We have hosted all types of events over the years we have been in business and I know we are always working on the plans for the next one. Events like the ones we have discussed over the last few weeks are a really fun and exciting way to build your business.  I know that is why we have several a year.

Having local businesses set up tables at your event helps both businesses attract new customers to them. This makes you and your neighboring stores, restaurants, and other service businesses more successful. Then they will refer customers to you and if one of them has an event they will think to include you. It is a great way to build mutually beneficial relationships.

Hosting a teen night is a great idea. You can also pass out fliers at local colleges and high schools to advertise for it. The hair feathers, bling strings, and hair chalks are all super quick and easy to apply, as is a quick polish change with simple nail art. Teens and tweens love glitter polish and fun quirky colors. They have disposable income and can become very loyal clients. I have several teens that come to me who met me at their local job fair. They also are great about telling their friends and their moms. Often the mom has come in after being referred by her daughter, and become a loyal client as well.

There are many ways to host events that can help you promote your business and those businesses around you. They just require a little planning and the willingness to ask for help.

On a side note, I recently competed in the fantasy nail art competition at IBS Las Vegas. While Rachael was doing a service on one of her clients three weeks ago I happened to have my entry pieces at the salon while I was working on them and Rachael showed them to her. This client is one of the people who helps pick editorials for a local magazine. She was blown away by the nails I had done and was really surprised that you could use the materials for more than just nails. She then asked if I would be willing to do an interview for them about the other side of the nail world that general people have never heard of. So of course I said yes.

This was before Rachael and I went to Vegas, so I had not even competed yet. I had no idea how I would do since it was the first time I had entered this category. The client had just seen the nails and had never seen anything like them before. I have seen other work done for competitions, so I knew that there was way more that could be done than l had done. Rachael was my model for the competition and we had her in complete costume and makeup. The theme was day of the dead, so I had done the nails to represent a little altar-type display with traditional decorations.

It was a great learning experience for both of us and I will definitely do it again. I ended up placing third in the novice division for Fantasy Nail Art. So now when I do the interview for the magazine I will be able to say that I placed! Rachael and I are so excited.

— Sandy