Disillusioned with the state of the Nail Industry? - here's one for us ALL to debate!

[wobbly]

OK so here goes,
I suppose that I could be classed as a hobbyist if you like, I do nails part time from home.
I don't do it to pay the mortgage, or feed the kids, hubby has a good job, so I'm very lucky in that respect.
However I do feel that I provide a good service to the clients I have, (about 12 regulars at the mo) I listen to them, know details about their personal lives and they feel at ease when they come for a treatment. In some salons they have commented that they feel like theyre on a production line!
I have done the Creative foundation course and the spa mani and pedi course, thats it so far.
After I passed my course...(incidentally with 100% pass rate) I went to a salon in Leyland near where I lived and had aset applied by the owner.. a master technician, just to see what I was going to have to work towards.
To be honest I was really shocked! after being taught to remove non living tissue myself, she didnt even touch my nails with anything other than a 180 grit file, the tips were slapped on and I left the salon, got home and did them myself.
I specialise in short natural looking nails, people are so over the porn star thing thank god!
I keep up to date with latest trends by reading trade mags and lots ofgeeking!
Sorry for such a long post, but you wanted to see it from the other side

 

[oey]

It's been a breath of fresh air Angie. I can now come clean and say that in the past few days I have come so close to quitting nails altogether. I'd just had enough of people belittling it and thought that there was no passion within the industry anymore, or within this site.

This site has always inspired me and pushed me to do better, today it did that and I thank all of you who have participated either actively or by reading and learning.

But sadly it also raised my worst fears that many members just don't give a fig and are here for the beer and nowt else - shame really!

I am all for the Beer too!

Whee is the queue?

 

[Jeni Giles]

I can only think of 2 words.......................
I AGREE.

It couldn't be said any better.

I'll throw another ?pigeon? in the pot... from the teaching aspect, I encounter the same issues we do with clients, those who are looking for the least expensive way to get a quick education and start raking in the dough. They are a little disallusioned after the first day, if I have any drop it's usually in the first hour of the first day when we go through what you need to actually make a living wage with your training.

By the second week of class I can usually tell who really wants to do this, has a passion and will continue to grow, by the 5th week my I've pretty much focused on the ones whose drive and inspiration is in place and can instill a quest for continuing education.

I ask nothing of my students that I cannot do myself, I hope that they will be better (usually happens, since I only do nails everyonce in a while, usually on my mother or friend so I can post pics) I haven't been in the salon working in the trenches for 10 years, I still go to all the classes I can and search for education, THIS is what I try to instill in my graduates.

Once they leave the building diploma in hand, basic business plan, resume and the phone number (they can call anytime) it is up to them. I've given them the tip of the ice berg, but the amount they want to reveal is up to them, from a class of 12 I usually end up with 1 that "plays" 4 that work on the side and 7 that excel and give back to the industry.

It starts with a good foundation, but the building materials need to be quality too.

 

[bling nails]

I must say, what an interesting thread, there's been alot of good responces on this subject, about Insurances, training, experience, products, prices, etc etc.
OK, so we can all say its 'this and that', but what really niggles at me in this wounderful industry are the ones who put down the rest.
What i mean is for example......a L&P only salon who slatters a gel only salon, Why? cause the L&P salon can't do gel or Silk or any other system! I have herd loads of tech's who ive worked along side with in past jobs, slate other tech's to clients. At one salon i managed, boss told staff to slag off others in the area so we would get more bums on seats!!? Oviously, it didnt work and i didnt hang around to watch the closure of the salon before long. Got my reputation to think off..........

It was all about getting the money in the till, by cutting corners and slattering others, clients soon realised & never re-booked.
Now, all the salons ive worked in have this attitude towards raking in the dosh, but its not about quantity. Its QUALITY.
So here i decided to go alone, and became self-employed.
Ive learnt alot, always continuing to learn too, its most important to do the training, and to continue with education by learning a new system or refreshing your skills to anew level, on your chosen system.
Be professional at all times, infact be alot firmer in your decisions, too many say on here they give freebies, not good for business at all. clients tell others when a freebie is recieved, others expect it too.
Never charge too little.....if you know your work is good, why charge the same as a trainee down the road, or will you put your prices up when she does? Dont follow fashion, it dies out. set your prices accordingly, on experience, knowledge & stick to them, unless you increase them!!
I put my prices up every January, by a few quid, on all nail enhancement services, whether infills, rebalances or new sets. I never have done special offers, freebies, or discount vouchers. I always charge for missed appointments if no 24hr notice is given.

This is my bread & butter, not my hobby, I take it very seriously, Its my passion & I love what i do.

Quality will always out do quantity, you've got to love this industry of nails, if you dont & think nails as just quick big bucks $$$, its these tech's who give this industy a bad name. IMO.

 

[Jewsey]

Hi sass

Well for one i wish i could give more to this site that what i currently do :cry: on the nails side of things, but i like others are either not confident enough to help or answer and do not have the experience or qualifications.
I do need lots more training i agree but funds are not there at the moment but i am saving a bit when i can, for now loads of practise until i get there, even i dont always offer help when i perhaps should know but sometimes there are so many excellent nail techs on here i know they will get the right answer they need and one day i can be as confident. I also consider the nail technician to be a skill like riding a bike you never lose it so if its full time, part time, hobby we do share the passion which i think is the important thing.
:hug:

jules xx

 

[SAMARA_J]

My opinion is that newbie tech's need THIS SITE! I was researching training facilities when i came across this site. (which i am now addicted to!) I spoke to one of the Aussie members regarding training in AUS rather than going to TAFE or a cheap crap course.

Once I finish I will train with Creative and keep updating my skills.

Without this site i would have been one of those ppl that paid good money for crap education & training. (Not that I would have let loose on the public with out proper training.)

This site has taught me alot & especialy this thread. Maybe if more ppl found this site before starting they would be getting educated about the right training and products.

Sorry cant add much to the thread.

 

[grafxgal]

There's not much really that I can add to this thread, but I will say that it has made me stop and think about what I really want to do with my skills and also seriously look at how I'm going to achieve it. I am not a confident person and it takes some confidence to succeed, which means that I need to change my mindset about my self image to gain the confidence needed, not only in my work but in how I think others see me, which has a big influence over my fear of failure.
I think.

 

[huerta3]

I agree with most of it. As far as prices go business is business and if some moble tech can afford to do nails for cheap and is taking the bread from your table well thats how it goes. Dog eat dog. Business is politics, you want to advance then you compete. You do whatever you can afford to do to beat the competition. I am co-owner of J & K Design (stained glass business) and I know that we have made quite a few people upset as we have stole a lot of business from them. We grossed 30,000 in our first fiscal year, which in that market is good. We found our niche of what area of the market we were going to target, we made partnerships with glazers, wholesalers, and consignments shops. We run with minimal employees to be able to reduce expenses and with that we are able to charge less. It is hobby and business expierence for me and a hobby for my retired dad. Just because we don't HAVE to do it to survive, and someone else does, doesn't mean we shouldn't. That sounds kind of pitiful IMO.

 

[Sassy Hassy]

I agree with most of it. As far as prices go business is business and if some moble tech can afford to do nails for cheap and is taking the bread from your table well thats how it goes. Dog eat dog. Business is politics, you want to advance then you compete. You do whatever you can afford to do to beat the competition. I am co-owner of J & K Design (stained glass business) and I know that we have made quite a few people upset as we have stole a lot of business from them. We grossed 30,000 in our first fiscal year, which in that market is good. We found our niche of what area of the market we were going to target, we made partnerships with glazers, wholesalers, and consignments shops. We run with minimal employees to be able to reduce expenses and with that we are able to charge less. It is hobby and business expierence for me and a hobby for my retired dad. Just because we don't HAVE to do it to survive, and someone else does, doesn't mean we shouldn't. That sounds kind of pitiful IMO.

Whilst I appreciate you giving an opinion on the flip side, sorry but I think your attitude is akin to the NSS. The industry has been built up by people with sounds business sense and they are there to earn a crust. They have given the industry a good reputation by keeping standards high. So what comes along, someone who sees a thriving industry and goes and destroys it - its reputation, its image, just so that they can make a few fast bucks.

You know what I would have some respect for people like you - the untrained - if you had a positive contribution to make to the industry. But you think it can all be done on the cheap - cheap products and cheap clients and cheap looking nails. Whilst I am all for an open market, why slash prices to such a ridiculous level ? Because you neither have the skill nor the inclination to do any better. You can't charge more for your shoddy work that tars the whole industry with your poor cheap standards. You prey on the igorance of the public, who like so many budding techs wouldn't know a decent enhancement if it scratched their eyes out! That's what I call pitiful ... and greedy IMO! And I make no apologies for what I say and you can all neg rep me til the cows come home!!!

 

[becki x]

But sadly it also raised my worst fears that many members just don't give a fig and are here for the beer and nowt else - shame really!

Maybe not Sass :hug: ,we would want 100 "i agree posts". :lol:

This thread has had lot's of views and a great deal of excellent input,maybe some have nothing else to add,that doesn't mean this thread didn't get the ol cogs ticking.:idea:

I have barely added,not because i don't care but because my thoughts have already been documented numerous times,and they put it so much better than i would,however since reading this thread it has been on my mind,i have been thinking about my direction,what i can personally do to make changes,what path i will take and most of all,it reiterates to me how important my career is and how much i want to succeed,even if that means taking a different route to what i had intended,i mean i no nothing about business,so until i learn,it's just not for me.

Thank you Sass for this thread and thank you geeks :hug:

 

[adelekeegan1]

Whilst I appreciate you giving an opinion on the flip side, sorry but I think your attitude is akin to the NSS. The industry has been built up by people with sounds business sense and they are there to earn a crust. They have given the industry a good reputation by keeping standards high. So what comes along, someone who sees a thriving industry and goes and destroys it - its reputation, its image, just so that they can make a few fast bucks.

You know what I would have some respect for people like you - the untrained - if you had a positive contribution to make to the industry. But you think it can all be done on the cheap - cheap products and cheap clients and cheap looking nails. Whilst I am all for an open market, why slash prices to such a ridiculous level ? Because you neither have the skill nor the inclination to do any better. You can't charge more for your shoddy work that tars the whole industry with your poor cheap standards. You prey on the igorance of the public, who like so many budding techs wouldn't know a decent enhancement if it scratched their eyes out! That's what I call pitiful ... and greedy IMO! And I make no apologies for what I say and you can all neg rep me til the cows come home!!!

Well said Sassy, can't see why anyone would want to neg rep you. I think you will find that this is the opinion of the majority of us.

 

[Sassy Hassy]

OK so here goes,
I suppose that I could be classed as a hobbyist if you like, I do nails part time from home.
I don't do it to pay the mortgage, or feed the kids, hubby has a good job, so I'm very lucky in that respect.
However I do feel that I provide a good service to the clients I have, (about 12 regulars at the mo) I listen to them, know details about their personal lives and they feel at ease when they come for a treatment. In some salons they have commented that they feel like theyre on a production line!
I have done the Creative foundation course and the spa mani and pedi course, thats it so far.
After I passed my course...(incidentally with 100% pass rate) I went to a salon in Leyland near where I lived and had aset applied by the owner.. a master technician, just to see what I was going to have to work towards.
To be honest I was really shocked! after being taught to remove non living tissue myself, she didnt even touch my nails with anything other than a 180 grit file, the tips were slapped on and I left the salon, got home and did them myself.
I specialise in short natural looking nails, people are so over the porn star thing thank god!
I keep up to date with latest trends by reading trade mags and lots ofgeeking!
Sorry for such a long post, but you wanted to see it from the other side

You know I'd never have known you were a hobbyist by the way you post ... and with the standards you have I would say you were a part timer rather than a hobbyist ... unless of course you charge hobbyist prices. If you do the put them up and make yourself a decent wage so you can invest back into your business :hug:

 

[rach269]

Maybe not Sass :hug: ,we would want 100 "i agree posts". :lol:

This thread has had lot's of views and a great deal of excellent input,maybe some have nothing else to add,that doesn't mean this thread didn't get the ol cogs ticking.:idea:

I have barely added,not because i don't care but because my thoughts have already been documented numerous times,and they put it so much better than i would,however since reading this thread it has been on my mind,i have been thinking about my direction,what i can personally do to make changes,what path i will take and most of all,it reiterates to me how important my career is and how much i want to succeed,even if that means taking a different route to what i had intended,i mean i no nothing about business,so until i learn,it's just not for me.

Thank you Sass for this thread and thank you geeks :hug:

I agree with what becki as put here this is why i don't really feel i can add anything
one thing though after reading through this thread it as defiantly raised a few thing with me that i will be looking much deeper into than i was,

great thread sassy and great responses from all geeks :hug:

 

[1999judy]

I have also felt disillusioned at times.
I feel as though I have to repeat myself parrot fashion to new clients.
The shock on some peoples faces explains it all at times "These certificates are all yours?? To do nails??"
The best one "My friend can do nails like you, she got the stuff in Asda".
Or the killer to me personally is "Don't you get bored doing this job?"
No, I don't get bored, I have put a lot of time, effort, money and hard work into this career. I have a passion for it and strive constantly to be the best I possibly can.
It is a career not a hobby, that is the problem.
How many hairdressers do it for a hobby?
When are we going to be really taken seriously?????
Great thread Sass.
Just off to take a blood pressure tablet

 

[Posh Paws]

ok here goes for the newbie that has experinced the NO TRAINING

NOT AS GREAT WITH WORDS AS EVERYONE ELSE THOUGH LOL

My family and i recently decided that in 5 years time we would not be in this country. To keep this short and stop it from rambling... i decided that being only 32 i would only be 37 by the time we went. I would be too young to retire and go mad ! I decided that to move abroad i would need some sort of trade to go with as hubby has very good job (wont go into detail)

I spent 6 months thinking about nails and decided i had nothing to lose by going on a course, helped along by the fact that a friend of mine was doing it and i had watched how detailed and perfect it had to be.

My first course was a 2 day venture it was very interesting and covered the basics but i was appauled at the tutors as they encouraged us girls to get out there and charge for what we had learnt which was not alot.....
It was only after this course that i knew it was nails that i wanted to do but i knew that although i had a certificate to say i was qualified i was only qualified to talk ......

All two day courses should be banned and i agree with all the points in this thread... wouldnt the world be great if we could all do 2 days of training to become anything we wanted... and if that was the case how many of us would then decide to become something else????????

I agree that you have to be passionate about nails to succeed, i wasnt when i started out, a bit of a hobby i thought..... so i am guilty here..
I now realise that i wont be successful until i have the best training and the ambition and drive that alot of you people on here have....
I dont do anyones nails only family and 2 close friends because i know that what i do just is not good enough and my standards are alot higher than "oh they will do" i want my finished product to be something to be proud of.

Too many people are out there opening shops and nail bars with a two day qualification and it sucks!!

I know i am going over points that have already been covered but i thought if i hid away and didnt have my say then i would be the guilty member of this forum that had no input.

This thread is the best thread i have read and has given me sooooo much to not only think about but also things to act on..

I have since my two day course been trained with NSI

xxxxx
:hug:

 

[EllaX]

I have also felt disillusioned at times.
The best one "My friend can do nails like you, she got the stuff in Asda".
Or the killer to me personally is "Don't you get bored doing this job?"

My god i get this too!! especially from hairdressers - oh i got the gels/acrylics from the wholedsalers don't last 5 mins though.

I wouldn't dream of buying professional haircolours from there cos i wouldn't have a clue how to mix em and apply em etc xx

 

[gemsie1983]

The best one "My friend can do nails like you, she got the stuff in Asda".

Best to ignore these idiots, just humour them! anyone has the ability to do nails, just like anyone can dye hair or cut hair.

But they are not professionals!

 

[1999judy]

Just to use an example:
I have some clippers, I cut my sons hair with them. I do any style as long as it's a number 1 or 2.:lol:
I do this as he is a nightmare to get to the barbers.
What would happen if I were to set myself up as a mobile barber?
I could just advertise one style, undercut all the barbers around here and make a few quid on the side?
Anyone can buy clippers in supermarkets bear in mind.
There would be an outcry!!
Every hairdresser in the town would be mad as hell.:smack:
What do I know about cutting hair, apart from how to plug some clippers in?
Insurance? Skill? Knowledge?
AND I'm sure that complaints to some LA or governing body? could be made.
Why do people think it is so different for nail techs?????
We have, as yet, no-one to actually complain to.
Maybe that's why?

 

[Tiger Jay]

I have also felt disillusioned at times.
I feel as though I have to repeat myself parrot fashion to new clients.
The shock on some peoples faces explains it all at times "These certificates are all yours?? To do nails??"
The best one "My friend can do nails like you, she got the stuff in Asda".
Or the killer to me personally is "Don't you get bored doing this job?"
No, I don't get bored, I have put a lot of time, effort, money and hard work into this career. I have a passion for it and strive constantly to be the best I possibly can.
It is a career not a hobby, that is the problem.
How many hairdressers do it for a hobby?
When are we going to be really taken seriously?????
Great thread Sass.
Just off to take a blood pressure tablet

Totally with you on this one!

You are definitely not the first person this has been said to Judy, I've had it many times myself. It makes me sick to the back teeth! I find though, the only people who tend to say this, are the clients who are not educated in what we are doing. For instance, not one of my regulars ever ask me this question as when ever I do a procedure they haven't seen before, I always explain my actions. Yep.......it's always the new clients who say it but I think once I show them how much is involved in what we do, they begin to find it interesting..............and BOOM BOOM we have a break through!

This is one of the many reasons why we need to educate our clients........so that we can be taken more seriously in our industry.

 

[*Garfield*]

I have had a couple of clients recently who have gone off and bought the dreadful Rio kit, saying 'It looks easy enough so its cheaper to do myself'.....it gets me so mad - I always say to them that cutting hair LOOKS easy, bt how many people would re style their own hair!!!