Business
Retail Boutique: Bridal Items
Nail salons and spas see plenty of brides and bridal parties. Bridal items ranging from how-to books to rhinestone-embellished clothing are great gift ideas.
Enhance Your Customer Service With A La Carte Offerings
A good way to up your income without actually raising prices is to have a list of a la carte options in your service arsenal, says Kelley Killop-Marble of Opalized Designs Studio Salon in Shelby Township, Mich. “I’m not talking about having a bare-bones menu and nickel and diming folks ... that is just plain aggravating,” she says. What she is talking about is differentiating yourself by giving true personal services.
How to Bring the Party to the Kids
“I have found in recessionary times people will find the money to spend on their children more then they will on themselves,” says Carolyn McNairn, the owner of a mobile spa business who started offering kids spa parties two years ago in response to a growing demand. McNairn shares all she’s learned in her new guide, “How To Start a Kids Mobile Spa Business.”
Making Rome Her Home
A 15-year resident of Rome, Stephanie Alliman owns Ari’s Nails, which caters to English-speaking tourists who flock to see the city’s ancient ruins, expatriates who have decided to stay, and Italians looking for some nail pampering.
by Thi Dao
On My Mind: What Inspires You?
By definition, inspiration is a divine influence or action on a person believed to qualify him or her to receive and communicate sacred revelation, or the action or power of moving the intellect or emotions.
by Hannah Lee
Merchandising in Small Spaces
Not every salon retail area is open and spacious, and most salons have a small corner or space that can be challenging to merchandise.
My Other Life: Anthony C. Licatta III, bouncer
Anthony C. Licatta III, salon owner. In his other life: bouncer.
by Judy Lessin
A Tale of Two Competitors
Tucked into the corners of dark ballrooms at nail shows, some of the best nail technicians in the world compete against one another, sculpting dazzling nail art designs and perfectly precise C-curves. But what is it like to be a competitor? NAILS takes a quick look at the competition schedule of one veteran and one novice competitor at ISSE Long Beach this past January.
by Tim Crowley
European Touch Celebrates 25 Years
European Touch is celebrating a quarter-century in the beauty industry. An active developer and manufacturer of pedicure spas since its founding in 1985, the company has built and sold such products as the Murano, Rinato, Altera, Forte, and the original Omni Spa. Now, in honor of this special occasion, European Touch has introduced the 25th Anniversary Murano Spa Limited Edition.
On the Road: Body Shoppe Spa, Yorktown, Va.
Java is my friend, so it’s a good sign when I head into a salon and they have a coffee bar. Food too? Even better. I can grab a bite to eat and be pampered at the same time. That’s what I found at the Body Shoppe Spa in Yorktown, Va.
Is It Time for a Change? It's the Best Way to Stay Motivated
Veteran nail techs have seen significant changes in the nail industry, and they may fear the best years are over. However, growth is still possible when you stretch yourself and your business to meet the demands of the new customer. It’s never too late to reinvent yourself.
Manufacturers Abuzz with Social Networking
Facebook and Twitter pages are becoming the quickest and most effective ways for manufacturers to directly communicate with customers. For nail techs, becoming an online fan or follower can help keep you informed about nail education, troubleshooters, product specials, style trends, and more.
by Tim Crowley
Grab-and-Go Furniture
Manufacturer LeChat, known for its nail enhancement systems, polishes, and embellishments, is on the move with a new product line: portable salon furnishings.
Not a Princess Salon
Chicago-based Pure Rain Nail Spa’s success is a result of owner Ulzii Tsogtbaatar’s experience in business management and years of being a nail tech. The salon attracts young professionals and a larger-than-average base of male clients.
by Thi Dao
Party Crashers
About two weeks before her wedding, Anne Silvey, now Mrs. Anne Franscioni, was putting the finishing touches on the plans for her big day. She’d had the color palette picked out long ago — navy, cream, and wine — and her six bridesmaids were prepared with their navy dresses. Wanting everything to be perfect to the last detail, she of course wanted a perfectly matched look for the group’s fingernails and toenails.
by Sree Roy
Retail Boutique: Towelettes
Convenience comes in little bags. Think sanitizer, sunblock, and even hair wipes, all in disposable towelette form for portability and mess-free application. Clients ready to rush out the door will be delighted to stop in your retail area for these time-saving towelettes.
My Other Life: Brenda Skermont, restaurant owner
Brenda Skermont, nail tech. In her other life: restaurant owner.
by Judy Lessin