

Tune In to Nail Talk Radio
Hosted by Athena Elliott, a certified medical nail technician and a Minx specialist, the show gives listeners the straight talk on the nail biz — including current trends, industry news, interviews with celebrity manicurists and industry leaders, and local salon reviews.

Purse Bags
Purse Bags from Action Bag Company are perfect for holding a gift card or small products. Available in nine colors with matching ribbon tie closure. Add your logo with our Free Art Options!

What Are Myxoid Cysts?
Myxoid cysts are small, rounded deformities that occur around the fingers and toes. Though often harmless, a visit to the doctor is still suggested to rule out any larger issue.
On My Mind: The Recession Is Over, Sort Of
A sign that lifts my spirits is that as I write this, the September issues of all of the consumer fashion magazines just came out and they are bigger than I’ve seen them in the last few years.

Universal Companies Helps Spas Advance with Education
Universal Companies’ education program — Advance with Education — offers targeted topics to cover the needs of industry personnel, from business owner/manager to nail technician, skin care professional, or massage therapist. Spas may choose from a wide range of webinar classes or workshops held across the U.S.

Credit Card Program Makes Saving Seamless
We know we should be saving for retirement — or taxes, or that vacation — but often we can’t seem to find a way. A free service called Auto-Save from Integrity Payment Systems automatically deducts a pre-determined amount each time a client pays with a credit card and deposits the amounts into an interest-bearing, no-minimum savings account.

My B.I.F. (Best Implement Friend)
What implement can you not live without? Nail techs answer this question by describing the tools that get them through the workday. Plus, be sure to save the experts’ advice for implement purchasing, and the convenient buyers’ guide for the next time you’re shopping for new implements.

Play Me a Mood
You’ve just thought of an awesome new signature service you want to add to your spa menu. So why not go that little extra mile and make a nice music playlist to go along with it?

Dotting-Marbelizer
Princess Nails’ Marbleizing/Dotting tool functions in many ways to help you create and enhance nail art.

Ditch Your Appointment Book for Good
Salon owners love online booking because it cuts down on no shows, increases revenue, and eliminates phone tag. Clients love it because it makes the salon seem more professional and it accommodates their busy lifestyles. "And don’t worry, with MindBody you decide what appointments can be booked online. You can even use overlapping and double-booking features to maximize your efficiency," says Meg McCall, director of marketing for MindBody Salon Management Software.

Client Appreciation
"It’s a small price to pay to help set myself apart from the rest of the salons in my area," says Melodie Hand of Nail Designs by Mel in Clayton, N.C. She’s talking about her new client gift packs, a special gesture to welcome new clients to her salon.

Catch the Momentum
With social networking, manufacturers’ advertising, and insider support, techs can be in the perfect position to catch the momentum when a wave of national attention sweeps over our industry. Are you poised to harness the power of the consumer press the next time there’s big news in our industry?

Get a Doctor in Your Corner
Medical and beauty professionals need not be at odds with each other. Instead, techs can help create a bridge between professions, with multiple benefits to both tech and doctor.

A Video Can Make Your Salon a Star
For many potential clients, the Internet is their first stop in the search for salons. While a salon menu, contact information, and great pictures of your salon (and even your nails) are a necessity, a snazzy, snappy promo-video can really help set your salon apart from the rest.
On My Mind: Why I'm Your Least-Favorite Client
I’m the perfect example of do as I say, not as I do. So as such a lackadaisical client, what does it take for me to come back for repeat visits?

The Right Brush
When it comes to nail art, it isn’t a one-brush-will-do kind of situation. With the proper brush, a tech can create everything from thin detailed lines, to color-blended shadows, and even elaborate flowers.

Perfect Palette
Don your berets, because Orly’s new Instant Artist Collection promises to help you achieve clean, precise, and colorful nail art designs at every skill level. The collection features 24 water-based shades that each come with a tapered brush for exact placement. The collection also includes four tools: a detailer brush, striper brush, dotter duo, and design tear-off cards that offer suggested step-by-steps.



