Business

Artist Spotlight: G Elizondo

A well-known presence at every Young Nails tradeshow booth, G Elizondo has come a long way in her four-year nail career. The prolific artist posts her work regularly on BeautyTech.com and NailsMag.com forums, and has a knack for staying on top of the latest crazes in nail designs and pop culture. NAILS got a chance to talk to Elizondo about how she stays inspired.

This Land Is ‘My Land’

In opening Tierra Mia Organic Nail Spa, Justin Mitchell and Karina Restrepo bring water-based polish, Latin flair, and a designer’s keen eye to the Philadelphia nail world.

On the Road: Color Me Green, Manhattan Beach, Calif.

It’s sometimes instructive to take a look at the nail salon industry from the other side of the chair: the client’s side. That’s why it can be especially insightful to chat with a select breed of nail salon owner: the client-turned-salon entrepreneur.

Estelina's-Her First Job (02C)

Estelina explains her first job.

My Other Life: Debra Rowlands, family/community partnership specialist

Debra Rowlands, nail tech. In her other life: family/community partnership specialist.

Just Right, the Second Time Around

Prompted by the desire to create her ideal salon, esthetician and nail tech Victoria Vo sold her nails-only business and opened up a full-service location just two miles away. Decorating it herself and offering the services she’s always wanted, Ku’tur Nail Lounge and Salon has ended up being just right, the second time around.

My Other Life: Kahne Witham, autopsy technician and 911 dispatcher

Kahne Witham, salon owner. In her other life: autopsy technician and 911 dispatcher.

On the Road: Michael’s School of Beauty, Augusta, Ga.

Passion is contagious, and at least several students at Michael’s School of Beauty can testify to this fact.

Estelina's-Intro to Product Line (01B)

Estelina Spa Products president Estelina introduces her line of manicure and pedicure products.

Vivian Gilbert Mani Pedi Plus

Near the University of Oklahoma, tucked away among the bars and restaurants in an area known as Campus Corner, is Vivian Gilbert Mani Pedi Plus.

Home Salons: Flip Flop Beauty Shop

In honor of the reader-written issue, NAILS asked several nail techs to give us tours of their home salons. Shannon Arnold takes us to the Flip Flop Beauty Shop in Cooper Plains, N.Y.

Home Salons: Tee’s Nail NV

In honor of the reader-written issue, NAILS asked several nail techs to give us tours of their home salons. Teresa Shackleton gives us a tour of Tee's Nail NV in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada.

Home Salons: All Polished Up!

In honor of the reader-written issue, NAILS asked several nail techs to give us tours of their home salons. Marie Davis takes us to All Polished Up! in Dallas, Ore.

My Other Life: Monica Leiper, chef's shopper

Monica Leiper, nail tech. In her other life: chef's shopper.

She Said, She Said

For the Good of the Team

Sure we love our clients and the work we do, but it’s our relationships with coworkers that can make the difference between a so-so work environment and a place we look forward to returning to day after day. NAILS asked readers: What do you do that’s special or unique at your salon to foster team spirit?

Week 21: One Salon Dreams Big — And Gets a Little Help From Uncle Sam

Kyle Simonson, founder and CEO of Minneapolis-based Simonson’s Salon and Spas, found a down economy was no obstacle to the continued growth of her four-location enterprise. Simonson’s Salon and Spa is one of three small businesses that have come together to build a new retail development in Maple Grove, Minn., as a result of a federal stimulus bill which enables the U.S. Small Business Administration to reduce or eliminate fees on 504 loans.