The Health Club at The Westin Maui
Last year, my best friend Emily and I both turned 30 and as birthday presents to ourselves, we planned a vacation to Hawaii to celebrate.
by Hannah Lee
Lost in translation: NAILS Editor Visits Japan
Sitting in the crowd, listening as nailists explained new techniques or styles in Japanese, I found I wasn’t completely in the dark. Why not? Because I found out that what I had in common with everyone here was we all spoke a universal language — of nails.
by Hannah Lee
A Fashionably Beautiful Blend
Talk about making good use of space. This San Francisco nail salon tucked away in a fashionable clothing boutique gives new meaning to the term double duty. Here, clients can shop and get their nails done — all in a hip, eclectic atmosphere.
Oh, How Nic[h]e
In a time when many salon owners are looking to expand their offering, the Isle PediSpa in Houston, Texas, is making waves by offering natural manicures and pedicures almost exclusively. Offering specialty services, an original concept, and an appealing environment, Isle PediSpa is cashing in as Houston’s first foot spa.
On the Road: Salon Cielo
Salon Cielo provided a peaceful escape in Orlando for associate editor Erin Barajas and editor Hannah Lee.
She's a Winner Up North [and Everywhere Else]
Darlene Johnston from Hagersville, Ontario earns 2003 Canadian Nail Technician of the Year award.
Who Would Have Ever Guessed?
Sometimes you think you know a person, but it turns out there is more than meets the eye. We gave our six AVA Nail Technician of the Year finalists a few questions for them to ponder. Some of their answers may surprise you.
Seche: One Syllable or Two?
Confusion over the pronunciation of Seche, a favorite nail treatment product, is clarified.
Keeping the College Crowd Polished
Market your services to students and turn them into loyal clients. Read on for tips from salons who've successfully brought students in--and kept them coming back. From advertising in the school paper to participating in sorority events, there's more than one way to go about it.
NAILS Salutes Artists & Visionaries
This year’s Nail Technician of the Year finalists wowed us with their expertise and dedication to the nail industry. On the next few pages, you’ll get to meet all six of them and find out why they’re among the best in the industry has to offer.
Where the Girls Are
At Michelle Danielle Day Spa in upstate New York, offering manicures and pedicures may have been one of the smartest things owner Michelle Danielle ever did. Today, this female-oriented salon keeps clients coming back with its warm, friendly demeanor that’s just like home.
Hannah Lee on the Road in Las Vegas
When we go to Las Vegas for tradeshows, it is rare that we venture far from the convention center or the Strip. This past June was a totally different story because we decided to rent a car and explore a little further.
by Hannah Lee
In Memorium: Nail Tech/Entrepreneur Touched Many Lives
Nail artist, competitor, and entrepreneur Dao Nguyen Dobyns Upshaw died in May at age 53 after a short battle with stomach cancer.
Realys Mourns the Passing of Co-Founder
Julian Wilson, sales director and one of the founders of Realys/Tropical Shine, passed away in May.
Charlton’s Salon
One balmy day last spring, I may have finally learned my lesson.
by Hannah Lee
Where the Boys Are
18-8 is a Southern California salon focusing exlusively on male clients. Read to find out what tips they have to attracting a male clientele.
Triple Threat
Shop, relax, eat - repeat. Offering the very best in spa treatments, boutique shopping, and gourmet spa cuisine, Kinara Skincare Clinic, SpaCafe in Los Angeles is a true one-stop. And clients are eating it up.