For our annual Reader-Written Issue, NAILS asked our readers: Who is your best "nail friend" (AKA another nail tech who you talk shop with)?
Kim Hanzlik (above right) — she herself is a salon owner, but she helped me open my own salon in the same city. You’d think she’d act cutthroat like competition, but she’s the greatest friend. For fun we do each other’s nails when we have time.
Rosario Muething
Just P’nk, Winnemucca, Nev.
Sandi Bishop (left) and I have worked together for 21 years. I started Nail Expressions Nail Spa in July 1990. Sandi lived in the same condo complex and when she found out I had a salon she asked for a job. That was in October 1990. We’ve been together through all the ups and downs, not only in business but in our personal lives too. We both try to read, attend classes, and network, then share our ideas and what we’ve learned.
Rhonda Coe-Beck
Nail Expressions Nail Spa, Winston Salem, N.C.
My employee Brittany Higdon (left) — I was so fortunate that she walked through my doors to apply for a job. I’ve looked for years for someone as passionate about nails as I am. Who would’ve known if I just stopped looking she would find me. I feel like I’ve found someone I can pass my clientele on to when I decide to finally step back from nails — since 13 years of sitting at a nail table has taken a toll on my neck, back, and wrists. She’s a natural and there’s nothing Brittany isn’t willing to try. That’s what I love about her.
Sonja Larkin
Reflectionz Hair and Nail Studio, Ottumwa, Iowa
My best nail friend is Rebecca Mendez (left), A.K.A. Becky. I am a nail technician instructor and Becky was my nail student in 2009. We kept a professional student/teacher relationship while she was in school. But we kept in contact afterward. In August 2011, she decided to open a shop in Lombard, Ill., called Secret Style Nail Salon, and I am her “right hand man.” We have become great friends who work together, do one another’s nails, and enjoy everything that has to do with our wonderful industry. I don’t think we would trust our nails in anyone else’s hands.
Angie Roman
Chicago
My best nail friend, Donna Pettigrew (right), has also become one of my best friends. We have worked together for over three years now. We spend kids’ birthdays, holidays, and girl weekends together. We work all day together and talk/text all night. I don’t know what I’d do without her.
Amanda Torrez
Horseshoe Bay Resort, Horseshoe Bay, Texas
My best nail friend is Jamella Gory (left). We started off adversaries over a man I was engaged to and she had a child with. Now we are spiritually and emotionally close. We work side-by-side and share techniques, tricks, and glitters for rock star toes. I adore her!
Hannah Brown
A Lasting Touch, Tucson, Ariz.
My sister, Laurie (right) — we work in different salons, both in Columbus (she works at Premier Salon), but we share stories and help each other in the industry.
Kim Taylor
Americana Nail Company, Columbus, Ohio
I have two best nail friends (because one is not enough): Chantale Fourny (left) and Savanna Glazier (right). I met them both in esthetics school. We are all totally opposite characters, have different lives, different work places, but all share one common love of nails! We love to quiz each other on the products we use and take road trip weekends to different industry shows. I love my girls and can call them to share every idea, crisis, or new product.
Tania Rice
Indira Salon and Spa, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
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