Our Tragic Loss

The nail world is saddened this evening to learn of the loss of one of our most talented nail artists. Tom Holcomb was an amazing individual. I did not know him well but I did have the pleasure to take a workshop with him in 1999 in Ohio. It was a stretch financially for me at the time but I knew I must get myself there. I asked my dear nail friend Deb Shoaf if she wanted to come with me so the weekend was on. I thought initially I am so out of my league, what am I thinking taking this class with the master himself. My doubts were immediately lifted when we met Tom that day. I had seen him at shows and knew of his work but this was the first time I had a chance to see and learn up close and personal. He was so humble and unassuming and made the whole weekend an unforgettable experience. We sat in awe for a few demos, I was just amazed at his control over his acrylic as he crafted a face on a fingernail. It totally blew my mind. Next we went over some technical instruction, and then, we were put to the test, literally we had to do nails under his watchful eye, in a competition. No pressure, Salina Rush and John Hauk, champions in their own right, were in attendance as well, which speaks volumes for the respect we all shared for this man. I remember working on my whites when he came by looking over my shoulder. My fingers started shaking like I was possessed by the devil himself. He just joked with me and said, I got my eye on you girl, you're alright. Tom put us at ease the whole day laughing and sharing bits and pieces of himself, not the nail guru but the man. He scored the nails and when it came to critique my nails he was too kind, offering encouragement, not criticism. He showed me that my points were not too far off from the top scores. Far enough, but he pointed out the positive. I always took time to watch him at a show whenever I could and always took another great tip away with me. I am so saddened to hear of his passing. I look to the young up and comers and am sorry for their loss, to never experience his amazing gift. His legacy will forever live on in video, stunning photographs and in the small piece of him we all carry within us. That part that pushes us to excellence. He redefined the "competition" nail always upping the ante with a new twist on his already perfect execution. So heaven just got one of the best nail techs up there and I'm sure he already has a line waiting. RIP Tom. You will continue to brighten our world from above.

Welcome to Stylez

Many of you know I am always on the look out for what's new and what's next. Well the combination collided this past week when I was asked to join the Stylez4women team as the Director of Sales. This website has been on my radar for sometime now. I just love the stunning photos and the interesting articles. Covering the Hair, Nail, Fashion and beauty community, nails are the real star at Stylez. And who better to feature than the magnificent manicuring community! Everyone's a star at Stylez4women. London Wright has a passion for bringing "celebrity" to every nail tech out there because let's face it, we are all stars! I am so excited to share this site with all my professional friends. Coming soon are the Manicurist magazine and the Virtual Nail Technicians Conference. It's a show that's all about Nails, and all about FREE. Featuring the best and brightest minds from within the Nail industry. Bringing you the chance to network with vendors and industry supporters and colleagues – without leaving your desk. An industry first, by an innovative site! Stay tuned for more from the next BIG thing in our industry. Join today and don't get left in the nail dust! And to all my manufacturer friends...I'll be calling :)

Softie Networking Event

I have known Kathy Weltman for probably a year now, maybe longer, time flies when you're a softie! I first encountered her on Nail Talk Radio where a legion of nail techs were going on and on about her Soft Landings table towels. Really, all this talk about a towel?? Well after getting to know Kathy a little more over the past several months I discovered indeed, it is not just a towel, it is a company that really cares about their customers, their "Sotfties". Kathy's husband Gary happens to be from Northeast Ohio, not too far from where I grew up and this weekend they were back in town for a Cleveland visit. The ever networking Kathy took full advantage of the opportunity to set up a mini meet and greet at a local restaurant. Weeks ahead of time she planned a get together open to any Ohio nail tech for an opportunity to meet each other and share stories, ask questions, eat great food and drink the most fabulous Pomegranate Ginger Mojitos on the planet. Good friends, good food and a great company providing the setting. It was so very nice to have the chance to chat with fellow techs, share hints and tips, photos and laughs.

There is so much more to Kathy than meets the eye. She even offered her home to a tech to come train with her nail tech for a few days. Who does that? Kathy does. She reminds me of a great business quote. "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." Kathy's "softies" are her number one priority and she is constantly promoting them, encouraging them and yes teasing them. She likes to refer to me as Millie Mayhem. If you haven't had the chance to network with her tune into Nail Talk Radio and chat with her in the chat room or join the Soft Landings Group on Facebook. You'll be glad you did.