OK, so I decided to title this entry “Finding a Balance”. Being a newbie in a start-up small business like myself, I learn new things every day. Sometimes it’s ways to make things easier; sometimes it’s bad things like learning how to read people’s characteristics and so on. I say the word “learn” because part of the growing process is lessons rather than mistakes.

Last night was an emotional roller coaster for me. I ended up looking back after the experience with my former nail tech Tina and knowing no matter what, I held my character and was as civil as I could be and that, I am happy for. What you didn’t see was all of the crazy, inappropriate things that Tina kept saying to me to see if I would snap. I didn’t. She was pushing me so far that holding it together was really difficult. I knew that being the mature one at that moment would show her that I am the boss and I have the final say. My lesson? Trust only goes so far in life and in business.

In Tina’s case, all signs were bad within a short period of time. Taking people’s tip money, gossiping, starting rumors, showing up whenever you want, and lastly disrespecting me was enough! The air was much lighter when she left and that made a better workplace for everyone— techs and clients.

Now let’s talk about the “Jersey Shore” girls! OMG! I’m surprised any footage was able to be shown from their visit to The Painted Nail. The girls certainly do NOT censor themselves. (And I thought I was bad!) Snooki was hilarious and ended up getting French-manicured toes and fingers with zebra prints from our nail printer. J-Woww did glittery, bubblegum pink toes and a gel manicure. Deena had this really cool abstract art painted only on the tip of her toes to match her already abstract acrylics. And Sammi ended up with an Ice Cream Sundae manicure and pedicure. The girls were a lot of fun and tried all kinds of new things — although I do not recommend licking the tips of people’s toes during their treatment. Afterwards, that’s a different story. ;)

Lastly, my best friend Amy deserved something cute and fun for her little guy Austin on his 8th birthday, and like I said, when you’re in your 30s and don’t have kids yet, you throw parties for your pets! It was so much fun and of course I went overboard but I wanted everyone to have fun memories from that night.

Also doing “Pawdicures” was the highlight of the night for me. I was very happy with the way it all turned out!

See you next Tuesday!

Katie

Katie Cazorla, owner of The Painted Nail in Sherman Oaks, Calif., and star of the new TV Guide Network reality show, Nail Files, will be posting blogs here after her show airs each week.