I’m also a newbie and scared to death. I really haven’t pushed myself trying to get clients because I don’t feel I’m the best I can be. Being a Virgo is a big setback for me. I want to be the perfectionist. I too am from the South (South Carolina) and there are no good seminars or training anywhere near here. I’m not a procrastinator and really want to make the best of this.

I guess what I’m saying is that first I need to get the confidence and more training besides what I learned at the terrible school I went to. I’ve read the trade magazines and looked at different tapes, but I need the hands-on training. I’ve only been in business since Jan. 7. I know this is a slow time of year and am sort of glad because I don’t completely know what I am doing. Please help.
Jan

Adrienne: When I was first in your shoes, I too wanted to be perfect. Everyone has their own technique and niche. I was the pedicure queen when I began five years ago, simply because it was my best service, and I was confident that I did a great job on feet because my clients kept coming back and sending people in as well. With acrylic and gel, I had to train and retrain myself, mainly because of bad habits learned in the beginning. I found that finding a mentor who had great technique was essential to my success. Also, be willing to go to the larger shows to see first hand all of the nail companies, and get a demo nail from as many as you can! For any newbie, I would also recommend networking with other techs online at www.nailsmag.com/forums or www.beautytech.com. I’ve given and received lots of advice from those girls and consider them to be some of the best in our business. 

Heather: I love your enthusiasm! It sounds to me that your first stop should be technical classes — as many as you can find! Do you have a local supply house? Many offer classes. I know through the product companies I use, many offer classes as well. Have you checked the manufacturer websites?

Are there any other technicians in the area who are very talented and fully booked? For someone like myself, I could not survive without an assistant. Someone right out of school like you would be perfect. You’d learn all the techniques, as well as the business from someone with a lot more experience. It might take some time to find the right fit, but it’s a great place to start!

Have more advice for Jan? Leave it in the comments section.