I usually make nail art pins and give them to new customers. I do flower arrangements, stained glass designs, and ocean scones in the summer, and in the winter I paint Christmas trees and wreaths. I also give throe cards to each new customer and if they refer three people, I give the original customer a free manicure. If you demonstrate your work, your customers will soon realize that you can do more than they thought you could.
Laura Smith
The Hair Taylor
Worcester, Mass.
I donate my services to charity auctions. I’ve donated manicure and pedicure services to be auctioned off. It’s a tax write-off because you’re making a charitable contribution to a nonprofit organization. I gain new clients from the auction, and I get referrals from those clients. I’m recognized in the community even if people don’t buy the services because they read my advertisement in the program, which describes all of my services.
Bea Lea Somerville
The Head Quarters
Midland, Texas
I belong to a couple of nail organizations and all the members know what kind of work I do. We put out a monthly newsletter with business cards and give occasional talks about ourselves. If someone is doing a special presentation or fashion show, I’ll offer to do the nails for the event.
Dee Smith
Excellence I
Olathe, Kan.
I get my work recognized by the way I treat my clients and by word of mouth. If they have a problem, I fix it. If it’s my client’s birthday, I’ll give her a free service like a buff, polish, or fill. I’ll also stay late to get my clients in for an appointment. I won’t make them wait for weeks.
Desiree Soleno
Nail biz
Kennewick, Wash.
I do good work and I never have to advertise. I get clients by word of mouth. I do my clients’ nails the way I would do my own and I use only the best materials. I was in the restaurant business before and my husband and I cooked the meals for our customers the way we would cook them for ourselves. I was brought up that way and was taught to give my customers 100%.
Barbara T.
Sokes Nails by Barbara
Worcester, Mass.