Business

Reader to Reader: Is it OK to date a client? Why or why not?

February 10, 2011

I married my client! At the time, I was renting space out of a salon when one day a gentleman came in to tan. As he walked past the nail room, he made a comment about the acrylic smell, which ticked me off. I jumped out of my seat and said, “You have a problem with my acrylic?” He responded “You stink,” to which I retorted, “You’re going to smell like burning flesh when you get out of that tanning bed and are going to stink the worst.” After he was done tanning, he stopped in my room, chatted a bit, then left. I turned to my current nail client and said, “I am going to marry him.” The next day he came back and said he wanted a manicure. As luck would have it, I wasn’t busy so I said, “OK, sit down,” and gave him a manicure with a long hand and arm massage. He came back three times before he asked me on a date. There was an immediate connection, so there was no way I would have turned down a date. We were engaged within eight weeks and have been happily married for 10 years.

Sandi Tomlinson

Beyond Nails, Livonia, Mich.

I would have to say no. It’s unprofessional and a line that shouldn’t be crossed. If things don’t work out it could have a negative effect on your business. It will also set a precedent that could lead to disaster or a bad image for your salon or spa.

Kinda Harrison

Brown & Deline, Ann Arbor, Mich.

It would be fine if you are willing to take the chance on losing that person for a client and any of their friends or family members if it was a nasty breakup.

Brenda Gibson

Brenda Gibson Center For Nails,
Perrysburg, Ohio

Yes and no. I just think it is so circumstantial and completely individual. Only for the mature and intelligent I say!

Tracie Ennis

Blondies, Wexford, Ireland

Sure, date a client. If it doesn’t work out you may lose a client. But, what if you fall happily in love?!

Sharon O’Malley

Le Salon, Cooper City, Fla.

No, because then before you know it the former client is wanting services for free and demanding more time than you have and possibly interrupting the salon. The salon I work in is owned by my mom (Amy Loven) and my aunt (Jennifer Kimmins), and we all share the same philosophy on this subject.

Samantha Marotz

C & J Nail Salon, Metropolis, Ill.

It’s very unprofessional to date a client. I don’t think the type of conversations that would lead to dating should come up in a professional environment. However, if you’ve been dating someone for a while, then it may be OK to turn them into a client!

Nicole Vasher

Thomas Scott Salon & Spa, Frederick, Md.

I personally would not date a client, no way. It could lead to a love triangle in your workplace — I’ve seen this happen with my own eyes. Plus, your booty’s on the line. You could lose your job and ruin friendships.

Jamie Rena Melchor

Nails by Jamie, Fresno, Calif.

Topics:work life balance

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