Magazine for the professional nail industry.
Issue link: http://nailsmag.epubxp.com/i/128780
FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/nailsmag Just My Opinion: Can't We All Just Get Along? Yesterday a client came into the salon for her nail appointment. She had recently taken a trip to Atlantic City. While waiting for her bags at the airport she was approached by a woman who looked at her nails, complemented them, and asked what color she was wearing. My customer said it was OPI gel-polish in I'm Not Really a Waitress. After further examination the woman exclaimed that it must be something other than gel-polish. My client said that there was a special mix of glitters added. The woman then asked if there was any other product there, how much it cost to receive this service, and who had done them. My client excitedly replied, explaining that acrylic was the base, how much she paid, and that Jennifer Lambert was her nail artist. The woman then told her that she herself was in fact a nail tech. This woman started educating my client at length on how "bad" acrylic is for your nails, that she uses brand X gels and they are so much better for your nails. I don't think she was prepared for the response from a truly educated consumer. My client firmly told her that she had been coming to me every other week for the last eight years and she has never had a single issue with her nails, and in fact she has even "dug in the dirt" with them (something I do not recommend). Isn't there a way we could accept one another and understand there is a product to fit every client's needs? Why must we feel the need to disparage one another? I want to reside in a world where we elevate our industry and advocate for a safe customer experience, not trash those who practice those same safe services. I am trained in both acrylic and gel, and I see the need for both services as well as others. As long as we as professionals are properly applying/removing professional product there is no danger to the client. I have somewhat given up my formal educator title, however I feel it is important to educate my customers. In many cases my customer is more informed than many licensed manicurists. My point is: Can't we all just get along? Throughout my years in this business I feel privileged to have learned and worked with the best in this industry. I've been lucky enough to go through competition/educator training with Tom Holcomb, Tom Bachik, Alisha Rimando, Lorena Marquez, LeeAnne Smith-Henderson, Doug Schoon, and many others. Many sacrifices were made by my family so I could receive that education and I believe that has shaped me into the professional I am today. Keeping up with the trends and ever-changing technology is so important in any field in today's world. It is, however, unacceptable behavior to spread false accusations and use scare tactics because of your apparent lack of education. So I am calling you out and raising the challenge to all my peers to not let what you don't understand define you. Use the many resources available today to get informed and if you still don't understand, say just that — it's OK. We all can't possibly know everything. Jennifer Lambert It's All in the Brush, Youngstown, Ohio www.nailsmag.com/fifi/16106 JUNE 2013 | NAILS MAGAZINE | 59