tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88106554162813195042024-02-08T04:29:40.969-08:00Precision NailsSalon owner and licensed manicurist Jaime Schrabeck, Ph.D. reflects on her 21 years as a nail professional.Jaime Schrabeck, Ph.D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/11344215097995332546noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810655416281319504.post-59994209267623933492014-06-01T18:32:00.000-07:002014-06-12T18:33:19.703-07:00Do you Have a Video for That?<a href="http://www.nwstylist.com/columns/2014/0514/0514_nail_extension.html" target="_blank">Article Published in Stylist Magazine, May 2014</a><br />
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What good is an app if it’s difficult to learn, and there’s no time or incentive to use it? The learning curve with any new technology can be steep. Even older technology can be frustrating when it’s new to you and not likely to be part of a regular routine. Like most people, I’m more competent with my favorite and most frequently used apps: STX for salon management, Quicken for accounting, Pages for word processing, etc. I cannot imagine functioning without them. Granted, I don’t know all their features, but that doesn’t diminish their usefulness for my purposes.<br />
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What’s missing in my repertoire is the capability to produce quality videos. Capability may not be the right word; I think I’m capable, I just haven’t been willing apparently. Despite the time and effort I invest in researching articles and presenting classes, the question often arises: “Do you have a video for that?” No, but thanks for asking. If producing videos were a priority, they’d exist already. Writing this article about technology gives me a reason to do something that I've successfully avoided for years. I’m not obligated nor should others feel entitled, but I am willing to share.<br />
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Capturing video will be relatively easy in my new salon location; there’s better lighting, more space and time to experiment. The challenge lies in creating a professional and educational presentation, something worth viewing. The most efficient way would be to adapt familiar technology to this new project. Thus, anything I learn in the process can be easily assimilated into my existing knowledge. (Otherwise, I wouldn’t be likely to accomplish this.) The most conducive would be Keynote, my favorite presentation software. The structure and text already exist for the many different classes I present. These presentations can be adapted by adding video, customizing the slide timing and exporting to Quicktime. Sharing to YouTube, Facebook and Twitter would generate interest among viewers.<br />
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Which topic(s) would interest potential viewers? The obvious choice would be my most popular service and class: waterless spa pedicures. I say that without any hesitation, but just to be sure, I posted that question to Facebook. As expected, the consensus supported my choice. So waterless spa pedicures it is!<br />
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Having chosen a topic, I need balance between breadth and depth in exploring it. When writing articles, I like the constraints of space; word limits force me to be more concise. For example, the monthly topics for the Stylist newspapers have been determined by the editor, and it’s up to me to craft a corresponding 800-word article. Weeks before the deadline, I draft my thoughts in Pages. Neglecting every writing class I’ve taken, I never use outlining. Instead, I force myself to write complete sentences, even if they’re not perfect. Ideally, I generate approximately 1000 words to be edited at a later time. Some sentences require revision, while others may be deleted entirely. The process gains momentum when random sentences coalesce into coherent paragraphs. Reading paragraphs aloud assures that my writing conveys my intent.<br />
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Likewise, when producing video, time limits affect the content. That’s just as well because viewers, like readers, have limited time and/or short attention spans. For Youtube, the default length is 15 minutes. In practical terms, that means I cannot demonstrate an hour-long service from start to finish in real time; it needs to be broken down into component parts, or edited to significantly shorten the time. Depending on the topic, it may not be reasonable to focus on only one nail, skip steps and/or provide extensive background information.<br />
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Another limitation to consider is video quality. Let’s be realistic; I’m not a professional videographer, nor do I plan to hire one to provide free content online. My new camera equipment and limited skills will suffice; how hard can it be to push a button? If I can’t figure it out, the manual’s available online.<br />
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My biggest concern in producing a video is satisfying myself. There’s a reason why I haven’t posted the video, or written the book, that everyone wants: once released, I can’t take it back. Is perfection too much to expect? Probably, knowing that it’s not likely. At some point, I need to be confident that whatever I’ve created is ready to share. Until then, I can procrastinate in pursuit of perfection.<br />
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Deadlines can be very motivating; for this project, the deadline will have to be self-imposed. With that said, my first video will be available by May 31 on the PrecisionNails YouTube channel. This date coincides with Premiere Orlando where I’ll be teaching five different classes (topics for future videos). If I happen to post earlier, it would demonstrate that the process went faster/better than expected. As always, I welcome viewer and reader comments; we’re all entitled to our opinions, humble or not.<br />
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By Jaime Schrabeck, Ph.D.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810655416281319504.post-60329569905845992652014-05-01T22:44:00.000-07:002014-05-11T22:45:01.615-07:00What Makes a Nail Salon "Green?"<a href="http://www.nwstylist.com/columns/2014/0414/0414_nail_extension.html" target="_blank">Article Published in Stylist Magazine, April 2014</a><br />
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What makes a nail salon "green?" Depending on who you ask, it could be the salon building, the environment in which professionals provide nail services, and/or the services and products themselves. There isn't enough space in this article to explore all the possibilities; however, certain examples are worth presenting to encourage other salon owners and beauty professionals to do extensive research before investing themselves in this growing trend.<br />
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Before I proceed, let me qualify my position. Beauty is subjective; the rules governing the beauty industry are not. Even if we could agree on "best practices," the laws in our respective locations take precedence, no matter how expensive, impractical, unscientific, and/or obsolete. All salon owners and beauty professionals must comply with the minimum standards/regulations of relevant federal, state and local governmental agencies.<br />
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Beyond compliance, being "green" doesn't necessarily make a salon any more viable or the salon experience any better/healthier/safer for clients, salon workers or the environment. For example, let's consider LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification of a building. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), not a government agency, launched LEED in 1998 to rate and recognize "green buildings." A building project must "satisfy prerequisites and earn points to achieve different levels of certification" (Certified, Silver, Gold or Platinum). According to the USGBC website (<a href="http://www.usgbc.org/leed" target="_blank">www.usgbc.org/leed</a>), LEED can:<br />
<ul>
<li>"Lower operating costs and increase asset value"</li>
<li>"Conserve energy, water and other resources"</li>
<li>"Be healthier and safer for occupants"</li>
<li>"Qualify for money-saving incentives, like tax rebates and zoning allowances."</li>
</ul>
On the surface, this recognition would seem worth pursuing for a salon building, if only for the marketing opportunities. Speaking of which, congratulations to architect Richard Best, who "crafted the world's first LEED® Silver Certified nail salon" (<a href="http://www.richardbestarchitect.com/" target="_blank">www.richardbestarchitect.com</a>) in Studio City, California. Most nail professionals have never heard of Richard Best, but easily recognize the salon's co-owner, Robbie Schaeffer. His efforts to launch ROB|B, the first OPI concept salon, were documented in 100+ posts to "<a href="http://blogs.nailsmag.com/blueprint/category/151.aspx" target="_blank">Blueprint of a First Year</a>," a NAILS magazine blog.<br />
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In an article dated December 15, 2011, Richard Best attributed his accomplishment to a collaboration between "An architect with sustainable design expertise and an ownership willing to walk-the-talk of green design and operations … An Eco-Dream Team was borne. . . . Forward-looking corporations and business owners – like The Rob B OPI Concept Salon and GS & MS Properties recognize the fiscal benefits of choosing to 'go green' with their buildings and operations, and they capitalize on green business branding which appeals to many of their clients and makes for happier, more productive workers."<br />
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I find Richard's statements amusing, especially in light of two specific blog posts Robbie wrote. In a post titled "<a href="http://blogs.nailsmag.com/blueprint/archive/2007/06/22/Going-Green.aspx" target="_blank">Going Green</a>" (June 22, 2007), Robbie announced his intentions to pursue LEED certification for his new salon, but questioned the architect's "green" credentials: "I don't think our architect, Richard Best, has ever built a LEED-certified building before, but he's jumped in headfirst with researching the requirements." A year later, in a post titled "<a href="http://blogs.nailsmag.com/blueprint/archive/2008/06/25/So-Close-Yet-So-Far-Away.aspx" target="_blank">So Close, Yet So Far Away</a>" (June 25, 2008), Robbie lamented ongoing construction delays: "My architect, Richard Best, is MIA; he gave us a week's notice that he was leaving for Dubai to appear in a reality TV show. (I seriously couldn't even make this stuff up.) Lee Stucker, my contractor, has been forced to pick up the missing architect's slack."<br />
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A building may be "sustainable," but that doesn't mean that the business occupying the space will be. The salon located at 12246 Ventura Boulevard is no longer ROB|B Salon; currently, it's Pure Nails & Organic Spa with new ownership. The most recent developments haven't been addressed in the blog, though many readers would be interested in knowing what transpired and what lessons were learned.<br />
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As an individual tenant in a multi-tenant building, my new salon isn't eligible for LEED certification. That's not a problem because the more I learn about it, the less impressed I am: "Critics complain that the system can be gamed to garner the wonderful-sounding public relations that LEED certification often generates" (Daniel Brook, "<a href="http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/leed-compliance-not-required/" target="_blank">LEED Compliance Not Required for Designing Green Buildings</a>," Scientific American Earth 3.0 Special Edition, September 2008) and "Any building or rating system that does not make all energy use data public, and show substantial savings relative to comparable buildings, does not deserve to be called environmentally friendly, regardless of how many supposed "green" features are included" Henry Gifford, "<a href="https://78462f86-a-1c056b1f-s-sites.googlegroups.com/a/energysavingscience.com/www/articles/henrysarticles/BuildingRatingSystems.pdf?attachauth=ANoY7crjI8l754xLPQBbFYNxNmxiA5u-krT1kIbRy_rXxdDsDOnb4MRHL54B0PzXJjWUOCCtxSv6gUzTfXNO5Zyy7vCpH1hOdLzHnVV_Z34qnR9nGppG5FuZsd2Eo88KEqdskwOS_427vV2-DTVD88uQ2v8uZKE4jsaq952YZDfW0xRX7BAmE9q7Vvc6bZLiqDb20qqOSwjOYIHat-Ppq6Qlsa91Uv63f3MAISo_i5IRd4XgFNbFOIA-5d13W7miHwm1GB_hGUFodIjvNLqr-gO5Y9PaEzR2qw==&attredirects=0" target="_blank">A Better Way to Rate Green Buildings</a>," <a href="http://www.energysavingscience.com/" target="_blank">www.energysavingscience.com</a>.<br />
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Even without certification, I can be proud of what I've accomplished in my new salon with minimal investment:<br />
<ul>
<li>Prepared the space within two months of lease signing.</li>
<li>Did not change the existing wood flooring; the previous tenant is a flooring contractor, and his products and workmanship are beautiful.</li>
<li>Did not change the existing paint colors; they already matched my desired color scheme and the previous tenant left paint for touchups.</li>
<li>Created private rooms with customized, temporary dividers.</li>
<li>Invested nearly $1000 in EcoSmart LED bulbs to replace old bulbs in the recessed lighting. They were easy to install and should last 20 years.</li>
<li>Installed the newest model of the Mitsubishi Jet Towel Hand Dryer.</li>
<li>Donated excess building materials to Habitat for Humanity.</li>
<li>Reduced my electricity costs to less than $100/month (using approximately 500 kWh in a space of 1100 square feet).</li>
</ul>
Salon owners and nail professionals need to be both innovative and practical when "going green." In my first Stylist article four years ago (<a href="http://www.nwstylist.com/columns/2010/0410/0410_nail_extension.html" target="_blank">April 2010</a>), I wrote about the benefits of providing waterless spa pedicures. Conserving water (12-15 gallons/pedicure) remains one of the most significant benefits. Upon request, California American Water supplied an audit of water consumption in my previous salon location. During 8+ years (August 2005-September 2013), Precision Nails used approximately 15,000 gallons of water for a total cost of less than $1000. During that same time, my employees and I performed more than 11,000 waterless pedicures, saving an estimated 135,000 gallons of water. Note that the salon had two client rooms and pedicures comprised about 40% of my business.<br />
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By Jaime Schrabeck, Ph.D.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810655416281319504.post-64790117588595208102014-04-01T22:51:00.000-07:002014-04-09T10:05:39.561-07:00Managing the Effects of Aging on Ourselves and Our Business<a href="http://www.nwstylist.com/columns/2014/0314/0314_nail_extension.html" target="_blank">Article Published in Stylist Magazine, March 2014</a><br />
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While we beauty professionals focus on working with clients, marketing our salons, learning new skills, socializing with colleagues, etc., we likely neglect the one thing that happens regardless of what we’re doing: aging. Even if we were content to “age gracefully” (a phrase with an indeterminate/flexible meaning), there’s still action required to make the unavoidable more tolerable. No, I don’t mean saving money for a face lift. We should be devising strategies to manage its effects on our selves and our businesses. Otherwise, we won’t be prepared for this process that will certainly bring changes, some expected, others not.<br />
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Within the beauty industry, it would seem that the greatest concern anyone could have about the aging process is his or her appearance. As the media so effectively reinforce, who doesn’t want to be more beautiful and youthful? Undoubtedly, our industry plays a significant role in creating and meeting the demand for “anti-aging” treatments for skin, hair and nails. However, products and services that supposedly target a specific age group or beauty/health concern don’t interest me unless there’s scientific research to support their effectiveness. My professional credibility would suffer if I hyped questionable products/services the way that some do. I’d rather disappoint a client with the truth than mislead with false hope. Clients deserve the truth, even when it hurts.<br />
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Speaking truth, if the aging process were limited to looking old, it wouldn’t be so scary. (Apologies to those who are very afraid of wrinkles, age spots and hair loss). There are plenty of beauty fixes available, depending on your resources. It’s unfortunate that the supremacy of beauty distracts from a more important factor in the aging process: overall health. If priorities were different, we’d be obsessed with improving the health of our bodies and minds. Spend anytime around older people and you’ll realize that most of them are more concerned about their physical and mental health than their appearance. For those afflicted with diseases associated with aging (cancer, diabetes, dementia, arthritis, heart disease, osteoporosis, etc.), their quality of life has been severely compromised. No matter how good someone looks, what’s the point of living longer if those years are miserable/painful?<br />
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We can take actions now (improve our diet, exercise our bodies and brains, stop smoking, get adequate sleep, invest in health insurance, eliminate toxic relationships, etc.) that will have both immediate and long-term benefits. There’s no reason to wait when we could live better lives now and in the future.<br />
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Within our businesses, we need to acknowledge how aging could affect our abilities. Working safely to protect ourselves from injury should take precedence, no matter how old we are. For example, I wear disposable gloves to reduce my exposure to germs and chemicals. Furthermore, I avoid eye strain with suitable lighting and physical strain with good posture and ergonomic movement. When newly licensed and much younger, I filled my schedule to work 60 hours a week, which was neither ideal nor sustainable. I cannot work those hours anymore, either physically or mentally. With time and experience, I learned to limit hours to match my energy. Mastery of my schedule gives me the great advantage of efficiency and organization.<br />
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The longer I provide beauty services, the more I’m interested in exploring how to best serve clients and prolong my “quality of life” in the salon. I don’t plan to retire anytime soon, so it’s very important that my clients enjoy their services and I enjoy my clients. I can’t be complacent with the ones I currently have, or obsolete for potential clients in the future.<br />
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Thinking about the future raises some important questions for all of us: Do we need to adapt to clients as they age? Imagine having a clientele that was limited to people your age, plus or minus five years. Forget that, I’m bored just thinking about it! In my experience, a more diverse clientele provides greater opportunities for professional growth, meaningful interaction and financial success. At my salon, any “accommodations” for older clients already exist because they’ve always been a consideration. When you treat older clients with respect and kindness, it reassures younger clients that they will be valued later. And they’ll feel comfortable referring their older friends and family to you.<br />
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There’s no need to replace my clients when they get older, unless they’re unable to receive beauty services. As long as they want my professional expertise, I’ll do my best to make their nails look beautiful.<br />
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What if our clients replaced us with someone younger? We wouldn’t want clients to discriminate against us based on our age. Younger, less experienced manicurists will always be entering our profession. If we don’t stay current with our education and/or our skills diminish, we will lose clients to them. After more than twenty years as a licensed manicurist, I still expect progress in the quality of my work, and greater efficiency in the means (equipment, tools, products, procedures, etc.) of achieving it. When I cannot meet my own expectations, I’ll know the time is right to retire.<br />
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By Jaime Schrabeck, Ph.D.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810655416281319504.post-22464020791526303612014-03-01T11:35:00.000-08:002014-03-15T11:37:29.801-07:00Meeting Tax Obligations<a href="http://www.nwstylist.com/columns/2014/0214/0214_nail_extension.html" target="_blank">Article Published in Stylist Magazine, February 2014</a><br />
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We may think that obtaining a beauty license makes us professional, but nothing demonstrates our commitment to being professional like paying our taxes. Granted, none of us aspires to this industry because we want to give the government its due, but it’s one of our greatest responsibilities nonetheless. Regardless of our personal motives or career goals, the government does not value our “artistry,” “technical expertise” and/or “client relations;” beyond basic consumer safety, it’s main concern is financial. Whether we work alone or with others, through good economic times and bad, our tax returns represent the financial health of our salon businesses, and our success as beauty professionals.<br />
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Before proceeding, let me clarify that I’m not a tax professional, nor should anything I write be taken as legal advice. You’re responsible for your own tax obligations, and I strongly recommend that you seek guidance from a qualified professional to ensure your compliance with federal, state and local tax laws and regulations. That being said, I hope you find the remainder of this article informative.<br />
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At the federal level, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) relies on our voluntary compliance to accurately report our income under penalty of perjury. The effort this takes varies according to your employment status; an employee completing Form 1040 (U.S. Individual Income Tax Return) using information provided in a Form W-2 (Wage and Tax Statement) has a fairly simple task. As a salon owner with employees, I have a more complex task, which includes a Schedule C (Profit or Loss From Business, Sole Proprietorship). Beauty professionals who have incorporated their businesses, and/or have business partners have different forms to complete. Needless to say, but I’ll say it anyway, the more complicated the circumstances, the more important it is to engage a tax professional.<br />
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Timely payment of taxes due should be easy by having the appropriate amount of money withheld from paychecks or making quarterly estimated tax payments throughout the year. That may sound condescending and insensitive, particularly toward those who may struggle to pay their taxes, but it’s not meant to be. Money is one of those subjects that's hard to discuss without the risk of someone feeling uncomfortable or inadequate. Our relationship with money is very personal and private, typically not something we readily share with others. We all could benefit from knowing how to better manage our personal and business finances.<br />
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Paying our taxes impacts many aspects of our financial lives. For example, filing successive tax returns determines our ability to obtain credit and qualify for loans, and the amount of future retirement benefits through the collection of Social Security taxes, known as FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) and/or SECA (Self-Employment Contributions Act). The legal consequences for NOT filing tax returns or falsifying information are civil penalties (underpayment tax penalty and interest, which can accrue indefinitely) or criminal prosecution. With the exception of tax attorneys, most people want to avoid any involvement with the IRS.<br />
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I've written extensively about being professional; frankly, I’m tired. Not of doing nails for my clients, but of explaining to other manicurists and salon owners why they should do them legally, and to consumers why professionalism matters. Is it really that hard to do the right thing? Given the proliferation of salons and individuals who could generously be described as being “unprofessional,” it's obvious that you don't need to be professional to make money in the beauty business. If many consumers don't seem to care whether or not a salon and its service providers hold valid licenses, do you think they care if taxes have been paid? Probably not, and that’s unfortunate.<br />
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When we’ve filed and paid our taxes, there's no certificate to display on the wall, or any other acknowledgment of our commitment to the beauty profession. A tax return is different from the licenses issued by our state governments which allow us to provide services for compensation in the first place. And while I don’t tolerate unprofessional behavior, I don't spend my days obsessing about it either. Setting a good example is enough work. It's really up to you to develop a clientele and associate yourself with colleagues and businesses who support your efforts to be professional, including meeting your tax obligations.<br />
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I could probably strategize more tax savings, and invest even more for “retirement,” but I’m very comfortable with my financial position. It’s mid-January, and I’m just days away from submitting my numbers. I’m never more grateful for technology than tax time, thanks to software and other online resources for making my finances more manageable. Writing my last estimated tax payment check, I’m optimistic that my trusted tax professional has done his job to ensure that I don’t dread Tax Day. Something to consider: doing your taxes may be distressing, but thinking about your death more so. Estate planning - yes, you should be doing that also. You know what they say about death and taxes...
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By Jaime Schrabeck, Ph.D.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810655416281319504.post-79179672550413033652014-02-01T12:00:00.000-08:002014-02-07T13:06:17.620-08:00Ignorance Is Not an Excuse<a href="http://www.nwstylist.com/columns/2014/0114/0114_nail_extension.html" target="_blank">Article Published in Stylist Magazine, January 2014</a><br />
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Preparing for regulatory changes in the beauty industry would be so much easier if only we were all governed by the same rules and knew what to expect. If that’s our excuse for not being involved and informed, we need to get over it. Within any given state, the same rules apply to all, and even then, many licensees remain ignorant. We shouldn’t waste our time bemoaning the fact that rules vary by state (federal laws excepted) and that national licensing doesn’t exist. No matter how much we complain, the sovereignty of states to govern and protect their respective residents/consumers takes precedence in the absence of federal authority.<br />
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As salon owners and beauty professionals, we focus primarily on providing services to our clients, investing in products and continuing education to stay current. We don’t have much time or other resources to devote to governmental affairs seemingly beyond the salon. That’s unfortunate given the power of government to control how we work.<br />
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We often hear that it takes "political will" to achieve regulatory change. This common, but rather ambiguous, term has been given this “dynamic” definition in a very interesting research paper (presented to the 2008 Annual Meeting of the National Communication Association):<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Our ideal-type definition of political will requires that a sufficient set of political actors with a common understanding of a particular problem on the public agenda genuinely intends to support a commonly perceived, potentially effective policy solution. This definition includes four different components, which we deem necessary conditions: <br />
<ol>
<li>A sufficient set of political actors</li>
<li>With a common understanding of a particular problem on the public agenda</li>
<li>Genuinely intends to support </li>
<li>A commonly perceived, potentially effective policy solution."<br />(Post, L., Raile, A. & Raile, E., "Defining Political Will," p. 5).</li>
</ol>
</blockquote>
If political will doesn’t seem relevant to your work, consider this. Many of the greatest challenges facing our industry are regulatory in nature: unlicensed activity, employment law, health and safety, education, etc. Can we expect legislators and bureaucrats to address problems without some guidance? How are they to know that a problem even exists? What evidence will they gather and which experts will they consult? What are the consequences, intentional or not, of the proposed solutions? When we allow changes in our industry to happen without our influence or support, it’s not likely that we’ll welcome them. Conversely, when we tolerate inequities, incompetence and obsolescence in our governance, we’ve failed ourselves as professionals.<br />
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Apathy does not solve problems; in fact, it can create even more. Not long ago, some legislators in Indiana and Florida (among other states) wanted to deregulate the beauty industry. The potential consequences of such deregulation motivated beauty professionals and consumer advocates to lobby against this, but what would have happened had they failed to act? No matter how obvious or necessary something may seem to beauty professionals, what we consider “best practices” will not be reflected in legislation/regulation without active participation.<br />
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In past articles, I’ve been very vocal about being proactive, rather than reactive, to government, particularly at the state level. To learn more about how your state board operates, visit its website, sign up for email notifications and read the rules, meeting agendas/minutes, reports and public notices. Doing this research doesn’t cost anything (except time), but it won’t change anything either unless you use that information.<br />
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It may seem hard to believe, but an individual can influence the governing process. If you really want to make a difference, you need to be seen and heard at board meetings, and not just once. With consistent effort, your concern can evolve from a a public comment during a board meeting to a regulatory change, with the necessary steps in between. For example, I want California’s Board of Barbering and Cosmetology to enforce its laws prohibiting mobile services, or change its laws to protect consumers and establishment owners from unlicensed activity. After I made a public comment, the issue was placed on the next meeting’s agenda, prompting the board’s staff to research other state’s laws and make its own recommendations.<br />
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When issues concern me, even if they’re not directly related to my work as a manicurist and salon owner, I will freely express my opinion. For example, proposed legislation (in California’s state assembly) to authorize advanced skin care licensing does NOT have my support, as I’ve made clear in this statement to my colleagues:<br />
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As an advocate for the beauty industry, I want you to be aware of proposed bill <a href="http://legiscan.com/CA/text/AB1153/2013" target="_blank">AB 1153</a>, introduced by <a href="http://asmdc.org/members/a13/" target="_blank">Assembly Member Susan Talamantes Eggman</a> District 13. If successful, this bill would give California’s Board of Barbering and Cosmetology the authority to license "master estheticians," requiring an <b>additional 600 hours of "practical training and technical instruction</b>" beyond what's currently required (1600 hours for cosmetologists, or 600 hours for estheticians).<br />
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More important, if this bill becomes law, it would redefine and expand the scope of practice of “master estheticians” to include body treatments (wraps, scrubs, etc.), currently unregulated services that your business may offer. In effect, this law would require that establishments like yours would have to use licensed "master estheticians" to provide these services.<br />
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If you’re concerned about the potential impact of this bill on your business, please <a href="http://www.legislature.ca.gov/legislators_and_districts/legislators/your_legislator.html" target="_blank">contact your legislator</a> to express your thoughts.<br />
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By Jaime Schrabeck, Ph.D.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810655416281319504.post-39437335605194011162014-01-01T10:00:00.000-08:002014-01-20T19:40:09.423-08:00Making Changes for a Better Future<a href="http://www.nwstylist.com/columns/2013/1213/1213_nail_extension.html" target="_blank">Article Published in Stylist Magazine, December 2013</a><br />
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It’s likely that you’ve already read many articles about having passion for the beauty industry. This won’t be one of those articles. No amount of desire or enthusiasm can compete with the reality of actually doing something. You may want to improve your business, but what does that really mean, and are you capable of making the appropriate changes?<br />
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As the holiday season approaches, many salon owners and nail professionals convince themselves that it’s too late in the year to make any changes to their business. No matter how frustrated or desperate they may be, they worry that any change would be too disruptive, especially to their clients. Instead, they’ll continue to struggle and wait for a better time to resolve their problems. That’s ridiculous; there truly is no better time than the present. Stop worrying about everyone else and consider yourself first, not your business, but you as a person. If you’re abusing your body, that’s a problem. If you can’t pay your bills, that’s a problem. If you’re neglecting your family, that’s a problem. If you dread being at work, that’s a problem. More important, they are your problems to solve, sooner rather than later. Why wait until the new year to make resolutions when you can change now?<br />
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Change in itself won’t solve your problems unless you understand your contribution to them. Taking responsibility and owning your mistakes can very difficult when it’s so easy and very tempting to blame others. If someone were truly a victim, I could sympathize, but would still expect some decisive action. Failing to act only reinforces a sense of powerlessness. It’s in those moments that you may become a victim of your own learned helplessness. Being passive is not the way to do your best work or operate a successful business.<br />
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It’s not possible to control everything, but positive changes/improvements/progress can result if you act according to your priorities. Some specific examples come to mind when I reflect on what’s happened in my life during the last year. I entered this year planning for the possibility of one major professional change (moving my salon), but was quickly faced with the reality of an even greater change: my sister’s decision to move her family back to Clovis, three hours away. This impacted me both personally and professionally, but not in a negative way. We no longer share a household (I’ve since moved to a new residence) and she’s reverted to her “every other week” schedule at the salon. This was a big change, especially for the clients whose standing appointments had to be rearranged starting in August. To their credit, her clients were very flexible, understanding that family was her priority.<br />
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In the meanwhile, I had to consider the future of my salon business and my own priorities. Professionally speaking, working directly with clients remains my greatest source of satisfaction and income, but changes were necessary to make it more convenient and enjoyable. Confident that I’d want to provide nail services for years to come, I was willing to commit to a long-term lease (7 to 10 years). While I employed 2 other manicurists who work hard, I was no longer willing to staff a salon 6 days a week, or work more hours myself to meet the terms of a retail lease. That was neither reasonable nor necessary given the “by appointment only” nature of my business. When it became apparent that modifying my lease and the interior of my existing space wasn’t viable, the search for the ideal space intensified.<br />
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Having viewed more than a dozen options, many of which could have worked had I compromised, I discovered my current space and negotiated a ten-year lease. Needless to say, I won’t have to change salon locations for a while. Moving the salon to this larger, more accessible space required an investment of money and labor, but I purposefully avoided many of the costs associated with my previous space, such as installing flooring and painting walls. The new space already had beautiful hardwood flooring and walls painted in my color scheme. For the most part, the electrical work involved changing light bulbs to eco-friendly and cost-effective LED lighting. I did invest in new power leather recliners and the latest version of the Mitsubishi Jet Towel hand dryer, which have made the salon seem even more luxurious.<br />
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Other then a few minor hiccups, the transition to the new location has been relatively smooth. For example, a few clients have arrived late having first visited the old location. Overall, the reaction has been incredibly positive. Clients tend to be very amenable to change when it’s viewed as progress. Even the change in salon hours (from Monday thru Saturday, to Tuesday thru Friday) hasn’t been a problem because it doesn’t affect standing appointments, the core of my business. My salon business has evolved as I have, and how it currently functions has eliminated the problems I once perceived. Instead of making new year’s resolutions, I can set goals for the future based on what’s working and enjoy the benefits of changes already made.<br />
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By Jaime Schrabeck, Ph.D.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810655416281319504.post-12032572190989451442013-12-01T08:00:00.000-08:002013-12-07T17:51:12.346-08:00Protecting Your Salon Business<a href="http://www.nwstylist.com/columns/2013/1113/1113_nail_extension.html" target="_blank">Article Published in Stylist Magazine, November 2013</a><br />
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If you’ve never considered how your salon would function without you, it’s about time. Could it function while you take a vacation or attend a beauty show (voluntary absence), or if you were to become ill or be assigned to jury duty (involuntary absence)? As a salon owner and service provider, I’ve considered these possibilities, not just for myself, but for my employees also. While life can be unpredictable, it’s worthwhile to think through how you can protect yourself from possible threats to your business, even something as simple being absent, planned or not. Managing the risk associated with salon ownership may not be as exciting as developing a new service or creating a client loyalty program, but ultimately, it’s more strategic and advantageous.
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Risk cannot be eliminated entirely, but it amazes me how salons operate as if either there wasn’t any, or it was beyond their control. How many salons fail to satisfy the most basic requirements, such as valid professional licensing? What about providing services beyond the scope of practice? Ignoring the state’s health and safety regulations? Working on clients with serious medical concerns? Falsely advertising services? Underreporting income and avoiding taxes? Inadequately compensating service providers? Both salon owners and beauty professionals have legal and financial obligations and every effort should be made to understand and comply.
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Even when you’re not obligated by law, there are precautions that can be taken, the most obvious being insurance. Anything worth having is worth protecting, so you may already have multiple insurance policies. Currently, I have insurance policies for my home, health, auto, life, business liability and property, worker’s compensation . . . and even earthquakes. I could have even more (dental, vision, disability insurance, etc.), but haven’t deemed them necessary to justify the additional expense. An independent insurance professional can give you specific guidance on which policies would best protect your interests given your circumstances.
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Product safety has become a bigger concern lately, as some speculate about the health risks presented by certain nail products and equipment, while others present scientific facts and offer useful suggestions (e.g. avoiding overexposure, wearing eye protection and having an adequate ventilation system). While I don’t welcome more government regulations, I would appreciate greater accessibility to regulatory information pertaining to our industry, starting with our respective state boards. Federal agencies, like the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), also have jurisdiction over our industry. For example, did you know that according to the FDA, “There are no color additives approved by FDA for permanent dyeing or tinting of eyelashes and eyebrows?” In effect, this renders these services illegal, no matter what your state board regulations might state.
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Speaking of health, why not take better care of yourself? Get enough sleep, stop smoking, improve your eating habits, develop an exercise routine, work more ergonomically, take frequent breaks (including the bathroom!), know your family health history, have regular exams, ask your doctor/nurse practitioner about your concerns, etc. Your physical health may be your greatest asset, not only for your personal well-being but for the medical costs and complications you could avoid later in life.
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Personal safety is something we don’t often discuss within our industry, but it’s something I take seriously. Every news report of a violent incident within a beauty salon reminds me of how vulnerable we can be. “Good customer service” shouldn’t make you a target; protecting yourself and your staff is more important than being friendly and making money.
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While most salons welcome interaction with the general public by keeping their doors unlocked, I’m doing just the opposite. This may contradict everyone’s expectations of a nail salon, but that’s not my concern. After 8 years of interacting with the public, I grew tired of the disruptions (“Would the owner be interested in buying . . . ?“), the ridiculous questions (“Is this a nail salon?”) and the casual browsers (“I’ve never seen so many different polish colors. What’s a good red?”). One of the latest interactions went like this:<br />
Lady 1: “We need two pedicures and two manicures and . . . “<br />
Me (slowly shaking my head): “We don’t have time for those services today; our next availability would be Friday morning.”<br />
Lady 2: “It’s now or never!”<br />
Me: “Then it’s never.”<br />
Did I risk offending them? Perhaps, but that’s a risk I was willing to take; their lack of planning was not my problem.
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As the end of my lease approached, I considered what I liked most and least about my salon business, and what changes I could make to minimize my risk. Changing salon locations gives me the opportunity to reinforce the best, and eliminate the worst, aspects. In the new salon, we're not required to keep particular hours; we work when we have appointments scheduled. And only those who have appointment reservations are allowed to enter the salon. Signage on the door emphasizing “By Appointment Only” directs visitors to the website and provides the salon phone number, while our new brochure is displayed in the adjacent window. A magnetic door lock with remote control makes “walk-ins” impossible, allowing us to give clients our undivided attention in a more private and secure setting.
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By Jaime Schrabeck, Ph.D.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810655416281319504.post-84808647774443716152013-11-01T22:22:00.000-07:002013-11-12T22:23:34.342-08:00Social Media? Not for Me<a href="http://www.nwstylist.com/columns/2013/1013/1013_nail_extension.html" target="_blank">Article Published in Stylist Magazine, October 2013</a><br />
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Most salon owners, nail professionals and consultants may believe otherwise, but social media is just not that important to the success of my business. Perhaps I am old-fashioned, protective of my privacy and too busy to bother; I don’t invest much time or other resources promoting my salon online. Please don’t get me wrong. I love technology and how it simplifies running my business, especially the work that’s not obvious to clients: managing the schedule, handling finances, paying employees, tracking inventory, ordering products, etc. My responsibilities as a business owner would be difficult to meet without technology. It’s an incredible resource that I value for its reliability, cost-effectiveness and convenience.<br />
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Using technology for marketing, however, is an entirely different proposition; while it plays a large role in providing information, the social/interactive aspect means very little to me. Anyone with access to the internet could easily find my salon and learn about the nail services we offer, upcoming events and more. I update my website every month, write an article for the Stylist and post occasionally on Facebook, Twitter and BeautyTech. However, these activities represent less than 5% of the time I devote to my business. Could I do more online? Spend more time and money? I suppose, but why should I? As long as most clients reserve their appointments a year in advance, and potential clients continue to contact us, I’m very comfortable with my current level of online involvement. To do more (advertise, tweet, post, request reviews, etc.) without the capacity to accept more clients would be foolish.<br />
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Before it’s suggested, let me address the concept of expanding my business. One of the most critical features of a successful salon is maintaining the proper balance between supply (services offered and time available) and demand (services desired and time required). I understand my limits and don’t want to be stretched beyond what’s reasonable. It’s not my intent to make my salon available to everyone; that’s not my business model. Above all else, I want to serve my clients well. That means welcoming them at every appointment, doing quality work and showing appreciation for their loyalty. Besides, it’s not possible to meet the needs of everyone at the exact moment they want them met. That’s why walk-in salons exist, and their manicurists can stay busy churning through new clients.<br />
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A salon that needs new clients would likely have more reason to market online. Social media might seem worthwhile; after all, if you aren’t busy doing nails, you have more time to talk about nails, or your clients or things completely unrelated to nails. There’s no privacy in these interactions and some opinions are not meant to be shared. Giving your clients and potential clients/complete strangers more information with which they cannot help but judge you is not productive. Even if I had an opening in my schedule or a negative client experience, I certainly wouldn’t post about it. But that’s my choice.<br />
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Any time spent/wasted online serves as a reminder that the most important interactions I have are with my clients in person. Most of my work time (approximately 75%) is spent providing nail services and getting paid. I can share anything they need to know about me or the salon during their appointments. If immediate communication is necessary, I can send emails or make phone calls. To reduce the need for excess communication, I encourage standing appointments, if possible, for convenience and my peace of mind. (If I were to commit to more clients than I could serve, that would make me anxious!) I don’t expect them to follow me on Twitter, post to Facebook, write reviews or anything else beyond remaining satisfied clients. That’s enough for me.<br />
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No amount of stars, likes, views, comments, replies, or any other measure of “popularity” can capture the quality of the salon experience. Comments, testimonials and recommendations, though more qualitative and seemingly informative, can only be trusted to a certain extent. The anonymity of most online interactions allows for some dubious, unethical and sometimes nasty behavior. I’ve encountered one too many salon owners posting positive reviews of their own salons, and more than a handful of “clients” expressing their disappointment in salon services when their complaints have no merit and only serve to disparage. If all this information hasn’t been verified, why believe any of it?<br />
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Ultimately, every business owner has to consider how best to use time and resources. That’s a personal decision based on priorities. My priority is my existing clientele; the individuals who month after month, year after year, support my business financially. Potential clients are everywhere, but I don’t feel the need to pursue them online. I don’t even market to existing clients online; they know where to find me and how to contact the salon. And if they want my opinion abut something, all they have to do is ask.<br />
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By Jaime Schrabeck, Ph.D.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810655416281319504.post-72722777382224949002013-10-01T17:02:00.000-07:002013-10-14T17:03:39.066-07:00Don't Forget the Brochure<a href="http://www.nwstylist.com/columns/2013/0913/0913_nail_extension.html" target="_blank">Article Published in Stylist Magazine, September 2013</a><br />
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<span class="s1">It’s not possible to interact personally with every person who may be interested in our salon services. That’s why I invest in a brochure and website to promote my business to both existing and potential clients. I strongly recommend that other salon owners do the same. However, unless you’re a competent writer, graphic designer and website developer, you shouldn’t attempt these marketing projects on your own. Without the requisite ability, the results would be inferior and amateurish, and that’s certainly not the first impression I’d want to make.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">If that sounds snobbish, understand that I rarely encounter a salon brochure or website that impresses me. I don’t accept the excuse of a limited budget; it doesn’t cost any more to spell words correctly and use proper grammar. Even when salon owners spend a lot of money on their marketing, the results can be disappointing and ineffective, repelling clients rather than attracting them. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">I’ve already written extensively about my experience developing a salon website (<i>Stylist, </i>February, 2012), an ongoing collaborative process between my graphic designer/website developer and myself. Every month, we update and refine the content to keep it relevant. With so much focus on establishing an online presence, some might question whether a brochure is worth doing. After all, a brochure doesn’t have the same reach as a website, and once printed, it cannot be changed without reprinting, rendering the previous one obsolete. While I appreciate the power and convenience of an effective website, I believe that a brochure is still necessary as a tangible representation of my salon. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Producing a good brochure may seem simple, but if that were true, more salons would have them. In my Brochure Basics class, I challenge salon owners to communicate the culture of their salon and the value of their services in written form. This isn’t easy. How do you describe the experience of your salon to those who’ve never experienced it? How are your services different from the competition’s? How do you respond to the most frequently asked questions? If a salon owner hasn’t considered any of this, then it’s about time! </span></div>
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<span class="s1">A brochure can’t perform services, but if done well, it will generate interest and give you more time to do nails rather than talk about them. Much more than just a price list, an effective brochure:</span></div>
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<li class="li1"><span class="s1">Represents your salon in a professional way</span></li>
<li class="li1"><span class="s1">Includes your salon’s location, contact information, hours, etc.</span></li>
<li class="li1"><span class="s1">Describes your services, including pricing and timing</span></li>
<li class="li1"><span class="s1">Prioritizes your most profitable services</span></li>
<li class="li1"><span class="s1">Explains salon policies (cancellations, payment, etc.)</span></li>
<li class="li1"><span class="s1">Instructs clients about scheduling appointments </span></li>
<li class="li1"><span class="s1">Answers frequently asked questions</span></li>
<li class="li1"><span class="s1">Uses colors/fonts/images in an attractive format</span></li>
</ul>
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To make a brochure even more distinct, a salon owner can add information about the salon’s history, its staff or some other point of difference. For example, in the Precision Nails brochure, I dedicate an entire panel of our 8-panel brochure to “Our Philosophy.” It might seem ridiculous that a nail salon would even have a philosophy statement, and I don’t expect everyone to agree with it, but this conveys my commitment and perspective on the nail industry:<span class="s1"></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><i>For more than 20 years, Precision Nails has redefined nail care through innovations in safety, quality and professionalism.</i></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><i>Precision Nails protects your safety:</i></span></div>
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<li class="li1"><span class="s1"><i>we sanitize our hands and put on clean gloves before your service begins;</i></span></li>
<li class="li1"><span class="s1"><i>we use a new file for every service and protect you from cross-contamination;</i></span></li>
<li class="li1"><span class="s1"><i>we autoclave sterilize our metal tools, exceeding state board requirements;</i></span></li>
<li class="li1"><span class="s1"><i>we refuse to provide any service that cannot be performed safely.</i></span></li>
</ul>
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<span class="s1"><i>Precision Nails delivers quality:</i></span></div>
<ul>
<li class="li1"><span class="s1"><i>we employ licensed beauty professionals;</i></span></li>
<li class="li1"><span class="s1"><i>we continually train our staff to meet our high standards and your specific needs;</i></span></li>
<li class="li1"><span class="s1"><i>we depend on superior products and our advanced technical skills, not drills; </i></span></li>
<li class="li1"><span class="s1"><i>we serve our clients in private rooms, equipped with leather recliners.</i><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span></span></li>
</ul>
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<span class="s1"><i>Precision Nails promotes professionalism:</i></span></div>
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<li class="li1"><span class="s1"><i>we provide professional nail services, not personal relationships;</i></span></li>
<li class="li1"><span class="s1"><i>we respect the privacy of our clients, and request that you respect ours;</i></span></li>
<li class="li1"><span class="s1"><i>we value your time and work efficiently and diligently to remain on schedule;</i></span></li>
<li class="li1"><span class="s1"><i>we support the beauty industry through education, trade shows, competitions and compliance with all applicable laws.</i></span></li>
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If your salon needs a brochure, or the existing one needs updating, I suggest the following:<span class="s1"></span></div>
<ul>
<li class="li1"><span class="s1">Set a deadline</span></li>
<li class="li1"><span class="s1">Gather examples from other salons/spas/businesses</span></li>
<li class="li1"><span class="s1">DO NOT PLAGIARIZE</span></li>
<li class="li1"><span class="s1">Write your own service descriptions, salon policies, etc.</span></li>
<li class="li1"><span class="s1">Consider adjusting your prices </span></li>
<li class="li1"><span class="s1">Work with a graphic designer for professional results</span></li>
<li class="li1"><span class="s1">Choose a reputable printer to handle your brochure</span></li>
<li class="li1"><span class="s1">Select colors/fonts/images that reflect your salon’s decor</span></li>
<li class="li1"><span class="s1">Proof your brochure, and then proof it again </span></li>
<li class="li1"><span class="s1">Order at least 1000 pieces for better pricing</span></li>
<li class="li1"><span class="s1">Plan on revising/reprinting your brochure every year</span></li>
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<span class="s1">The content of the brochure is as important as how it looks. And I obsess over the wording until it cannot possibly be any more direct, concise or accurate. For the next reprinting, I have the opportunity to make changes, like adjusting prices, adding/deleting services, etc. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Once your brochures are printed, put them to good use:</span></div>
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<li class="li1"><span class="s1">Give to clients for reference at home or to share</span></li>
<li class="li1"><span class="s1">Laminate copies for the front desk and work stations</span></li>
<li class="li1"><span class="s1">Frame and hang in the salon window for reading from outside</span></li>
<li class="li1"><span class="s1">Display at your chamber of commerce</span></li>
<li class="li1"><span class="s1">Distribute to other local businesses</span></li>
<li class="li1"><span class="s1">Include with gift cards</span></li>
<li class="li1"><span class="s1">Adapt content to your online presence</span></li>
<li class="li1"><span class="s1">Reference when talking on the phone</span></li>
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Together with your salon website, a well-designed brochure will “speak your truth,” even when you can’t find the time.<span class="s1"></span></div>
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By Jaime Schrabeck, Ph.D.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810655416281319504.post-74300957825507234862013-09-01T16:56:00.000-07:002013-10-14T16:57:47.236-07:00Does Leadership and Team Work Apply to Booth Renters/Independents?<a href="http://www.nwstylist.com/columns/2013/0813/0813_nail_extension.html" target="_blank">Article Published in Stylist Magazine, August 2013</a><br />
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<span class="s1">For beauty professionals who work alone, the concepts of salon leadership and teamwork don’t apply. Not to minimize the challenges of business ownership, but individuals providing services in the privacy of their own salons cannot demonstrate salon leadership or contribute to a team. In effect, they’ve isolated themselves from other beauty professionals, for whatever reason. Many individuals would explain that they made a choice between working alone or with a dysfunctional group of coworkers. If those were the only options, that would be understandable. Instead, this is a false choice based on personal experiences and/or a generalized conception of salon life. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">We’re all familiar with the stereotypical salon in which the owner is either clueless or a tyrant, and the workers are crazy, nasty, dirty, lazy, incompetent or otherwise “toxic.” How many reality shows exploit this premise for dramatic effect and ratings? More than I can count, and none that I watch. It doesn’t matter what kinds of services (hair, skin, and/or nails) are offered, if this describes your salon, I cannot sympathize with you. How does someone tolerate that level of dysfunction and sustain his or her professionalism, integrity and passion? Is this the best the beauty industry has to offer? Of course not, but this conception may be so pervasive that many cannot envision the possibility of a suitable salon environment.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">My first experiences after beauty school and licensure involved working in five different hair salons over the course of five years. In each case, the salon owner was a licensed cosmetologist who worked full time, and the other professionals would rent stations. None of those salon owners had any specific training on ownership, though they had good intentions. When searching for a station to rent, I don’t remember ever being asked to complete an application, submit a resume/job history, demonstrate my work or provide evidence of my competence or compatibility.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Each of us was responsible for handling our individual businesses: purchasing supplies, marketing services, scheduling clients, maintaining insurance, paying taxes, etc. We did these tasks independently as the owners took a hands-off approach to their role. While we supported each other through referrals, our efforts were not coordinated to represent the salon as a whole. There was very little, if any, leadership or teamwork. For example, the only salon meetings I can recall were held in response to some immediate crisis or simmering tensions, and they usually devolved into unproductive gripe sessions. Some would blame the salon’s problems on a lack of communication, but a more substantive problem was the lack of structure, specifically clearly defined roles and expectations (job descriptions, duties, rights, responsibilities, policies and procedures, etc.). Moreover, some coworkers were not as professional as they could have been. Behaviors that would be cause for dismissal in other work settings (tardiness, substance abuse, theft, poor workmanship, insubordination, etc.) were often tolerated. Lesson learned: no one individual is so important that they can be allowed to disrupt the entire salon team. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Sound familiar? Just because many salons “function” a particular way doesn’t make it right; unfortunately, the most common practices within the beauty industry are not the best. Most valuable lesson learned: doing the right thing can be expensive and inconvenient, and likely means ignoring what other salons do. Needless to say, none of these salons was ideal, but instead of being discouraged, I credit the owners/coworkers for helping me build my business and giving me the confidence to work alone, and later take on employees.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Thus, I can certainly relate to those who choose to work alone. Technology makes that choice seemingly more acceptable; we can connect with others through social media, texts, emails and video, in addition to reading trade magazines and attending beauty shows, networking events, and classes. However, despite its convenience and affordability, technology cannot replace the quality and depth of interaction that a continuous working relationship can provide. While avoiding conflict and having control may be reason enough to work alone, some would acknowledge that they feel lonely, uninspired and burdened. In that very real sense, their independence may limit their professional growth and decrease their job satisfaction. Working collaboratively with other beauty professionals could be the change you need to reignite your passion for the industry.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">If you’re waiting to discover the perfect salon, business partner, boss, employee or coworker, why not consider how you could create that experience for yourself and others? I’ll never be the perfect salon owner, but as I look back over the last 20+ years, I’m grateful for the mistakes I’ve made. There's no amount of time, training or money that qualifies someone as a “good” salon owner; there’s only progress towards creating the best possible environment in which professionals thrive, clients receive excellent service, and the owner meets all their financial and legal obligations. </span></div>
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By Jaime Schrabeck, Ph.D.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810655416281319504.post-31187609630645054432013-08-01T18:45:00.000-07:002013-08-08T18:50:44.454-07:00Working Around the Rules<a href="http://www.nwstylist.com/columns/2013/0713/0713_nail_extension.html" target="_blank">Article Published in Stylist Magazine, July 2013</a><br />
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Salon owners face many decisions as they compete for clients, like which services to provide, products to use, hours to operate, prices to charge, etc. These decisions are unique and personal to every owner, giving consumers many choices when they seek beauty services. However, there’s one choice that neither owners nor consumers should have, and that’s engaging in unlicensed activity. Any beauty service(s) provided by an unlicensed individual or in an unlicensed location represents unfair competition and threatens our professionalism.<br />
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Regardless of where you live, unlicensed activity affects your business. It’s unfortunate that unethical individuals/salon owners perform services illegally; some manufacturers sell prohibited equipment/products; the media publicizes individuals/salons/services, legal or not; too many consumers compromise quality and safety for low prices and convenience and government agencies don’t have the resources and/or political will to enforce their own rules.<br />
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How can ethical salon owners compete under these circumstances? Why should we? Since when is compliance optional? Our responsibility as professionals is to understand and follow the applicable federal and state rules, not work around them. I’m not an expert on every state, nor do I have to be because I work in California only. In this state, any business that provides hair, skin and/or nail services regulated by the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology (BBC) must obtain a valid establishment license before it opens (a measly $50!), and renew it every two years. This applies to any kind of business, whether a salon, day spa, hotel, medical office or gym. Likewise, any individual providing regulated beauty services must have a valid BBC license (another measly $50!), specific to a course of training and scope of practice, and renew it every two years. (Note that the following services are not regulated by the BBC, and thus do not require a BBC license: natural hair braiding, styling wigs, threading, permanent makeup, tanning, massage and body treatments like wraps and scrubs.) Your state will likely have different rules, for which you are responsible; ignorance of the law is not an excuse for breaking it.<br />
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We could complain that consumers, manufacturers and the media should know better and state governments should do more, but that’s not reality. I don’t expect consumers to understand the rules, but they should understand, at a minimum, that service prices must reflect the costs of operating a legitimate business (licenses, overhead, compensation, taxes, insurance, products, education, etc.). In a perfect world, consumers would demand quality services from licensed professionals in licensed establishments only.<br />
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And don’t rely on the media to educate consumers. We have them to thank for misrepresenting the facts and scaring consumers into believing that having your nails done professionally is dangerous and UV gels cause skin cancer, among other things. Even our own professional publications do us no favors when they promote unlicensed activity by referencing, quoting and/or profiling individuals and business that do NOT have valid licenses. (I won’t name names here, but I do report you to California’s Board of Barbering and Cosmetology.) And no matter how many articles you’ve read about it, doing mobile services is not legal in California, except under <b>very</b> specific conditions which do not apply in these cases. If these publications wanted to serve nail professionals, they might start by ensuring that they feature individuals and salons with valid licenses, and clarifying that the services/products mentioned and/or advertised may not be legal in your state. Do your research!<br />
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Manufacturers know our industry, and yet some still take advantage. For example, when medical procedures are beyond our scope of practice and false advertising is a problem, why are callus shavers and detox foot soaks available? Because they sell. Before investing in any new equipment/product/service, confirm that it fits within your scope of practice, does not violate any existing rules and will be covered by your liability insurance. (And if you don’t already have liability insurance, or paying too much, check out the coverage provided by Associated Hair Professionals as a membership benefit: <a href="http://www.insuringstyle.com/" target="_blank">www.insuringstyle.com</a>.)<br />
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If we expect others to act ethically, we apparently expect too much. Voluntary compliance obviously wouldn’t work because compulsory compliance doesn’t seem to either, thus far. Of course, the problem of unlicensed activity is not limited to nail services. In fact, one of the best examples I could provide involves skin care. In February, 2010, I discovered multiple articles online about vagina facials and immediately alerted the BBC. At the next board meeting (April 18, 2010), I presented the following statement and later emailed it to every member of California’s Business, Professions and Economic Development committees, both Assembly and Senate:<br />
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<i>Vagina Facial, Anyone?</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>The fundamental challenges facing California’s Board of Barbering and Cosmetology can be summarized in just two words, vagina facial; or perhaps you’re already familiar with its trademarked name, The Vajacial™, a new service advertised by a licensed establishment in San Francisco called Stript Wax Bar. Having spoken to someone who works there, I learned that this service includes extractions, a mask and exfoliation for $60, and can be done immediately following a Brazilian bikini wax. Whoever developed this service is much more than a marketing genius; besides being titillating and garnering lots of publicity, the vagina facial can be performed without any concern for BBC regulations. That’s because body treatments, such as scrubs, masks and wraps, that are provided in many salons and spas are not regulated at all. The Barbering and Cosmetology Act does not define scope of practice to include the entire body, with the exception of hair removal. Through omission, existing law allows these services to be performed without any consumer protections to ensure health and safety, or to avoid potentially inappropriate behavior. Never mind the fact that during these services clients are generally naked while having cosmetic preparations applied to their bodies.</i><br />
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<i>If vagina facials weren’t disturbing enough, let me address the fact that Stript Wax Bar operates two additional locations, one in Palo Alto and the other in Oakland, but according to the BBC website, it only has a valid establishment license for its San Francisco location. If true, this business will prove to be yet another example of unlicensed activity, a problem that undermines our professionalism, cheats our economy and places consumers at risk. Unlicensed activity warrants more severe penalties than are currently enforced, and the names of the violators should be publicized as a deterrent. Perhaps if the risks outweighed the benefits, the BBC could achieve greater compliance with its laws and regulations.</i><br />
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While the BBC was receptive and acted on my complaint, not one politician even bothered to respond. Why doesn’t that surprise me? Three years later, Stript Wax Bar has expanded to 3 more locations, according to its website (<a href="http://www.striptwaxbar.com/" target="_blank">www.striptwaxbar.com</a>); the above-mentioned Palo Alto and Oakland locations received their establishment licenses effective April 22, 2010, according to the BBC website (<a href="http://www.barbercosmo.ca.gov/" target="_blank">www.barbercosmo.ca.gov</a>). Congratulations!<br />
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By Jaime Schrabeck, Ph.D.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810655416281319504.post-32651065398447819412013-07-01T12:00:00.000-07:002013-07-15T16:13:47.491-07:00Top Ten Business Tools<a href="http://www.nwstylist.com/columns/2013/0613/0613_nail_extension.html" target="_blank">Article Published in Stylist Magazine, June 2013</a><br />
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As a salon owner and manicurist, I use no fewer than 10 different “business tools” on any given day. They’ve become such an integral part of my business that it’s difficult (read: frightening) to imagine functioning without them. Granted, some of the functions could be outsourced, but I choose to do most of it on my own with my most trusted tools:<br />
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<ol>
<li><b>A computer/laptop, wireless internet access and a smart phone.</b> For most people, computer technology has integrated with our daily lives, regardless of the work we do. We’ve adapted quickly to interacting electronically, both professionally and socially. Increased dependence on technology may be resisted by some, but it’s a powerful trend that’s not likely to be reversed. Twenty years ago, these devices and capabilities may not have been necessary for salon ownership, but there’s no denying that without them, the following would not be feasible.</li>
<li><b>Accounting software.</b> I’ve been using Quicken by Intuit to track my business and personal finances for more than 20 years. As a Mac user, that hasn’t always been easy or convenient, like the time I upgraded to Lion OS X without first checking that my software was compatible. It wasn’t, and a workaround was necessary until Intuit fixed the problem. The usefulness of Quicken is most apparent at year’s end when I can immediately produce the information my certified financial planner (CFP) needs to prepare my taxes. To ensure that I don’t lose any data, I save and backup a copy every day. If you’ve ever used accounting software and lost your data, you’ll understand why.</li>
<li><b>Online access to business and personal checking account(s).</b> This may seem obvious, but it was not that long ago that bank customers would rely on printed monthly statements to reconcile their accounts. I need to know account details on a daily basis to manage my finances. In just a few minutes each day, I can confirm and plan the flow of deposits and payments from my accounts.</li>
<li><b>Online bill payments.</b> I hardly ever write checks anymore; it takes almost a year to use 25 of them. Instead, I prefer the immediacy and reliability of paying bills online. It doesn’t cost anything (no envelopes/postage) and can be scheduled in advance to avoid any late payments. For recurring bills like utilities, automatic payments make the most sense as I don’t have the time or patience to review and process monthly statements. Moreover, opting to receive electronic billing statements reduces the amount of paper I have to handle and store.</li>
<li><b>Salon management software.</b> This is the first tool in my list designed specifically for salon owners, but that doesn’t make it any less important. If it didn’t exist, I’d be limping along with a paper schedule and index cards, or patching a calendar program and address database together with some random point-of-sale (POS) software. Why bother when I could use a single, targeted software that combines these functions and more? In my salon, STX handless scheduling, client records, inventory control, employee time clock, credit card processing, gift card tracking, email appointment reminders and other functions I don’t even use.</li>
<li><b>Email and voicemail.</b> Email is my preferred means of communicating, particularly when I need to attach photos/documents or archive an exchange. Voicemail, a simple and often underutilized technology, remains important also. My employees and I don’t answer the phone while providing services; the ringer is off anyways. Instead, we discretely retrieve and respond to email and voicemail between clients. We don’t text message with clients because it’s too informal in my opinion.</li>
<li><b>A professional website.</b> I’ve written extensively about the advantages of maintaining a professional salon website; it’s the most cost-effective way to reach potential clients. Through my website, I can also promote my industry activities beyond the salon, like my monthly articles published by the Stylist, upcoming classes/beauty shows and product recommendations.</li>
<li><b>Social media.</b> Lumping different platforms together may be unfair because I find some more useful than others. For example, I frequent Facebook and NailTech, browse certain blogs and dabble with Twitter. Other platforms, like YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, Yelp and Pinterest, don’t play any role in my business at this time.</li>
<li><b>Online payroll services.</b> After eight years of faxing payroll every other Monday and not knowing the details until two days later, I’ve changed service providers to Intuit and could not be happier. Not only is the service more technologically advanced, it’s more affordable, about half the price. Moreover, I was able to transfer my existing workers’ compensation insurance policy without disruption.</li>
<li><b>Manufacturer websites.</b> Printed product catalogs and mailings have become less important as manufacturers make it convenient to research their products and shop online. I don’t have time during “normal” business hours to place orders by phone, so I much prefer the 24/7 availability of these sites.</li>
</ol>
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By Jaime Schrabeck, Ph.D.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810655416281319504.post-87024379656282874822013-06-08T22:17:00.002-07:002013-06-08T22:17:53.280-07:00Older is Better<a href="http://www.nwstylist.com/columns/2013/0513/0513_nail_extension.html" target="_blank">Article Published in Stylist Magazine, May 2013</a><br />
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My nail salon doesn’t market to any particular age group, nor do I track clients by age. Some clients proudly announce theirs (especially if they look much younger), and I can roughly estimate the ages of others. So who are we calling “old?” Everyone older than I am? And why does that word have such a negative connotation? Far from being “over the hill” and “past their prime,” my “older” clients lead vibrant, fulfilling lives that many younger people would envy. Marketing to them is essentially marketing to myself, and who I want be 50 years from now, should I live so long and well. Yes, I have clients <b>that</b> old. There’s something both endearing and inspiring about nonagenerians who schedule a year in advance to care for their nails. If everyone could be that mindful, fastidious, optimistic and committed...<br />
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Regardless of their age or gender, most of my clients view professional nail care as routine maintenance rather than a frivolous activity or selfish extravagance. Having their nails done isn’t about wearing polish. (Just ask my male clients.) Not every one wears polish; that’s a personal preference, more a beauty “want” than a health “need.” What clients should understand are the potential consequences of neglecting/abusing their natural nails, especially when combined with the aging process and other serious health concerns like diabetes.<br />
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I’ve found that the more maintenance clients require, the less capable and/or willing they are to do it themselves. Many come to that realization when they can no longer trim their own toenails. In fact, attempting to trim them could be dangerous without the proper training and tool(s). That’s assuming that clients have the flexibility to reach their feet, and the manual dexterity, hand strength and visual acuity to trim their nails safely. Even if capable, some people will always prefer to have a professional do the work on a regular basis.<br />
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Making your services convenient, pleasant and affordable for older clients does take some planning, including the pricing structure. I’ve designed my services to focus on the basics (nail shaping and cuticle conditioning) at a reasonable price, and clients can always choose to expand their service(s) with callus reduction, paraffin, massage, polish/buffing, etc. For example, clients who want only their toenails trimmed choose the Foot Express service ($20/15 minutes). Moreover, during our services, the nails are not just shortened, but smoothed with a single-use, disposable file to avoid a snagging/scratching hazard. This may or may not compare favorably with what a podiatrist would do or charge, but that’s not my concern as long as we work within our scope of practice as licensed manicurists.<br />
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As I’ve written previously, accessibility is of particular interest to older clients because mobility decreases with age. By minimizing physical barriers, or eliminating them altogether, the salon can accommodate clients who use canes/walkers/wheelchairs. For clients physically incapable of visiting the salon, whether their limitations may be temporary, like recovering from surgery, or permanent, like being unable to drive or having a terminal illness, I provide services in their homes. Let me emphasize that these appointments are not “home spa parties;” these clients have legitimate reasons why they cannot visit the salon, otherwise I wouldn’t be able to work on them legally. (Before offering services outside your licensed salon, check with your state board and insurance provider to make sure you’re compliant.)<br />
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If you fear that your creativity or style will somehow be constrained by older clients, don’t worry. In my experience, older clients rely on me even more than younger ones do to keep them informed of product innovations and color trends. Many of my older clients are more adventurous than I am, and want to be the first to try the trendiest colors.<br />
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As a beauty professional who regularly works with older clients, I can assure you it’s very rewarding, both personally and financially. Granted, finding older people where I live isn’t difficult; in fact, they’re hard to avoid. My small town (Carmel, California) has approximately 3700 residents with a median age of 59.2 years. In comparison, the median age statewide is only 35.2 years, according to the 2010 U.S. Census. That age differential represents an entire generation of potential clients, both men and women who could benefit from professional nail care. That’s not to say that all these people would consider having their nails done professionally, but enough of them do to keep my salon very busy.<br />
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One of the easiest ways to reach these potential clients in your own community is to volunteer, which is something that many older people do themselves. You may also want to support organizations and causes in which you share mutual interest, like education, health care, animal welfare and the arts. Older clients want to feel valued and relevant. Who doesn’t? Through your expertise, kindness, reliability and personal interaction, you’ll achieve that and much more.<br />
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By Jaime Schrabeck, Ph.D.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810655416281319504.post-2689283514386687442013-05-01T20:43:00.000-07:002013-06-08T22:18:36.410-07:00My (Twenty) First Year<a href="http://www.nwstylist.com/columns/2013/0413/0413_nail_extension.html" target="_blank">Article Published in Stylist Magazine, April 2013</a><br />
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Last year, I celebrated my first 20 years as a licensed manicurist. I use the term ”celebrated” deliberately because it signifies my attitude toward the nail industry. Though it seems unlikely after so many years, I’m more passionate and positive about our profession than ever before. There’s much to be excited about: the development of new products, the next generation of nail professionals, renewed interest from media and consumers, changes in licensure/governance, and so on. If I didn’t feel as strongly, it would be time to consider a career change. I have options, certainly, but what other career better suits my disposition and would challenge and reward me as much as being a manicurist and salon owner?<br />
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That being said, it’s ultimately wiser to position yourself for more rewards than challenges. I believe that doing what you love should bring joy and prosperity, not problems and hardship. If that sounds unrealistic or selfish, I remind myself that I deserve to enjoy my success. And that’s why, in my (twenty) first year, I’ve chosen to reinvest in my nail career for the next 20 years. In terms of planning and decision-making, it’s like starting over, but with the incredible advantages of loyal clients, respected colleagues, favorite products and the knowledge gained from 20 years worth of experiences.<br />
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During my first year in business, I had none of those advantages, except the desire to learn. To expedite learning about nails (choosing products, developing skills, marketing services, managing resources, etc.), I naturally sought advice from others with more experience. I wish the majority of advice was useful, but in practice, it was not. To my disappointment, the technical advice was serviceable at best, but not innovative, efficient or exceptional. And the most common business advice (base your prices on the competition, never turn clients away, give discounts to new clients, schedule according to client demand, etc.) turned out to be the most ridiculous. If I’d followed that, my career wouldn’t have lasted as long because I would’ve failed miserably.<br />
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No doubt, some of the harsher lessons of business (tax audits, lawsuits, bad investments, etc.) can be avoided with proper guidance. However, when seeking advice from consultants, educators and mentors, consider the source and be more selective. Don’t assume that someone in a position of authority can provide relevant and accurate information; be informed by researching qualifications and asking valid questions. Not all advice is good, and hearing the same bad advice from multiple sources doesn’t make it any better. The “common” way of doing something may be popular, but not necessarily the best way. As as advice seeker, be willing to pay for information/training/coaching; there should not be any expectation to receive anything for free, any more than someone should be obligated to give it away.<br />
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Over the years, I’ve shared my experiences with hundreds of other salon owners, manicurists and students. Some have paid a considerable amount to visit my salon for individualized training, but most have stumbled upon me online, or teaching free technical or business classes at a beauty show. Regardless of the investment, what they do with my suggestions, or anyone else’s, is their business. I don’t have any control over them, and what works for me may not work for everyone. In fact, that’s the excuse I often hear for not trying what I suggest. I couldn’t agree more, but why continue doing what’s not working? That doesn’t make any sense.<br />
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Growth and progress make sense to me. “Nothing succeeds like success” (Alexandre Dumas), so I’ll continue to focus on what works. In my case, it’s direct interaction with clients. That’s right; I own and manage a salon, have employees AND provide services. Could it work better? Of course, and that’s what I aspire to - improving my business for the future. Is greatness too much to expect? Perhaps. The next 20 years will not be perfect, but I can’t make any excuses given the tremendous advantages I already have.<br />
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Far from being complacent or cautious in my twenty-first year, I’m determined to act more strategically. That’s why everything about my business is subject to consideration. What do I enjoy doing most? What would I like to eliminate? Some changes have already been made. For example, I’ve traveled extensively in years past, attending so many beauty shows and networking events that it actually became tiresome. I never expected to reach that point, but I’m there. Supporting the nail industry is still a priority, but how I participate will be different. Traveling less often gives me time to participate in my immediate community, not to promote my business as much as to satisfy other interests, like volunteering and supporting education and the arts. Relocating my salon is an even bigger change I’m considering. The possibility of moving to a more ideal space is invigorating, and I’ll share more about that process in the future. But for now, I’m content to know that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself and improve your life.<br />
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By Jaime Schrabeck, Ph.D.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810655416281319504.post-85313123603421287242013-04-01T17:38:00.000-07:002013-04-07T17:40:47.854-07:00The Name Game<a href="http://www.nwstylist.com/columns/2013/0313/0313_nail_extension.html" target="_blank">Article Published in Stylist Magazine, March 2013</a><br />
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“If names be not correct, language is not in accordance with the truth of things.” - Confucius<br />
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It’s not uncommon for beauty writers to use social media to request information for their upcoming articles. Writers, particularly those without their own experience as beauty professionals, rely on the knowledge of others, and those that contribute gain exposure from being quoted. I’m not able to respond to every request I receive (my expertise has its limits), but am more likely when I feel strongly about the topic. Assuming that the topic is relevant, the information valid, the article well-written and the quotes accurate, everyone can benefit, most important the readers.<br />
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A recent experience with another writer inspired this article; her request was for information about what nail professionals name themselves (nail technician, nail artist, manicurist, etc.) and how that might affect client perceptions. Rather than respond via email, I called the writer, Tracy Morin, and we had a stimulating discussion. I haven’t read Tracy’s finished article, so I don’t know how much, if any, of my information she used. However, for this article, I want to merge that seemingly benign “name” topic with the larger issue of false advertising and misrepresentation.<br />
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If that seems like a stretch, let me assure you, it’s not. But for the sake of argument, let’s begin with a more common example of false advertising found in nail salons: the misrepresentation of products and services. How often do consumers believe that they’re wearing gel enhancements when in fact they have traditional liquid and powder acrylics? This happens so frequently that I often find myself explaining my preferred products and how I use them.<br />
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I advise consumers that no matter what salon they patronize, they’re entitled to the truth about the products applied to their nails. Salons that falsely advertise any artificial nails as "better than acrylics” reveal how ignorant and gullible they expect consumers to be. For example, consider this description of “diamond nails” advertised by a salon: "They are strong and durable like acrylic, except with less odor. They are applied by brushing a resin glue on to the nails and then dipping the nail in to diamond powder." The powder is not “diamond;” it’s acrylic. Instead of acrylic liquid (ethyl methacrylate), this dip procedure uses an adhesive (cyanoacrylate) with acrylic powder (ethyl and methyl methacrylates).<br />
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Other falsely advertised nail services include:<br />
<ul>
<li>Gel - a layer of gel over liquid and powder acrylic. True gel nails consist entirely of acrylic oligomer gel (acrylates) cured with a UV light; there’s no powder.</li>
<li>Solar - a misleading name for any French-style (pink and white) nails, exploits a brand trademark.</li>
<li>Crystal - a fancy name for clear tips covered with acrylic monomer liquid and clear polymer powder.</li>
<li>Porcelain - clay heated to 1200°F cannot possibly be used for nails, yet this ridiculous name persists.</li>
<li>Shellac - a specific brand of soak-off gel polish, not a procedure. There are literally dozens of brands available.</li>
<li>Medical Pedicures - a pedicure that’s promoted as if it were a medical procedure; manicurists aren’t licensed to practice medicine. </li>
</ul>
If misleading consumers about products and services is wrong, why do some service providers believe it’s acceptable to mislead about their qualifications and licensing? In a perfect world, consumers wouldn’t have to be concerned about whether their chosen beauty professionals are trained and licensed. After all, that’s the MINIMUM requirement of the law. While license types vary by state, each has a “scope of practice,” which defines what licensees are allowed to do. If someone chooses to limit themselves to specific services within a license type, that’s their choice, but they still need a valid individual license. That is, an unlicensed person cannot legally provide “just pedicures.” Moreover, advanced education doesn’t expand the professional scope of practice, no matter who provides the training/certification, how much time it takes or how much it costs.<br />
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California’s Board of Barbering and Cosmetology recently released a statement advising consumers to verify licenses of individuals and salons advertising on the internet. What complicates the verification process is the fact that even licensed individuals and salons advertise with “fake” names. In California where establishment (salon) licenses are specific to a geographic location, a salon could have “Acme Nails” on a valid establishment license, but advertise as “Xanadu Nail Spa.” Try verifying the individual license of Jenna Hipp, the “Green Celebrity Nail Stylist.” If that’s not a fake name, perhaps she has no license?<br />
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I refuse to tolerate those who are unlicensed, fraudulent and/or pretentious. In my perfect world, all individuals and salons would be required to advertise with their legal names and license numbers. My California individual license (111051) lists my legal name and license type, “Manicurist” and that’s how I advertise. My scope of practice is no different from any other licensed manicurists in California, regardless of what they name themselves. For the record, my favorite example of false advertising has to be “licensed podiatric nail technician;” there’s no such thing in the state of California.<br />
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By Jaime Schrabeck, Ph.D.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810655416281319504.post-64010605031772840822013-03-08T19:32:00.002-08:002013-03-08T19:32:48.529-08:00Nail Color Explosion<a href="http://www.nwstylist.com/columns/2013/0213/0213_nail_extension.html" target="_blank">Article Published in Stylist Magazine, February 2013</a><br />
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Nail color has become a powerful force in the beauty industry. Page through any beauty/fashion/lifestyle magazine or spend any time at all on the internet, and count the number of related advertisements. Some ads focus on the person wearing nail color (celebrities and models), while others focus on the product itself (bottle shots and color swatches on “fake fingers”). Regardless of the quality of the ads and their respective products, this proliferation wouldn’t exist if these products weren’t profitable. Reports of “explosive” growth in the nail color market means we should expect more colors, products and advertising in the future.<br />
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As nail professionals, we might consider ourselves more savvy and less vulnerable to advertising, but we’re all consumers, exposed to and influenced by advertising to varying effect. The target audience, primarily female, has not changed, but the line between “consumer/retail” and “professional/salon” has been blurred like never before. Consumers interested in doing their own nails (DIYers) have greater access to “professional” products, and/or they can experience nail color by receiving salon services. Likewise, salons have new services to offer and products to retail. In fact, the renewed interest in nail color has been so powerful that many salon owners credit it, particularly in the form of soak-off gel polish, for their survival during this economic downturn. Rather than complain about DIYers and “professional” brands going retail, they’ve found a way to adapt and profit from this new reality.<br />
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Limiting this discussion to professional brands and ignoring stickers/decals (apologies to Dashing Diva, Minx and Sally Hansen) there’s still plenty to talk about. The competition among brands, from Akzentz to Zoya and those in between (Artistic, Barielle, China Glaze, CND, Color Club, Cuccio, Entity, Essie, Gelish, IBD, INM, Jessica, LCN, Le Chat, Light Elegance, NSI, Nubar, OPI, Orly, Young Nails, etc.), gives nail professionals many choices. Granted, the list above includes both traditional polish and gel polish brands, but that’s not even a comprehensive list, and some have literally hundreds of colors. Apparently, there’s something for everyone, with shades ranging from soft and subtle to bold and garish in creams, shimmers, frosts, glitters and matte finishes. And yet, new color collections are introduced for every season, including holiday. It can be expensive to keep pace, and not all colors may be worth the investment.<br />
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Speaking from my own 20+ years of experience as a salon owner and manicurist, I credit my continued success to loyal clients, and don’t consider advertising nail products to consumers a threat to my professionalism. I cannot compete with national advertising, and don’t have to because it raises awareness about nail care in general. Indirectly, it draws attention to the services offered at my salon and the products I’ve carefully selected based on performance, availability, pricing, etc. I welcome questions from potential and existing clients about professional services and product selection; it means they care.<br />
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While my salon services remain consistent (and do not include soak-off gel polish), the color options do evolve. I have my own preferences, but also understand what my clients prefer. Rather than feel overwhelmed by the choices, I limit myself to a wide selection within a few brands so that the colors complement and contrast with each other. After several months of working with the most recent collection, it’s time for something new. I especially look forward to collection previews and swatching, and can predict which colors will be most popular among my clients. Those colors will make it into my ongoing collection, while unpopular or redundant colors will be eliminated.<br />
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The power of color cannot be denied and I don’t need to study color psychology to appreciate that it goes beyond expressing yourself and influencing mood and behavior. The fact is nail color is decorative; it’s not even necessary for the health and safety of nails, and yet it may be one of the primary reasons why clients seek professional nail care. The emotional reaction to color is so personal; we all have our favorites, and while some choose to wear the same color for years, others want variety. As a service provider, it makes me feel good that clients of all ages will get excited about wearing their favorite color, whether an old favorite, a new one, or just new to them.<br />
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At this point, it may seem difficult to determine which is greater, the supply or the demand for nail color. How many colors/products do we need, and is there a “saturation point” at which the market cannot possibly absorb another brand? The answers may well be “As many as we can afford,” and “Never!” That’s the genius of producing and marketing nail color. Both consumers and professionals want choices and manufactures can satisfy the demand, even while the formulation of the products remains essentially the same. Given personal preferences, infinite possibilities, evolving trends and new technologies, we’ll always be surrounded by the power and beauty of color. It’s hard to resist.<br />
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By Jaime Schrabeck, Ph.D.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810655416281319504.post-13353328230131821542013-02-04T18:52:00.002-08:002013-02-04T18:53:43.047-08:00Professional Support<br />
<a href="http://www.nwstylist.com/columns/2013/0113/0113_nail_extension.html" target="_blank">Article Published in Stylist Magazine, January 2013</a><br />
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What makes us “professional?” In the broadest sense, <b>anyone</b> working in the beauty industry could be considered “professional,” including those who are not licensed, competent, ethical, legitimate or financially successful. Is being all of those things too much to expect of a “beauty professional?” We all know examples of talented, hard-working individuals who can’t support themselves, and others who do well for themselves, but work illegally. How do we reconcile ourselves to a concept that divides us, the concept of being professional?<br />
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Consider the efforts of the Professional Beauty Association (PBA), our industry’s largest trade association. Earlier this year, the PBA invited all beauty professionals to “Take the Pledge” and commit to a code of ethical practices. Each PBA membership section (Salon Owners, Licensed Professionals, Manufacturers and Distributors) has its own code online to “print, sign and display (press release dated July 6, 2012). If not already a member of the PBA, you may have missed this invitation to “Take the Pledge,” but it’s available to you “regardless of membership.”<br />
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For most readers, the applicable code would be either for Salon Owners or Licensed Professionals. This statement precedes each one: “In order to ensure and promote integrity in the professional beauty industry, PBA expects all members of the [insert section name here] section to abide by the standards which are reflected in this Code of Ethical Practice.” As might be expected, there’s significant overlap between the codes for salon owners and licensed professionals, with minor wording variations:<br />
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Provide high quality professional beauty products and services to the consumer.<br />
Keep licensing and/or registration current as required by federal, state, and local authorities.<br />
Keep insurance current as required by federal, state, and local authorities.<br />
Accurately report tips and income as required by federal, state, and local authorities.<br />
Only use professional products and not divert products.<br />
Promote ethical pricing on products and services.<br />
Make all advertising and sales promotions factually accurate.<br />
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Additionally, Salon Owners pledge to:<br />
<ul>
<li>Promote positive awareness about the beauty industry.</li>
<li>Subscribe to and follow accountabilities standards.</li>
</ul>
Only employ licensed professionals when licensing is required to perform job function.”<br />
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And Licensed Professionals also pledge to:<br />
<ul>
<li>Follow safety and sanitation guidelines.</li>
<li>Follow tax accountabilities.</li>
</ul>
As a salon owner, licensed professional and PBA member, I understand the PBA’s intent to “create a uniform standard in the way we view and act as an industry.” And I don’t disagree with what’s included in the codes. In fact, my initial reaction was “I’m already doing these things.” However, after careful consideration, I chose not to sign the pledge. In my opinion, it’s meaningless. This pledge wouldn’t change my behavior, or make me any more “professional.” Violating it does not carry any more consequences than signing it does.<br />
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What good does it do to pledge to follow laws and guidelines if you don’t know what they are? Beauty professionals don’t lack commitment, they lack information. I’ve supported the PBA for years, and especially appreciate its Nail Manufacturer Council on Safety (NMC). Scientific information from this trusted source benefits both the nail industry and consumers, and I reference it often. Even if the NMC were the only function of the PBA, it would make my membership worthwhile. Yet, I have a difficult time convincing other salon owners and licensees to join this organization. Why is that?<br />
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Granted, the impact and appeal of the PBA would be greater if there were national standards, testing and licensure, but that’s not the case. Our individual concerns tend to be more immediate because most of us work at the local level, regulated by our respective state governments. And at the federal level, where laws affect all of us, we don’t support each other and our industry as we should, especially with regard to legal compensation of employees and our tax obligations.<br />
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With all due respect, the PBA’s ongoing efforts to lobby Congress to pass The Small Business Tax Equalization and Compliance Act (SB974/HR195, also known as the FICA Tip Tax Credit), have not yet been successful. To its credit, the PBA does an excellent job of explaining its position that salon owners should not be responsible for paying taxes (7.65%) on tip income paid to service providers by consumers. Twenty years ago, the lobbying efforts of the National Restaurant Association resulted in a federal dollar-for-dollar tax credit for restaurant owners, known as section 45B of the Internal Revenue Code. However, that credit does not apply to salon owners and their employees, no matter how comparable the industries.<br />
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The proposed legislation is fundamentally fair and logically sound, but how many within the beauty industry even know about it? Sadly, even if they knew, I’m sure that many would think it’s not their problem. This legislation doesn’t directly affect manufacturers or distributors; their employees don’t collect tips. And let’s be real: many licensed professionals don’t report their tip income, and many salon owners don’t take financial responsibility for their workers as employees (although if audited, the IRS would categorize them as such). So we’re left with the PBA and salon owners who follow the law and pay their employment taxes fighting for this legislation? That’s not very encouraging, and apparently not enough. It’s time we come together as professionals for the better of our industry; we need each other’s support.<br />
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By Jaime Schrabeck, Ph.D.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810655416281319504.post-48068655696775887592013-01-06T23:54:00.000-08:002013-01-06T23:54:13.958-08:00Maintaining Balance through Action<br />
<a href="http://www.nwstylist.com/columns/2012/1212/1212_nail_extension.html" target="_blank">Article Published in Stylist Magazine, December 2012</a><br />
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It’s common to use action terms to describe people’s progress through life: “moving up,” “going downhill,” “running in place” or “stuck in neutral.” But to quote Albert Einstein, “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” I couldn’t agree more. Personally, I equate balance with happiness, deriving satisfaction from a sense of stability. As a goal to be achieved, balance can be elusive, temporary and easily disrupted. However, as a way of being, something to be maintained, balance gives me the power to manage my life, especially when circumstances change.<br />
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Balance isn’t something I can easily quantify, but I can gauge the quality of my health (physical, mental and emotional), personal relationships, business, finances, etc. Though far from perfect, I’m doing well; sometimes I need distance from my daily life to appreciate that. Distance can be literal or figurative. Just last month, it was both as I headed to South Korea to attend the Seoul International Nail Fair. Traveling alone, I anticipated having many hours to myself, time I expected to spend writing this article, doing research, sleeping more . . . For the next three days, I didn’t work on clients, help my son with homework, run errands, pay bills, do housework or prepare meals. Instead, I was treated like a VIP*, and stayed in a luxury hotel, judged nail competitions, presented awards and dined out every night. Aside from interacting with my Korean nail friends and experiencing their culture, the fact that I had few responsibilities and virtually no control was very appealing.<br />
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The weeks, even the hours, leading up to my trip were hectic, but that’s not unusual nor a bad thing. It’s amazing how much you can accomplish when necessary. I’m accustomed to working and living at a quickened pace, given all that I have to do and choose to do. The momentum sustains me, and I find my balance somewhere between feeling bored and useless, and overwhelmed and used, tending toward the latter. I consider myself organized, resourceful and optimistic, but even I have my limits. Whenever I dread something or start feeling overwhelmed, it’s time to evaluate, prioritize and act accordingly. In some instances, that means saying, “That doesn’t work for me,” without explanation or apology, as suggested by a very wise client. From past experience, I know that taking on more than I can manage threatens my well-being, and that’s not acceptable.<br />
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Despite advance planning and timely actions, something unexpected can, and usually does, happen. For example, the morning of my trip, I allowed an extra hour of drive time to account for commuters, but hadn’t accounted for rainy weather conditions. Traffic was very heavy and the navigation system only made it seem worse as the remaining miles slowly counted down. Thankfully, I arrived at the parking structure on schedule, took the shuttle to the international terminal (the first stop, thank goodness) and made it through security with a few minutes to spare. Crisis averted. Moments before boarding, I checked my email one last time and learned that I’d be taking a taxi to the hotel. No worries, that’s why I carry American Express. In previous visits, I would board the plane trusting that my nail friends would greet me when I landed. This time, I trusted a complete stranger to drive me, and American Express to approve his payment, even though I’d neglected to alert the credit card company of my travel plans.<br />
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The rest of the weekend was uneventful, but didn’t go exactly as planned. In my free time, I watched far too much television and slept very little instead of writing this article. I rationalized my procrastination with the excuse that I wasn’t prepared to write it; I needed more time to think about how balance functions in my life. Really? My life wouldn’t function without it. Most people talk about balancing family, work and their other interests as if they were distinct and isolated. Perhaps they are. For me, balance comes from integration. Though I’m sole owner of my business, my family plays a large part. My parents, who live nearby, donated their skills to help me build the salon and they have standing nail appointments. We frequently share errands, Sunday dinners, sporting events and school functions with the grandchildren. My younger sister has been one of my employees since she became a licensed manicurist five years ago. We also share a household, combining our resources to raise our respective families. My teenage son spends time at the salon, understands my business and enjoys attending beauty shows. I can also connect community involvement, my primary activity outside the beauty industry, to my family and business through facilitation, sponsorships and donations. As much as I enjoyed myself in Seoul that weekend, I was excited to return home. Not only did I miss my family, I missed my work, even the mundane and repetitive tasks that I probably should delegate.<br />
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*Special thanks to Ok Hee Cho, my dear friend and Chairman of the Korea Nail Association, for being a wonderful hostess.<br />
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By Jaime Schrabeck, Ph.D.<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810655416281319504.post-16435940711655372062012-12-07T13:16:00.000-08:002012-12-07T13:17:24.323-08:00Upscale Your Retail<a href="http://www.nwstylist.com/columns/2012/1112/1112_nail_extension.html" target="_blank">Article Published in Stylist Magazine, November 2012</a><br />
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Given all the products necessary to provide nail services in your salon, it only makes sense that your clients would need at least some products to care for their nails between appointments. For example, would you rather have your clients remove a hangnail with their teeth, or with cuticle nippers? Would you rather have them buy a cheap pair at the drugstore, or your favorite brand directly from you? Many professional nail products would be appropriate and profitable to retail, yet most salons limit themselves to retailing a predictable and inexpensive few, like cuticle oil. As the holiday season fast approaches, it’s the ideal time to upscale your retail with professional nail products.<br />
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Please note that before retailing anything, you need to obtain the proper licensing as required by your state government. As a California business owner, I have a seller’s permit from the Board of Equalization (BOE), and must collect 7.25% sales tax (the rate varies throughout the state). Every quarter, I use the BOE’s convenient electronic/online services to file a return and make a payment based on my sales activity. Check with your state to ensure your compliance; all the information should be available online.<br />
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One of the benefits of being a licensed manicurist/nail technician is access to a great variety of professional nail products: from disposable items like nail files and buffers, to consumable items like lotion and polish, to more permanent equipment like metal tools and paraffin warmers. I choose products based on various factors (quality, price, convenience, availability, exclusivity, technical support, customer service, etc.) and spend accordingly. In fact, many of my colleagues would say they spend and accumulate too much (“product junkies”). Clients make choices based on the same factors and can have the same propensity for (over)spending, though fewer options. Ideally, your salon should be their best and most trusted source for quality nail products.<br />
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In a past article, Converting Retail Customers Into Loyal Clients (<i>Stylist</i>, December 2011), I described in more detail how retailing professional nail products satisfies the needs of existing clients and attracts new ones. Your product should be displayed prominently in a clean and organized way; if possible, use marketing materials and signage supplied by the manufacturer. Pricing should be competitive; generally, I use the manufacturer’s “salon price.” The selection of retail products at Precision Nails remains fairly consistent throughout the year; I make room for new products, like seasonal polish collections, by eliminating discontinued or less popular ones. The quantity on hand can vary depending on the season; for example, I tend to stock more Havaianas (rubber flip-flops) during the summer when more tourists visit.<br />
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While some salon owners fill their shelves with retail items that have nothing to do with nails (candles, jewelry, etc.), especially for the holidays, I do not. My business is a nail salon, not a gift store or flea market. That being said, professional nail products make great gifts. They can be personal, thoughtful and practical: both affordable and trendy like polish, or more expensive and permanent like cobalt stainless nail trimmers. Gift cards for a specific dollar amount are another option for clients who want to give someone else the power to choose between your services and/or products. I’ve set a minimum of $25 to cover the costs of the card and its packaging. Salon management software makes tracking easy.<br />
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Understandably, investing in retail can be expensive; however, if you focus on products you already use, they should be more manageable and easier to promote. Partner with your suppliers and order quantities that ensure bulk/discounted pricing. For example, I purchase unscented exfoliating scrub and massage lotion in 2-gallon bulk containers from which 3/4-ounce portion cups are filled for use later during services. Not only does this give me the best pricing and quantity control, it eliminates cross-contamination. When clients comment on how smooth their skin feels afterwards, we mention that the same products are packaged by the manufacturer for retail, both unscented and scented. I currently stock and display six different scents of the retail-sized shower gel, exfoliating scrub, body butter and massage lotion, with a minimum of three each. Clients can select their favorite scent(s) by sampling the lotions (8 ounce with pump dispenser) labeled as “testers.”<br />
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Some final thoughts:<br />
<ul>
<li>Use your favorite brands/products during services and they will virtually sell themselves. Your services are like a paid product demonstration, minus the sales pitch.</li>
<li>Adjust your retail offerings according to demand, but don’t feel obligated to sell everything you use, or a brand/product you don’t. For example, I don’t sell the products/equipment related to gel enhancements.</li>
<li>Rather than discount your services (your time), reward clients by offering free product. The perceived value is greater than your actual cost, and it may lead to future product sales.</li>
</ul>
By Jaime Schrabeck, Ph.D.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810655416281319504.post-29665287144894780592012-11-05T18:26:00.000-08:002012-11-05T18:26:01.484-08:00Finding Your Nail Niche<a href="http://www.nwstylist.com/columns/2012/1012/1012_nail_extension.html" target="_blank">Article Published in Stylist Magazine, October 2012</a><br />
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Assuming that you’re interested in the nail industry and have skills/talents/abilities worthy of compensation, how do you find your niche? What are your goals, and how much are you willing to compromise to reach them? What experiences will benefit you most? Our industry encompasses so many different occupations: licensed service providers (manicurists, estheticians, cosmetologists, etc.), salon owners, chemists, manufacturers, distributors, educators, consultants, marketers, event organizers, publishers, writers, web designers and more. Determining which situation suits you can be a challenge, but rather than be discouraged, it’s best to view the process as a
journey of personal and professional growth.<br />
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As with any journey, we all start somewhere, and for many of us that place was beauty school. The beauty school experience, while shared, can vary considerably; some schools provide an excellent education and prepare students for the realities of salon work, while others do not. That’s to be expected because beauty schools exist to provide the basic knowledge necessary to pass a licensing examination (written and practical, in most states). Given the amount of time and money invested, it’s not the most efficient way to learn, but we need to make the best of it if we want to be licensed manicurists/nail technicians. Ultimately, it’s up to the individual student to seek the additional education, training and experiences to succeed as a licensee.<br />
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Immediately after beauty school, new licensees have options; some licensees feel prepared not only for the realities of salon work, but for the responsibilities of salon ownership. If only it were that simple. As a licensee and salon owner who’s never worked as a salon employee, I can understand the appeal. While in beauty school, I definitely planned to work for myself. However, I can also attest to the unlikelihood of success. Even with resources (primarily money), inexperienced salon owners and manicurists struggle to provide quality services, build a loyal clientele and maintain adequate cash flow. That’s the reason why I encourage aspiring salon owners and newly licensed manicurists to seek salon employment as their first position after beauty school, even if being an employee is not their ultimate goal. Why repeat the same mistakes made by others when you could be learning and earning without significant financial risk?<br />
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For every manicurist who complains that they cannot find a decent salon to work in, there’s a salon owner who could complain about finding a decent manicurist to lease space to or employ. When I began my business, I had no intention of hiring employees, but now I cannot imagine operating my salon without them. Expanding my business and hiring employees has been an essential part of my professional growth. While finding qualified employees isn’t easy, craigslist.com has proven the most affordable (it’s free) and effective (it’s accessible). Unlike other salon owners that don’t name their salons in their jobs posting, I include mine because it’s not a secret:<br />
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We're expanding! Precision Nails, the exclusive nails-only salon at The Crossroads Carmel, needs a licensed manicurist to join our staff part-time (Fridays and Saturdays to start, more days/hours may be added later). Must have valid California manicuring license, ability to learn and strong communication skills. No salon experience or clientele necessary. All training, products and clients provided.<br />
<ul>
<li>Learn advanced techniques from an expert educator.</li>
<li>Perform innovative natural nail and gel enhancement services in our elegant salon.</li>
<li>Work with premium products (Light Elegance, Essie, Mehaz, etc.)</li>
<li>Take pride in working in a sanitary environment.</li>
<li>Become proficient using STX, the award-winning salon management software.</li>
<li>Enjoy the support of a proactive owner, friendly coworkers and our loyal clients.</li>
</ul>
Please email resume to apply; NO phone calls.
Compensation is listed as $10/hour (guaranteed) plus tips, AND retail and service commissions.<br />
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If an applicant responds to this posting with a phone call and/or salon visit, I don’t consider them. That may seem harsh, but following directions is important. Besides, communication via email lets me know if the applicant can write reasonably well. Of course, any resumes submitted also give me insight. Note that grammar mistakes, an invalid license, and/or questionable work history (for example, 10+ different positions in 15 years of work experience!) will eliminate applicants from consideration. Few of my colleagues enter the industry and remain in the same position throughout their nail careers; circumstances change and opportunities present themselves. But I prefer to hire manicurists that have limited experience and no clientele for a reason. My employees provides services according to salon procedures on clients of Precision Nails. Applicants who want to do their thing can open their own salons.<br />
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With the recent hiring of two new employees, it was finally time to invest in custom magnetic name badges. Why would I want everyone identified? First, there may be only four of us, but our first names aren’t common. (We use our legal, given names instead of glamorized or simplified “salon” names.) Second, while we work within the same salon, wear the same style of uniform and provide the same services, I want my employees to distinguish themselves and be treated as individual professionals. For now, they’ve found their niche as my employees and I wish them the best, no matter what their future holds.<br />
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By Jaime Schrabeck, Ph.D.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810655416281319504.post-76471058828530293902012-09-30T15:15:00.000-07:002012-09-30T15:15:00.082-07:00Organizing your Salon Space<br />
<a href="http://www.nwstylist.com/columns/2012/0912/0912_nail_extension.html" target="_blank">Article Published in Stylist Magazine, September 2012</a><br />
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How much space do you really need to do your best work? It may be less than you think. Whether you’re planning a new salon or remodeling an existing one, the size of your space doesn’t matter as much as how it’s organized. A small, individual room can be functional, spacious and luxurious if organized efficiently, whereas a large salon can be impractical, cluttered and cheap-looking if it’s not. Having an efficient salon space can reduce your overhead (lease, utilities, equipment, maintenance, etc.) and increase your productivity.<br />
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Before spending any money on decorating, expanding or moving your salon, learn what’s required by your state board. Even if you already have a valid salon/facility/establishment license, it’s worth reviewing the current regulations about equipment, ventilation, flooring, plumbing/toilets, product storage, signage, etc. Some states are more restrictive than others; here are specific examples:<br />
California - a drinking fountain that is accessible to the disabled may be required in new buildings and remodels (check with local authorities).<br />
Ohio - a floor plan drawn to scale and a sign at the main entrance “using at least three inch tall letters.”<br />
Oregon - a list of licensees providing services and “a map or directions to the facility if it is located in a rural or isolated area.”<br />
Texas - an “autoclave, dry heat sterilizer or ultraviolet sanitizer” if providing nail services.<br />
Washington - a public liability insurance policy for at least $100,000.<br />
A complete list of regulations for your state can be found online; if you have any questions or concerns, make sure to get a response in writing before proceeding. Required or not, business insurance (both liability and property) is a worthwhile investment to protect your clients, your salon and its contents.<br />
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State board requirements aside, your salon environment reflects more than personal style (design choices, color preferences, etc.); it also reflects your priorities, which transcend style. Your first priority should be to protect the health and safety of clients. That’s why cleanliness is so important. There’s no excuse for a dirty salon, except the obvious: the busier you are, the more cleaning needs to be done (dusting!), and the less time you have to do it. That’s all the more reason to simplify your decor, have adequate cleaning supplies available and develop a quick routine for surface cleaning. Sharing the responsibility for cleaning will encourage everyone to do their part and take pride in the salon environment. Deeper cleaning also needs to be done on a regular basis, either by staff or an outside service.<br />
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Another priority in your salon should be client comfort. Clients are more likely to enjoy their experience when they feel safe and trust your professionalism. Consider your clients as they transition from one aspect of your salon to another. From reception and services, to retail and restrooms, your space needs to be sensible, convenient and accessible, in addition to being clean. Furthermore, the operation of your salon should seem effortless; for example, clients shouldn’t be able to see business paperwork (invoices, bills, bank statements, etc.). To reduce paper clutter, sort through your mail right away, recycle unwanted catalogs, shred sensitive materials and store your paperwork somewhere other than the salon, if possible.<br />
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Your comfort as a service provider cannot be neglected either. Because you’ll be spending most of your time at your station, it has to be designed ergonomically. Supportive seating, proper body positioning and adequate task lighting are a must. To conserve space, I’ve created stations where hand and foot services can be performed simultaneously, rather than have separate manicure/enhancement and pedicure areas. Because my salon provides “waterless” services, the only plumbing necessary is a sink where clients and manicurists wash their hands, tools are processed for the autoclave sterilizer and towels can be moistened before placing in the warmer. The public restrooms are conveniently located just outside the front door and maintained by the management of the shopping center.<br />
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Contrary to how most manicurists design their stations, every product or piece of equipment does not need to be within arms reach. In fact, it’s better for your health to stand up and move periodically. In my salon, each station has a compact rolling cart stocked with the products used most often during services (gloves, files, cuticle remover, base coat, top coat, etc.); bulk quantities of those same products, the extensive polish/gel polish selection and equipment (towel warmer, paraffin warmer, microwave, etc.) are stored in the back room. Plastic containers and a label maker can keep your back room, or any storage area, organized and clean.<br />
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Speaking of storage, do yourself a favor and dispose of products you rarely or never use. Minimizing your products will reduce clutter in your salon, and focus resources (money and space) on the most important ones. Buying those products in bulk, which I strongly recommend, doesn’t require that everything be stored at the salon. For example, I buy nearly 500 lbs. of paraffin (packaged in 24 lb. cases) every two years; I can store the paraffin at home and bring a case to the salon about once a month. Whatever space you utilize, ensure that you store products safely (follow manufacturer’s instructions) and have corresponding MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) available for reference.<br />
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By Jaime Schrabeck, Ph.D.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810655416281319504.post-59843527469075246752012-09-06T22:35:00.001-07:002012-09-06T22:36:58.987-07:00Education Etiquette<a href="http://www.nwstylist.com/columns/2012/0812/0812_nail_extension.html" target="_blank">Article Published in Stylist Magazine, August 2012</a><br />
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If experience were the best teacher, the beauty industry would have no need for formal education. Those interested in becoming a nail professional would purchase supplies, open for business and practice their manicuring skills on unsuspecting clients. In time, they might learn how to do quality work (without hurting their clients) and succeed financially, but that’s not very likely. Experience can be the most inefficient, unreliable and dangerous way to learn, and some manicurists will never become skilled or successful, no matter how much experience they have.<br />
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Quality education should be the foundation of our technical expertise; hours of direct instruction/guided practice can easily supersede years of trying. But if education has this potential, why do educators complain that it’s hard to fill classes while manicurists complain about the lack of education? Instead of complaining, we should consider how we can mutually benefit from the learning process. Beyond the mere transfer of knowledge, we can explore new ideas, solve problems, inspire each other and advance the professionalism of our industry. By following education etiquette, both students and educators can play their respective roles:<br />
<br />
<b>For Students</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Find available classes by researching the internet, reading industry publications and contacting manufacturers, distributors, show/event organizers, educators and other nail professionals.</li>
<li>Watching videos and participating in webinars can be done anywhere, but plan to travel to attend classes in person.</li>
<li>Register in advance, if required, otherwise the class may be cancelled for lack of interest. If you pay for a class and don’t attend, don’t expect a refund.</li>
<li>Bring any required supplies, as directed by the educator.</li>
<li>Arrive early and sit near the front of the room to limit distractions.</li>
<li>Be prepared to take notes, either with pen/paper or electronic device. Ask permission before taking photographs or making any audio/video recordings. The content belongs to the educator, not the students.</li>
<li>Silence your cell phone. </li>
<li>Remember that if you’re not the educator, you’re a student, so behave accordingly. Understand that your background knowledge/experience differs from other students and be supportive of your educator’s efforts to include everyone.</li>
<li>Reserve your questions/comments until the end of the class; don’t be that obnoxious student everyone dreads. </li>
<li>Thank your educator. Some are paid to present classes, but many donate their time and travel expenses.</li>
</ul>
<b>For Educators</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Focus on informing rather than selling; students will respect you more.</li>
<li>Plan shorter rather than longer classes, especially at events that have multiple attractions, like a full schedule of classes, nail competitions and a bustling exhibit floor. </li>
<li>Allow enough time to cover your topic adequately. In my opinion, a lecture class is ideally 60-75 minutes long. For a demonstration class, I allow twice the time it takes to perform the actual task, and for a hands-on class, triple the time.</li>
<li>Make the title of your class brief and relevant; write a description (less than 100 words) that accurately represents the content.</li>
<li>Promote your class through your website, social media, email, print media etc. to reach as many potential students as possible.</li>
<li>Avoid canceling classes; should this happen, announce it immediately and promptly refund any payments.</li>
<li>Visit your classroom the day before, if possible, to preview the location and layout. Confirm that any signage is correct.</li>
<li>Know how to operate whatever equipment you plan to use (lighting, laptop, projector, video camera, etc.), whether it belongs to you or the facility. </li>
<li>Be kind to all event staff (management, decorators, audio-visual experts, room monitors and janitors); you never know when you’ll need their help.</li>
<li>Get your rest and eat something beforehand to maintain your energy. Have water available for the occasional dry mouth or inopportune cough.</li>
<li>Arrive early so you can be prepared to start on time. </li>
<li>Project your voice with confidence; not every classroom will be equipped with a microphone.</li>
<li>Remind your students to silence their cell phones, and instruct them to either ask questions throughout or save them for the end, whichever you prefer.</li>
<li>Briefly introduce yourself; don’t assume everyone knows who you are.</li>
<li>Structure your content logically and make it accessible so students can listen, observe, read and/or experience the information. </li>
<li>Be enthusiastic, no matter how many students you have. </li>
<li>Engage your students by making eye contact and speaking from bullet points rather than reading a script.</li>
<li>Adapt your content to the knowledge level(s) of your students to make everyone feel welcome.</li>
<li>Control your class by staying on topic and not allowing disruptions. You’re entitled to ask any disruptive student (tardy, chatty, disrespectful, confrontational, etc.) to leave the classroom; other students will appreciate your assertiveness.</li>
<li>Thank your students for their time and attention. Give them your contact information so they can ask questions later and learn about future classes.</li>
<li>Invite more experienced educators to attend your class and provide feedback. </li>
<li>Be courteous to other educators, particularly those sharing the same classroom: end your class on time, clear out quickly and don’t leave a mess.</li>
</ul>
By Jaime Schrabeck, Ph.D.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810655416281319504.post-51626163099555994452012-08-05T19:44:00.001-07:002012-09-06T22:37:32.674-07:00Add-ons Made Easy<a href="http://www.nwstylist.com/columns/2012/0712/0712_nail_extension.html" target="_blank">Article Published in Stylist Magazine, July 2012</a><br />
<br />
It’s fairly common for nail salons to offer add-on services, like paraffin treatments, French polish and nail art. The options and pricing vary, of course, because there’s a great deal of flexibility and few guidelines. For example, a salon offering nail art might charge by the nail, the time required, the difficulty of the design, or the amount of colors/glitter/rhinestones/etc. used. While add-ons have the potential to significantly increase revenue, their success depends on desirability, cost- and time-effectiveness and client perceptions of value.<br />
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Before exploring these variables, I want to acknowledge that for the purpose of this discussion, I will focus on nail-related add-on services only. Many salons have expanded their menus to include more unconventional services, but I caution salon owners against straying beyond their primary business, performing regulated beauty services. Just because clients want something doesn’t mean that you’re qualified/licensed to provide it, or that their/your best interests would be served if you did.<br />
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When considering the introduction of a new service, ask yourself, “Will this service enhance my reputation as a successful nail professional?” For example, consider “detox” foot soaks. Be sensible. If detoxifying were even possible through feet (it’s not; ask a reputable doctor) and capable of curing ailments/diseases (really?), you’d be practicing medicine which is definitely NOT within your scope of practice. Conversely, if it’s a scam (it is; just ask a chemist if you’re still not convinced), then you’d be practicing quackery which is unethical and unprofessional. Why risk your reputation when your credibility would be permanently damaged? Please, don’t. Now back to our discussion . . .<br />
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Much like retail, add-ons have a somewhat negative connotation as an “up-sell,” an extra or more expensive service that you must persuade clients to purchase. As a nail professional and salon owner, I want to provide services clients need and want, without any convincing on my part. What’s the secret? Add-ons sell themselves when clients desire them. It all depends on how your salon defines an add-on.<br />
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When developing services, I recommend giving your clients options, but not too many, otherwise scheduling and explaining the differences among services become too complicated. This can be easily avoided by creating two distinct levels of service: a very simple one that meets basic nail care needs and another that packages more luxury into an expanded service. Pedicures provide a ready example:<br />
<br />
<b>Basic</b>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Nail shaping</li>
<li>Cuticle work<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></li>
</ul>
<b>Expanded</b>
<br />
<ul>
<li>Nail shaping</li>
<li>Cuticle work</li>
<li>Callus work</li>
<li>Exfoliation</li>
<li>Paraffin</li>
<li>Massage</li>
</ul>
At Precision Nails, the basic service (Foot Express) costs $20 and takes 15 minutes, and the expanded service (Foot Detail) costs $50 and takes 45 minutes. If all the extras provided in the expanded service were available individually, it would be a pricing and scheduling hassle. Whereas, when those extras come packaged together, most clients willingly choose the expanded (and more expensive) service.<br />
<br />
Note that neither of these services includes polish. Why? We don’t assume that only women need/want their nails done; men deserve and appreciate professional nail care also. Besides, not all women want polish and some men do. I deliberately name and describe services in a gender-neutral way, because the quality of the service and the products used don’t change according to the client’s gender. Pricing should be based on the service provided, not on who’s receiving it. Our clients, whether male or female, can add a polish application or buffing to either the basic or expanded service for an additional charge; that’s the client’s choice. (Our salon doesn’t offer nail art; that’s my choice).<br />
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The cost- and time-effectiveness of an add-on service should be calculated like any other service. My standard is to price a service at no less than a $1/minute, and to limit product costs to no more than 10% of the service cost. For example, we charge $15 for a polish application or buffing, and schedule an additional 15 minutes, though it may take less time. (<a href="http://www.nwstylist.com/columns/2011/0311/0311_nail_extension.html" target="_blank">To learn more about my competitive pricing strategy, please reference the article published in the March 2011 Stylist</a>).<br />
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Despite their potential, add-ons cannot generate any revenue if clients aren’t charged for them. That sounds obvious, but I cannot count the number of nail professionals who complain that their clients expect “freebies,” like nail art/repairs/massage/etc. Despite their perceptions, clients must be held financially accountable for the services they choose to receive. To firmly establish your value, produce a comprehensive brochure with enticing service descriptions that detail what’s included, the time allowed and the price. Your salon policies (appointments, cancellations, payment options, etc.) also need to be explained in writing. When asked about your service prices, whether in person, by email or phone call, be prepared to ask some questions to determine which services, if any, best meet the client’s needs. And make sure to charge accordingly.<br />
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By Jaime Schrabeck, Ph.D.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Carmel, CA, USA36.5552386 -121.923287936.542483600000004 -121.9430289 36.5679936 -121.90354690000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810655416281319504.post-73567898930436447422012-07-05T10:57:00.000-07:002012-07-05T11:03:38.890-07:00Miss (or Mister) Independent?<a href="http://www.nwstylist.com/columns/2012/0612/0612_nail_extension.html" target="_blank">Article Published in Stylist Magazine, June 2012</a><br />
<br />
Several years ago, after teaching a class at Premiere Orlando, I was approached by an apprehensive student who asked, “How do I convince my husband that I can make money doing nails?” Though unexpected, it was a relevant question. Even before becoming licensed, this student was feeling uncertain about her career choice. Perhaps she was concerned about finding the ideal salon, investing in expensive products, developing her technical skills, building a loyal clientele or other challenges that we face as beauty professionals. Instinctively, I responded, “You need to convince yourself first.” Rather than offer false assurances, I wanted to be honest. While my experience validates the possibility of success, it’s not a common experience and not what students should expect, no matter how confident they are. If believing in oneself were the foundation of success, any manicurist could succeed, regardless of talent, effort and/or luck. That’s simply not the case.
<br />
<br />
Here’s something else students are not likely to be told, but I tell them anyway. Within the beauty profession, there’s a strong possibility of failure, and the overwhelming desire to be “independent” may be to blame. Visit any beauty school and the majority of students will share their dreams of opening their own salons. I can relate to the excitement of entering a new profession, and appreciate the students’ enthusiasm. Understandably, it’s very appealing to envision ourselves as capable of making our own decisions, controlling our work environment, making clients looks and feel better, doing what we love and supporting ourselves. But how realistic is that, really? Regardless of employment status, how many manicurists earn a living wage doing nails? If not many, don’t blame greedy salon owners. Having taken an opportunity to be independent either as booth renters or salon owners, why do so many manicurists still struggle?
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Let’s go back to beauty school, in which students learn how to perform the beauty services required by a licensing examination. Being prepared for a test is different from being prepared for the realities of salon work, much less salon ownership. Instructors can inspire students all they want, but if they happened to be unsuccessful working in a salon environment, how can they prepare their students? (I doubt most instructors, while still students, dreamed of working at a beauty school for $15 an hour.) Not to minimize the sacrifices students make, but the investment of attending beauty school at a fixed cost for a specific number of hours does not compare to the investment of launching a salon, and the continuous demands of its operation. Completing beauty school is a prerequisite for attempting the licensing exam; does any state require a beauty school education to own a salon?
<br />
<br />
I ask that question facetiously because I’m frequently contacted by individuals who plan to open salons, despite having no professional education or experience in our industry other than receiving services. (I love dining out, but that doesn’t qualify me to own a restaurant.) These potential salon owners believe that their success in their current profession will easily translate to success in the nail profession. They’re just as naive as students. Opening a salon is easy; operating one that’s legal and profitable is much harder to achieve.
<br />
<br />
Returning to the plight of struggling manicurists, what’s the problem? Spend time around them, whether online or in person, and they’ll offer multiple explanations:
<br />
<ul>
<li class="li1">the economy is bad and all salons are suffering</li>
<li class="li1">I can’t compete with discount salons</li>
<li class="li1">my clients will leave if I raise my prices</li>
<li class="li1">my services take a long time, but it’s because I’m a perfectionist</li>
<li class="li1">my clients expect free repairs and nail art</li>
<li class="li1">the cost of quality products is too expensive</li>
<li class="li1">the other manicurists in the salon don’t clean</li>
<li class="li1">the salon owner doesn’t refer clients to me, and so on.</li>
</ul>
Apparently, not even glitter can cover their frustration. It would seem that there’s always some excuse, but very little personal responsibility.
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<br />
Why do these manicurists reject the option of being employed by a successful and responsible salon owner? What makes them believe they could do better on their own? While optimism might sustain them initially, and sometimes indefinitely, it can also mislead. How else to explain the number of manicurists who persist in our profession despite not being financially successful? Maybe they don’t need to make money; they might have another job, financial support from a spouse or a trust fund. That’s not me; I’ve always valued my success more than my independence because I need to support myself. Each of us must consider what’s in our best interests, and for some, that might mean leaving the nail profession altogether. If that seems harsh, I’d say that encouraging those incapable of success, for whatever reasons, to stick it out would be far more so. If I’m wrong, they can prove it.
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By Jaime Schrabeck, Ph.D.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8810655416281319504.post-63663549484993081762012-06-03T15:51:00.001-07:002012-06-03T15:51:30.081-07:00Nails in the News<br />
<a href="http://www.nwstylist.com/columns/2012/0512/0512_nail_extension.html" target="_blank">Article Published in Stylist Magazine, May 2012</a><br />
<br />
Browsing the home page of msnbc.com recently, I was surprised to find an article link containing the words "extreme manicure" at the top of the page. Before proceeding to the article, I hesitated a moment. Whenever reading or watching any news related to nails, I'm prepared to be disappointed and frustrated. It's not that I expect the news to be positive; that would be remarkable and promising, and likely not news at all.<br />
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There's a difference between journalism (investigating and reporting on current events, trends, etc.) and content marketing (providing information to alter consumer behavior and build brand loyalty). I expect journalistic integrity from my news, and hold the media accountable for what they present. What's the purpose and relevance of the news report? Who's the source? Is the information (facts, quotes, etc.) accurate and objective? Has the context been adequately established? What are the qualifications of any contributors? How was the research conducted? What conclusions can be drawn? What impact does the information have? And on a more personal note, why should I care?<br />
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Some defend content marketing by claiming that consumers are sophisticated enough to distinguish between journalism and marketing: "today's audiences are accustomed to filtering information from a great many sources and taking those sources into account" (When Worlds Collide by Peter Haapaniemi at <a href="http://www.customcontentcouncil.com/" target="_blank">www.customcontentcouncil.com</a>). Really? If I were a consumer without any specialized knowledge about nail care (anatomy/physiology, infection control, product chemistry, etc.), I'd probably believe the following:<br />
<ul>
<li>nails need to breathe;</li>
<li>clients should bring their own tools to the salon;</li>
<li>professional nail services, pedicures in particular, can be deadly;</li>
<li>nail polish adversely affects reproductive health and causes breast cancer;</li>
<li>UV lamps used to cure gel nails cause skin cancer;</li>
<li>products that smell are more toxic than ones that don't.</li>
</ul>
Repeated often enough in the media, this information, whether true or not, makes consumers afraid of nail salons and nail products, both professional and retail.<br />
<br />
If having your nails done is dangerous, then doing nails must be very dangerous. Yet, manicurists don't even make the list of "The 15 Most Dangerous Jobs in America:"<br />
<ol>
<li>Fishers and related fishing workers*</li>
<li>Logging workers</li>
<li>Aircraft pilots and flight engineers*</li>
<li>Farmers and ranchers*</li>
<li>Coal miners</li>
<li>Roofers</li>
<li>Refuse and recyclable material collectors*</li>
<li>Truck drivers*</li>
<li>Police officers*</li>
<li>Electrical power-line installers and repairers</li>
<li>Construction laborers</li>
<li>Taxi drivers and chauffeurs**</li>
<li>Grounds maintenance workers*</li>
<li>Athletes, coaches, umpires and related workers*</li>
<li>Operating engineers and construction equipment operators*</li>
</ol>
*Transportation incidents are the main cause of death.<br />
** Assaults accounted for slightly more deaths than transportation incidents.<br />
(Based on data compiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2010 and reported by Gus Lubin and Kevin Lincoln for <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/" target="_blank">www.businessinsider.com</a>).<br />
My work as a nail professional does not require driving, which might explain why it doesn't rank among these other professions.<br />
<br />
That being said, it's interesting that when I Googled "nail polish death," I could document an actual death related to nail polish. But it had nothing to do with "toxic" chemicals as some might expect In a tragic incident widely known as the "Nail Polish Crash," motorcyclist Anita Zaffke was killed by motorist Lora Hunt who was polishing her nails while behind the wheel. Hunt was subsequently convicted of reckless homicide and sentenced to 18 months. Meanwhile, Zaffke's son Greg honors his mother's memory with the Crash Coalition (<a href="http://www.crashcoalition.org/" target="_blank">www.crashcoalition.org</a>), a non-profit organization advocating against DWD (driving while distracted). DWD is deliberate and avoidable, yet one of the the leading causes of fatalities and injuries according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (<a href="http://www.distraction.gov/" target="_blank">www.distraction.gov</a>.).<br />
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I digress, so back to the article I found on msnbc.com, A whole new gloss: Consumers buy into 'extreme manicure' trend by Martha C. White. The author and I have different perspectives on what constitutes "extreme" or even "new;" she briefly mentions the "crack" polish look and "press-on decals" as if they were revolutionary. Within approximately 400 words, the word "bright" appears 3 times to emphasize the trend towards bolder and less traditional colors. White also cites some research from the NPD Group about increased polish sales at department stores (up 63%) and the popularity of blue polish, which accounts for 20% of the top 130 colors sold. (There's no data included on polish sales at salons or mass market retailers, like Target or Walmart.)<br />
<br />
White concludes that "budget-minded," "DIY" shoppers are driving this "low-cost trend." That's laughable because I would never refer to consumers who buy department store polish as "budget-conscious" or likely to DIY; Chanel's Le Vernis Nail Color, at $26 a bottle, is hardly "low-cost" when compared to professional polish available for about $8 a bottle. So while the overall tone of the article is positive (no mention is made of the "toxicity" of nail polish ingredients), White ends her article by quoting a retail strategist: '"The customer that used to to get weekly manicures is probably doing her own nails," Levy said. That nail salon's loss is a beauty retailer's gain.' Here's some news: we're gaining clients who prefer to have their nails done professionally, and we also retail polish, some of it blue.<br />
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By Jaime Schrabeck, Ph.D.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0