When Wild Ivy Day Spa owners Leslyn Zak and Wendy Moore decided their business needed a makeover, they opted to change venues altogether. Although they loved the historic hotel the spa was located in, they felt there was simply too many obstacles standing in their way.
Anyone can teach you to manicure textbook-perfect nails – it takes a pro like Joanne Linck, head instructor at Cosmetique School of Nail Technology in Burnaby, British Columbia, to give a new tech the confidence to manage even the most hard-to-handle hands.
As a nail tech, independent educator, and webmistress of the popular NailSplash.com, Barb Wetzel has spent the last 10 years sharing her knowledge and passion for gel nails, product chemistry, and a host of other technical subjects.
Tanis Darling joined the Ottawa Academy & West End Academy in Gloucester, where, as nail technician program instructor, she teaches one of the longest and most in-depth programs in the province.
“It’s unbelievable. I wasn’t even planning on entering the Salon of the Year category at first because we’d just moved into our new salon and things were so hectic.”
Owner Gina Marsilii has turned her business from a simple nail salon into an inviting day spa with a warm and friendly atmosphere, offering clients a wide range of stress-relieving treatments like massage, tanning, and facials.
Creating and maintaining a professional and progressive environment was the goal of Natural Nails salon owner Melody Umbs-Lloyd when she opened her doors in Greenfield, Wis., two years ago.
“When I found out, I was a finalist for the second year in a row, I was very excited and nervous. I felt like I must be doing something right to be selected again as a finalis."
NAILS and The Industry Source (a Nailco company) are pleased to honor this year’s 14 finalists. We recognize these salon owners, nail technicians, and educators for raising the bar of professionalism and offering the utmost in services to their clients.
