I’d like to begin with a heartfelt thank you to NAILS managing editor Sree for asking me to blog about my new salon. This is a huge honor for me. And, being that I’m opening my new salon on a very short shoestring budget, it is my hope that my story can be one of inspiration and encouragement to others who are wanting to open their own salons but may be afraid to do so with today’s economic state.

Here’s a little about me: My name is Melodie Hand, and I live in Raleigh, N.C., with my new salon about to open in Clayton, N.C. I’ve been a licensed nail tech since 1989 and have been in and out of the nail industry over the years. I have also worked in various aspects of the medical field over the years, including as a cardiovascular tech. In addition, I have served as an educator for a couple of different companies in the nail industry in the 1990s. Not only do I have a passion for nails, but I thoroughly enjoy teaching and helping others. While I provide services in all areas of nail care, my specialty lies in creating the perfect pedicure, particularly for diabetics (more on those services in future posts).

Owning a salon is not new to me. I’ve pretty much been in business for myself, whether it was as a booth renter or salon owner, since graduating from nail school. This time around is a little different. This time I’m more focused and have a bit more experience — not only in doing nails but also in the business arena. Through business networking groups, as well as the small business center at our local college, I’ve found a tremendous amount of business resources to draw from, starting with help forming a business plan (the plan is currently in the works).

The name of the new salon is Tickled Pink Salon & Nail Spa. This name came about because of a couple of clients and their reactions to my pedicures. These two ladies had never worn flip-flops before (they’d never really felt comfortable or confident to wear them) and when I was finished with their pedicures their comment was "I am just tickled pink. My feet have never looked or felt so good." The phrase just stuck, and it just so happened that pink is my favorite color. You see, it is a true passion of mine to make others feel good about themselves. And it thrills me to no end to see how happy a client is when I’m finished with her feet. It’s my opportunity to really and truly care for another person.

I’m looking forward to sharing my journey with all of you. My success, or failure, will be put out there for the world to see. And I hope that someone will gain something valuable from the decisions I make over the next year, no matter what the outcome.

—Melodie Hand, Tickled Pink Salon & Nail Spa, Clayton, N.C.