It's not often that I have the opportunity to take classes from other educators, but when I can, I make it a priority. I'm often asked, “If you educate for another company why would you take another company’s class?” Why not? Just because I am well versed in the products I use and educate with doesn't mean my learning should stop. After all if someone asks for a comparison of application styles at least I have some knowledge to base my advice on.

At the Nail Tech Event in Gatlinburg, I enhanced my knowledge of gels by taking two classes from Akzentz taught by Jessica Briarmoon. Jessica is known for posting all types of nails and designs on her YouTube channel, Real World Nails@LuvNailz. So I took advantage of the two classes she was teaching: Salon Shaping and Gel Art Nail Design.

I saw how and why Akzentz nail forms are shaped like they are. I learned a different way to apply structure or builder gels when doing an almond-shape nail so that minimal filing is needed to achieve the desired shape. I saw up close how to build an edge nail. It's all about the form folding.

In the art class, I was refreshed on doing drag art. I'd forgotten about that staple, and did it with a new eye. I hadn't seen how the flames were done, so added that to my design repertoire, and saw how to mix different types of gels to bring texture to designs as well. All of these things will add to my quick nail art designs and my bottom line.

Extra education, regardless of where you are in this industry, adds to your skill set and to your bottom line. These classes were hands-on, with a trial-sized kit to play with at a minimal cost.  Well worth my time and money — with a few tricks and designs at the salon I'll earn it all back.

— Michele Baker, AII educator, #nailandlashartist, @nail_and_lash_artist, http://nailandlashartist.com