Estelina speaks of how she opened her salon.
When Shauni Kelly was creating Hot Heads Barbershop and Cool Claws Nails in Albuquerque, N.M., she wanted to take the “rock star pedicure” service to the extreme — by tying the entire pedicure room decor into the “rock star” theme.
It’s sometimes instructive to take a look at the nail salon industry from the other side of the chair: the client’s side. That’s why it can be especially insightful to chat with a select breed of nail salon owner: the client-turned-salon entrepreneur.
Current and former salon owners share their personal insights on the things they would go back and change, if only they could.
In designing the spa and lounge, Dunlap went for chic simplicity and clean lines. She wanted a place where girlfriends could congregate.
Let's Do Launch: Creating a memorable opening for your nail salon requires intensive planning, organizational skills, and marketing savvy.
A likeable salon name can make a powerful emotional connection with your clientele, which makes it easy to remember and generates buzz, says Alexandra Watkins, chief innovation officer of Eat My Words. “The more memorable your name and the more people talk about it, the less advertising you have to do,” she says.
Julie Nguyen, owner and founder of Blu Water Day Spa, has plenty of experience in the beauty industry. Coming to the United States when she was 16 and building on the beauty training she received in Vietnam, she worked in hair, then nails and cosmetics, and was quickly able to purchase her own salon.
Managing editor Sree Roy visits ROB|B: An OPI Concept Salon on opening day.
If you think salon ownership is easy, take this quiz before you make the leap.
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