Rich to be a Nail Technician?

[salpep]

Do you have to be rich to be a nail tech? Over the last few weeks I have read quite a few threads/posts about training etc people saying “ooh I can’t afford to go with them”

Now thinking on this many nail techs wanting training say they can’t afford good training and go with a lesser company.
Do you think these high quality companies push people that don’t have the money but want good training to the side or do you feel its right that you can only have the best training if you have the money to do so?

Maybe you feel that if they don’t have the money then how on earth would they be able to set themselves up in business, because you would need money to do that???

Could be that these bigger companies gave a more friendly approach and made it easier for people to get good training by offering an instalments option?
Would you join the bigger companies if this was an option?

Now this is not made at any one company, it’s a general question

:hug:

 

[***juice***]

I think that it's true to an extent that money can buy a good education (look at private schools, universaries etc. - getting off the point a bit) and why should that not be the case? Getting (and paying for) the best education should mean that your skills are better and that the quality of your work and therefore your client retention will be higher. Everything costs money.

People aren't always wanting to set up on their own, they may want to rent a table (not quite the same) or be employed, I would prefer to be employed, at least at first.

Some companies do do installments I believe - I know NSI actually do a method whereby you pay £100 deposit up from and then the rest has to be paid a week prior to the course. If people can afford to pay in installments, surely they can save up for 6 months and do the course in 6 months time rather than NOW NOW NOW.

Good things come to those who wait and all that.

 

[Ruthlm]

I had to save to go on my course, I had looked into the college route, but through research decided that it was beter to train with someone that specialised in nails, rather than someone that has knowledge in a lot of different beauty related subjects. I didn't find it easy...I am definately not rich ( I wish lol ) but if it's something someone really wants to do, I agree with juice, save save save.

 

[geeg]

You don't have to be RICH but it helps not to start out underfunded and doing everything on the cheap .. in fact it is the more expensive route to education and good products than doing everything Right from the Start.

Unfortunately, dare I say it as it is the truth, the nail profession seems to attract many many women who think doing nails as a business is an easy ride and who are totally underfunded to get what they need to ever go into a business that will really make them any money.

To be successful you need the best start you can get and if it seems too much then save up until you can get what you want because it will not be a faster path to success to do it another way.

Being a success is much more than just being able to do nails. I have known and do know really talented nail technicians who have no head for business and never make it; who have no empathy with people and who never make it; who have no confidence and therefore never make it; and who never get the necessary skills in these areas to ever make it.

This might be of interest http://www.salongeek.com/nail-geek/77942-tptw-starting-up-nail-business.html

and this:


There is more to being a great nail technician than just being able to turn out good nails (although this is very important). Here are a few thing to think about.

:!: Doing nails is not for the timid personality or the faint hearted ... you need to be able to be strong and firm with people.

:!: Doing nails needs a person with an empathetic nature, one who cares for and about people.

:!: Doing nails is a business, and a good business head is essential if you want to be financially successful.

:!: Doing nails requires self sacrifice and a vocational attitude as you need to be there when and if your clients want you. Staying in late and going in early etc. is part and parcel of the job.

:!: Doing nails is not a fun little hobby ... it is a profession and should not be done by amateurs but only by professionals in the true sense of the word (look it up in the dictionary ... interesting).

:!: Doing nails requires a great sense of responsibility. We work on people's bodies. They trust us to work safely and to nurture and care for their natural nails while they are wearing nail enhancements.

:!: Doing nails requires integrity (as should everything) and good business ethics. Business ethics is something allot of newbie technicians know nothing about in the UK ... thinking they can use someone Else's good will ... work in a salon and then leave trying to poach business from the very salon that hired them and helped them in the first place.

:!: Doing nails is one of the greatest most fun and rewarding and satisfying businesses in the world. Enjoy your learning but realize that the learning process never stops ... you will know when you are ready because you will feel confident to make that start.

:!: Doing nails requires an atitude of Life Long Learning. Regular classes are not only necessary, they also increase your average earnings and keep you motivated.

Enjoy and good luck

 

[melons]

Hello Gigi
What a brilliant thread. I am going to click on the link and have a good read in a minute
It does seem like a lot of outlay at the start.
We were talking about this on my foundation course.
My CND ambassador said most businesses cost alot more than this to set up.
She had a good point.

I have slowly but surely added to my products so have no need to spend anything for a while (mind you I do want the new MINX) eek

Mel

 

[geeg]

Nails is probably one of the least investments to get started for the return you can expect (If you have the necessary qualifications for business) of any business in the world.

How many other businesses could you start for say an investment of 1000.00 that includes education and products and be in profit in a few months?? If you weren't then it would be because you were buying a silly amount of products you will never use or you coudn't do 30-40 full sets at a normal price in 3 months.

 

[brittone05]

I think that it would make things easier if you could pay in installments. BUT I beleive that if you want something badly enough, you will save and get to where you want to be using your passion and thirst for good education to get you there.

I am still saving to do CND's L&P course - it is taking me forever as I have other responsibilities and such like and, as a stay at home mum I have to priorotise my cash flow.

I am not sitting around waiting for the money to fall into my lap nor am I not learning whilst I am waiting to train - I read every single day, I spend most evenings on the net reading various informative pieces. I have spent the money I do have wisely in buying Geeg's book, Marion's book and have other books as well as Doug Schoon's book on order. I would prefer to go into any training course with a good basis of education for those things that will be seen as unimportant to some and that would maybe not be covered by a budget course.

I was going to go through the college route but instead of doing a VCTC course in college, I would rather save up and do a business course at college so that I can be in good stead to become self employed and have a steady business head on my shoulders.

One day, I will become a qualified nail tech. In the mean time I will use my thirst for learning and my passion to be darn good at what I love to do, not just substandard because I can do it.

 

[Martin Duffy]

Well, I'm certainly not rich, and came from a rather unprivileged background - after my dad left my mum was left to bring up myself & my 5 brothers, one of whom is disabled, by herself in a council house, whilst holding down a job (which is where I think our family work ethic comes from as we've all done fairly well for ourselves). However, what is needed is commitment & the willingness to sacrifice, save & apply oneself wholly to ones aim. It's quite often the challenge of raising the finance & finding the time that separates those who really want it from those who are fly-by-nights.

I think a lot of the problem comes the way many younger people are taught that they can instantly have anything, whether it be fame, material goods or money, and that life is somehow "fair". In actuality, we can't have something automatically just because we want it there & then, and we have to consider the people doing the training are also doing a job that requires payment.

For me to get where I am I went to college whilst renting a flat, and worked every evening & weekend cleaning toilets, old people's homes etc etc, doing bit work & other odd jobs to pay my rent. Eventually I managed to get a job in a salon & it took off from there. But in the meantime I had no television, no home phone, no nights out, no alcohol & mainly ate home-made pasta & sauce! Now I have my own salon, use high-end products & earn a reasonable wage. So I'd say, no you don't have to born into wealth, but for most of us it's a long hard slog to get where we want to be!

 

[Gelly]

IMO, if you're planning on being a really good nail tech then you should be looking closer to £2000 and quite a lot longer than a few months to make a return.

Initial investment will be about £1000 and then the other £1000 will soon be spent on further training / trouble shooting / skill building classes - which you will need because there is no way you can learn how to be a nail tech in 5 days.
and
You will also need to replenish stock - I went though about 24oz of monomer alone just on practising (no money earned there) and tips etc...
To master application, you NEED to practise application - which uses up your products. There is no sense on being precious about product, if it means not practising.

It's worth it though.

 

[katiebbaby]

Gigi, I totally agree. I have invested in my education with CND and I am passionate about what I do. I also started my 3yr psychology degree this yr but had to defer (long story) but anyway that was alot of money to fund, and no one thinks OMG, why you paying that much, iygwim.

My hubby owns his own business and when I booked 2 hrs 1-1 training with Julia next week, he just didnt understand WHY,,, his attitude is sort of ' you getting good earning money why waste it', then I told him about doing my masters :biggrin: but my reply was' well to pay for you to sit you accountancy for years cost X amount, and when you done your chartered, that cost X amount, so why is this any different?

You get what you give in life is my motto xxx

 

[uniq12u]

IMO!! it isn't the amount of money you spend that determines what your future and success will be in this business. It's about passion and desire. Just because a school charges a lot doesn't mean you will get any better education than a school that is cheaper. What matters is the teacher's passion and desire to teach and share their knowledge. How dedicated they are to pass on their knowledge and take gratitude in knowing those they taught learned what was taught.

After your initial education it is then up to you to continue with the education. Finding the right person, company, etc. to get this education will depend on their passion and desire. I have found in this industry it is amazing how open to sharing our knowledge with each other and to help each other. What other industry does that to the degree we do? Mentoring is a great way of getting continuing education w/o costing anything. And now days with the internet, videos, etc. it is easy to get access to more information than ever to continue with your learning.

As far as getting starting. No, you don't have to be rich. You have to be smart. What I mean by that is using your logic and common sense. I started my business with very little. I bought the bare basics I needed while I was in school, then when I got out I continued to buy a little at a time as I had the money. I think the worse mistake anyone can do, if they don't have a lot of money, is to borrow a lot of money to start up with. You are accruing a debt and have very little income and that put stress on you from the very beginning. Another falicy that I heard when I was in school was "it will take you a couple of years to build your business". That is not the case for everyone. Everyone's success degree will be different.

The other thing you need to have is confidence and KNOW that you will succeed. And you have to be self motivated. It is up to you to build your business and only you can do that, no one else can.

I hope this sheds some light for you!

 

[katiebbaby]

IMO!! it isn't the amount of money you spend that determines what your future and success will be in this business. It's about passion and desire. Just because a school charges a lot doesn't mean you will get any better education than a school that is cheaper. What matters is the teacher's passion and desire to teach and share their knowledge. How dedicated they are to pass on their knowledge and take gratitude in knowing those they taught learned what was taught.

After your initial education it is then up to you to continue with the education. Finding the right person, company, etc. to get this education will depend on their passion and desire. I have found in this industry it is amazing how open to sharing our knowledge with each other and to help each other. What other industry does that to the degree we do? Mentoring is a great way of getting continuing education w/o costing anything. And now days with the internet, videos, etc. it is easy to get access to more information than ever to continue with your learning.

As far as getting starting. No, you don't have to be rich. You have to be smart. What I mean by that is using your logic and common sense. I started my business with very little. I bought the bare basics I needed while I was in school, then when I got out I continued to buy a little at a time as I had the money. I think the worse mistake anyone can do, if they don't have a lot of money, is to borrow a lot of money to start up with. You are accruing a debt and have very little income and that put stress on you from the very beginning. Another falicy that I heard when I was in school was "it will take you a couple of years to build your business". That is not the case for everyone. Everyone's success degree will be different.

The other thing you need to have is confidence and KNOW that you will succeed. And you have to be self motivated. It is up to you to build your business and only you can do that, no one else can.

I hope this sheds some light for you!

Well said

 

[Yurionfire]

I'm not rich and just a student. After I've been into nail business, I found out that I'm getting broke because so many course I'd like to join and also many stuff I'd like to try and use, glitter bla bla bla so I can say that you don't have to be rich but you're going to be poor...

 

[katiebbaby]

I'm not rich and just a student. After I've been into nail business, I found out that I'm getting broke because so many course I'd like to join and also many stuff I'd like to try and use, glitter bla bla bla so I can say that you don't have to be rich but you're going to be poor...

Im sorry this statement is wrong, firstly you have just said 'stuff i'd like to try' Then dont try to do other stuff until you are confident in one system first. I want to try other 'STUFF' as you put it mainly gels but until I am 100% happy with my L&P technique on a form I will 0only be concentrating on this, and not on nail art glitters etc, s 90% of my returning client are only into P&W or natural L&P and they are my bread and butter, not young girls (mainly) whom want glitter tips for a night out, so until you are confident and competent in using products you are trained with, then why do other stuff.

You could say that you would be poor in any proffesion if you dont TRY hard enough, you reap what you sew in life

 

[glitz]

I do indulge myself with products that I don't really need to run my business but I do WANT, I cant always afford them most of the time but why shouldn't I, its just like when I were younger I would think nothing of paying £150 for an outfit at least once a month and spending £50 on a night out with the girls weekly, I wouldn't dream of it now not on a regular basis anyway :wink2: its an indulgence to me like Chocolate I love it, if I get asked to do a client which I do probably three or four times a month using these products then great I love it even more as I can be a little more creative with my work and its a change from P&W some sets of enhancements we see and would love to be that good to produce a set of similar standard its all about the design & creativeness its just another side to enhancements (Priority is to get yourself reputable training and be confident in your system) that I think all technicians at some point will dabble in some more than others, I am not saying I think I am a fantastic Technician and cant improve, we are improving every time we do a set of enhancements because its another set to add to the many we have already done and there is always training that I will benefit from I just like to have a little fun on the way. :biggrin:

 

[uniq12u]

Thank you Katiebaby for your kind post!

In reference to the other comment there is a big different between "what I want" and "what I need". When conducting a business it is not always about what you want, it is about what you need to conduct that business. When you have gotten the essentials that are "needed" and build your business up enough, then you can get what you "want".

 

[nailnanny]

I totally agree and i wish it would be standard that nail techs over here in Germany were being approved off before they start. I see such a lot of rubbish over here and I do take my profession serious.

You need no qualifications whatsoever to start your business here.
I have spent, and still do , a lot of money in my training and i wont be trained by just anybody.I have been doing nails now for about 6 years and i will never have finished training.

In a few weeks i will be trained Stefane Loré and David Fowler and I am so much looking forward to be learning new aspects of my profession.

It depends on how you look at it.....you needn´t to be rich,you need to happy to invest in your qualifications.
I´d rather go and learn and pay than to sit in the sun and relax in some holiday resort;-)

Thanks Gigi for all the points made, I can happily look at them and call them my principles.

Andrea from Germany.

 

[geeg]

I do indulge myself with products that I don't really need to run my business but I do WANT, I cant always afford them most of the time but why shouldn't I, its just like when I were younger I would think nothing of paying £150 for an outfit at least once a month and spending £50 on a night out with the girls weekly, I wouldn't dream of it now not on a regular basis anyway :wink2: its an indulgence to me like Chocolate I love it, if I get asked to do a client which I do probably three or four times a month using these products then great I love it even more as I can be a little more creative with my work and its a change from P&W some sets of enhancements we see and would love to be that good to produce a set of similar standard its all about the design & creativeness its just another side to enhancements (Priority is to get yourself reputable training and be confident in your system) that I think all technicians at some point will dabble in some more than others, I am not saying I think I am a fantastic Technician and cant improve, we are improving every time we do a set of enhancements because its another set to add to the many we have already done and there is always training that I will benefit from I just like to have a little fun on the way. :biggrin:

We all want to have fun on the way, but if you can't afford it then don't do it is my advice. In any case it's all fun.

Too many new technicians don't put their money away for the important things and spend it as soon as they get it on the unimportant things .. no business head . no sense of how to do things correctly .. and then they wonder why they have no dosh??? Don't blame the profession. In my opinion ANY good nail technician with good sense and ambition will make money doing nails if they want it.

 

[lilstraws89]

Hi all,

I have read all the posts made for this thread and I totally agree with Gigi. Anything to do with nails or beauty or business is a life long learning experience

Vicky

 

[RedAdmiral]

Well I've been around for a long time and my advice to my students is to buy what you need, invest properly in the best courses and take your time perfecting your craft.
I see techs all the time buying, buying buying when a - they dont have more than 2 clients, b- they dont know how to use xyz and c- they dont even know basics like rebalancing.

I understand we all get excited - I did too - but like the majority has said there is way more to 'doing nails'

Excellent advice Gigi