I used to think that once I built my clientele, I’d be set. I knew there would always be a few people who strayed off because they moved away or couldn’t afford their nails anymore, but overall, I thought a loyal clientele would last forever.

How naive I was.

Really, this stuff should get covered in beauty school. I realize the manicuring course is short, but I can’t believe how many schools completely overlook any attention whatsoever to business practices...

...sorry, totally different tangent there.

It never really occurred to me how often my clientele would turn over.

It’s been 21 years of doing nails now and I still have periods where I’m sitting alone at my desk, watching the tumbleweeds roll by outside the salon door.

And then suddenly, just when I come to peace with the downtime and start planning to work on some side projects, I look at my schedule and discover that I don’t have an opening for the next three months!

How does that happen?

If you’re new to the business, be prepared — the rollercoaster ride never ends.