Nails
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Business

Reader to Reader: If you could open a salon anywhere in the world, where would you open it?

October 14, 2011

I would open my salon in San Francisco because I love the atmosphere of the city. I love being close to the beach, and California is my favorite state — weird coming from a Kansas native I think!
Maria Trimmell
Star Treatment Nails, Wichita, Kan.

I would love to open a spa/salon in a resort in Honolulu. I would love to service people who are looking to relax on vacation and hear all about their lives elsewhere. Plus, it would be a bonus to be in such a beautiful place on my days off.
Malea Foust-Immergluck
Carol Stream, Ill.

I would want my salon right here in the place I grew up, Bradenton, Fla. There isn’t anything out of the ordinary here in town, so I would go all out and make it everything but ordinary. For instance, perhaps a nail shop that is open at night.
Yanin Moreno
Ocean Nails & Spa, Bradenton, Fla.

I’d say Ireland. It’s my favorite country, and I want to see them on the map of cutting-edge talent in the nail industry. There is serious skill there, and I don’t think they’re getting the recognition they deserve. I’d love to be a part of an eye-opening experience in competition-quality nails, nail art designs and techniques, and the highest of sanitation standards. It’s a dream of mine to open WildSide Nailz in Ireland and show that Ireland is a force to be reckoned with.
Patrice “Tracie” McNeal
WildSide Nailz Art Studio, Lancaster, Calif.

I would open one in the town where I live, Hallsville, Texas. I currently have a salon in Longview, Texas, but I have so many clients who drive from Hallsville to see me. Longview is much bigger and has a nail salon on every corner. Hallsville does not have one. If I had the money, I’d love to work in my own town and get to know more people who live here. People ask me all the time do you know so-and-so from Hallsville, and I say no. I’ve lived here over 20 years, and I haven’t gotten the chance to know my neighbors.
Joyce Donnell
Pampered Touch Skin & Nail Spa, Longview, Texas

In New York City: It doesn’t matter how many nail salons or nail spas are on the same street, they’re always full of clients getting the latest designs and nail products.
Isadoris Rodriguez
Mt. Morris, N.Y.

Vegas, baby! It would be a nail casino.
Melody C. Montgomery
Everything Nailz Ink, Greenville, N.C.

Vancouver. It has an extremely green way of life, and there are millions of tourists who stop by on cruises. We all know that tourists mixed with loyal clientele is a win-win situation! Did I mention the large Japanese community in British Columbia? That’s my #1 reason. They love their nail art, and that’s what I’m all about!
Chris Mans
Jeweled Nails, Irvine, Calif.

Hawaii. I live in Colorado now and getting clients to take care of their feet in the winter is hard. Hawaii is beautiful and it’s sunny year round. Nail salons are always in need.
Janette Sintas
Twisted Bohemian, Colorado Springs, Colo.

Illustration by Ajay Peckham

Related Articles:

Reader to Reader: Other than money, what would motivate you to work harder at your current salon?

Reader to Reader: If your salon was on fire and you had time to grab three things, what would they be and why?


More FAQ

What’s the best way to recruit techs for a new salon?

I’m opening a new nail salon and am having a hard time finding nail techs besides myself. How did you find yours? I’ve tried Craigslist, cosmetology schools, and beauty supply stores. Any suggestions? — Jen McClain, owner, Completely Polished (www.completelypolished.com), Cranberry Township, Pa.... read more

What low-cost extras do you provide that clients perceive as having a high value?

A complimentary glass of wine, an extra-long foot massage … these are the small gestures that keep clients coming back — and sending their friends to your salon. We asked techs: What low-cost extras do you provide that clients perceive as having a high value?... read more

Should the salon owner do nails herself?

Should the salon owner do nails herself ?... read more

Services For Teenagers

I’ve gotten requests from a few moms to add services for teenagers to our menu. I don’t mean the “little princess” 12 and-under service, but the 14 to 18 set. Their input has been that they will get their nails done more often, but can’t justify the full, luxury spa experience. I’ve been thinking about doing a “teen night” each week with really basic mani/pedi options (no massage, no callus care, etc. — just shaping, light cuticle work, polish and lotion application) that focus on trendy colors and options for spirit manis in school colors, etc. What do you think is the best way to address this demographic?... read more

How do you react to negative feedback?

Reader to Reader: How do you react to negative feedback about your business on social sites like Yelp and Facebook? Do you respond publicly or privately?... read more

Starting a Salon

I’m just about to graduate from esthetics school in Canada. I would like to open a small salon that focuses mainly on pedicures. I’m at a loss as to where to start, beginning with what products to use. I would like to offer at least two different product lines. I would like my pedicures to make a difference (detox, make feet feel relaxed and smooth and happy). Any suggestions?... read more

Is it Better to Buy?

Is it better to buy?... read more

Will gel-polish cause traditional polish to become obsolete?

Will gel-polish cause traditional polish to become obsolete?... read more

Do Nail Techs Really Need Resumes?

Do Nail Techs Really Need Resumes?... read more

What’s the most unusual place you did nails?

From funeral homes to a Swedish castle to the great outdoors — those are just some of the places you’ve done nails for your clients. We asked readers to tell us the most unusual place they did nails.... read more

I’m an employee on commission and I’m paying for product. Is this fair?

I’m an employee working on commission. My salon has us pay for the product that we use. If, say, we charge $25 for a fill, they deduct $3. Then we get 50% commission on $22 instead of $25. So pretty much we only get 40% in total since 10% is taken off the top to begin with. On a busy day my product costs can be more than $25, so basically I am not getting paid for an hour I worked and one service I did. Is this a common practice and do you think it’s fair?... read more

Do I have to have a website in addition to my Facebook page?

I’ve got a Facebook page that I’m pretty active on, but I don’t have a website for my nail business. Do I really need a website?... read more