I pass the hours during a slow day by dusting, rearranging things, practicing my 3-D acrylic nail art, and sending out postcards to clients I haven’t seen in a little while. - BECKY KNAUSS, The Beauty Lounge at Designer’s Touch Studio, Perrysburg, Ohio
I update my customer information on my client cards and on my phone so the info is as current at it can be. I compile names and addresses of future potential bulk mailings, like addresses of colleges and businesses around the salon. - MICHELLE YIANAKOPOLOS, Sweet Chic Hands & Feet at Merlin’s Ultimate Images, Manchester, N.H.
I have a home-based salon, so I do everything whether it’s a slow or busy day. I do laundry, clean the kitchen, make dinner, home-school my son and between appointments I take my son to physical and occupational therapy. If I have a no-show, I’ll take my son to get a quick bite of lunch. - NANCY DONATONE MCCOY, McCoy Nail Salon, Walnut, Miss.
I take down displays and put up new ones with different products. I catch up on phone calls and clean out my nail table. - VALERIE COBLE, Images, Boise City, Okla.
I clean, stock, practice my trade, and contact clients who have not been in. You name it — there’s always something to do. - STACEY WITHERSPOON, Perfect Ten Salon & Talega Day Spa, San Clemente, Calif.
On slow days, I get caught up on what tends to get neglected on the busy days, like inventory maintenance and paperwork. I’ll rearrange shelves and freshen up the look of the salon. Or, I’ll do my own nails since mine are always the last to get done. Since I work from home, I look forward to the odd slow day because it lets me sit on my deck and catch up on some reading. - ANNETTE SYKALUK, Annette’s Backscratchers, Sarnia, Ontario, Canada
I examine the forums that I take part in on the web, practice nail art, research new products and techniques, and do my own nails. Detail cleaning and disinfection are the top things on the list. - CLAUDIA IACOVETTO, C-C My Nails, Newcastle, Wy.
I do nail art and reorganize my station so customers think I have great new stuff. - ELAINE LEMAY, Coiffure Yu-Nik, Laval, Québec, Canada