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Reader to Reader: Why did you choose to work in the salon you’re in now versus other salons?

December 26, 2010

A main reason I chose the salon I’m in is that the people are all great to work with. During my job interview, I was told drama at the salon is virtually nonexistent, which was important to me. Also, I felt like my business was not growing at my previous salon, but in my current salon, I have grown my business immensely through referrals from salon staff. - LORI ANASTOS, Lisa Ann’s Salon, Wheatridge, Colo.

The salon I work in is great, because it is the only salon I could find that would give a newbie nail tech a chance. Lots of salons seem to be scared of the newbies, but we all need to start somewhere and to learn from the people we work with. This salon gave me that chance two years ago, and I am very happy they did! - JUDI BELL, Clip and Curl Connection, Effingham, Ill.

I chose the salon I’m in now for the people who work here and for the location. The other techs and stylists are professional and there is no drama or gossip. Everyone knows everyone else’s guests and greets them when they come into the salon, and new guests are made to feel comfortable as soon as they walk in the door. The location is on Main Street, which is in the historic portion of the city. It is a tourist attraction, and it is great to tell tourist walk-ins about my city’s history while performing a service for them. Also, the location is within a close-knit community of business people who look out for one another and send business to each other — so it is a win-win situation! - PATTI DERSCH, Main Street Salon, St. Charles, Mo.

I do mostly diabetic pedicures so privacy was a huge issue for me. In addition, I needed to work in a salon that allowed me the freedom to come and go as I needed. The space I chose provided me with a private studio that locked and had doors that could be closed for privacy. I am paying a little higher rent than I would like to but the space was the nicest and offered what I needed. This space also provides security (cameras and keyless entry), washer and dryer, a refrigerator, and other amenities. - MELODIE HAND, Nail Designs by Mel at Panache Styling Studios, Clayton, N.C.

I was getting my hair done at Klip and Kurl, and the salon always wanted a nail tech but there wasn’t enough room at the location. When the salon moved, it increased in space and I was asked to come on board. I’ve been here ever since! - JADA CUNNINGHAM, Klip and Kurl Beauty Salon, Youngstown, Ohio

I choose to work where I do because it is a natural salon/spa. We only do natural nails and use natural products. Other benefits include that as an independent contractor I set my own hours, and, as the only manicurist here, I receive referrals from the other therapists. - PETRA NEWTON, Soul 2 Sole at Renuatum Spa, Christiansted, St. Croix, Virgin Islands

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Reader to Reader: Should the salon be closed on holidays?

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I’m so tired of all of these cheap nail salons popping up all over the place. They are so disgusting inside. The tools and mani/pedi stations are never clean. How does one report them? I’m from Michigan and the state board doesn’t reply back to me. I’m very concerned about the other nail salons that follow the rules; it makes us all look bad. How can we stop them?... read more

Reader to Reader: Who is your best "nail friend"?

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Reader to Reader: What's the nicest thing a client has ever said to you?

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How do you charge your coworkers for services?

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

If a genie told you that you could open a nail salon in any city anywhere in the world (ignoring money and other practical considerations), in what city would you open your salon and why?... read more

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Other than money, what would motivate you to work harder at your current salon?... read more

Should I advertise in the Yellow Pages?

Does anybody use the Yellow Pages anymore? What about the online Yellow Pages? Should I consider paying for advertising in the online Yellow Pages or is my money better spent elsewhere?... read more

What is the best place to recruit nail techs?

I own a salon and spa in Maryland. I have been looking for a nail technician and it has been impossible for me to find one. I have put out ads but I don’t seem to get anywhere. What is the best place to find one?... read more