Tweezerman.com Wins Interactive Media Award
Tweezerman.com is a winner of the 2012 Interactive Media Best in Class Award for the Consumer Goods/E-Commerce Category.
Vietnamese-American Nail Association Established
In March 2012, Miss Professional Nail vice president Mike Vo installed the first executive board of the Vietnamese-American Nail Association (VANA), a non-profit organization designed to represent the interests of the professional nail industry.
OPI's George Schaeffer Raises $5M, Marries, and Parties with Al Green and Aretha Franklin
This year's City of Hope Spirit of Life Award honoree was OPI's George Schaeffer. At a party in his honor this past Saturday night, more than 1,700 guests were treated to the soulful stylings of Reverend Al Green and Aretha Franklin. And true to Schaeffer's gift for surprise, we all also got to see him marry his long-time girlfriend Irina Afzal.
2012 Spirit of Life Honors OPI's George Schaeffer
City of Hope's 2012 Spirit of Life Award was presented to OPI's George Schaeffer, who raised $5.2 million for City of Hope for diabetes research. (He raised $2.7 million and pledged to match $2.5 million on his own.) This video was played at the gala on Saturday, July 28, 2012 at Cosmoprof in Las Vegas. Five for Fighting’s John Ondrasik sang the hit song "100 Years" live during the tribute.
Nail Snapshots from Germany
Editor Hannah Lee went to Germany with nail tech and celebrity manicurist Elsbeth Schuetz where she attended a tradeshow in which the nail section alone spanned across two pavillions with massive booths.
Beyoncé Cosmetology Center Opens at Phoenix House
The Beyoncé Cosmetology Center, founded by pop superstar Beyoncé and her mother and business partner, Tina Knowles, is an exciting addition to nonprofit drug rehabiliation facility Phoenix House's Career Academy. It is a fitting way for Beyoncé and her mother to give back together, as Tina Knowles worked as a hairstylist for many years, and a young Beyoncé would even "perform" for customers in the salon. In this video, Tina Knowles speaks about the project.
What's on Your Bucket List?
The idea of these ticking lists — of things to accomplish before you “kick the bucket,” so to speak — are gaining popularity via blogs, ad campaigns, and other media outlets. We asked our readers to share their professional ones. (No offense to pros-and-cons lists, but we think bucket lists are much more fun!)
by Sree Roy
European Nail Vacation
After several years of urging from Swiss-born, California-based nail tech Elsbeth Schuetz, Editor Hannah Lee hopped on a plane and headed first to Zurich, Switzerland, and then to Dusseldorf, Germany, to attend two European beauty shows.
by Hannah Lee
My Other Life: Rebekah Summers, School Bus Driver
“If you had told me 20 years ago that I would be a bus driver today and would be loving my job, I would have laughed out loud,” says Rebekah Summers, the owner of Perfect 10 Nails inside Don’s Barber Shop in Cadiz, Ky
Cuccio Acquires New Building to Aid Expansion Efforts
The growth of Cuccio Naturalé, including Cuccio Pro, has resulted in a demand for more space for Valencia, Calif.-based Star Nail International — 40,000 sq. ft. more to be exact.
A Modern Day Beauty Shop
Sisters Castle and Lauren Searcy built their business from the ground up, opening their very first salon, Tootsies Nail Shoppe, in 2006. After hard work and diligent cross-promoting, they now run two salons, a certified nail school, and a barbershop, all under the Tootsies brand.
Essie Opens Flagship Salon In New York
Essie opened its first flagship salon this month, inside of Samuel Shriqui Salon in New York (35 E 65th St.). This video shows NBC's Jane Hansen visiting the salon.
On the Road: Maya Spa Wellness Center
The bohemian beach town of Tulum, Mexico isn’t exactly known for its salon services. But MayaSpa Wellness Center had manicures and pedicures on its salon menu so I decided to give it a try.
by Hannah Lee
City of Hope Honors OPI's George Schaeffer
OPI's George Schaeffer discusses his involvement with City of Hope, a comprehensive cancer center that also leads in the fight to conquer diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and other life-threatening diseases. On July 21, 2012, the City of Hope will present the Spirit of Life Award to Schaeffer for his outstanding philanthropic and business contributions. Related Articles: OPI's Schaeffer Raising Millions for Diabetes Research
On My Mind: Nails Are a Universal Language
All over the world nails bring people together. Editor Hannah Lee discovers, while in Switzerland and Germany, that nails can be a universal language.
by Hannah Lee
On the Road: Posh Nail Spa
Known as the place to go in Dallas for gel-polish manicures, this hip and trendy salon is situated in the lively center of McKinney and Lemmon, an old neighborhood-turned-hot spot.
Acrylics are Not Dead
With the sudden rise of brush-on gel-polish bringing many new customers into salons, it seems nail techs are seeing fewer tried-and-true acrylic customers. With new products on the market, traditional acrylic users now have more options to choose from, but there is still a seat at the manicure table for them.
by Tim Crowley