
Business

Open Your Books For Retail Results
In a commission-based salon or spa, technicians sometimes assume the owner is banking the other half of their commission. Opening the salon’s books will open employees’ eyes to the vital need to retail for the salon’s survival.

As I See It: Celebrate Regional Differences

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.

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.
Make a Wish: Nail Techs Tell Us Their Hopes for the New Year
We called nail techs and salon owners around the country to find out what’s on their wish list for the nail industry. From better education to an improved economy, here is what some nail technicians are hoping to see in 2004.

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.

Early Holiday Thank You Notes
Hannah runs the show. Although my name tops the masthead there isn’t anyone who doesn’t realize that it’s Hannah in charge.

She's a Winner Up North [and Everywhere Else]
Darlene Johnston from Hagersville, Ontario earns 2003 Canadian Nail Technician of the Year award.

Compensate Employees for Extra Holiday Hours
Shari Finger, veteran salon owner, details different types of incentive programs to keep employees' spirits up during the holidays.
9 Ways to Hook Holiday Clients
They walk through your doors during the holidays for a special treat and then you don't see them again for a year--or worse, ever. Holiday clients give your business a welcome boost once a year. Here we give you tips to help you turn holiday clients into regulars.

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.
Compensate Employees for Extra Holiday Hours
How can salon owners take the sting out of all those extra hours employees are asked to work in the weeks preceding Christmas?
Mama Said There'd be Days Like This
We’ve all had them and we’ll have more of them too, but we hold the power to turn a day that is spiraling out of control into a success. Before you let fists fly, take a breath and rise above.

Marketers Say Selling Nail Products Is As Hard As Buying
Frustrations with nail product distribution have led to manufacturers to refocus on the "little guy."

They Take Wooden Nickels
An old fashioned wooden nickel keeps the referrals coming in.



