Nails
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Business

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

More FAQ

Would you continue to do nails if you were financially independent?

In honor of Independence Day, we asked techs:  Would you continue to do nails if you were financially independent?  If the answer is yes, would you change the way you do business?... read more

What is the best way to handle no-shows?

I had two no-shows today and I don't know what I'm doing wrong. I always call to confirm in advance. What's the best way to handle them? Sincerely, Left in the Lurch... read more

How do I approach our employees about staying in the salon when it's not busy?

Dear Shari, With business down, there are more gaps in the salon's appointment book. How do I approach our employees about staying in the salon when it's not busy? Sincerely, Tired of Being Alone... read more

How do I avoid raising prices in this economy when my product costs are increasing?

Dear Shari, My product costs have gone up but I can't raise my prices in this economy. What do you suggest? Sincerely, Stuck... read more

How do I know if a salon is right for me?

Dear Shari, I am just out of school and I'm starting to look for work. I don't really know if I'm ready to go out on my own as a booth renter. How do I know if a salon is right for me? Sincerely, Searching for a Home... read more

Reader to Reader: In what ways will you run your business differently next year?

Online appointments have really exploded and my clients love it, so next year I will get a better online system to allow my clients to move their appointments and see their history.... read more

Reader to Reader: What’s the best way to find a new job in the beauty industry?

What’s the best way to find a new job in the beauty industry?... read more

Reader to Reader: What issue scares or concerns you the most about the future of the nail industry?

What issue scares or concerns you  the most about the future of the nail industry?... read more

If you were suddenly given a day off how would you spend it?

Sunning, shopping, sleeping in — how would you spend an unexpected day off? NAILS asked readers: If you were suddenly given a day off, how would you spend it? Turns out a surprising number of you would spend the day working on your nail business.... read more

Reader to Reader: When did you realize you wanted to be a nail tech?

When did you realize you wanted to be a nail tech?... read more

Reader to Reader:To what extent should you guarantee your work?

To what extent should you guarantee your work?... read more

Should business owners tell all to staff?

Transparency is a buzzword in politics these days, and the notion of increased openness, two-way communication, and accountability is taking hold in the business world as well. Salon owners are among the business owners who are opening up their books and sharing sensitive financial information with staff . We asked salon owners and technicians: How much financial information should a salon owner share with her staff ?  ... read more