As a long-time member and former committee chairwoman of an ethnic-based networking group (The Network of Indian Professionals (NetIP)), I understand how valuable these groups can be. While NetIP is open to everyone regardless of ethnic background, everyone who joins is knowledgeable about Indian culture and it’s nice to not have to explain to members why I need them to take off their shoes before walking around my house, or why I frequently run late, or what curry is.

So I was happy to hear that the African American Manicurists Association has been revived. This networking and mentorship group started in 2003 in the Bay Area of California, with a first meeting agenda of business strategies, goal setting, salon menu enhancements, and how to pack for mobile services. But it fizzled out soon thereafter.

Salon owner and nail tech SaVerne Smith (far left) of Nails by SaVerne in Los Angeles brought it back in December of 2012, with a meeting that included 15 attendees and a commitment to keep the group going this time around. “It’s not just to discuss nail-related issues. It’s for day-to-day issues. It’s a sisterhood,” SaVerne told me at ISSE 2013, as she introduced me to several of the group’s members. She said the group will be a place to exchange ideas, to talk about new products, to mentor younger techs, and even to ask for a restaurant recommendation when traveling to a new town.

The agenda for the group’s next meeting includes having an insurance representative talk to them about the possibility of qualifying for group rates.

For information or to join, call SaVerne Smith at (323) 389-0075 or e-mail Kesha Hackett-Belcher (second from left) at hrbuff[at]comcast.net. The group is open to all nail techs. You don’t have to be African-American to enjoy the group’s fellowship.

—Sree