Toasting My Career

Twenty-one years ago today (as I write this on October 2), I was a terrified 22 year old sitting in a room in a Fairfield, Calif., office complex, taking my California Manicuring State Board Exam. I had

Her Bottles are Sitting Pretty

An idle moment between clients leads a nail tech to discover a new pleasure. 

Alice Through the Looking Glass Collection

OPI’s new Brights collection is inspired by Alice Through The Looking Glass.

Breaking With Tradition

From furnishing to salon philosophy, Ramona Boudreaux rejected the traditional salon setup and drew on her past to create a unique atmosphere clients bask in.

I Finally Cracked

I’m talking tears, sniffles, and yes…snot. The lights were off in our home. Our boys were asleep, and I’m not sure what my guy said, but whatever it was triggered a frantic outburst of panic from

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.

Feeling Betrayed

Wow. I had no idea how heated the debate regarding the appearance of Gelish at Sally’s would get, but anyone who’s been over to the Beautytech message boards lately can attest that this is one BIG

My Journey to Jaded

Maggie recalls the time she tried to figure out how to dispose of her salon chemicals.

Fine, Thanks for Asking

In 2002 my mother had a heart attack. At the time, she was working alongside me at the salon (she's also a licensed nail tech, but that's another story!) in the afternoons and going to school