Out of my depth!

[loreli1981]

Hi Geeks.

I'm feeling a bit out of my depth,
I started working as a junior in a salon when I at 17. I worked there for 8years but left in 2006 due to personal problems, I was under a lot of stress, working 12 hour days, responsible for the general running of the salon, i was the only one capable of ordering/cleaning etc and not getting any thanks for it from my employer. He had 4 holidays a year and everytime he went more and more of his clients would want me to do their nails instead. Which don't get me wrong was good, but i started to feel very pressured and under valued. I was so frustrated because he refused to put me on any courses, he said because he was qualified - he was qualified to teach me. I don't know if this was true, we used creative for L&P and Gels, and Star for silks.
We had absolutley NO ventilation, the windows didn't even open! christ he used to tell you off for getting new files- if there was a little bit of grit on the old ones that could be used- then you must use it!! a part of my wages every week was put into a savings account so i could buy the business when he retired. But i knew i wouldn't be able to gain insurance or purchase products unless qualified. SO i left..
Now 4 years later (hes since sold up) I'm hoping to get back into the business. I have gained a qualification through EN, and recently been on an Ez-Flow conversion course.
But i'm now wondering if i should have started at the bottom with a throrough foundation course.
There are so many new things to learn, new techniques and products.
If i am to be able to offer it all!
I'm trying not to be negative, but there are so many nail techs in my town I'm now wondering if i have left it to late. I have had requests from a few old clients and i have a couple of regulars which i do at home.

I just don't know what to do next - How to make the transistion from my (boring but well paid) office job to nail tech again. ??
I really wish now i hadn't left the salon all them years ago.

sorry i know this is long winded but any advice is greatly appreciated xx

 

[Lucy36]

Hi

I think after 8 years of running that salon your are most likely more qualified that alot of people to run your own business so stay confident in yourself
I'd check your qualifications with your insurance provider to make sure you are covered in going self employed and if they suggest you have a foundation qualification too, then I would enroll. Maybe it would be an option to do this part time whilst you are working? The more update and varied your qualifications are, the better
I don't specialise in nails but I do have 20 years of beauty experience and now work as a consultant in Leeds for salons and spas nationwide. I am a Harrogate girl too! Get in touch if you need anything and I'll help where I can xx

 

[loreli1981]

Thanks Lucy.
Harrogate is a small place, I wish I had chosen a better username now.. I forgot to put the 's' on nails!

I am confident in my nails, but i think i'm 'set in my ways' there is just so many things available out there now and i believe its best for me to be able to offer it all.
I think i'm going to really knuckle down this year and try and get educated as much as possible. x

 

[angel fingers]

maybe there is a tutor near you who can give you a refresher course or who would concentrate on the areas that you feel lacking in and tailor some education to your needs.
theres nothing like a class to boost enthusiasm and confidence.

i rekon it sounds like you have the skill otherwise you wouldnt have stayed in work for all those years, it seems to me that you just need someone to help you reawaken those skills and encourage you.

 

[Bagpuss]

Thanks Lucy.
Harrogate is a small place, I wish I had chosen a better username now.. x

http://www.salongeek.com/site-assis...e-my-crappy-user-name.html?highlight=username