My Other Life: Michelle Fajdiga, Singer

Harmonic Convergence: Nail tech Michelle Fajdiga is part of a trio that sings jazz, blues, rockabilly, and even a bit of rock.

Healthy Tech: Michelle Shoemaker

Arvada, Colo.-based nail tech Michelle Shoemaker figured out how to incorporate exercise and a healthy diet into her life to improve her health.

ABS 2011: Congrats, Stars Competition Winner Michelle Sproat

Congratulations to Michelle Sproat (left, with me) of Inspirations Salon, Kingsville, Ontario, Canada, for winning the 2011 Stars Photo Contest in the nails category. The competition let nail professionals show the world their creativity by designing and photographing

Your Personal Trainer

You could be making your first tentative steps into the beauty industry, or your book may be so filled with penciled-in names there’s no white space. Either way, if you’re uncertain what your next steps should be, it may be time to turn to a consultant.

Mama Said There'd be Days Like This

We’ve all had them and we’ll have more of them too, but we hold the power to turn a day that is spiraling out of control into a success. Before you let fists fly, take a breath and rise above.

My Other Life: Michelle Ridgway, Dollhouse Creator

Michelle Ridgway wanted a dollhouse ever since she was a young child, but she never got one as a girl. Now she is building a dollhouse herself from a kit.

Start With the End in Mind

The secret to success is simple: Start with the end in mind and take daily steps to get there. Such is the case of Jonathan Khoi, a salon in Maumee, Ohio, that transformed from a salon of yesterday to a spa of the future.

My Other Life: Michelle Martin, Product Performance Evaluator

Michelle Martin is not only a nail tech of 28 years, but also a product performance evaluator for L'Oréal, where she puts her nail professional prowess to the test.

On the Road: Talons Nail Evolution

Managing editor Sree Roy visits Talons Nail Evolution in Victoria, B.C., Canada.