

A Brush of Many Bristles
Having the perfect set of brushes for any type of application would be a nail tech’s dream come true, so Star Nail’s global education director Elaine Watson came up with the new Master Tech Tool Kit. Watson wanted something that could easily travel with her to international seminars for demos and teaching, and carrying a brush for each demo was just not working out for her any longer.

Offer Gift Wrapping, Make Friends
“While it’s not a product or service that you can make money from, offering gift-wrapping is a wonderful way to thank your loyal customers for their patronage throughout the year and to make their stress-filled holiday time just a little bit easier,” says small-business marketing expert Nanette Miner.
Engage in Shameless Self Promotion
If business is slow, it’s time to crank up your “brave meter,” says Kristi Valenzuela, a success coach with Crystal Focus Coaching.
Determine Your Target Market
“Within our industry there are three categories with which you can choose to align yourself: budget/economy, intermediate/midsection, and luxury/top end,” says salon consultant Maxim Titter. There is no right or wrong category, she emphasizes, only the danger of not knowing which category you belong to.

The Power of Pink
Breast cancer has touched nearly all of our lives. This October, you can raise awareness while you raise funds to battle this powerful disease. Check out these special promotions offered by your nail manufacturers to aid in the fight.

The Ultimate Nail Tech Toolkit
“Toolkits” don’t always have to include hammers, pliers, and screwdrivers. NAILS presents the ultimate guide to implements specifically for nail techs, plus a handy list of manufacturers that will help you complete your own collection.

Make It a Man's World
Here are some products specifically for men, and some tips on how to get those guys into your salon and keep them there.

Products by Nail Techs, For Nail Techs
Proving that necessity is indeed the mother of invention, these nail techs have created a wide array of products that are perfect for the salon. This gallery is an expanded version of the article in the January 2010 issue of NAILS Magazine.

Franken-Web: 17 Awesome Salon Website Features
Stitched together from the best of the web, the Franken-Web is a compilation of 17 awesome salon website features we’ve found online. Use these examples to inspire your own salon website, and watch your business come alive.

Just My Type: Catering to These Four Common Client Types
Get the down low for how to cater to four common client types — the glamour girl, control freak, escapist, and eco-conscious client — with nail styles, colors, services, and more that are fine-tuned to the needs of each.

Brush Stroke of Genius
Disappointed that hairstylists have an abundance of edgy, beautiful tools (like tatted up blow dryers and flat irons), while nail techs have fewer choices when it comes to stylish implements, Anna Cobasky, salon owner and operator of Salon Designs in Glendale, Ariz., decided to give her nail brushes an edgy twist.

You Can Benefit From Her Success
Not only is Megan DiMartino the creator of the Novita Clinicals line of skin care and spa manicure/pedicure products, she’s the proud owner of Georgetown, Texas-based Novita Spa on the Square, a thriving day spa.

NSI Launches Business Development E-Book
A new business development e-book titled Building Your Clientele in 6-9 Months: A 360° Guide to Generating Income is available on the NSI website to help nail technicians across the globe.

Meet the Media at Community Events
"Go to where the media is!” says Nanette Miner, a small-business marketing expert and co-author of the book, 101 Media and Marketing Tips for Salon Owners, Stylists and Managers.

Turn That Frown Upside Down
For clients of Salon Riviera in Redondo Beach, Calif., receiving a traffic or parking ticket has an unexpected upside: Bring the ticket to the salon and new clients will receive 50% off their service.

11 Ways to Spruce Up Your Salon
Attention-getting design and visual merchandising — the art of placing retail products in a way that increases sales — can give you a major advantage over your competition. Even if you don’t have a hefty visual merchandising budget, remember that creativity, initiative, and a sense of humor don’t carry a price tag. A visual strategist at Chute Gerdeman Retail shares 11 Dos (and a few Don’ts) to help you prepare for a successful holiday season.

25 Business-Building Tips for Booth Renters
Being your own boss is a rewarding choice, but it takes commitment and perseverance. Seasoned techs offer tips to help you succeed.



