It's Not a Math Test
I don't mind mentoring other nail techs. In fact, I love it. I love meeting other techs and I love meeting new techs who are enthusiastic not just about starting their new careers, but about starting
Maggie Franklin
Blogger
Not That I'm Bragging
Listening to business owners often starts grating on your nerves. It seems that their cups are always either half empty or overflowing; business is either terrible or too good. They never seem to be happy. I rub
Haven't You Been Paying Attention?
The problem is that I think everyone checks my Facebook page daily. Or follows me on Twitter. Or at least visits my regular website — where you can view my calendar and watch my Twitter feed;
Pure Art
You know what I hate doing? Nail art.Seems silly for someone who specializes in nail art to say, huh? But I don't mean that I hate doing nail art — I mean I hate doing just
Drawing the Line
At some point in your career — if you're going to work by appointment for very long — you're going to find yourself on an angry cleaning frenzy, or soothing your nerves with an unexpected latte
Half a Mind to Shave My Head
Seriously. I loathe shopping at CosmoProf. I'm not thrilled with the experience Sally's offers. And I don't even go to that place that used to be Maly's.Which leaves me with few — no, pretty much NO
High End
A while back I had a surprise visit from another nail tech who left quite an impression on me; and I don't really mean a good impression. She was looking into renting space in the same
An Aggravating Assumption
So the girl who owns the hair studio across the hall from me has finally found a couple of stylists who both want to work part-time and share the second station. That's great, because I know
The Joy of Working With Customers
We meet a lot of people in the course of our business. Not only do we meet our customers face-to-face, but we spend time with them, literally holding their hands, chitchatting about whatever is on their
Careful What You Wish For
When I started doing nails I spent my days sitting at my desk with nothing to do but paint sample nail art on tips and stare challengingly at the phone — daring it to ring. I
Ode to the BF
The BF and I celebrated our fifth anniversary together as a couple in January. But we've known each other as friends for almost 15 years now. Which means that we both knew what we were getting
Arm Wrestling
I never cease to be amazed — befuddled even — at clients who sit down across from me and put their arms up on my table, while leaving their chair three feet away from the table,
Just One Good Brush!
A few years back I took a hands-on class from Tom Holcomb. Aside from all the obvious awesome that is involved with spending two days in the presence of such legendary talent, I remember him talking
Fine, Thanks for Asking
In 2002 my mother had a heart attack. At the time, she was working alongside me at the salon (she's also a licensed nail tech, but that's another story!) in the afternoons and going to school
Cameras I Have Known and Loved
It should be noted that I like to take photos. As far back as when Mom first let me handle the camera myself, I have liked to take pictures. And once I owned my own camera
Square Pegs
What with all the problems I've had with my gel polishes, I decided not to take any more chances with it — despite the introduction of the new UV shield labels. So while I was at
I Don't Recall Asking
I always enjoy getting together with other nail professionals and talking shop. In fact (there's that comma problem again), if you ever want to get me into a long and serious conversation, just get me on