Do you recall my chatting about getting on the ICE Design Team for 2012? A big part of being on the design team is concepting ideas for trends of the year to come. It has been a very interesting process and while I can’t reveal our designs yet I can walk you through the process. How much fun would it be to have concept ideas for the salon each year, maybe a signature nail style or two?

The first step was choosing a theme, something to draw the inspiration from as well as giving a place to draw the names from for the designs. After finding a theme it is time to be inspired, looking at pictures online, in magazines, and more. The team wanted to have a well-rounded presentation of concepts so there are haircuts and colors, nail styles, perm styles, and make-up. You could add or delete categories to suit your salon needs. 

After looking at lots of things with my nail eyes I found designs that struck me as versatile and trendy. The designs were created with colors to follow the theme concept, but can be changed instantly into new designs simply by changing some shapes and/or color. Once the design is born the trick is to get it from your mind’s eye to a nail. Then to create step-by-step instructions, I know you will all be shocked that I also felt the need to make a video. ;) We then compile all the hair, nails, and make-up how-tos on a CD so that it can be sold at classes to raise funds for ICE Education. I’m excited to have some videos on there, but it has been a real test of my willpower to keep from posting them online!

This weekend will be our first presentation as a team and I am so excited to see everything come together. I could see something like this being an awesome way to encourage new styles in the salon, build confidence and highlight individual talent, and foster a sense of team. How do you think you could translate something like this into being a valuable marketing tool for yourself?

— Holly