Invest In Yourself

      Jim Rohn once said if you invest in your career you'll make a living, If you invest in yourself you'll make a fortune. Many successful people follow this cardinal rule of investing 20% of their income back into themselves. 20% yes that's what I said. So if you make 50 thousand dollars per year you should invest 10 thousand back into yourself. How many of you can say that you follow this secret to success? Carla Collier just wrote a very insightful blog post about education. In travelling all over the world Carla has a bird's eye view of the state of nail education. "The average nail tech never leaves their hometown or their nail table to search out new techniques or even learn how to perfect old ones." She writes. Never worried when she teaches abroad if her classes will be full Carla continues to be disappointed with the complacency of American nail techs that can't seem to find the time or motivation to invest in themselves. . Gone are the days when the best nails of the world came out of the USA.
See her blog here Carla's blog

 

      I'm in Kansas City this weekend offering my time and talent to share information and education with fellow nail professionals hoping to make a difference in their life and their career. Paula Knight Osborn has poured herself into these last few months of planning and preparation to bring an awesome event to the Kansas City area. Citing education, motivation and empowerment as her keystone concepts Paula is passionate about educating her fellow nail techs. PKO Education Group is a progressive Kansas City Missouri company that promotes certification and continued professional development for industry personnel. The company also stresses the importance of a healthier work environment through the use of toxin-free products in the beauty industry. Spend 10 minutes with Paula and you can feel her passion. Events like this one are cropping up across the country and should be well attended, what an opportunity to network with top industry leaders, movers and shakers. Just myself alone has 34 years of industry experience to share. I would like to see these events packed to the walls, busting at the seams. So many times I hear the complaints of not being busy enough, not making enough money, having to close the salon and get a full time job and offer nails on the side. Why? When there are so many resources available? I guess I just don't get it. Building a successful business takes hard work but it also takes brain work. You must set yourself up for success with the right frame of mind, the business should work in your head before it ever works on paper before it ever works in a salon space. Those of you regular listeners know I have shared hundreds of valuable hints and tips on building smart, not impulsively. Take the time to invest in yourself, understand break even points and marketing dos and don'ts. Get your numbers straight before you ever open your doors. The salon market place is so competitive anymore you have to be sharp in every detail, the devil is in the details. Your assignment this week is to find a class to invest in yourself. It doesn't have to be limited to the industry. Take a marketing webinar online, an accounting class at a local education venue, read a good book on communication. Take the time and effort to invest in your most valuable commodity, you!

Invest in Yourself

 

      Jim Rohn once said if you invest in your career you'll make a living, If you invest in yourself you'll make a fortune. Many successful people follow this cardinal rule of investing 20% of their income back into themselves. 20% yes that's what I said. So if you make 50 thousand dollars per year you should invest 10 thousand back into yourself. How many of you can say that you follow this secret to success? Carla Collier just wrote a very insightful blog post about education. In travelling all over the world Carla has a bird's eye view of the state of nail education. "The average nail tech never leaves their hometown or their nail table to search out new techniques or even learn how to perfect old ones." She writes. Never worried when she teaches abroad if her classes will be full Carla continues to be disappointed with the complacency of American nail techs that can't seem to find the time or motivation to invest in themselves. . Gone are the days when the best nails of the world came out of the USA.
See her blog here Carla's blog

 

      I'm in Kansas City this weekend offering my time and talent to share information and education with fellow nail professionals hoping to make a difference in their life and their career. Paula Knight Osborn has poured herself into these last few months of planning and preparation to bring an awesome event to the Kansas City area. Citing education, motivation and empowerment as her keystone concepts Paula is passionate about educating her fellow nail techs. PKO Education Group is a progressive Kansas City Missouri company that promotes certification and continued professional development for industry personnel. The company also stresses the importance of a healthier work environment through the use of toxin-free products in the beauty industry. Spend 10 minutes with Paula and you can feel her passion. Events like this one are cropping up across the country and should be well attended, what an opportunity to network with top industry leaders, movers and shakers. Just myself alone has 34 years of industry experience to share. I would like to see these events packed to the walls, busting at the seams. So many times I hear the complaints of not being busy enough, not making enough money, having to close the salon and get a full time job and offer nails on the side. Why? When there are so many resources available? I guess I just don't get it. Building a successful business takes hard work but it also takes brain work. You must set yourself up for success with the right frame of mind, the business should work in your head before it ever works on paper before it ever works in a salon space. Those of you regular listeners know I have shared hundreds of valuable hints and tips on building smart, not impulsively. Take the time to invest in yourself, understand break even points and marketing dos and don'ts. Get your numbers straight before you ever open your doors. The salon market place is so competitive anymore you have to be sharp in every detail, the devil is in the details. Your assignment this week is to find a class to invest in yourself. It doesn't have to be limited to the industry. Take a marketing webinar online, an accounting class at a local education venue, read a good book on communication. Take the time and effort to invest in your most valuable commodity, you!

Build Your Foot Traffic

 

      How else can we build our pedicure business? Follow your feet.  Partnering with other podiatric businesses and events are a sure way to get more pedicure clients. I partnered with a local podiatrist that was actually a client. We brainstormed about an event to build both our businesses and I hosted an event called "Toe Talk" at my salon. We invited clients from both the salon and her office and marketed it in the local town newspaper. This was before Facebook, so I would recommend creating an event and encouraging your clients to invite their friends as well.  Dr. Ferguson came in and gave an informational talk about general foot health and then took individual questions. She even brought in one of those foot skeletons for a visual aid. I had refreshments and made a party of it. I also offered 10% off any foot care products and foot care services. I packaged 6 Pedicures for the price of 5 good only that night. It turned out to be a really great event for both of us. One of my clients discovered her constant foot pain was actually arthritis and she booked an appointment with the doctor for a follow up visit.

 

     I also partnered with a local shoe store. I know they are getting harder to find, but seek out a local business that you can share data bases. We put together a Spring into Sandals Special. I offered the shoe store shoppers 10% off their first pedicure or a free spa upgrade with any pedicure purchased. My guests got 20% off any sandal purchase. Of course I offered the store personnel the same offer.

Many towns now have a runners store. Runners have foot challenges and really need good foot care. Seek out a store in your area and offer them a special discount for their runners. You may ever want to create a pedicure just for runners special needs.  See if the store would like to offer your clients a certain percentage off a onetime purchase at their store.

 

     Speaking of runners, this time of year is full opportunities to volunteer with the many fund raising races. Why not partner with one or two around your salon and offer free foot soaks and a 15 minute foot rub for a nominal donation. You could get fancy and offer gel polish or Rock star toes for a donation as well.. Many of these events are held at the schools and it is a great way to give back to the community and generate some new clients. Make sure to have plenty of business cards and a special offer for those that would like to visit your salon. I also raffled off a Free Pedicure at one dollar a chance and donated that money.

Stock your retail area with specialty foot care and make sure you are instructing your clients on how they will be using it at home. There are so many ways to integrate more foot care into your salon. With these hot toe tips, you'll be generating a lot of foot traffic.

 

 

Seasonal Strategies

 

     In keeping with tonight's theme I thought I would share some of my past pedicure specials. I introduce a themed pedicure each season. You can choose to develop a pedicure yourself, or purchase a new treatment from a host of companies and put your own special twist to it. We all get tired of the same old same old. Clients love something new to experience and it even might draw a few people back that you haven't seen in a while. Make sure to let your clients know there is a limited time that you will be offering this new Special treat. This creates a sense of urgency, get them while they last kind of thought process. Have fun and be creative. Maybe there is a company or product line that you have been wanting to try. This is a great opportunity to check it out before you commit to the entire line.

These are examples of a few pedicures I have marketed in the past.

     Don't miss our Orange You Sweet treatment for hands and feet. The scents of Jasmine and Mandarin energizes skin and your senses. The properties of Myrrh and extracts of pomegranate and cucumber alleviates dryness and provides a natural source of Vitamin a, B and C. The natural sugar scrub removes dead skin cells and opens skin to absorb the healing properties of the hydrating mask. Finally a relaxing foot massage with Tamanu hydrating cream. Known as the "sacred healing oil" Tamanu Oil has been used for centuries as a regenerative skin care treatment. Hurry and get your feet sandal ready with Orange You Sweet through June. Serve with and orange drink or fresh orange slices, drink umbrellas optional.

     Introducing our all new Vanilla Colada Spa Treatment. A tropical treat for the mind and body~! Beginning with a luxurious soak in a foot bath infused with Coconut Vanilla Rock Salt. This softening, hydrating foot bath treatment contains Coconut Vanilla extract and Camphor for a refreshing feeling. Next the Coconut Vanilla Sugar Scrub is enriched with Aloe Vera and Vitamins A and E to help soften and polish the skin. Sugar is a soft and finer exfoliant, gentle enough to use on the feet, hands and body. A creme mask follows creating a warm sensation when applied to enhance the spa experience. It is enriched with coconut and shea butter to relieve dry skin and sesame oils to moisturize and soften the skin. Last but not least a deep foot massage with Coconut Vanilla Body Lotion, specially formulated for dry skin and intense therapy healing. Made with Aloe, Avocado, Grapeseed Oil and Vitamin A & E, this moisturizing lotion is a perfect end to this delicious spa treat. Now through the end of June don't miss out.

Check out more here Natural Beauty Site

     And of course at the beginning of official sandal season I always print the pledge.  

The Open Toed Shoe Pledge.
As a member of the Cute Girl Sisterhood, I pledge to follow the rules when wearing sandals and other open-toe shoes:
I promise to always wear sandals that fit. My toes will not hang over and touch the ground, nor will my heels spill over the backs. And the sides and tops of my feet will not pudge out between the straps.
I will go polish-free or vow to keep the polish fresh, intact and chip-free.. SCRATCH THAT.. I'll just go for GEL TOES and have no worries!!!!!
I will not cheat and just touch up my big toe.
I will sand down any mounds of skin before they turn hard and yellow.
I will shave the hairs off my big toe.
I won't wear pantyhose even if my misinformed girlfriend, coworker, mother, sister tells me the toe seam really will stay under my toes if I tuck it there.
If a strap breaks, I won't duct-tape, pin, glue or tuck it back! into place hoping it will stay put. I will get my shoe fixed or toss it.
I will not live in corn denial; rather I will lean on my good friend Dr. Scholl's if my feet need him.
I will resist the urge to buy jelly shoes at Payless for the low, low price of $4.99 even if my feet are small enough to fit into the kids' sizes. This is out of concern for my safety, and the safety of others. No one can walk properly when standing in a pool of sweat and I would hate to take someone down with me as I fall and break my ankle.
I will take my toe ring off toward the end of the day if my toes swell and begin to look like Vienna sausages.
I will be brutally honest with my girlfriend/sister/coworker when she asks me if her feet are too ugly to wear sandals. Someone has to tell her that her toes are as long as my fingers and no sandal makes creepy feet look good.
I will promise if I wear flip flops that I will ensure that they actually flip and flop, making the correct noise while walking and I will swear NOT to slide or drag my feet while wearing them.
I will promise to go to my local nail salon at least once per season and have a real pedicure.
I will promise to throw away any white/off-white sandals that show signs of wear... nothing is tackier than dirty white sandals.

A Vegan in Miami

 

     So on the suggestion from a friend and blog follower I have decided to add an occasional, more personal blog post. Many of my followers know that I am a vegan, well mostly... I am not a vegan-azi as my daughter would say. I will eat eggs on occasion as well as some fish and once in a while, honey. It is challenging to stay healthy on the road. The hardest part of being veganesque is travel. It is also hard to get in exercise. I always try to pack my "freak" food, as one friend puts it. I make sure to pack fruit, especially bananas. I have to have a banana every morning right when I wake up or I just can't see straight. Fruit is such a rip-off when you travel so I make sure to pack plenty. I also pack Kind bars, they are my fav and some kind of nuts or nut blend. When all else fails I can always add them to salads and wraps for protein. Leaving out of Cleveland airport is always nice I get to stop at my favorite burrito place, Currito, that has the freshest food.

     I get the Mediterranean whole wheat with brown rice, black bean hummus and tofu--hold the feta cheese.  They also have delish guac and chips. I have to get my fill of avocado, I eat probably 5 per week :) Kind of a like crack for me. The Miami airport is huge so i literally got in a half hour walk from my gate to baggage, thanks for no people movers Miami. When I arrived at my room in Miami the editor of Les Nouvelles Esthetics had left a beautiful fruit and cheese tray for me.

 

 

     The cheese had been out for a while and was at that creamy, wilty scrumptious stage...which I immediately flushed down the toilet so I wouldn't even be tempted.. ( those of you that think that may be extreme, I get physically sick now after I eat cheese, it's not pretty, seriously, like IBS on steroids) The crackers were delish, pretty sure one kind had cheese shavings baked on top but with no label it was hard to tell. No adverse effects I am happy to say. NO coffee in the room, not even a pot for hot water, which I also carry several of my own bags of "freak" tea. Mostly detox teas, peppermint and chamomile, I usually end up with some kind of stomach upset when I travel. So it was a caffeine free trip too. Good thing I don't drink a lot of caffeine, could have gotten that lovely migraine withdrawal headache. Sunday I was rushing to get to mass so I grabbed a banana in the room and took a Kind bar for the taxi ride. On a side note, having put on Capri's for the first time this season I realized, at the taxi line, that I totally forgot to shave my legs..yipes. I'm NOT going to be that old Italian lady with the hairy legs at church... not today! I made the driver stop at Walgreens so I could buy a razor and yes I dry shaved in the back seat... thankfully I carry really good hand cream in my purse, no razor burn. I decided to walk back from church (40 minutes) and stopped at an Asian restaurant for lunch. I ordered the Buddha's delight, that unfortunately was less than delightful. The fried tofu was soggy from them putting the sauce over everything. The vegetables had no flavor so I asked for salt and pepper and it was barely tolerable. I ate half and then saw the pot of soy sauce so added a bit of that to the rest to pack up for lunch the next day. Which never made it, it was an afternoon snack, much better with the soy sauce. Dinner was a VIP event sponsored by the magazine at Barceloneta. They passed mostly carnivorous food appetizers. The only thing I could have was the Spanish omelets bites and tomato gazpacho. Oh and the roasted red pepper and crab. Oh and I did try a bite of baby eel veggie pizza ...not a fan, wayyyy to fishy. One of the girls I was sitting with was a vegetarian and she asked if one of the appetizers was brussel sprouts. Nope.. ham balls. The waiter then brought the most delicious roasted brussel sprouts with a honey, olive oil and balsamic glaze with crushed peanuts on top.. So fantastic, must try this combo at home. Seeing as there was barely enough food to call it dinner I stopped at the restaurant across the street and had a delightful salmon salad, saving half for lunch.

 

      Monday morning was beautiful so I took my banana and Kind bar down to the pool for breakfast. Did my Yoga CD that I happened to leave in my laptop :)  Finished writing my presentation for that afternoon...cuz that's how I roll.. And had the rest of my salad for lunch before I left for the show. Needing a little something later in the afternoon before my class I ventured to the food court, past the pizza, chicken, finally wraps, of course pre made and no vegan options. They did have a soy berry nut trail mix that did the trick. Got to hand it to the spa shows, just saying they DO have better food choices. Heading back to the hotel I was at ease because I saw someone eating a veggie burger at the pool so I knew I could at least stay in and grab an early dinner. Nope those are just for lunch, only appetizers for the dinner hour. So I went to my handy dandy Yelp app and searched for a vegetarian restaurant I could walk to. First one seemed fine, Maoz vegeteranian,  only a few blocks away. It was more like a Subway set up, but I guess that's what one $ means.

     I ordered a Falafel pita to go and it was kind of a cool set up. They serve about 5 falafel balls in a pita, mine with avocado of course and then they smash them flat and reopen them so you can put toppings in.  I added olives, beet salad, taboulle, roasted cauliflower tomato and onions and vegan tahini.  I also ordered fries, they had a sweet potato and regular fry mix... I am a fry junkie I must admit. I opted to take it to go and ate it by the pool. It was really filling so I couldn't finish the whole thing, still a successful vegan meal.  A took nice long walk on the boardwalk later that evening.

 

      One more meal to go. Monday morning early am flight grab my banana for the taxi ride.  I have never tried them, so I decided to stop at the Subway at the airport for a breakfast sandwich. They do have an egg white option, awesome, so I got an egg white  sandwich on whole wheat with avocado, lettuce, tomato, cucumber and olives. Just love when I can get veggies in for breakfast!

Another half hour walk to my gate, even with a tram ride... really Miami? Stopping at a friend's birthday party before heading back to my work week. She knows a few of us are vegan so fingers crossed :)

Building a Celebrity Clientele

 

 

 

         I'm coming to you live from the International Congress of esthetics. I was invited to speak on building a celebrity clientele . While I don't necessarily have a celebrity clientele I have done quite a few editorial shoots, New York Fashion Week and one of the Kardashians. So I almost qualify. When in doubt I do what I always do, I research. I spoke to three of my celebrity nail tech friends and got their take on what it takes. Maisie Dunbar has been working with stars before there was really an niche and created her own. Having worked with Essence magazine she got her start in the editorial world. Maisie said it's really all about commitment. Many say they might like to be a celebrity stylist but it takes hard work and a lot of hustle to make it. Location is not as important as you would think. You can network with local agencies and production companies to get a foot in the door but you also must be willing to travel. The life of a celebrity stylist is in no way glamorous. It's a lot of hurry up and wait and schlepping more products than you'll ever need so you're prepared for anything.

 



Check out Maisie's site here

 

      Julie Kandalec is a Cleveland hometown girl that began her journey several years back and finally made the move to New York City last summer. Julie stresses you must be well rounded, you never know what a person is going to have on their nails. Most models have natural nails because that's all they are allowed to have. With the celebrities front and center on the covers of must fashion magazines your editorial work could well be with a celebrity. But with celebrities sometimes they are wearing acrylics, sometimes gels or gel polish so being well rounded and being able to walk into anything is really important. A good kit is really important, She shares what is in her kit on Modern Salon's you tube channel. See what's in her kit here What's in Julie's Kit

Check out Julie's site here

 

      Keep up with celebrity news and know who is touring your city. Start with b-listers and work your way up or grow with the celebrity, many have teams that have been with them for years. Pattie Yankee is another amazing nail artist with a celeb following. Yankee is now more interested in building repeat celebrity clients, not just one time jobs doing celebrities here and there. Personality is huge. Giving 100%, not talking, being respectful, building trust, that can get you a steady clientele. You have to be versatile and commit 100% to the job at hand. Commitment was a theme echoed by all three celebrity stylists. You can't be a prima donna, you have to make any situation work without complaints. Yankee feels working with a manufacturer definitely helped open doors for her, especially into fashion week. She also warns to get with a reputable agency if you go that route, one of her first agencies ended up not paying her. She also recommends building relationships with other nail techs in different areas. Yankee is based in New York so she sought out techs on the west coast.

Check out Pattie's site here

     Celebrity pr companies will call and say so and so is in town do you know somebody there. So keep a good relationship with other celebrity nail techs so they can refer you when people are in your area. Educate yourself on the business of editorial and celebrity work. Crystal Wright literally wrote the book Hair, Make-up and fashion styling career guide on building a career and she conducts seminars and webinars across the country. Julie is a graduate and credits her course with giving her the knowledge and confidence to pursue her dream. If marketing yourself as a celebrity stylist is one of your goals get yourself the right education and get moving on it. Cenita Harris took a goal setting class with me a few years back and set editorial work as her goal. She worked hard, got the right education and landed a spot with Ford in Chicago. If you see a McDonalds ad with nails chances are they are Cenita's handy work. For more info check out Crystal Wrights website and get marketing yourself as the next go to nail girl.
Check out Crystal's site here Hair and Make-up Styling

Something From Nothing

       This week's segment is about nothing. Well not really nothing, it's about how to do nothing, or why. I know each and every week I have a call to action, a way to get your marketing game on and go get those clients. While preparing for my segment last night I heard a song on Pandora, which led me to YouTube another song, and another, and yes I spent all night listening to music. So what does this have to do with marketing. Well, I think if you are like me, and most of our listeners are, we are the type A, ten per centers. The nailahilocs, glitter junkies, nail art video addicts. I spend almost every free minute when I'm not working, working. On research, on pinning on Pinterest, photogging on Instagram or nailcreeping YouTube. I never stop, and its madness. So what's a nail junkie to do? Nothing. Taking frequent breaks can lead to higher productivity and increased creativity while skipping breaks can lead to exhaustion and mental fatigue.. You've all been there, your struggling with a challenge, you've been stuck for hours, maybe days. The moment you put the task aside and give it a rest you return with renewed concentration and coping skills. Happens all the time. Much like an athlete needs to rest in-between training intervals mental concentration is similar to a muscle that becomes fatigued after constant use. Take a rest before you reach the end of your mental rope, when you start drifting off, daydreaming and having trouble concentrating. Do something that recharges you in the form of doing nothing.

     I know what you're thinking, I feel guilty of I'm not pushing myself all the time, it is after all the only way to get ahead isn't it? To work while your competition is resting? There is an old story of a contest between two lumberjacks. One lumberjack works nonstop never resting on his log. The other takes frequent breaks, mysteriously disappears and reappears to continue sawing. Which one gets through the log faster? Well yes it is a trick question, the one that takes frequent breaks. And why is it the lumberjack that took frequent breaks got through his log faster? He went to sharpen his saw. Everyone needs downtime to sharpen their saw. We all have a different mental capacity. Some people need a few frequent breaks, some need entire recharge days. How can you tell when you need a recharge day?
Your sleep habits change. From insomnia to nightmares any change in sleep habits indicate high stress and anxiety
You "blow up" over new stresses. Any overreaction to stress you usually take in stride indicates an already high level of stress.
Your fuse with family and friends is getting shorter. If your inside circle has to walk on eggshells, it's probably time for a break.

 

      If you do decide to take a break for a few hours or a day determine what you'd like to do in advance. Maybe you need to catch up on sleep. Busy schedules can cut us off from loved ones so plan a day to catch up with a close friend or relatives. Shopping, reading, mindless TV, anything that takes your mind away from work, you decide. You will come back to the tasks at hand with refreshed enthusiasm and renewed optimism. And once rested up, you'll be a better marketer, for sure.