You Have Mail

On occasion I receive e-mail from other nail techs. I mean, I receive e-mail from other nail techs all the time, but today I specifically mean e-mail from other nail techs who are looking for help.

Sometimes I hear from newbies who have recently received their licenses and are left standing at the threshold of their new career with the sudden, terrifying realization that this is it, they are now "professionals" and yet, somehow, they've managed to achieve this designation without benefit of that part of the class where you are taught a clue.

Sometimes I hear from other techs who've been doing nails for years but are looking for some advice, some guidance, or just a shoulder to lean on and a friend in the biz.

I'm not always the fastest at replying to e-mails and I can't always help, but I love talking shop with other techs and I always try to respond and be of some assistance.

What I have so much trouble with is how many of these people tell me how grateful they are to hear back from me ... that I am the first person who has responded to them.

????

Seriously? Of ALL the "famous" nail techs out there — they're happy to hear from me? I am the only one who bothers to respond to other nail techs? I'm the voice of authority and mentorship in the industry?

People! I am the Kathy Griffin of the nail industry. Total D-list material. The people who need advice and mentorship in the business should not be relying on me. Is that really what you want? A next generation of professionals who approach this business like I do? That's madness!

So to all the Toms, Trangs, Lynns, Ginas, Vivs, Catherines, OPIs, CNDs, Nail Harmonys, and others that I hear didn't write back — ANSWER YOUR MAIL!

Because I do. And I don't have a problem with being an influencing factor on the next generation of professionals. I think the world would be better off with more me in it. But I happen to know for a fact that even some of my colleagues who love me for being me are happy that there's only one of me.

So take a moment when you can. Give a little free advice. Offer a little direction. Make a positive impression and do your part to prevent me from becoming too powerful.