Verbal Communication and Being the Best You Can Be

     How you speak is as important as what you say.  In other words, voice and tone are very important in communication.  How you speak and influence what you say. 
     Grammer if used correctly, can clearly and beautifully communicate all of your thoughts and needs.  The choice of words you use is vital to the art of conversation and will impact the listener's understanding.
     Two-way communication means you have to shut up and listen to the client when he or she speaks.  You need to encourage your client to talk to you and give you feedback.  When listening to their feedback good or bad, you have to take it as constructive critisism.  Don't get mad, just take it as someone being honest with you to make your business the best it can be.
     Present a pleasant greeting, smile, make contact, and have a firm handshake.  Always be polite (and this has deminished over the years and it's up to us to keep politeness to continue) and use the last name of your client.  Use a pleasant tone of voice.  Use tact to speak to the client which requires you to be truthful without being offensive.

New Favorite Diamond French Tips *Buying Issues*

     I have a new favorite product! I saw it in this month's issue of Nail Pro, and the item is nail tips.  J Magic Diamond French are tips that that are clear with a diamond pattern underneath the tip.  The diamond pattern is absolutely beautiful.These tips come in a few different colors: Purple, pink, green, blue, and my favorites clear and smoke.  All are see through with the pattern underneath the tips to shine through.
     I emailed J Magic about these tips immediately,after I saw the ad in Nail Pro.  They offered me a sample, but how big the sample is I am unsure because I just emailed them yesterday.  But, they do not supply just one case to buy, you have to buy in quantity.  The email said, "minimum order quantity 50 dozen (600 cases) at $2.49 per case, or more than 500 dozen (6000)cases is $1.99 per case." 
     I am interested but I am a Nail Tech not a distributor so I cannot afford to buy 600 cases.  If anyone gets that many cases let me know and I will buy.  Until then I guess I will have to dream about using them. 

How Does Essy Name Their Polishes

   Did you ever wondered how the polishes get their names that are printed on the bottom.  Bahama Mama, Shocked 0, Fairy Dust and so on....  Here is a video from Nail Pro letting you know how Essy names every bottle herself!

http://www.nailpro.com/watch-how-essie-nail-polishes-get-their-names

MINX Live Webcast Minxy Mondays For Nail Technicians

      As you all know I am a person who absorbs knowledge where ever I can grasp it.  Being in the middle of the country, with no real city to depend on, continueing my education usually ends in me driving a ways away to get education.  I cannot afford the fees, and gas is outragious! So therefore I look to webinars, nail pros test yourself, and other things.  Well Minx Nails has done it!  
     Minx Nails offers a weekly free live web broadcast that is available to nail technicians worldwide with the purpose of supporting them as they learn and perfect their Minx nail design applications.
     Minxy Mondays, a live Web broadcast which takes place at www.justin.tv/Minxinc most Monday mornings, 8am to 10am Pacific Time, helps manicurists who are just getting started to support them through the learning process. It also guides them through problems they might have come across in their experience applying Minx. Minxy Mondays is live and includes a full chat feature, which allows manicurists to bring their questions to the table in real time and get their answers in real time. Not only are questions answered verbally, but the problem and solution demonstrated.
     I did not find this till today.  I will repost after I have attended a web broadcast.  Until then keep learning!

My DIRTY Secret, 5 Star Lotions For $2 Find Out How I Do It

   There is a secret I have not told anyone other than my hubby.  My hubby actually is a great help with this secret. I believe to give the best service possible when it comes to a manicure or pedicure is the scrub your use as well as the lotion to message.  I have a few places I find these items, and these items are cheaper than going to Sally's, Cosmo Prof, or State Beauty Supply. 
   My hubby and I LOVE flea markets.  Where we live there are markets upon markets upon markets.  It's ENDLESS!  This is my secret.
    I have found Beauty Control Margarita lotion (which smells like your covered in tequila and mixer), I have found Bath and Body Works, I have found Victoria's Secret, and more.  Never have I paid more than $2.00 on any item.
   Also the Dollar Tree, where everything is a dollar, I get a foot lotion that is infused with Tea Tree Oil Grape Seed Extract and smells so good!  It comes in a little blue squeeze tube.  You will know it when you see it. 
   To use good product is a good way to keep a customer because they think you are using the best, but little do they know you bought that wonderful smelling lotion discounted somewhere.  They don't have to know, only you.  I get more tips because I give them huge options on what lotion they want to smell like.
    I hope this feed gives you some ideas of you own!

FOR RENT or for hire? It's my business right!?!?!?

    Once you have graduated beauty school, the next question is where am I going to work?  I realize I have touched on this topic a little here and there, but this thread is about what to look for and what to realize when finding that right little salon just for you.  Booth renting can be an enticing option when you are craving flexibility without the responsibility of an employer dictating your schedule. Some of the perks of booth renting include taking charge of your hours, choosing your products and keeping all your earnings. On the other hand, if you are looking for an environment that provides mentorship and education, booth renting may not be the right choice for you.
    One important factor to consider before booth renting is the location of the salon. Is it in a good location? Notice the streets around, what businesses are around, and what type of clientel do you think will come in based on where you are located?  A salon that is located in a busy shopping area can be beneficial because your customers already frequent the area and will be more likely to swing by your salon. In addition, it offers the opportunity to network with nearby businesses who can send new clients your way. There may also be the possibility for more walk-ins. If there is another person providing the same services, find out the salon's policy for how walk-ins are assigned.
     Another aspect I tend to look for is parking.  Be sure to take a look at the parking situation. This is critical. If parking is difficult to come by, you may lose clients who do not want to deal with the hassle. I have been to salons that had the most badass hair dressers and nail techs.  Those salons also had a good reputation, the only thing holding them back from a 5 star rating was their parking.  Older clients do not want to walk, that is if they can.  It can be hot here in the bootheel of Missouri so to think of walking on those hot days are simply not an option for myyself as well as others.
    Consider how well you interact with the demographic that frequents the location. Do you vibe well with pampered princesses or do you bond better with "everyday people?"  Do you like children?  I can tell you what I DON'T deal well  when it comes to client's children: I hate kids (I have a 5 year old of my own, love her to death), but other peoples kids I can't stand.  I got a job as a nail tech not a baby sitting nail tech.  I love my older clients, but there are a few that tend to be bossy I hate those clients.  You cannot please everyone, but you can find a place of employment that will make you happy.
    One HUGE factor in where I will be working is the enviornment itself.  I am a team player, I am trustowrthy, and friendly.  I've found others aren't the same.  Working in a miserable environment takes a terrible a toll on your business and psychological state.  I went to school with a good attitude, little did I know what I was walking into.   The horrible enviornment took its toll on me.  If it had not been for my amazing husband I don't know if I would have even made it (I would have probably quit).  Beauty school is THE hardest thing I have ever done in my 28 years of living. Choose a salon with a pleasant atmosphere where you will feel comfortable. Ask how many other people are renting the same type of booth as you. Things could get competitive if there are several people with the same type of business.  Are there any thieves among them?  Having your stuff messed with is frustrating, and if you mess with my stuff it's a sure fire way to have it out with me and it ends by your head being ripped off. 
Consider the price of the booth rental and how many clients you will need to service to make it worthwhile. Review all your expenses for the tools of the trade. Ask yourself if you are good at record keeping. You will need this information when paying your taxes. You should also be informed what the rental includes. Will you have to pay extra for laundry? Is there a secure area for your equipment?
    The length of the salon owner's lease can also affect your decision. If a new owner takes over there could be many changes implemented including a rent increase. A written contract insures there are no misunderstandings between you and the owner. Everything that each side agrees to should be included in the contract.
    Now I am going to let you in on a secret of mine.  When scoping out a booth rental location, test out the salon for yourself as a secret shopper. People may be on their best behavior if they know you are a perspective renter. You will be able to see the dynamics of the salon from the customer's point of view. Do the people working at the salon appear happy or can you feel tension between them? Test the salon twice by having a savvy friend make an appointment for a service at another date and critique the shop for you. Make sure to let you secret shopper friend know your criteria.
   Getting a job is stressful, but putting in the right work to find the exact match for you is well worth it.  I enjoy doing nails, and I enjoy the art of it.  I can do this every day for the rest of my life and be happy, but only if there is no immature salon drama.  So it's like buying a house, take your time to find your home. A home that speaks you, and at the same time you are so happy you can't stand it.

Reduce Reuse Recycle Nail TIPS!!

    We hear about recycling plastic and glass bottles, alluminum cans, copper wire, and much more. In a world where everyone is trying to go green, as well as save a few pennies.  Most people will say going green costs more.  You can go green without changing your entire salon.  We are just talking about nail tips here....
    Any good nail technician will practice nail art in her spare time.  We usually use full well nail tips to practice our art on.  One of the ways I have found to reuse the nail tips is to make a piece of art out of it. I buy myself a piece of canvas from Wal-Mart that measures anywhere from 2 feet x 2 feet or 2 feet by 4 feet or 3 feet by 4 feet. I save my nail art in a simple plastic baggie.  If I just practice on one nail it goes in there, or if I make a while set of nails for myself the nails that pop off go into that baggie.  The bagging is simply a collection over time.  Now the recycleing comes in when I turn that baggie of polished nails into an amazing work of art.
    Sometimes I will spend 8 whole hours on one nail, and I put so much work and detail into just one nail it almost seems like a tiny work of art.  Sometimes I will make a collaborative of several nails with one unified look, whereas other days I just pop the ones I have on off and put them in the bag (gross I know).  All of those nails go onto a blank canvas spaced out an inch a part.  This is one way to not only have a craft project to do (that turns out badass!), but your recycling as well. 
    Hope you enjoyed this wonderful recycling craft project, it looks great in the salon.  You can even put a price on it and it will sell like you wouldn't believe.

Nail Pro: Survival of The Fittest Article

   In the Feburary 2012, issue there is an article written by Melisa Wells entitled "Survival of The Fittest".  It discusses many facts and issues revolving around the recession of the United States.  The recession has tweaked the way salons look at how to retain customers, how they plan for the fututre, how salons can attract new clients, and how the salon is ran.
   Wells says, "Nail technicians and salon owners alike should, no mater how well they are doing, reassess their businesses to not only survive during the recession, but also thrive."  We can start by taking a closer look at our expenses.  One of the things Wells says that is a major factor is surviving the recession is "staff members who don't pull their weight when the salon is hurting for business should have their schedules altered or if necessary, let the employee go."  I realize staffing issues and discisions can be the toughest discisions to make. 
   Well also says the backbar is another hole that lots of money will go right down the drain on.  Supply costs can be much larger than necessary if staff isn't careful to use only what they absolutely need for each service.  Wells says, "Consider a staff training session with a supply refresher to get everyone on board with proper usage amounts."  If staff uses to much supplies, one idea is to get those little cups from Sams Club and prepare the set amounts so that the staff can simply come in get the cup and not over pour product.  This idea also gives the perception that it is a cleaner and more prepared salon. 
   These are just two of the many ideas Wells put in this article.  I recomment that you get the Feb. issue of Nail Pro and read it.  There are other articles in the magazine that month that are on how to retain services during the recession.

Client consults, make more cash

    One aspect of making more money that, for some reason, falls to the way side is client consultations.  Every client deserves that client consultation before beginning services.  It doesn't matter if the client has been a client of yours for 1 year or 10 years, everyone gets a consult at every service!
   When greeting the client make a firm handshake and eye contact.  This accepts your client and establishes a connection between you and them.  Going along with the established connection, never send your client to the polish and say pick out a color.  Rather, a nail technician should walk the client to the wall and help pick out a color.  Last offering a drink is a plus.  Whether it be wine and cocktails or coffee and water, client like feeling pampered. 
     When sanatizing hands, you can ask the client is they hae any medical conditions that you should know about, allergies, and what concerns the client may have.  While explaining this, it is best to end with what the client will recieve in the booked service as well as the upgrade options. 
     If giving a pedicure to the client, when he/she sits down in the chair ask the same questions as you did with a manicure while sanatizing their hands.  You can offer masks and other upsells during this phase.  I find the best and easiest thing I can sell is a hot paraffin dip on hands and feet.  I charge $5 a pair on paraffin dipping.

Job searching tips for nail technicians

      There are several things that can stress out a nail tech, one of mine being where I am fixing to go work at.  Do I want to work in one state or two? Where do I begin to look for work?, these are just two of my questions that I have been asking myself here in the past week.  I felt it best to share what I have found.  There are several ways to find work.  One of the best ways to look for salon work is in the good ole country boys newspaper.  If the school you attend is actually worth a hoot, you school (if good) will sometimes have a list of salons looking for new nail technicians.  Craigslist also has job opportunity listings, and you can post your resume as well.  A great idea for those of us to get our hair done, ask at the salon you frequent.  Check Nail Pro has the Savvy Salon Column and sometimes the featured salon will also be hiring.  Perform search engine searches for salons in your area to figure out where you might start asking at.  Network network network, you can't imagine how with the web being so accessable, you can promote yourself!  One last idea to get yourself into a good job is asking the local salon supplier like sally's, cosmo, or state beauty supply, if they know anyone hiring.  These are the best tips I have to help you and me both land the job of a lifetime.

Introducing the Goddess of Nails!

     I realized that after the start of the year 2012, I was ready to start a career.  I have always been the artsy one in my family.  I love to pay attention to detail... I am a perfectionist.  I have a loving heart.  So I started polishing nails out of my own house (yes it is illegal), but I experimented with friends.  Amazingly I was freakin good!  Wow! I thought, could you do this the rest of my life?  Answer was yes!  So I enrolled in Arkansas Academy of hair design.  It's a private school of sorts not regulated by the State so much. 
     I have found out a tons of new things about myself, like I am an amazing artist.  I love to pay attention to details and the really small things in nail art.  The more introcate the better!  I have currently learned nail enhancements such as acrylic, gel, fiberglass wraps, & silk wraps.  I also know a few little tricks that I will reveal later. 
      I will be keeping you posted on articles out of nail pro magazine and give brief synopsis of articles I love personally.  Keep you up to date about the newest fads, newest products, ect. 
I will be working at Sheer Glitz Heriloom, 210 S Pruett, Paragould, AR 72450 come the end of August.  I graduate from school July 7. The school is throwing me a party, kinda gonna miss the place. I am ready for my life and rise to the top.  Remember me I am gonna be famous some day or a really awesome business owner.  Hope you will join me for something you won't regret.
     I am a 3 college degree holding nail tech!  I have booksmarts as well as a fabulous artistic side.  I did originally started out an art major so I have had many art class on the collegate world.
    A little background on me: I am a married mother of a 5 year old genius daughter named Addison.  My husband is my best friend, and my heart and soul.  I am his queen he says.  I live in a town of sixtenn hundred people.  It's a small town but it has its good points.  I miss living in Texas.  Texas is my home now, not this place I grew up in.  I have been in beauty school for some time now.  I am so ready to get out and spread my wings and fly.  I am also ready to get rid of the immatureity of the girls in beauty school.  Sometimes it's as if I am in Jr. High again, but it has taught me quite about myself.  Anger management, self-controll, trust, hard work, ethics, laws of the state, sobriety, and confidence are just a few of the things I have learned.