I don't play the "it's the economy" card... but for some of my clients, it really is. I lost two clients this week simply because they couldn't afford to get their nails done right now. I get it; it's the holidays and people are using their measly paychecks for things like gifts for their families and property taxes (thankfully, WE can afford to pay ours in one chunk; not everyone is so lucky).
On the other hand, I have two newbies coming in within the next week. Both have been sent to me by other nail techs. One has moved from Iowa (the infamous -- at least in my nail world -- Holly Schippers', aka: FINGERNAILFIXER, client), and the other is from southern Oregon. Both are relocating to Portland, and both are devout CND Shellac users.
I love all my gel polishes (adding more to my collection every month), and the majority of my clients are gel polish clients. However, I am an artist, and CND Shellac is the best medium for nail art of the gel polishes I've tried... so I nudge my clients to step outside their "one color" (even if it changes every appointment) mantra, and try something more.
I offer layering, engraving, glitter (a little or a lot), nail apps, hand-painted artwork, pigments, transfer/crafting foils, and so much more. Art isn't JUST painting a flower... it's creating a look customized for you, for the season, to match an outfit or an accessory, or to be an accessory all on its own.
I am sad to see the two lost clients go (& truly hope they come back as finances allow), but am thankful that the ones filling their spots. These two want me to push my artistic boundaries... and I am really looking forward to it!
Note to my current & future clients -- Feel free to "Follow" me on Pinterest: nailartistry04. I repin designs I want to try, as well as nails I've actually done (among other things like yummy food and funny sayings).
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
I Love Experimenting!
You all should know that about me by now, right?
Ok, here are my two most recent experiments -- (1) Which gel polish base & top coat (if any) will work with ibd's Just Gel gel polish? (2) Will OPI's Nail Apps work over gel enhancements?
(1) GelColor, by OPI, is the winner... but not by much. I had two ladies (Jessica and Nicole) who let me do my thing. On Jessica -- right hand was Gelish top & base, left hand was Shellac top & base, with Just Gel in "Tickled Pink". On Nicole -- right hand GelColor top & base, left hand Gelish, with Just Gel in "Turtle Bay". Now, I was hoping these would be full-coverage in two coats, but they're not. Both of these colors (and, I assume, the third one I bought -- "Solar Rays") need three coats for full coverage. BUT, those three bottles cost me the same as one bottle of GelColor, so it was worth it for this experiment.
Jessica had one Shellac'd nail (pinky) peel off at 12 days, but she admitted to not using her Solar Oil (bad girl!!). All nine other nails looked perfect, but for grow-out. The Shellac'd hand looked shinier at her two-week appt. Just as I properly prepped according to which base & top coat I used, I also soaked off properly. Shellac'd nails got CND Shellac Remover & CND wraps. Gelish got OPI's "Expert Touch" because I like it better than pure acetone.
Nicole had one Gelish nail (thumb) chip at the tip at 9 days, however she *did* use her Solar Oil. All nine other nails looked perfect, but for grow-out. The GelColor'd hand looked shinier at her two-week removal appt. Just as I properly prepped according to which base & top coat I used, I also soaked off properly. Both sets here got OPI's "Expert Touch" remover & OPI wraps.
As predicted from past use -- Shellac came off in 8 minutes (CND says 10m, but if your hands are warm, it comes off faster), GelColor came off in 12m (again, warm hands), and Gelish came off in 17m.
The reason behind this experiment is because (a) I've had bad experience with ibd in the past. Their previous gel polish, Gelac, was crap. It cured in the bottle, and I lost a ton of money when they wouldn't allow returns... and (b) I didn't want to invest in a new system, so was hoping that at least one, if not all, of these tops/bases would be compatible. Since they are, if I can't find certain colors I want in the three lines I currently carry, I'd be okay buying it in this line.
(2) Stay tuned to find out; I just did this on a client today. :)
Ok, here are my two most recent experiments -- (1) Which gel polish base & top coat (if any) will work with ibd's Just Gel gel polish? (2) Will OPI's Nail Apps work over gel enhancements?
(1) GelColor, by OPI, is the winner... but not by much. I had two ladies (Jessica and Nicole) who let me do my thing. On Jessica -- right hand was Gelish top & base, left hand was Shellac top & base, with Just Gel in "Tickled Pink". On Nicole -- right hand GelColor top & base, left hand Gelish, with Just Gel in "Turtle Bay". Now, I was hoping these would be full-coverage in two coats, but they're not. Both of these colors (and, I assume, the third one I bought -- "Solar Rays") need three coats for full coverage. BUT, those three bottles cost me the same as one bottle of GelColor, so it was worth it for this experiment.
Jessica had one Shellac'd nail (pinky) peel off at 12 days, but she admitted to not using her Solar Oil (bad girl!!). All nine other nails looked perfect, but for grow-out. The Shellac'd hand looked shinier at her two-week appt. Just as I properly prepped according to which base & top coat I used, I also soaked off properly. Shellac'd nails got CND Shellac Remover & CND wraps. Gelish got OPI's "Expert Touch" because I like it better than pure acetone.
Nicole had one Gelish nail (thumb) chip at the tip at 9 days, however she *did* use her Solar Oil. All nine other nails looked perfect, but for grow-out. The GelColor'd hand looked shinier at her two-week removal appt. Just as I properly prepped according to which base & top coat I used, I also soaked off properly. Both sets here got OPI's "Expert Touch" remover & OPI wraps.
As predicted from past use -- Shellac came off in 8 minutes (CND says 10m, but if your hands are warm, it comes off faster), GelColor came off in 12m (again, warm hands), and Gelish came off in 17m.
The reason behind this experiment is because (a) I've had bad experience with ibd in the past. Their previous gel polish, Gelac, was crap. It cured in the bottle, and I lost a ton of money when they wouldn't allow returns... and (b) I didn't want to invest in a new system, so was hoping that at least one, if not all, of these tops/bases would be compatible. Since they are, if I can't find certain colors I want in the three lines I currently carry, I'd be okay buying it in this line.
(2) Stay tuned to find out; I just did this on a client today. :)
Thursday, September 27, 2012
I'm A Mad Scientist - Part Two
Experiment Two -- Can I make a regular polish into a soak-off?
Answer -- YES!
Details -- Shannon wanted me to apply one of the new Minnie Mouse polishes over her gel polish, but she wanted to make sure it would last through her trip to Disneyland (which started a week after her appt, and was 3-4 days long). I had some initial concerns, but then remembered that someone told me that back when Shellac was having a major shortage on some of their colors, they used Shellac base & top with a regular CND polish... and it worked. So, what I ended up doing was this: I used OPI GelColor's base coat, then two layers of GelColor "Black Onyx", then sealed with Axxium's (both OPI UV systems can successfully be used together) Soak Off Gel Sealer (this one is NOT acetone-permeable). I did not wipe off the dispersion layer (although, I probably could have...?), and just applied "Nothin’ Mousie ’bout It" directly over it. I then applied GelColor's top coat, wiped the dispersion layer, oiled her cuticles, and sent her on her way. She was scheduled for a pedi three days later (still before her trip) so that if there was a problem, I could fix it without ruining the black underneath (which is why I used the Sealer over the black).
Why It Worked -- Soak off gel colors are made with microscopic holes (like little tunnels) so that the acetone in any remover will be able to soak through; making it lift off the nail plate easily (but some of the top coats aren't, which is why instructions for some of them say to scuff the top coat before wrapping). Shellac and GelColor both have these "tunnels", so layering either of these base & top (make sure you're using the base & top coats from ONE brand; do not use Shellac for one and GelColor for the other) with a basic polish still allows for the polish's solvents to completely disperse (which takes 24hours!!). If you attempted this process with a full sealer (like CND's UV Gloss, Axxium's Soak Off Gel Sealer, etc), your polish would peel off with in a day or two.
Future Use -- Over any type of nail; natural or enhancement.
For the record -- if applying Shellac, specifically, over Brisa gel, you MUST use their UV Gloss instead of their Base Coat. Within this system, the base coat is formulated to bond to the keratin in your natural nail, and therefore won't adhere properly to your enhancement. All other systems I use (GelColor, Axxium, and Gelish), you can apply the system's base coat directly over the shaped gel.
End Result:
Answer -- YES!
Details -- Shannon wanted me to apply one of the new Minnie Mouse polishes over her gel polish, but she wanted to make sure it would last through her trip to Disneyland (which started a week after her appt, and was 3-4 days long). I had some initial concerns, but then remembered that someone told me that back when Shellac was having a major shortage on some of their colors, they used Shellac base & top with a regular CND polish... and it worked. So, what I ended up doing was this: I used OPI GelColor's base coat, then two layers of GelColor "Black Onyx", then sealed with Axxium's (both OPI UV systems can successfully be used together) Soak Off Gel Sealer (this one is NOT acetone-permeable). I did not wipe off the dispersion layer (although, I probably could have...?), and just applied "Nothin’ Mousie ’bout It" directly over it. I then applied GelColor's top coat, wiped the dispersion layer, oiled her cuticles, and sent her on her way. She was scheduled for a pedi three days later (still before her trip) so that if there was a problem, I could fix it without ruining the black underneath (which is why I used the Sealer over the black).
Why It Worked -- Soak off gel colors are made with microscopic holes (like little tunnels) so that the acetone in any remover will be able to soak through; making it lift off the nail plate easily (but some of the top coats aren't, which is why instructions for some of them say to scuff the top coat before wrapping). Shellac and GelColor both have these "tunnels", so layering either of these base & top (make sure you're using the base & top coats from ONE brand; do not use Shellac for one and GelColor for the other) with a basic polish still allows for the polish's solvents to completely disperse (which takes 24hours!!). If you attempted this process with a full sealer (like CND's UV Gloss, Axxium's Soak Off Gel Sealer, etc), your polish would peel off with in a day or two.
Future Use -- Over any type of nail; natural or enhancement.
For the record -- if applying Shellac, specifically, over Brisa gel, you MUST use their UV Gloss instead of their Base Coat. Within this system, the base coat is formulated to bond to the keratin in your natural nail, and therefore won't adhere properly to your enhancement. All other systems I use (GelColor, Axxium, and Gelish), you can apply the system's base coat directly over the shaped gel.
End Result:
Monday, September 24, 2012
I'm A Mad Scientist -- Part One
Experiment One -- Can I make glitter gel soak off?
Answer -- No.
Details -- Light Elegance Glitter Gels are meant to file off. In my quest to not damage anyone's natural nails, I decided that the one I had (got it in a SWAG BAG from the Willamette Valley Nail Event last April) needed to be applied over enhancements (gels, acrylic, etc). Then, I started to think, "I wonder if I layered it with soak off base & top coat, if it would actually soak off?" I had my friend, Jessica, come to the salon to test out my theory. I prepped, as if I was doing a regular gel polish manicure, then applied OPI's GelColor base coat, and cured as directed. I applied LE's Glitter Gel in "Peacock" (the only one I currently own) -- two layers, curing in between. I applied GelColor's top coat, and cured as directed. I wiped the dispersion layer, applied cuticle oil, reminded her of home care (she has Solar Oil at home), and sent her on her way. Fast forward to 15 days later. Grow-out was crazy (she looked like she had grown out about THREE weeks), and she had lost a couple of them... admitting to not using her cuticle oil as directed. :( I wrapped her in OPI's Remover Wraps, let them sit for 15m, then twisted & pulled, as I'm supposed to... nothing happened. GelColor, Shellac, and Gelish (the three polish versions I use of UV-cured color) all remove easily this way (Shellac is 10m or less), so I knew then that my experiment didn't work. I ended up gently filing the glitter gel off of the remainder of her nails, buffing them smooth, and applying cuticle oil to all ten nails. She was disappointed my experiment didn't work, but happy her nails were still in great condition (as they should be when a PROFESSIONAL nail tech - one who takes her job seriously - removes any product from your nails) and that she got almost two weeks of wear with a beautiful, glittery teal!
Why It Didn't Work -- All soak off gel colors are made with microscopic holes (like little tunnels) so that the acetone in any remover will be able to soak through; making it lift off the nail plate easily. LE's Glitter Gels do not have these "tunnels".
Future Use -- Over any enhancement or a full-coverage (glue-on) nail (like Prescriptions) used for a temporary "party" nail.
End Result --
JUST AFTER HER APPT:
TWO WEEKS LATER:
Answer -- No.
Details -- Light Elegance Glitter Gels are meant to file off. In my quest to not damage anyone's natural nails, I decided that the one I had (got it in a SWAG BAG from the Willamette Valley Nail Event last April) needed to be applied over enhancements (gels, acrylic, etc). Then, I started to think, "I wonder if I layered it with soak off base & top coat, if it would actually soak off?" I had my friend, Jessica, come to the salon to test out my theory. I prepped, as if I was doing a regular gel polish manicure, then applied OPI's GelColor base coat, and cured as directed. I applied LE's Glitter Gel in "Peacock" (the only one I currently own) -- two layers, curing in between. I applied GelColor's top coat, and cured as directed. I wiped the dispersion layer, applied cuticle oil, reminded her of home care (she has Solar Oil at home), and sent her on her way. Fast forward to 15 days later. Grow-out was crazy (she looked like she had grown out about THREE weeks), and she had lost a couple of them... admitting to not using her cuticle oil as directed. :( I wrapped her in OPI's Remover Wraps, let them sit for 15m, then twisted & pulled, as I'm supposed to... nothing happened. GelColor, Shellac, and Gelish (the three polish versions I use of UV-cured color) all remove easily this way (Shellac is 10m or less), so I knew then that my experiment didn't work. I ended up gently filing the glitter gel off of the remainder of her nails, buffing them smooth, and applying cuticle oil to all ten nails. She was disappointed my experiment didn't work, but happy her nails were still in great condition (as they should be when a PROFESSIONAL nail tech - one who takes her job seriously - removes any product from your nails) and that she got almost two weeks of wear with a beautiful, glittery teal!
Why It Didn't Work -- All soak off gel colors are made with microscopic holes (like little tunnels) so that the acetone in any remover will be able to soak through; making it lift off the nail plate easily. LE's Glitter Gels do not have these "tunnels".
Future Use -- Over any enhancement or a full-coverage (glue-on) nail (like Prescriptions) used for a temporary "party" nail.
End Result --
JUST AFTER HER APPT:
TWO WEEKS LATER:
Friday, September 14, 2012
Never Enough Time
As many of you know, I revamped my work space over the summer. I was basically shut down for six days. But, apparently, that wasn't enough. While I *did* put my room back to working order, I don't have anything up on the walls except my coat rack, menu, state certifications, and the new polish rack (which doesn't even have regular polish on it; it's holding my gel polishes right now).
I had a "super irritated" moment last week when I just decided that, since I need Ace's help to get more of the stuff up (class certifications, a mirror, two gel polish racks, etc), and we're focused on the bathroom remodel at home, I just would give up the idea of doing anything in my studio other that work until the bathroom is done.
The sense of relief I felt after that decision made me realize that I was honestly stressing out a little... simply because my project wasn't done! It's like I had to give myself permission to take a break, so I could focus on something else.
If you haven't looked at the last few pics (so far) of the album on my FB page, here's a couple shots of my (empty walls) studio.
I had a "super irritated" moment last week when I just decided that, since I need Ace's help to get more of the stuff up (class certifications, a mirror, two gel polish racks, etc), and we're focused on the bathroom remodel at home, I just would give up the idea of doing anything in my studio other that work until the bathroom is done.
The sense of relief I felt after that decision made me realize that I was honestly stressing out a little... simply because my project wasn't done! It's like I had to give myself permission to take a break, so I could focus on something else.
If you haven't looked at the last few pics (so far) of the album on my FB page, here's a couple shots of my (empty walls) studio.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Policy Vs Fairness
ALL professionals within the service industry should have a cancellation policy. Most that do ask for a minimum of 24hrs notice, so that your spot has some hope of being filled if you cannot be there (almost all professionals within the service industry have at least a small handful of clients hoping to swoop up that cancellation, with enough notice). If you do not give 24hrs notice, the usual policy is to charge you a portion of, or all of, the fee of your regular service, to be paid before the next service. In my chair, this is the policy.
All my clients know this, have been told this, and are rarely (some, never) late (no one more than 10m; and that's usually due to traffic). There are variations of harshness included in this policy. Some service professionals I know also require prepayment of all services from that point on, to make sure the client doesn't "forget" again. I have yet to do this.
I also have an emergency policy. If it is a TRUE emergency (car accident, death, etc), you get a "pass". I also let my clients have a one-time late/missed appt "pass", with a reminder for next time. But, if you just "forget", especially if it becomes a habit, I will enforce this. I haven't had to give more than a warning to anyone in the 8 1/2 years I've been doing business.
Then, though, there's this problem: what if your client, who's never forgotten before, forgets? Then, when you call & text, doesn't answer. You start to worry because she's in her 70's, that's what happens...
Sure, I *could* charge her... but I think I'll just remind her of my policy this time. One reason is the fact that she was one of my first clients, and I'm not sure I actually ever told her my policy. Another is that I had to be at my studio anyway; I had another client after her that couldn't move her time, and I had a friend of mine meeting me to pick up some things.
So, my plan is: when I put my certificates, calendar, licenses, etc back up on my wall, to make sure front & center (visually) are a short list of rules (including everyone washing their hands -- still get some flack about this one -- and my cancellation policy). I will also make sure those rules are included on my brochure, and will inform all new clients when they make their first appt with me.
All my clients know this, have been told this, and are rarely (some, never) late (no one more than 10m; and that's usually due to traffic). There are variations of harshness included in this policy. Some service professionals I know also require prepayment of all services from that point on, to make sure the client doesn't "forget" again. I have yet to do this.
I also have an emergency policy. If it is a TRUE emergency (car accident, death, etc), you get a "pass". I also let my clients have a one-time late/missed appt "pass", with a reminder for next time. But, if you just "forget", especially if it becomes a habit, I will enforce this. I haven't had to give more than a warning to anyone in the 8 1/2 years I've been doing business.
Then, though, there's this problem: what if your client, who's never forgotten before, forgets? Then, when you call & text, doesn't answer. You start to worry because she's in her 70's, that's what happens...
Sure, I *could* charge her... but I think I'll just remind her of my policy this time. One reason is the fact that she was one of my first clients, and I'm not sure I actually ever told her my policy. Another is that I had to be at my studio anyway; I had another client after her that couldn't move her time, and I had a friend of mine meeting me to pick up some things.
So, my plan is: when I put my certificates, calendar, licenses, etc back up on my wall, to make sure front & center (visually) are a short list of rules (including everyone washing their hands -- still get some flack about this one -- and my cancellation policy). I will also make sure those rules are included on my brochure, and will inform all new clients when they make their first appt with me.
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Decision Made
Long, drawn-out, too many emails back-n-forth, story short -- BR-client and I are taking a break; both on a professional level, and on a personal level.
For the record, I don't regret what I've said or how I've said it. It is what it is, and I am who I am. You don't have to like it (or me), but as I've said before, I will not tolerate ANYONE being unprofessional, or being treated in an unprofessional manner within professional spaces.
For the record, I don't regret what I've said or how I've said it. It is what it is, and I am who I am. You don't have to like it (or me), but as I've said before, I will not tolerate ANYONE being unprofessional, or being treated in an unprofessional manner within professional spaces.
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