Who are you?

[skymark]

I know that we have the introductions section here (that has loads of threads and is mostly peoples first post) and have our profiles, but it seems that now might be a nice time to get to know a bit about each other, our backgrounds, our work, our time on Salon Geek etc.

There have been other threads like it in the past but they were long ago and thousands of members have probably passed through since then.

As there are new members all the time, some do introduce to tell about themselves but sometimes they dont get to learn about other members too well.

So here is the place to give people a run down of anything you want them to know, For example (and peeps dont have to answer these questions or treat it like a questionnaire)

How long have you been on geek?
How did you find your way here?
What is your job now?
Are you involved with any pro companies?
What is your career background?
Whats your plans for the future?
What kind of person are you?
What other interests do you have besides this work or this industry?

I hope that this might give us a chance to get to know about each other in a professional and personal way.

It doesnt matter if you have been in the industry 40 years and here since day dot, or joined yesterday and are only considering the industry. Let us know a bit about you and anything you'd like to share.

Just a fun thread to share with each other, keep it positive and light

 

[skymark]

Guess I will start to be fair

I'm Lisa. Ive been around here for a few years now. I discovered Salon Geek luckily at the start of my journey just after I did my first acrylic nails course and I went on to do other nail and beauty courses. I think I got here through some random googling and spent months reading before saying a word. I no longer do acrylic nails as my allergies dont like the dust or vapours unfortunately but minx is definitely my friend and I have grown to love doing other treatments much more. Im definitely loving the new interest in natural nails.

I worked in quite a few industries before this, electronics (geeky stuff), property, fraud (preventing, not committing ) and at a tv shopping channel at one point. I have also been involved in quite a few small companies and projects. Ive seen a lot of riding high and also disastrous moments with quite a few of them.

As well as my beauty business I have a couple of other businesses. I have trouble prioritising what needs doing first.

I dont have any kiddies but I travel quite a bit. I love cartoons, old 80s comedies, penguins, whales, snow and drinking tea. I love David Attenborough documentaries

I have a crazy amount of food allergies so when im not at home im often hungry.

I live in Yorkshire, used to live in Toronto, Canada and spend quite a bit of time in Florida.

 

[Essential Bliss]

What a great idea I'll go next then...

I've been on here probably about a year now, I found it through Google searches and have been majorly addicted ever since..I used to write the odd post every now and then but am getting more addicted by the day now!

I am currently managing a beauty salon, I have worked here for two years and was thrown in at the deep end when my boss left to have a baby, I love the responsibility of running the shop and dealing with all the clients and other staff members and think It's great experience of when I eventually have my own I also do some mobile work here and there when I can.
I used to do some shop work as well as a couple of voluntary jobs as Saturday girl in a salon so have alwayg wanted to get my hands in this industry.
In the future, I am saving now for a flat for me and my boyfriend as well as starting up my own mobile business,I have a few clients now but in the next few years I plan to cut down my salon hours and focus more on my own business

What kind of person am i? I used to be so quiet and shy, but since working at the salon I'm a completely different person and can talk to anyone and am quite open and bubbly..I hate confrontation but will voice my opinion if I think It's needed..hugely Passionate about beauty and couldn't imagine doing anything different with my life!

My interests are socializing with friends, I absolutely adore horse riding but wish I had more time to do it, and I love watching football!! Complete girly girl but I love it, I would never play it but my partner plays 3-4 times a week and I hate missing a game lol.
Oh another thing, I tend to babble on a bit, need to be told when to shut up because I usually start to repeat myself haha..so best I stop now before I do ;-)

Looking forward to reading and learning about lots of other geeks

Kayleigh xx

Essential Bliss Beauty Therapy

 

[naturalnails]

This looks like fun LOL.

How long have you been on geek?
Since it started and before when it was called Samuelsweet dot com LOL

How did you find your way here?
I think I got a link from another nail tech forum or was I born here LOL

What is your job now?
I am a nail technician, but really only do manicures and Shellac. Where I live is not really conducive to have lots of lovely clients. Every hair or beauty salon in my small town and there are lots, have a nail person and they are all vi-ing for who can be cheapest. I dont want to be part of that so I have moved on from the enhancements.

Are you involved with any pro companies?
I distribute a nail glitter!

What is your career background?
Previous life I was an admin/PA to a H&S Manager. Left to have children then wanted to work from home. Trained in Man/Ped at college in 2000. Then did a Jessica manicure course and then CND L&P course. Later did my Brisa training and also trained to CND L&P Masters.

What's your plans for the future?
If I am honest, although I am happy and will continue to offer manicures and Shellac, I would really like to get my jewellery business to be a force on the internet.

What kind of person are you?
I am quite a shy person in person and I often stop myself from doing things for fear of being knocked back. I love the internet because no one can see me blushing LOL.

What other interests do you have besides this work or this industry?
As mentioned above - my jewellery. I also love reading crime books - Martina Cole, Karin Slaughter, Kathy Reichs, James Patterson etc. I do also love my cats, we have 2 and a half - 2 17 year olds - cranky old men and a kitten who is only 12 weeks called Gemini - that is her birth sign and I have twins so it made perfect sense!

 

[sarah1988]

Hi geeks! I'm sarah I'm quite new to salon geek only been a member since July but have looked on here quite a few times before this, I own my own business doing mobile beauty therapy and just kicked this off about 5 months ago when I left the salon I had worked in for 6 years, I did a level one NCFE beauty course a level 2 NVQ beauty and level 3 holistic diploma. I have also done loads of other courses since then to add to my services, I currently have also been doing some teaching (beauty) in schools local to me for young girls, I would love to eventually teach full time. Love been my own boss and LOVE beauty always have done and always will can't imagine doing anything else! I love animals and we have a dog and a parrot at the moment but think we've had every animal going up to press lol I live in west Yorkshire with my mum and my boyfriend or I should say fiancé we got engaged at Xmas so think I've rambled on enough for now, I think the idea of this post is fab and most say I am now addicted to SG I've learnt so much from u all so thank u very much xxxx

 

[taggyboy]

Where to start?

I have been a geek for nearly 2 years having joined in Sept of 2009 but stood back and observed for a while before posting.

If I remember correctly, I found my way here by accident searching the internet looking for advice.

I am the owner of a hair and beauty salon, which I absolutely love. Having worked in an office environment for years I decided upon a complete career change in my 50s (what was I thinking of?).

My previous roles have been varied but have helped me to gain, what I consider a wealth of experience. Even if not in the hair and beauty field but I have learnt loads since starting up the business.

Started out years ago working as a telex operator (bet half of you don't know what that is ) for an oil company. Had my beautiful girls and helped build by husbands business up whilst they were little. Briefly worked at BT on, what used to be called, directory enquiries and operator services. Took calls for the 999 services. Then worked for the first Doctor's out-of-hours co-operative in the uk as an evening and weekend receptionist. After 6 months I was promoted to Deputy Manager and held this role for 8 years. Whilst at the co-op I gained my NHS Management qualification. For years of being on-call at weekends and bank holidays I decided to take a less stressful job. I then worked part-time for a well known dating agency. Then joined a rail company and again was promoted to Team Manager plus held a few other jobs along the way but became disheartened with office work and the politics that go with it.

So my daughter (hairdresser) and I went into business, bought our salon (freehold) and have never looked back since. Lots of highs and lows as with everyone in this industry.

My plans for the future are to continue to grow our business, keep it small, friendly but professional. I am considering doing a beauty course but not sure at 50++ I will have the learning capacity or if my body could cope with bending over a beauty couch. I would ideally just love to do facials and specialise in this field.

I'm a faily even keeled (sp) person, can be on the shy side until you know me and have been told I'm to soft on many occassions. I have a small circle of close friends and that's how I like to be. Having said that, I have found some inspirational people on SG. It takes a fair bit for me to lose my temper but when I go, I go. Hate confrontation and will avoid at all costs, which is a weakness of mine but I've had to deal with some pretty awful people in my years on this planet and it makes you stronger.

I used to go to the gym a lot was addicted to step but arthritis has put a stop to it, other than that just anything involving my family.

Lovely thread

 

[naturalnails]

.....

Started out years ago working as a telex operator (bet half of you don't know what that is ) for an oil company. .....
Lovely thread

oh I remember the good old telex beasties - it was the only way to communicate with the oil rigs, in the olden days LOL.

 

[taggyboy]

oh I remember the good old telex beasties - it was the only way to communicate with the oil rigs, in the olden days LOL.

How times change. I could even read the tape that came out from the machine with all the tiny holes. I used the round tiny little offcuts as confetti sometimes, they stuck like glue lol

 

[Nails<3]

How long have you been on geek?
I have been registered since June but was lurking since feb/march looking for advice

How did you find your way here?
I typed a problem into google and Salon Geek appeared, don't know what I would do without it now. So helpful and lovely geeks

What is your job now?
At the moment I am a business development manager for a cleaning company! I hate it to the point where I nearly walked out a few hours ago lol :/ I am also trained in spray tan and mani/pedi so I am trying to build my business up with no success I do spray tans,gelish and rockstar. I dont like doing acrylics anymore but I always practice new designs.

What is your career background?
Since leaving school 8 years ago at 16 I went straight into customer services/sales jobs and had my first child at 18 so left work to look after him.I have always wanted to do beauty but just didnt see any opportunities having 2 children. I was too busy with them to really concentrate on anything else. I went back to work last year and now still in the same job. Although hoping to leave soon if my business takes off(fingers crossed)

Whats your plans for the future?
In the future I want to run my salon specialising in natural nail treatments and spray tanning. I want to go on waxing,ee,threading and massage courses to build up my business. I am also starting hairdressing in September(yay ) something I have always wanted to do.

What kind of person are you?
I am a shy and reserved person to people I do not know- not too good when I want to work with the public hey lol but im sure once i build up my confidence I will be fine. I am completely different with my OH and family as I am comfortable with them. My own business will give me the confidence I need to man up and talk to people I dont know as I am going to go out and advertise to the public.


What other interests do you have besides this work or this industry
as previously mentioned I have 2 children- I work fulltime so any spare time I get I like to spend with them. I only see them 3 hours each day- im at work 9-5 they are in nursery 8-5.30 mon-fri so I love to spend my weekends with them doing what they want.
I love practicing my nails and creating new designs- I love to redecorate my house every 3-6 months - my boyfriend hates it as he does all the work lol,I read,cook,see family and friends. I dont actually drink anymore- used to be wild and my children have settled me down so I am now an old fart at 24 I just live a normal life and its very hectic but would never change it for the world

Great thread x x

 

[Mrs Geek]

How long have you been on geek?
Since Sam made me join!! I was clueless as to what I was 'joining' and as Fiona says - it was samuelsweet dot com at the time! I think I am number 15 in the joining stakes!

How did you find your way here?
At the kitchen table under duress!

What is your job now?
Exclusive UK Distributor for CND, CND Shellac, Minx, Lumos, Softlandings and Glitzy Lips!

What is your career background?
I left the UK when I was 18, moved to Florida and worked Front Desk at a Tennis Resort in Florida. I came home and started working reception at my mum's (Gigi) nail salon and basically 'got into' the industry through her. All this happened at the inception of the nail industry so I have been at from the off! I did nail training in 1992 but I was never a natural - I am much better with people!

What are your plans for the future?
Well, I am passionate about Customer Service and judging from comments on here I need to go and assess certain areas ! Also to continue to have the coolest products in the market so our customers can make oodles of dosh!

What kind of person are you?
I have a big personality; I am very talkative :o; I am passionate about what I do; I love to help people become successful; I am kind and thoughtful (I think) :lick: and very positive (I have no time for being sick or down or negative), I change it all around and live as positively as possible!

What other interests do you have besides this work or this industry
Truthfully??? None! OK OK My fabulous family - we hang out a lot! I adore my boys (including The Geek) and I love fashion and going to the gym!

 

[gr8nailz]

Fun!

How long have you been on geek?
Since May of this year.

How did you find your way here?
I googled acetone and its long term effect on nails. LOL

What is your job now?
I'm a nail professional at a high-end salon in Brandon, FL. I recently converted to natural nails no longer doing enhancements due to the over abundance of NSS salons in my area. Shellac has more than made up for it, though.

Are you involved with any pro companies?
No

What is your career background?
I have a Masters Degree in Business Management and worked as the business manager for a college athletic department for years before transitioning into a nail professional.

What's your plans for the future?
I will be retiring shortly...within two years or so...then onto a new adventure!

What kind of person are you?
I'm a mommy so I'm a nurturer. But I'm also a fighter. I have no problem getting in peoples' faces. I'm up-front and hate people who talk behind my behind back.

What other interests do you have besides this work or this industry?
My family especially my son, Kellen! I enjoy travel, especially cruises. I love the beach and boating...anything water related. I love music. I enjoy organizing things, oddly.

And my name is Tammie

 

[lisareid]

Aaw such a good idea

How long have you been on geek?
Since November

How did you find your way here?
I got the link from a friend who thought it would be very useful for me when I started training and that it has.

What is your job now?
I am home based offering party lashes, MYscara, tinting, make-up and currently training in lash in a flash with Glam Lash and hope to offer spray tanning in the next few months. Also do eyelash extensions with Nouveau but not too confidient doing these and take me AGES LOL!!

Are you involved with any pro companies?
No

What is your career background?
Administration and before I went on maternity leave with my daughter Erin I had a fantastic job at the University of St Andrews in the Admissions Office. Very busy and stressful but worked with a fantastic team that I am still in touch with. I knew once I had children I couldn't return to that stress, children are enough LOL!!! Fell pregnant with Ethan when Erin was 3 months old so that was the end of that.

What's your plans for the future?
Am currently learning to drive so keep everything crossed 3rd time lucky for me and build up my business and hours when the kids go to school. Bigger premises to work in and also that my husband can give up his IT job and go full-time with photography. Had I been younger, would have loved more children too.

What kind of person are you?
I would like to think very friendly, am always smiling and chatting away. Very loyal and trustworthy. What you see is what you get with me. Love to make people feel special and love making new friends.

What other interests do you have besides this work or this industry?
Love to help out at Erin's nursery when I can. Love to cook and bake. Catching up with friends over lunch, shopping, fashion and spending money LOL!!! :hug:

 

[lauraj]

I thought I would have a reply, I like this thread its nice to learn a bit more about people

How long have you been on geek?
I think I've lurked on geek since I started doing nails but it was ages before I joined, not sure when I joined now to be honest. I was rather worried everytime I posted at the begining because I didn't think I knew enough but now I post more and more and I'm always having a look whats new.

How did you find your way here?
I found my way here buy searching about a problem I had online and I've had it in my favs ever since. There's so much to learn and it's really nice the way people help each other.

What is your job now?
I've just started my business properly on 16th May and I'm doing nails, floristry and make-up. I also work 2 days for my dad in his office so that I have some regular money coming in. I did a short course for l&p and silks but probably learnt loads more off here, I did a manicure course and then most recently my make-up one. My spray tan course is in September.

Are you involved with any pro companies?
Nope

What is your career background?
I'm only 22 so it's not a vast one but I've done quite a few jobs. I started working when I was still at school at 16 at a wholesale warehouse which I loved. Then when I was in sixth form I started doing promotions work in ASDA and perfume sampling. I continued with this through uni and I added mystery shopping and AVON to get a bit more money in. I also used to do children's pamper parties with my cousin. I think did my nail course and went part time as a mobile nail tech but in my uni holiday I would work a few days a week in my dads office, which is what I am doing again now. Then when I left uni I became a teaching assistant with visually impaired children with a view to becoming a teacher but I decided that wasn't for me so I started the business. Wow that was long sorry I do hope you are still with me.

Whats your plans for the future?
To be honest I don't think I'm quite set what I want to do. I think I would like a salon but I don't really know. There are loads of courses I still want to do so I am just concentrating on building my business up at the moment.

What kind of person are you?
I used to be very shy and quiet but I think working changed all that now I'm much more confident. I take things to heart quite easily like if I have a tricky client or something but I can take critasism and I like it when people are straight with me or I'll never learn. I also like a laugh and would never cope being serious all day.

What other interests do you have besides this work or this industry?
I'm not a fitness freak I like to do zumba and I've done pole for a while but that's about it and I don't go every week (prob should). I love to craft, I make all sorts of thing and I love my art of crochet magazine subscription.

That's me done I think

 

[gr8nailz]

Started out years ago working as a telex operator (bet half of you don't know what that is )

Girlfriend, I know what that is.

 

[lauraj]

Started out years ago working as a telex operator (bet half of you don't know what that is )

No I don't what is it? lol

 

[Ruthybabiee]

I everyone, I am Ruth , friends & family call me Ruthy, Ruthybabiee.. I am addicted to eyelashes & love everything to do with eyes make up, hair etc!!

How long have you been on geek?
I have been registered since July!!

How did you find your way here?
I typed a problem into google and Salon Geek appeared, in a real sense every question I was typing in was leading me back to Salon geek & this is when I decided hang on I think this could be a great page to sign up for & how right was I , everyone is so nice & friendly!!

What is your job now?
I am a buyer / planner for the Childrens University Hospital in Dublin, Ireland. I have always wanted to be a hairdresser but never really knew this till my older years when I got a mortgage & realised I need to work with a good wage to keep my home.

I am an eyelash technician part time after my full time job above.

What is your career background?

I worked in a factory after school, then went on to be an “Inventory Controller” I was made redundant from here & went on to some crappy jobs till I was offered a job in the Hospital in the Purchasing Dept doing admin, after a few years the Buyer role came up,& I was too timid to go for it & had no confidence etc till the time came when I got a second chance!!

I booked myself into the local college after been thinking about what I wanted to do which was a lash technician

Whats your plans for the future?
I would to add to my lashing, I would really love to get into hairdressing but its not an option for me with funds etc, but I am thinking of adding MYScara & Shellac to me list, I want to set goals & reach high… it would be great to open a lash studio!!
I always wanted to do hairdressing, I have a great knack for doing hair & always do friends & family make up etc so I know I can perfect myself, I just need to win the lotto!!

What kind of person are you?

I am quite a funny person & love to talk!! I am a chatter box all the time, I tend to go on & on but don’t we all. I have found I am more open to start talking to people since doing the lashes.
My star sign is cancer & can be open to new people, but if I have a tinkle about someone / something for some reason it kind of always turns out to be right….I am a giver & always tend to give give give, I like to please everyone & sometimes I have to remind myself that I cant please everyone.

What other interests do you have besides this work or this industry
I love pets, I have a lazy cat Missy & an active dog Tess,who loves to play & be walked all the time.
Over the last 2 years I have really started to take care of my me , appearance & body, maybe with getting that bit older(29) it automatically just happened ha
I am part of WW & have lost over 2 stone, I used to work out in the gym 5 days a week but with the recession & all that lark- I invested in a bike!! So I now cycle in & out of work so it’s a good 60minutes a day x 5.
I love to party at the weekend & go to the pictures, spend time with my man Martin who I have been with since I was 14- It’s a good mind clearer to clean my home , light my candles & relax with a nice bottle of vino & a Chinese take out.
I am really just a girls girls!!

 

[Mrs Geek]

No I don't what is it? lol

Think of it as an enormous fax machine that had to be hooked up to a telephone and ... oh lord... the lady who worked with them can explain much better than me. My dad actually had one which is why I remember them and I remember that when he sent one it took forever to go through... :o

 

[chocolatepickle]

How long have you been on geek?
Since 2009, i joined but didnt realise the real value of the site until some time after.
How did you find your way here?
Good old google. I was looking for recommendations for products after completing my level 2 in beauty.

What is your job now?
I'm now a Mobile nail technician and a CND Shellac Education Ambassador.

Are you involved with any pro companies?
CND and proud!

What is your career background?
My background is so random I never expected it'd follow this path... I started working at 14 in a local pub kitchen, where I stayed for 5 years around school and college.
After finishing college I worked in a dreaded call center for a year:zzz:
I left there to become a Nursery Nurse where I trained and worked for 4.5 years around having my first son.
My son was the driving force in changing my career, I discovered a love for nails by chance whilst pregnant, so enrolled in a local college to do beauty in order to get my mani/ pedi qualifications and things followed on from there.

What kind of person are you?
I'm genuine, very honest and probably a little naive- I like to see the best in everyone.
I'm a huge believer in what goes around comes around and so try my best to treat others as I would like to be treated myself.
I'm shy, though many that know me find it hard to believe as I may talk a fair bit and I honestly wouldn't hurt even a fly in case it effects my chances of getting in upstairs one day!

What other interests do you have besides this work or this industry?
With the hectic lifestyle I currently lead I dont have time for other interests, if I ever get free time I often use it to visit those closest to me that I dont see as often as I should.

 

[naturalnails]

No I don't what is it? lol

A telex machine was a huge thing about the size of a Fiat 500 car LOL. It had a keyboard and you had to type and each character punched a hole in a ticker tape thing. You then had to feed the ticker tape back into the machine and dial a number and the ticker tape fed through and the message was received at the other end.

 

[taggyboy]

Girlfriend, I know what that is.

Us old farts ay, or should I just speak for myself

LauraJ, it was a way of communicating to any destination in the world that had a telex machine. Usually urgent or important documents that needed to be sent immediately and could not afford the delay of post. Fax machines were relatively new and very unreliable then so they didn't get used that often. Say you needed to advise another company that you were sending a large shipping order, you would either dial up the relevant telex no. wait for both machines to connect and type the information free-style, so to speak. Sometimes lengthy documents needed to be sent and these could be typed up first and the information was saved to a magnetic tape, this could then be fed into the telex and it would happily translate at speed what you had typed. It was all connected through the telephone network, so you can imagine the cost of communicating this way especially when dialling abroad. Sometimes, we spent hours trying to get international connections, it was very high tech then but would be a dinosaur nowadays.

http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSZn4x7GPLDhtaudsw-bmto896NVlsWoF_KgUOC-4hsUExpV9Ib

This is what I used

Sorry to gatecrash your post skymark