December Kicked My Ass

I don't know about the rest of you, but December kicked my ass, especially the last few weeks.  I have a few Reader Submissions to post, however, I would like to hold off on them and post something different this week.

What are your New Years Resolutions for this coming year?  For your business, career, etc?  Submit them to me at nailtechtalk@yahoo.com and I will post them.  You can send them to me on Facebook, or on the Nail Tech Talk Facebook Page if you don't want to post them anonymously.  I will compile a list and post them!

--Nancy

BUYER BEWARE!!!

I was tipped off to a FaceBook group that was started to buy, sell or trade things within our profession.  While I think it's a great idea, the moderator needs to set up some kind of rules because it seems as though she is allowing people to sell things under false pretenses.

First case in point, was the reason why this link was sent to me.  Someone was offering a CND ProFinish 20 watt, two handed light.  It said she paid $265 for it and was entertaining any reasonable offers.  She stated that it was practically brand new and used only a few times.  Well, a number of people assumed that this is a UV light that will cure gel and gel polish and soak off gels.  When someone posted that this light was "Nothing more than a glorified polish dryer" all hell broke loose and then all the ridiculous came out.

Ridiculousness like statements like this:

The light has 5 "4WATT BULBS" if you add that together u get 20WATTS!This is what I do with my 36 watt lamp, i remove 3 bulbs which leaves me with 9 watts and I use that to cure my builders to lessen the heat spike more bulbs DOES equal more curing power!  it works the same way iff you want less wattage to cure, u just remove how ever many bulbs u want to get the wattage u want--common logic i do it All the time!I asked this very question to a woman who works for star nails and developed her own UV/LED and I asked this very question to the President of CND, Gelish reps and a President of Forever French Nail Systems and they all told me the same thing.

WOW, I am glad you aren't MY nail tech or that you don't work for me because that is just bat shit crazy!

First of all, the number of bulbs doesn't matter.  More bulbs just gives you more even coverage.  A one bulb light will not cure a whole hand, you have to cure the thumbs by themselves.  A light with four bulbs will give you the ability to cure the full hand.  A 36 watt light is a light with 4 - 9 watt bulbs, just like this light is one with 5- 4 watt bulbs.  Four watt bulbs will cure or should I say DRY a UV topcoat.  Who the hell uses those any more?  Are any of you people really still polishing nails?  I haven't polished a nail since February (I just looked) and that was someone from OUT OF TOWN.

Second, I would like to call bullshit on the statement that you asked people from Star, CND, Gelish and Forever French and they confirmed what you are saying.  Elaine Watson of Star would NEVER tell you that 4 watt bulbs will cure gel, gel top coat, gel polish and soak off gel.  I laugh at the thought of actually being able to ask the President of CND a question.  Really???  Hell, I can't get them to return a phone call or an email, yet you can just ring them up anytime you want?  Give me a break.

Lastly, if you are having to remove bulbs from your light to avoid a heat spike, might I suggest that you either find a new product to work with to take a freaking class and learn how to use your product.  Taking bulbs out of lights?  Who the hell has time for that ridiculousness???

Everyone do yourself a favor and educate yourself on UV lights.  Jim McConnell from Light Elegance is like the guru of UV lights.  Start reading on page 14.  

I have looked through this page some more and while I see a lot of good things, like people looking for pedi carts and people selling newer things like the new OPI soak off gel system, I still see crap like this.  Someone is selling SOLARNAIL powder.  How the hell old is this stuff??  CND discontinued it how many years ago (Just like they discontinued ProFinish, which is what that stupid light above was for).  Don't you people know that there is a shelf life on products.  I would garner that that jar of Solarnail powder is five or more years older.

So, BUYER BEWARE!  Don't be buying someone's old ass product.  Don't purchase someone's nail polish dryer (because lets admit it, that is exactly what that lamp is) and be all bummed because it won't cure your gel.  Don't buy other people's shit.  If they don't want it, why the hell would you???

Thank you for the tip on this little gem.  I have also received a tip on some things to watch on International Competition Judging as well.  Keep them coming!

--Nancy

Strut Your Stuff - Where's the Beef???

So, the Strut Your Stuff winners are finally online.  Sure would be nice to know the NAMES of the winners and where they are from.  Are we ever going to know this information or is the posting not completely done.  It's been like this since last night.  Kind of anti-climatic if you ask me!

--Nancy

Happy Holidays!

It's that wonderful time of the year, where all the holy people start bitching about people saying Happy Holidays, or heaven forbid, Merry Xmas.  Well, this is something I've wanted to say for some time now.  Just because someone says Happy Holidays or Merry Xmas, it doesn't mean they don't have faith, or are taking Christ out of Christmas.  To a lot of people, Happy Holidays is an expression to use from the day after Thanksgiving until New Years Day.

Between those two holidays, there are a number of religious and holy days for a number of faiths.  In my opinion, Merry Christmas is appropriate on December 25.  When it is December 14, it is Happy Holidays.  You don't get greeted with Happy Birthday each and every day of the month you were born, right?  No, you get Hello the other thirty some days.

Now where I do draw the line is places that are putting up trees and calling them "Holiday" trees instead of what they are - Christmas Trees.  You don't see Jews putting up Menorahs and calling them Holiday Candelabras.  If you are going to call them holiday trees, well then they should be up all year long and decorated for each and every holiday of the year, including Groundhog Day.

Now, for the folks that get their panties in a bunch over Merry Xmas.  Well, did you know, that yes, the X is taking place of the word Christ, however it is not being replaced with an "X", it is supposed to be a cross.  Well, on an old keyboard, there isn't such a character, so an X is used.  I've also read where the X is the Greek letter X and you can read all about it here.

Why all the sensitivity?  Why all the anger and resentfulness towards people who greet you with Happy Holidays or Merry Xmas?  I will wish you all a Merry Christmas ON DECEMBER 25!

--Nancy

I Need My Lunch!

READER SUBMISSION
I am a human being.  As such, I like to eat in order to sustain obtainable energy throughout  the busy day.    When I say I want a lunch every day, I mean it.  I don't care if the whole damn industry books themselves up all day, every day.  I don't care if hairdressers can eat while their color processes.  I'm not a hair dresser.  I'm a nail tech.  If my lunch isn't physically on the books, I don't get to eat.  


What is so frigin hard to understand about that!?!  I'm not a machine here to work from start to finish because you won't support my decision to choose to take 30 minutes from my day to sit down and eat.  Threatening me that the receptionists won't like me if I keep getting mad because they took my lunch out, and therefore won't book appointments with me; is piss poor management on your part.  You should make it painfully clear to them that they are to respect me and my schedule, that they are not gods.  


And here's a tip: when you chew out an employee, don't act all high and mighty by saying how you do things so much better because you do them a different way.  You sound condescending and off-putting.  I'm all for making the client happy, but I'm not going to sacrifice my lunch just because they want in.  I'm sure given the option of a different time available, most would be completely ok.  You don't have to say yes to every thing.  I've never said I had to have lunch at the same time every day, just that I wanted one.  If I don't stand up for myself on this, who will?  


And to the receptionist who flat out told me there would be days that I wouldn't get a lunch because it would be too busy and clients would want in... FUCK YOU.  I just got done telling you that I want a lunch every day.  I didn't say, "if time allows."  I said every day.  The hours I work are to include 30 minutes every day.  You annoy me.  You are around 50, yet you act like a whiny brat teenager.  You annoy the other girls and because you are unhappy you like to stir the pot. 


I am ready to leave.  The only thing that keeps me motivated is job hunting and knowing that this BS is temporary.  I won't let people walk over me or put up with their crap. The more I take, the more they give. 
Life is too short to not have fun.


--I Need My Lunch!

Maggie's a Fan - The Feeling's Mutual!

I noticed a lot of people being referred to this blog from a Nails Magazine link, so I did a little research.  It seems that Maggie Franklin, Nail Tech Extraordinaire and blogger/author of "Maggie Rants and Raves", a Nails Magazine Blog, has a blog post about this blog.  Thank you, Maggie!!!

I have been a follower of your blog for some time now and I must admit, your blog pretty much gave me the idea to do this blog.  I would love to comment on your post, however, since blogs and such can see IP origination, an approximate location could blow my anonymous status.   

For what it's worth, I have never had the opportunity, but you bet your sweet ass when I do, I will most definitely sit with you and have lunch with you.  Anonymously, of course!

--Nancy

Follower Friday - Reader Submissions 10

It's been awhile since we've had some reader submissions.  I have stockpiled them and here's the latest.  REMEMBER, these are from a lot of other people, so please do not dog on me for bitching, whining and being negative.  This is "Everything you always wanted to say, but couldn't".  --Nancy

As stupid as you look when you make that stupid "kissy face" in all of your photos, you sound even more stupid when you talk like a Valley Girl and you live on the east coast.  Stop dumbing yourself down.  You are giving women and young girls a bad rap.

Don't you just love when you and three of your co-workers are slammed with clients and the one tech, that is either ahead of schedule or had a no show just sits there surfing the Internet, while there are phone calls to be returned, the phone is ringing off of the hook and people are walking in wanting to purchase things?  Maybe if you got off your ass and off the Internet, maybe you would have a client in your chair.

My client that is missing three fingers on one hand doesn't ask for a discount, why should you?

Shellac didn't ruin your nails, YOU DID when you picked it all off, when it is easily removed with acetone, even by you.

Listen carefully.  It is called O.P.I.  Three letters.  It's not Opie.  He was a small boy with an Aunt Bee.

I'm sorry, coming in six weeks later with seven nails missing isn't a FILL it is called a FULL SET.

We realize that WalMart has brought back lay-away for the hoidays, however, we are not WalMart, therefore, payment is expected at the time of your service.

Hey you, with the gift certificate that you won, that we donated to an organization to give to you:  Why must you always want more?  Isn't the ONE service of your choice enough?  Oh, no?  You want two and one for your sister too.  Greed kills.

For the love of everything good, WIPE YOUR FEET!  Do you really think we want your muddy shoes stomping all over our carpet.  I can't imagine what your home looks like!

If you sprinkle while you tinkle, please be neat and wipe the seat!  Women are HOGS in the bathroom.

Put the phone down!  Put the phone down!  Put the phone down!  The world will not end if you can't touch your phone for an hour.

If you use it up, refill it, if you break it, fix it, if it is empty, refill it, if it drops, pick it up, if it is out of place, put it back, if you dirty it, clean it.  It's really not rocket science.

What is it with people who think that positive things should be written about on here?  The mantra of this site is "Everything you always WANTED to say, but couldn't"  How does all the things you love about this industry fall into this category.  Quit your bitching and if you don't like it don't read it.  You are pathetic.  You probably live alone with a cat.

I see new educators trying so hard to impress people.  Way too hard.  It's actually kind of painful to watch.  If you have to put that much effort into it, maybe you aren't cut out for the job.

To all the judgmental bitches out there who make snide remarks about others who post photos of nails, that they don't think are perfect, where are YOUR photos for US to critique.  Just what I thought.  Shut the fuck up then.

Things I Can't Say - Positive Edition

So most of the "Things I really want to say, but can't" are negative.  That's a no brainer.  How many positive things are there to say about life and business that you can't say, in fear of repercussions.  So, it got me thinking and I came up with some positive things about my business that I could NEVER say to anyone other than my spouse, children or close friends.  Why? you ask?  Well, because if I said these things to anyone, I would be accused of bragging.  I am not a bragger.  I am humble.  However, the Troll asked for it, so here it is - The Positive Stuff.

I have made entirely too much money this year.  I have paid off every debt I have ever had.  For the first time, in a long, long, time, I am totally debt free.  I never thought I would see this day.  I have started stockpiling money in different savings accounts.  I have tried to spend it, to get some tax write offs.  I did improvements at the salon.  I brought in new products, new retail and vamped up the furniture.  We are showering our clients with Christmas gifts.  The staff is getting BIG bonuses this year and we are having a formal party this year with spouses invited and entertainment.  I am considering a staff cruise as a reward.  Still, I have way too much money left in the bank.

We have too many clients.  I know that sounds like a good thing, but it really isn't.  We have so many clients, that if we worked non-stop, seven days a week, we would still be busy and have a waiting list.  We are working so much that our backs are hurting.  Our hands ache.  After working all of those hours, there's still the supply ordering, bookwork and cleaning that must be done.  Still, there is the disappointment when we have to turn clients away.  We have no more room in our books.

Our salon has the best technicians in the area.  Yes, they may be sloppy and sometimes be a little lax in their duties, but isn't everyone?  I can honestly say that our technicians are the best around to the point that our competition doesn't even hold a candle to our work.  I guess it's a good thing they charge $5 less than we do, they should charge even less considering the end result that they are putting out, that we end up fixing and thus earning even MORE clients, that we no longer have room for.

So finally, I am proud that I am a female business owner, in a business that I love and thrive at.  I am a successful one as well.  I employ a staff of  seven now.  Each and every one of my technicians is a trained professional, who was trained by me.  With all of the things I deal with each day from salon issues, to staffing issues to client issues, it's no wonder I have things to say.  Things to air out.  I mean really.  Who can I air these things out to?  My spouse doesn't understand.  My best friend is a teacher.  I can't complain about the staff to the staff.

So, I could vent to my peers.  Some of them, would see this as a sign of weakness.  Some like to see any form of it and they just go in for the kill, most of the time behind your back.  So, I and others, vent anonymously.  It gives us a way to get it off our chest.  Without the fear of ridicule.  It is quite cleansing.  You should try it.

--Nancy

Don't Feed the TROLL

Well, it seems that we've attracted a Troll.  Here's the Urban Dictionary definition of a TROLL

One who posts a deliberately provocative message to a newsgroup ormessage board with the intention of causing maximum disruption and argument

I think we can add blogs to this list.  In the past few weeks, I've had my writing criticized.  I've been told that I hate my job, I hate my clients, I hate my potential clients, I hate my co-workers, I hate life.  Blah, Blah, Blah.  Can you imagine what they would say or do IF THEY KNEW WHO I WAS?  I would be the next public sacrifice to the Nail Gods.

I have two words for our little troll.  FUCK YOU.  I will not respond to any of your posts.  I will not let you bait me.  I am providing a service, which is a way for professionals to vent in an environment that judgmental bitches, like yourself, can't look down on you, rub our noses in our own insecurities and publicly make fun of us.  YOU are the reason why we have to have a website like this.

I must be doing something right, because I have brought it out in you.  Maybe you read a little truth in these posts.  Maybe you are guilty of a lot of things that I, and others, post.  Yes, that's right, I post a lot of things for other people.  If the post is from me, I sign it.  If it's not, I let the author sign as they wish.

If I was to guess, our Troll is someone who either works alone, because no one will work with them OR they are someone who isn't even working in the business any longer.  They have failed.  They are now on a mission to make everyone miserable, because nothing makes them feel better than making someone else feel worse than YOU do.  Well, it's not gonna happen.

I am a very happy person.  I am very successful.  I have a lot of close friends, a loving family and most importantly, a clear conscience.  I don't lie.  I don't mislead.  I don't pick fights.  I just tell it like it is.  If you think otherwise, what do I care?  I don't.

So I am asking all of you readers - "Do not feed the Troll".  If you don't feed it, it will go away.

--Nancy

Planning Ahead

Does anyone plan ahead anymore?  I mean, I don't know about the rest of you, but December is a killer month for me, my staff and my salon.  We are crazy busy each and every day.  Yet, there are still people who don't get it.  They must think that we are sitting around waiting to do their nails.

It's not only bad when people call the day that they want an appointment.  It's worse when they want it at a specific time, usually, 5:00.  Really?  I mean, come on.  If the salon you are calling is even half way decent, it is pretty safe to assume that they are not going to have an appointment for you on the day you call and they are never going to have the perfect time that you want.

How about the brides that call the week of their wedding wanting to schedule their nail and pedicure appointment for themselves AND their nine bridesmaids?  Really?  You have been planning this wedding for how long and you call five days before the big day and want us to magically produce 20 spots in our book?

So, if you want your nails done and have them look awesome, and have them prepared in a safe and clean environment, with legal products being used, PLAN AHEAD.  If you don't care about those things, I am sure a walk in place at the mall will be more than happy to apply a set of Chicklet nails with a side of infection.

--Nancy

Share the Love - Purchasing Stuff for Friends and Relatives

Well, we've had those that are pissed at manufacturers who are selling their stuff in Sally Beauty Supply to the general public.  We have had those who are pissed at industry professionals teaching consumers how to use a consumer brand of gel polish.  Now, it seems as though we have those who are pissed because people with a license are purchasing retail for family and friends at cost.

REALLY?  Come on!  With all the things going on in the world, this is what has put the bee in your bonnet?  As I was out shopping, on Black Friday, as I was standing in line, which was snaking through the Health and Beauty Department, I couldn't help notice "Professional" hair products for sale.  I noticed a can of Big Sexy Hair hairspray for $17.95.  In the beauty supply stores we can get that for about $8.95.  It is worth, $8.95.  You have to be on some really good drugs to think that it is worth $17.95.

So, if I, or anyone else, decided to share the love with my family and friends, who cares?  Are we breaking any laws or rules? NO!  A licensed person is purchasing the stuff.  So now we have people who want to tell us what we can and can't do with the supplies that we purchase?  I think not.

I can totally understand, not purchasing color or perms for unlicensed people, but come on, shampoo, conditioner, hair spray, polishes and lotion are not in that category and lets face it the mark up is ridiculous.  Just think, the manufacturer is making a HUGE profit on it from what WE pay them, so once it gets to the consumer, they have been totally raped in the pocketbook.  So, if I want to help out my family and friends, how dare you look down your nose at me or anyone else who does it, even if they have a license and have never practiced before.

If you are losing so much by not being able to retail, I am going to say it again, you need to look at your business plan, because you have some serious problems in your business.  Maybe you bought into one of those classes years ago that pushed you to sell so much retail each month so that you could retire early.  Now that people aren't buying as much retail, you are hurting.  Look at your service menu, add new services, determine how to make money by doing your craft not by being a product salesperson.

It's time to stop pointing the fingers at everyone else, blaming them for our own shortcomings.  Remember, when you point a finger at someone, three other fingers, point right back at YOU!

Who's Afraid of the Big, Bad Do-It-Yourself-er?

Not me.  Come on people!  Are you really so offended by these people, who purchase product and do their own nails?  Really?  Do you really think that those people would even consider walking in your salon door?  If you think they would, if they didn't have access to things like Gelish or Sensationail, well you obviously don't think too much of your own work.

Not everyone is going to be a client of yours.  Some people are cheap and want to do things at home.  Look at the results!  The photo shown, is one that has been passed around the Internet by a lot of people.  It is a DIY'er.  WOW, don't those nails look snazzy!  So, I guess your work looks like this, huh?  Oh, it doesn't?  Then why the hell do you have a wild hair up your ass about all of this?

First everyone got all pissed off because Gelish is being sold in little, itty, bitty bottles with a tiny, battery operated UV light in Sally's.  *GASP*  Never mind that you can find other brands of acrylic and gel by your favorite manufacturers in that store, just under a different name.  I've got to give it to Danny Haile, at least he keeps it honest.  So, very few of the colors are sold, they are little bottles, big deal.  Again, the people buying these products will never be in your chair to begin with.  Calls were made to boycott Harmony Nail and all of their products.

Next we have the big uproar about Vicki Peters and company teaching the general public how to use Sensationail gel polish, by Nailene.  Again, they are teaching those who will never be in your chair how to use a product that may or may not be a professional product in a consumer package, with a consumer label, marketed to the consumer.  Knives were thrown, virtually, at Ms. Peters and her team of educational ambassadors.  Their integrity was questioned and some very nasty things were said PUBLICLY.  

Finally, last week, Jennifer Cherry of Nail Talk Radio, posted this photo of KISS nail wraps that she saw for sale.  It was immediately determined that they look very similar to Dashing Diva's new wraps.  So, what?  Is everyone going to start boycotting Dashing Diva?  Should Patricia Yankee-Williams start watching for the knives to start flying her way, since she is in a pivotal position in that company?

It's time to just shut up, get behind your table and do the best job you can do.  All this bitching and moaning and pointing fingers and boycotting is just ridiculous.  You are all pissed off about product being in the hands of people who will never be your client.  You are pissed that people are teaching those non-clients how to use their products.  You accuse companies and industry professionals of taking money out of your pocket, taking business out of your salon and taking food off your table.

If DIY'ers are hurting your business, them maybe you need to look at your business plan.  Maybe there is another reason why your business has dropped.  Maybe your skills, just aren't up to par.  Maybe you are so stuck in your ways, that you will never consider doing anything new.  I remember all the stubborn, old timers, dissing soak of gel polish when it came out.  Finally, nearly two years later, they jumped on the bus because they saw the business they were losing.  Guess what?  You are two years behind the rest of us who were innovative and took a chance on a new product.  We have now mastered it, and are now taking it to another level, while you are still at square one, trying to master application.

So stop your damn bitching about manufacturers and professionals selling you out.  No one sold you out, you sold YOURSELF out, you just refuse to stay on the cutting edge of what is happening in the nail world.  I could care less about the DIY'ers and if you do, then maybe you need to take a couple of classes because your work is obviously on par with that lovely photo at the top of this post.

--Nancy

The Viciousness Of It All

The nail industry is vicious and it is such a shame.  Technicians will put some up on a pedestal and then when they do something that they don't particularly agree with, they will rip that person to shreds.  Sometimes, it is quite disgusting to watch.

It's almost like they get enjoyment from watching a peer go through a bad situation.  What makes it even worse is when they gang up and really go at someone.  Is that really necessary?  To gang up against someone?

Those of us in the business see the same things as you.  Some of us feel the same way as you.  But there are some of us who choose not to be so vicious, and totally lambaste someone in public.  We choose to pick our battles.  We choose to let the person learn from their mistakes with dignity.

Those who are vicious better hope that when they slip up in life, and we all do, that when their time comes that their gang of merry friends will be there to support them.  My guess is that they will turn on you faster than a dress comes off on prom night.  Past history has proven that.

So, everyone should treat each other with a little kindness and respect.  EVEN if you don't think the person deserves it.  Otherwise, you are nothing but a bully and because of people like you, we have to have a website like this, so that people can say things without others holding it against them, even when it is things that they need to hear.

--Nancy

Attitude is Everything and Yours Sucks

Today, I finally am going to use your wonderful blog to “Say what I really want to say but can’t”  Why can’t I say what I really want to say?  Because the truth hurts and people will have bruised egos and just up and quit on me.  However, these things need to be said.  Who knows, maybe they are readers of this blog and will see this and think, “Hey, I am being a jerk too” and straighten up.

DO YOUR JOB.  It’s that simple.  You were hired to do a job.  Nothing that is required of you are things that I, as your boss/salon owner, would not do and do not do.  Everything I expect of you, I do myself, and then some.  Why must you all be so lazy?

Why must I feel like a parent, reminding a child to do their chores?  You are adults.  You see me doing it, setting the example, why can’t you do it?  I have the answer for you.  You are lazy.

It is very important to keep accurate client record cards, especially when we all do services on the same person from time to time.  Why are you too lazy to pull the client’s card from the file and instead you make a new card.  So, one person has six cards in all different places.  How is this efficient?  You’ve been told over and over to not do this, yet your laziness wins out every time.

Why must you spell the client’s name in the computer or on their card using your “Hooked on Phonics” method?  I mean I know some people spell their names differently, but come on, not every Linda is Lynda,  not every Kylie is kaileigh, not every Molly is Mollee, etc.  People love their name and it is an insult to them when you misspell their name.  How hard is it to say “Is that Carol with a C or K” or “How do you spell your name?”  Over and over again we go through this.  So in our computer, we have one client in there no less than six different ways.  How hard is it to figure out that one of the five already there that is spelled funky is HER and you don’t need to add another entry.

All of this laziness on your part is just creating more work for me and I am personally sick to death of it.  I don’t know what else to do.  I’ve asked over and over again for you to comply.  We are doing our client’s a disservice due to your laziness and lack of focus.

Quit acting like children and do you mother loving job.  I am tired of doing your job for you, however, I have no choice but to do it.  Keep it up, you will burn me out and I will close, then what will you do?  I am betting your next boss will not be as nice.

--Tired of Working With Inconsiderate Assholes

CAUTION: They want your SOUL!

It's that time of year again.  The time, where manufacturers start recruiting educators.  Younger, newer nail tech's, tingle with excitement of the imagined glamorous life of being an educator.  What they really need to do is look around and ask some questions and proceed with caution.

They need to ask why some companies totally turn their backs on the creative people who have helped to make their companies and products what they are today.  Tech's who were so innovative and creative that they set the bar for all others to want to copy and to be like to this day.  But hey, when you have a baby and take some time off, when you come back it's like you are an untalented newbie again.  You've been replaced and with someone who thinks they are now better than you.

Or how about a company who uses a big name tech, to help them develop and fine tune their product.  Once the product is a hit, they throw the person, who is ultimately responsible for the success that they have, to the curb, with no regard to the fact that they have a family to feed.  They are expendable.

See, with a majority of these companies, they will use you and abuse you for everything they can get out of you.  They don't care about you, despite the good show that they put on.  They just want all you have to offer them and I do mean ALL.  Once that has been procured, you will be kicked to the curb with the rest of the "little people" that they have stomped on to become the mega power house that they are today.

So, this is a message to all you new, aspiring educators out there.  We will be here, when you need us, to pick up the pieces.  We will soothe your bruised ego.  We will help you build your self-esteem back up.  We will be here to support you when things end, because they always do and it's never a "good" ending.  We've been through it and no matter how much we warn you or try to make you proceed with caution, you have been bit by the bug that they have set out to you.  You have bought their line.

--Nancy (And all the other veteran educators out there who have been there and done that)

STATE BOARD - You SUCK!

Two months ago, I contacted my state board about a local salon, who was advertising that they were performing services that were beyond the scope of their license.  The complaint was registered and a case file number was assigned.

Through the past two months, I have provided more and more evidence of the salon’s violations.  Photos of signs, advertisements and announcements on Facebook.

Finally, last week I sent two more photos and asked what the hell was up.  Why are they still, two months later illegally doing services that they are not permitted to do and doing them poorly, may I add, to the point that they are destroying people’s hair.

The response I received makes me want to kick a puppy and I love puppies. 

Please be advised that this matter is still under investigation.  Normal processing time is 9-12 months; however, it can take longer depending on the caseload of the investigator and/or the attorney.

REALLY?  Nine to twelve months???  You are kidding, right?  WOW, way to enforce those rules.  I mean do you realize how much damage they can cause in nine months to ONE YEAR??  How much money are they making ILLEGALLY in a years time?

People wonder why things are the way they are and THIS is the reason.  WHY have the government regulate our industry when they really AREN’T regulating it, they are just pretending to.  Pretending, so that they can take money from us in forms of individual and facility license fees.

So hey, the next time you are worried that you “may” be doing something inappropriate, just go on ahead and do it.  No one cares.  By the time that they get around to caring, a year has passed and that trend or fad has already passed.  Most of us with professionalism and integrity won’t do that, but you bet your sweet ass others will.

--Nancy

Follower Friday - Reader Submissions 9

If I had it to do all over again, I would never open a salon.  I would just work for someone else and do my clients and go home.

Some days I really want to go in and say "I quit!", but then remember that I own the place.

Dear client – if you are going to Facebook  me for an appointment the same day, YOU NEED TO CHECK for a reply from me!!!   How many times have I responded to such a request within the hour, many times within minutes, to let you know available times, only to never hear back from you!  Or to hear back after that space in my book is long gone.  Or after I’ve closed for the day.  And no, I can’t magically make time appear again.  If it’s that important that you need to get in ASAP then it’s important enough to pick up the phone and call me.    I don’t care if your Blackberry doesn’t show you the Facebook messages.  YOU initiated the contact via Facebook, so YOU need to check for a reply.


Some people really are full of themselves, especially on Facebook.  Are you really that fabulous or do you just THINK you are.


When YOU don't do YOUR job, you create more work for OTHERS.  Do your job.  Everyone else is!


This is a salon, not a snack bar.


Thank you so much for putting back an EMPTY pot of gel.  It's like going to the refrigerator and seeing an empty milk carton.  How can we order it if we don't know you used the last of it?


It joys me so that I have to stop working on a client to wait on another client that came in the door while you sit there and surf the net in the other room.

Competition Scandals Continue

I knew something was up.  The hairs on my arms have been raised for over a week now, I just couldn't put my finger on it.  Slowly, this is all starting to come out.  I previously touched on the Nailympics in Long Beach in a previous post.  Sadly, this would be the last time most would see the legendary Tom Holcomb, as he passed away on October 28.  I considered removing my past post, out of respect for Tom, but decided not to, for some reason.  I am glad I didn't, because I think it will help to document the events that happened.

This morning I saw this post by Rich Pun.

As you can see from this post, Rich alludes that something was up in Long Beach.  Dirty little secrets ALWAYS have a way of coming out.  It's just a matter of time.

Sadly, we will not have the opportunity to see Tom take the nail industry back. We will not be able to see him shut his doubters up.  We have lost a great man.

Follower Friday - Reader Submissions 8

If you are going to ask question after question, asking the next one before I've even started answering the first one, I am just going to be quiet and let you get it all out of your system.  It's obvious you aren't listening to the answers anyway.  I need to be concentrating on your service, not trying to figure out what you are asking in you ADD kind of ways.

When you are late, you make me run late for the rest of the day.  I will not punish those after you who are ON TIME, by starting them late.  Sorry, but your appointment ends when it was scheduled to end.  If I am not finished, sorry, next time be on time.

The bathroom light was off and the door was open when you went in.  Why must you always leave the light on and close the door when you leave?  Don't you realize this makes people think someone is in there???

Seriously, if you break it, fix it or at least tell someone it's broke.  Don't leave it for someone to find later.

If you don't instruct your new clients on home care, don't be pissed off when they come back a mess.

Short cuts that you take today will lead to long detours in two weeks.

To the techs that boast "My nails NEVER lift".  I would like to call you a big, fat, hairy liar.  Everyone has at least one problem client that lifts.  I officially call bullshit on you.

When someone is taking the time to mentor you, you should listen to them.  They shouldn't have to say the same things to you over and over, some of which, you should already know.

Gel polish didn't ruin your nails.  YOU ruined them when you peeled the stuff off even when it obviously didn't want to come off.

If you are a tech and you are still doing pink and whites with 1/4 inch pink and 1/2 inch white, you need to take some damn continuing education classes because that just isn't right.  Do you really think that enhances the nail??????

Why am I still trying to find something that I ordered on October 10 and have tried online help, emailed and called the company.  Last Friday I was told that it would be shipped out.  Here it is a week later and still nothing.

A manicure is a manicure, it is NOT a full set of acrylic nails.  Why would you think otherwise?

What is going on with our schools???

Reader Submission (Keep them coming!)

I just have to ask, "What the hell is going on in our schools?"  The students that they are putting out are PATHETIC.  As a salon owner, I realize that I need to train technicians that work in my salon, but OMG, these girls are pitiful even after doing 20 plus hours of one on one training with me.  They can't even polish a fingernail. Seriously.  I have proof.

Here is tech number one, who was let go after six months.  She never progressed.  These photos are from three months into her employment and after over 20 hours of training, constant communication on what she needs to do to be better and demonstrations on how to do things better.

Look at this lovely French polish.  Look at the wonderful shape of the nails.  Look at the ragged free edges and are you BLIND from the lack of cuticle care???

How would she even think that that was acceptable to let walk out the door?  So, we worked AGAIN on her French polish.  Still not better.

Finally, this photo was near the six month mark, right before she was let go.

So we take another new one on, because we all know that it's slim pickings out there.  My other two options were one girl with experience but that was 8 months pregnant and one that was 8 months pregnant with her FOURTH child.  I went with the new graduate because I needed someone now, not after maternity leave and I thought, once again, that I could mold this newbie.  Wrong.

I at least learned from past mistakes.  I was giving her 90 days.  Well 30 is all I needed.  I spent HOURS and  I mean HOURS working one on one with her.  I didn't have a day off in three weeks because my days off were spent working with this girl.  This is what I got.

No shape to the toenails, no trimming.  Polish isn't even to the cuticle.  When I showed her the pictures she said that the client wanted her nails that shape and didn't want them cut.  REALLY?  I explained to her that it is her job to advise the client that she needs her toe nails trimmed and shaped.

Now, over the past month I have preached over and over again, "If you get anything on the skin, remove it"  This is one of the last set of nails she did before she was let go.  HOLY product in the sidewalls and cuticle.  How can you even think this looks good?????

What the hell are they teaching them in school.  Obviously nothing.  This is pitiful.  These girls are LICENSED to do nails and hair too.  OMG I can't imagine what these two would do with hair!  I shudder to think.

I have taken it upon myself to contact the school and let them know how they are failing horribly in the nail department.  They just recently had a staff change and an "Old School" teacher finally retired.  I have been asked to sit on their advisory board and I have jumped at the chance.

Now I know that it's all about attitude too and that these two just weren't meant for the industry, however, they should NOT have been passed and shame on the state board for having such a lame test that these two actually hold a license!  Why should "I" have to be the one who suffers because I expect someone who graduated with a Cosmetology degree and passed our state board exam can actually polish nails.  I can't even imagine what the outcome would be when we tried enhancements.

So for now, I am going to continue to turn business away.  I am not going to subject myself to this torture again.  I will tell you one thing, the next person that applies for a job will have to go through a "try out" so to speak.  I am going to make them polish someone's nails and have them polish someone's toes and have them trim the nails.  If you can't do that, get the hell out of my salon.

--Signed - Why Can't I Clone Myself?

Things that make you go.....Hmmmmmmmmm

So, earlier this year, a link was shared on FB to a blog that promised to expose a competition conspiracy at the 2011 World Nail Championships in Germany.  Many, who follow this blog, have been waiting for the story to be told.  Some of the story has been told, but for the most part, we've just been fed snippets of info by the Author.

The Author alludes to a conspiracy by two main people.  Accused number one is an owner of a company and is accused of rigging competitions to help boost the sales of his company.  Accused number two is a former top competitor that is accused of being the "winner" or helping to provide the winners to help aid the aforementioned company, who's owner is a friend.

Forgive me if I got this all wrong, but this is what "I" perceived from reading the blog.  Fast forward to today, where I saw links to photos from the Long Beach International Beauty Show, where the Nailympics have been resurrected in the US.  I see that accused number 2 is now competing with Crystal Nail product, which is the SAME company that the blog author used to use when she was competing.  Hmmmmmmmmmmm.

So, since the blog in questions has been pretty dormant, even though it promised to expose the truth, I have to ask myself, was this all just a case of sour grapes?  You lost, so you were mad.  You lost your deal with Crystal Nail and now accused number two has replaced you.  I just have to say Hmmmmmmmm.

Wonder what kind of shenanigans and cheating are going on right now in Long Beach, CA.  I just have to wonder.......

--Nancy

Serious Stupidity

What the hell is going on with people now a days?  I have recently encountered a few people, who are just clueless.

Clueless number one.  A "NEW" client called and asked if we had any openings on Friday for that day.  I replied that we had a 5:00 open.  She said "Nothing earlier?"  I politely replied that when you are calling for an appointment the day of, you are pretty much at the mercy of the cancellation list.  That appointment was the earliest and actually the ONLY appointment we had available.

She then said she had another question for me.  "I don't get paid until Tuesday, can I write you a check and date it for Tuesday?"  WHAT??  I again, politely responded that we require payment at the time of service and we do take credit cards, so that is another payment option for her.

What the hell!  Seriously???  I know that WalMart brought back layaway for the holidays but there is no layaway for nails!!!  Now, had this been a regular client, who asked this, we most likely would have said no problem.  This is a brand, spanking, new client, here people.  Um, no.  Listen if you can't afford a $25 check to get your nails done, then maybe you shouldn't be getting your nails done.  Make sense??

Clueless number two.  A week ago, I spent a considerable amount of time on the phone with a new client, who asked for a MANICURE.  I asked her if she wanted a regular manicure of one of our No Chip Manicures like Shellac.  After explaining over and over and over and over, she opted for the Shellac manicure.

She arrives for her appointment and gets all indignant because she says she wants tips.  I explained again the differences between Manicures, Shellac, Acrylic Nails and Temporary Nails.  She then thinks she wants a full set of acrylics.  Well there isn't enough time to do them so she had me schedule it for next week.  She then decides that maybe the temporary nails are the way to go.  She then says, "But I don't want FAKE nails, I want acrylic nails".  REALLY?????

I politely explain to her that in essence, acrylic nails ARE fake nails.  The difference between temporary nails and acrylic nails are that temporary nails are TEMPORARY, you don't fill or maintain them.  Acrylics need to be maintained.  Round and round and round we go.  Twenty minutes later, I had 10 minutes to do Shellac on her, which is what she ultimately decided to go with.

I hope this was just a fluke last week.  I really don't have any room in MY schedule for new people.  When I do, I sure as heck don't want these stupid ass people in my book.  I want a client who is going to LISTEN to what we say and what we suggest.  Oh, and I want payment at the time of service!

--Nancy

Follower Friday – Reader Submissions 7

You are a grown woman, who works in a professional position, with a lot of responsibility.  Why, oh why, must I call and remind you of each and every appointment you have.  Do all of your business partners have to do that too?  I even give you a little card each time with the day, date and time on it.  Put that in your schedule on your tablet and set an alarm for cripes sakes.

No, it is not okay if you are going to be 15 minutes late, so when you come in only 5 minutes late, please know what the hell you want on your nails because I don't have time to sit and let you wast 10 more minutes picking out what you want.  COME EARLY TO CHOOSE.

Dear New Girl at the salon:  You are never going to get better unless you practice.  Skills don't just magically appear, you need to hone them.

Why to people think we want to sell their crap in our salons.  I can understand if you are a client and have something wonderful that you make, but random men coming in with stuff is just not going to happen.

Oh here, let me squirt some hand sanitizer on your wrist, where you just wiped your runny nose for the 10th time.  Gross.

You have a coupon for a free service that we donated for a charity event.  It's FREE, why the hell are you wanting more and more and more from us?  GO AWAY.

If you have to reschedule an appointment more than three times, maybe you need to consider going to a walk-in only type of salon.

We are not open on Mondays.  We are not open on Mondays.  We are not open on Mondays, will you please quit asking for an appointment on Mondays.

I just love when people ruin something and just leave it without trying to fix it or at least letting me know what happened so that "I" can fix it.  You need to have respect for your workplace.

Dear Trainee:  Please listen.  I have literally been telling you the same things over and over and over for months.  If you don't start listening, I am sorry to say, you are going to be gone, really soon.

We have over 200 colors to choose from and you can't find the one you want?

WIPE YOUR FEET!  I am sick to death of muddy footprints on the carpet.  What the hell does your house look like?

What part of I am busy with a client do you not seem to grasp?  I can't just stop doing her service to listen to your sales pitch.

I'm sorry, what part of Nail Salon makes you think I can trim your beard?

Sorry, we don't use credo blades, they are illegal.  I am sorry that your last tech used one on you and you liked it, go back to her so when you loose your foot some day, you can sue her.

Sharing

Well it's been about a week since I've posted.  No, I haven't run out of material and NO, people haven't stopped sending me things to post for them.  I have been near death with the sickness that has been going around here.  So, this topic is sharing.  It's great to share, we are taught to do it at a very young age.  But there are some things that you shouldn't share.  Your sickness is one of them.

If you are too sick to go to work, reschedule your appointment.  If you are too sick to go to school, reschedule your appointment.  Seriously, if you have to stop me three times, while I am doing your nails to go throw up, LEAVE and reschedule your appointment.  Really, we won't be upset.  We are totally repulsed that you are puking your guts 10 feet away from us and we can hear it.  We now have to go in and disinfect the bathroom so that your sick germs are not exposed to everyone.

Listen, we don't have sick days.  We don't get sick pay.  If we can't come to work, we don't get paid.  If we can't come to work, we have to work on our days off to make up what we missed and to fit everyone in again.  This results in no days off, which results in a cranky nail tech.

So, you can share your Starbuck's run with me, share your muffin with me, share your casino winnings with me, but for the love of everything great, keep your mother trucking flu, cold and sickness to yourself.  Really, I don't mind!

--Nancy

So, the rules don’t apply to you, huh?

So may salons think that rules don’t apply to them.  I just love that way of thinking.  They want to bitch and moan about the Non Standard Salons not following the rules, but then it is okay for them.

Case in point.  Feather Extensions.  This is a hair service, plain and simple.  In our state, it can only be done in a Cosmetology Salon.  A Nail Salon is for the beautification of the nails of the hands and feet.

Problem is, there are so many stupid salon owners out there that think that just because you are taking a feather, threading it through a crimping bead, threading hair through it and crimping the bead closed, that this is not a hair service. Um, think again.

Sorry, but your state board disagrees.  Consider yourself reported.  Expect to see an inspector at your door soon.  Better get that pedicure log up to date as well. 

Reader Submissions 6

I think my co-worker needs to remind her children that Mommy is working and that they don’t need to call her every five minutes asking how to make macaroni and cheese.  15 phone calls in a three hour period is too much.  How does she keep her clients?

I tried to offer to write your appointment down on a card for you, you insisted on writing it down yourself, it’s not my fault you wrote down the wrong day.

Dear Client:  I love you, but seriously, you’ve been having distress over the same things for seven years.  It’s time to either suck it up or move on.  Grow a backbone, I am tired of hearing it!

Thank you smokers for littering my parking lot with your cigarette butts.  You lazy asses are too lazy to use the receptacle provided.

If you are so sick, that you need to stop your appointment to go throw up, you probably should have rescheduled your appointment.  You do realize that if “I” get sick, I don’t have sick days or pay…..

What part of wash your hands before we begin do you not understand?  You’ve been a client here for years.

Why do people think it’s okay to put full coffee cups into the trash?  Do you do that at home?  I would bet that your husband or father takes out the trash and is pissed off at you like I am because there is a sloppy wet coffee trail all over the floor.  Jerk.

Why do boyfriends come to nail appointments?  It’s obvious they don’t want to be there.  Grow a pair and insist that your girl go to her appointment alone like a big girl.

Screaming and yelling and throwing a hissy fit will no make an appointment time on the date and time you want just appear.  Actually, it will most likely make “future appointments” disappear.

Dear Client:  You’re fired.

You want appointments, you don’t, you whine that you aren’t busy enough then bitch because someone scheduled you an appointment.  Make up your freaking mind.

If you think this is so easy, go ahead, go out on your own and do your own thing.  I did.  No it’s not easy, but I won’t take your bullshit.  This is MY house!

Parents really need to reel these young girls in.  It is not necessary for your first grader to have a full set of acrylics.  At that rate, you will be getting them breast implants in fifth grade.  Grow a backbone and be a parent.  YOU are supposed to be in charge!

YOU insisted that I add more of the first color, now you don’t like it because there isn’t enough of the second color.  I do this all day long, when will you realize, I know what I am doing!!!

I really wish we had those alcohol dispensers like they have in motel rooms in Mexico, where the bottles hang upside down and you press your glass to a lever and it dispenses.  I think we need that in the break room, so we can just walk up, stick our mouths under, press the lever and get instant Asshole Relief!

Where Has Customer Service Gone?

I really, seriously would like to know where has customer service gone?  Right now, I am receiving some HORRIBLE customer service from about three different manufacturers in our industry.

Why list an email address in your Contact Us section of your website if you never check your email?  When people live on different coasts, it is sometimes difficult to call because of the time difference.  Email works best, however, NOT if you don’t read your emails.  I have sent one particular company three emails over the course of a week.  NO ANSWER.  I guess I will have to schedule some time today to CALL THEM.   FAIL.

Company number two had three items on backorder when they shipped my package over a month ago.  No communication.  I had to actually contact them to find out when the backordered items were coming.  I was informed that two of the items were no longer available and that I could pick something else.  UHHHHHH, what?  So how long have you known this?  No offer of a refund, I need to pick something else. 

Listen, I am BUSY.  I don’t have time to babysit your inventory.  If you go to their website today, you will still be able to order the two items that are NO LONGER AVAILABLE!  They will take your money, then hope that you never inquire about the back order.  DOUBLE FAIL!

The third company is one that is servicing a piece of salon equipment.  I had the piece serviced, which amounts to cleaning and lubricating two months ago.  Well, they jacked something up in it.  I overnighted it and they have had it in their possession for three weeks now.  THREE WEEKS.  No call from them.  I emailed to check on when the piece will be returned.  No answer.  I called and left THREE MESSAGES.  No answer.  Does anyone even work there anymore????  TRIPLE FAIL.

Right now, I am so fed up.  I am so sick and tired of babysitting not only my staff, but the people who manufacturer products that I need.  When I was young and babysat, I not only got paid for it, I was also provided pizza and Mountain Dew.  Ummmmmm all I am getting now is an ulcer.

--Nancy

I’m Not Blondie……..

My name is not Blondie and you may NOT call me anytime.  You may call me during normal business hours.  I am still a little cranky, due to lack of sleep, due to an inconsiderate client calling my cell phone at 4:30 am on SUNDAY morning!

Imagine being awakened by a ringing cell phone at that hour on a Sunday morning, your first thought is “Who died?”  I run to my cell phone in the kitchen and see it is Patty PainInTheAss, a newer client.  SERIOUSLY??!??

Okay, Patty is one of “those” clients, a new one who is someone else’s Pain In The Ass aka PITA, who is now MY PITA.  I acquired her in July.  Sometime between now and then, I must have called her from my cell phone and she must have saved it.

We are closed Sunday and Monday.  What would make you think that it is appropriate to call someone on their personal cell phone on their day off?  What would make you think it’s appropriate to call at 4:30 in the morning on a Sunday?  Really?

Well, when Patty got my voicemail, I am sure she got the message loud and clear because it clearly states that you should only leave personal messages, if you leave salon messages, they WILL NOT be returned until they are left on the salon phone line.  Period.  I haven’t checked the salon messages yet, because IT’S STILL MY DAY OFF!

Now, Patty may have butt dialed me, I don’t know, but knowing Patty and the PITA that she is, she probably WAS calling.  See, Patty is a true PITA.  She breaks nails constantly.  She comes in with half of her cuticle area missing most of the time.  Patty tries to go 3-4 weeks between fills because she is cheap.  She doesn’t realize that she ends up paying more by going that long, because she ends up paying for multiple repairs.

Saturday, I was booked from 9 until 7, yes I am a glutton for punishment.  I had no breathing room in my schedule, as usual.  Patty came bounding in the door at noon and expected me to fix four nails that are approximately five days old.  Now these aren’t just a pink nail with polish, these nails have colored acrylic, glitter and extensive designs on them.  I explained to her that I don’t have time to do them that day and that the earliest I could do them is next Friday and since it is FOUR nails, it will be a fill, not a repair appointment.  She exclaimed “But this one is about to fall off!”  After repeating myself again and her repeating herself again I finally exclaimed “Well, then either rip it off or put a band-aid on it, because Friday is the best I can do unless I get a cancellation.”

Why do clients think they can come into the salon and demand to be repaired right this very second?  My schedule does not allow for repairs and for the most part, I don’t need to schedule repairs.  My clients usually don’t need them.  Yes a few break the occasional nail, but Patty, is a whole other ball game.  She is a train wreck, plain and simple.  Sorry, Patty, I will NOT extend my already long day to accommodate you, just because you don’t know how to take care of your nails.

So, either Patty butt dialed me on Sunday morning, or she called that early just so that she could leave me a message to cancel on Friday because she is going to become someone else’s PITA and didn’t want to tell me directly.  Personally, I hope it is the second option, since I would do the “Happy Dance of Joy” if she became someone else’s problem.  I am sick and tired of creating beautiful nails, with original artwork on them and having her trash them in sometimes four or less days, then expecting me to drop everything and repair them.

One thing’s for certain, if she calls my cell phone at that time again, on my day off, she is getting fired.  You don’t own me.  I am not your “Staff”.  I can and will refuse service to anyone at anytime.  I will put someone in my chair, in her spot, who respects my work and takes care of it.  See, my name is NANCY, not BLONDIE and NO, you CAN’T call me anytime, call me during normal business hours!

--Nancy