been in touch with
Gift Certificate Anxiety
This is the time of year when visions of gift certificate sales dance in our heads. It's so easy to write out one of those little beauties and hand it over in exchange for some fat