Such great advice! All of it. I got my Maryland state manicurist license in 1985 and only did it for a few years. Now that I'm 63 and retired I want to get busy with it again. Where I live we are required to having continuing education every year but there are no classes in my area. 😒 You are such an inspiration. Thank you for all your nail content. This old lady has learned a lot from you and I truly appreciate you! Best wishes always. ❤️💅
I’m here in Texas, and I take my CE over the internet.. I use to go to classes to get hands on training but the covid has made that training ridiculous, so now Iv hired a nail tech to teach me the latest for 4 days the products are all new I need help in how to use them.. I am 63 myself and have a dream and that’s to go back to work❤
@@rhondaclark5335 best wishes! So nice to hear I'm not alone especially when it's someone who's my age and I know they understand. Thank you for responding, you gave me some renewed hope. ❤️ 💅❤️💓
I was fortunate to find Japanese gels while still in school and invested in them from the beginning and I started my pricing out at a higher level to attract a certain boutique type of client. I’ve been a massage therapist business owner for 15 years, so I feel it was easier for me to start my healthy nail business. Love your videos!
Definitely sharing this with my students. As a teacher, I'm determined to make sure that my students graduate with more than "the basics" NEVER STOP LEARNING!!!
this was a very interesting! we unfortunately live in a society, where, people would rather rush than do their absolute best. I am not a nail tech, I am just a random person who loves nail art, but I personally would rather spend 2 hours on a nail design and do my very best rather than rush and not like the result.
Very true about wasting money on cheap products. I definitely did that and it made me frustrated thinking I was doing something wrong but when I upgraded products suddenly I realized that it wasn't me but the products. So you don't just save money but save yourself some unnecessary failures.
Thank ypu so much Katie for the great and helpful advice. Truly appreciated for us new nail techs. Love all your videos. Greetings from your subscriber from Cyprus🙂
Katie, this is the best video and Great advice!! I started doing nails about 4 years ago after and still doing hair for the last 46 years. I didn't want to do acrylic but when I found you, and light elegance and young nails on you tube, I was sold!! Yes, I 've taken a lot of classes too especially e-filing. You are absolutely right take the extra classes and I have been there beating myself up thinking I wasn't good enough. But you are and we all make mistakes but we learn from them!!
Most of my nail supplies came from Amazon or other companies that didn’t require a license. When I became licensed in April, I bought high quality products just to see if it was all hype. It’s not. They’re so much better. Thank you for this video. I was definitely struggling with the pricing.
I'm not a nail tech but this video was still helpful and informative. You're so kind and generous - thank you for sharing your wisdom! if you ever get tired of doing nails, you would make an excellent teacher 🙂!!
Thank you for this, Katie, such great advice. I recently qualified as a nail tech and currently trying to juggle with a full-time office job. One of my family was getting their nails done with me, but few months ago I found out that they have started going back to their previous salon due to time and wanting to be in and out. It was a real blow to my confidence and left me feeling really deflated 😔 I understand from their pov, but not really sure how I’ll ever get quicker, if people don’t give me the chance to begin with x
I know how that can feel. Practicing on family and friends is great, but they usually are not the ones who will be a huge part of our income. Clients will come and go throughout your career, it’s just how the business goes. I suggest getting a realistic practice hand, like Red Iguana or Aleana hands. You can use these to practice your skills and also post photos that look almost identical to a real person.
@@NailsByKatieDutra thanks for taking the time to reply, Katie. My Aleana hands actually arrived the other day, so I can’t wait to start building my portfolio and hopefully help me to get quicker. Although, as you say, I’d rather leave clients happy and with a beautiful set of nails that will last, than rush and then leave them disappointed. Thank you again for the advice, I am a huge fan of yours and always look forward to your content 💕
@@sarahfaith2417 thank you Sarah. I have just got my Aleana hand which is unbelievably real (all they need are real growing cuticles 😆) so I’m excited to start using her! X
This is all such great advice. I have the same issues with time but am finding that it is improving in increments. I also worry about losing clients because they don't want to sit with me for 2 hrs, however I actually had one tell me that they are sticking with me because I do good work and my nails last. It will all work out in the end. Try not to get too discouraged. 🙂 I am having a hard time with the pricing though.
im from Costa Rica and Im just starting as nail tech, it's really hard for me to relax, i love nails and i want to work them so perfect. this season as beginner is killing me... all your advice just suits my needs!!!!! tyyyyyyy❤❤
This video really helped me! Took notes as I watched. I am as of June working at a salon as a full time nail tech and all of your gel manicure videos helps a ton, I am obsessed!! Thank you so much!
This is an amazing video. Soooo helpful. I just started buying better quality products, gels lamps and just got my efile this really makes a difference. Definitely agree with taking classes they have helped me soooo always looking for ways to improve. Thanks for sharing.
Yes Iv had to ask a client to choose another nail tech and it felt so good to not dread her coming in to see me at 7:30am on Saturdays.. I was coming in to give her a manicure at a that time and my regular time was .9:00am
Just found your channel 😊 such great advice thank you iv nade lots of these mistakes in ny first 2 years. Im currently taking a break from my business but when i return ill be doing things so differently. Thank you for sharing your knowledge 😍
What are some good quality gel polishes for beginner's? I've seen the term white bottles a lot lately for bad reactions and to not use, but not sure what brands they are referring to.
Thank you so much! I’m not a nail tech just a nail artist working on press ons but I use Japanese and Korean gel and pull in a comparable amount. Did you go to nail school immediately after high school or are you just ridiculously young looking? 👀
I am in my first year of cosmetology and I wanted to start polygel nails (since we just finished the nail section in school) what are some high quality polygel brands? I’m not really sure what the professional brands are
This was so helpful thanks so much I’m just starting out and I don’t even have a lot of gel polishes lol 😅 where would you recommend for gel polishes or just brands that are good
I’ve only seen Beetles sold on Amazon, which I would be careful of. My favorite brands are Luxa Polish, Akzentz Luxio, Korean Gels from Zillabeau, Ugly Duckling.. etc. I always share high quality products on my channel that I would recommend.
About the pricing - how would you even be able to get out of school without getting enough practice to feel confident when you start work? You should have worked on dozens of customers in school, as well as family and friends. If you somehow can't get the hours at school, then spend time with family, friends, and their direct referrals doing heavily discounted services (basically just charging enough to cover the cost of your materials) before renting your station until you feel confident enough to charge market price. I don't think it's a good idea to advertise to the public that you are new and discounting services to practice, I can see that backfiring. Also, not sure if this is still a thing but back when I was an esthetician, you could contact the manufacturer of any machinery you used to see if they would teach you how to use the equipment. Depending on your location, they would sometimes have local classes or other certified and licensed people who could teach you according to their standards, often for free or a very reasonable fee. I am also a firm believer in continuing education for skill building!
Unfortunately most beauty schools in the US only teach the bare minimum, resulting it students not having enough practice or confidence after graduating. The “dozens” of customers were myself, a few other students, and some practice hands. 😂 I think I did one acrylic full set on an actual person. And the nail industry is pretty small compared to other beauty industries. There really aren’t representatives in most areas for brands/products. Maybe a few here and there but they don’t offer free or cheap training. If you want to get certified in using their products you must take the class which is usually $300-$500, and most people need to travel far to get to those classes. So if someone is new or just starting out, it can be hard for them to afford.
@@NailsByKatieDutra Ah, that is a bummer! Early 2000s or maybe just my own state had different programs, with members of the public able to come in for discounted services by students. I can't imagine trying to get started without that experience!
@@LydiaKrow yes we had that too, just not very many customers and most of it was simple manicures. There was a lot we weren’t taught unfortunately 🥲 this was 2010 ish. We weren’t taught at all how to use gel or an efile, not even how to nip cuticles. Only allowed to use a wooden or plastic pusher, and we couldn’t use the acrylic unless we had a paying customer. Sadly this is a common type of experience with a lot of beauty schools.
@@NailsByKatieDutra Wow! My license was as an esthetician, so I didn't go through a nail program. I had no idea. I didn't do the state school as it wasn't extensive enough but I went there for nail and hair because a friend was getting that license and needed people to work on. Thanks for the perspective - that's rough. :\
@@LydiaKrow I hope that it’s better these days! I know they have some specialty/advanced hair & esthetic schools. Maybe one day they will have it for nails too! 😄
Thanks for your tips ❤ I have had my license since February this year 2013 and I love doing nails but has you say they take time. It’s so good too hear you say that it’s okay ❤️ I have made a little nail studio at home and starting to get some clients regular and hope that 2014 will be a good nail year 💅 Thanks again for doing a good Jobb here on UA-cam ❤️ @dreamnailsterapi from Sweden 🇸🇪
Hello! I would have little more personal question - i really want to have my own saloon, but iam scared that my finances wont stand these few months - you know.. Rent for studio, taxes.. How did you start with that? Can you suggest me something for start please (maybe in DMs if its too personal) ❤🥹
Online Structured Gel Manicure course now available! 🤩 Sign up here: katie-s-school-04c4.thinkific.com/courses/EMS
Such great advice! All of it. I got my Maryland state manicurist license in 1985 and only did it for a few years. Now that I'm 63 and retired I want to get busy with it again. Where I live we are required to having continuing education every year but there are no classes in my area. 😒 You are such an inspiration. Thank you for all your nail content. This old lady has learned a lot from you and I truly appreciate you! Best wishes always. ❤️💅
I’m here in Texas, and I take my CE over the internet.. I use to go to classes to get hands on training but the covid has made that training ridiculous, so now Iv hired a nail tech to teach me the latest for 4 days the products are all new I need help in how to use them.. I am 63 myself and have a dream and that’s to go back to work❤
@@rhondaclark5335 best wishes! So nice to hear I'm not alone especially when it's someone who's my age and I know they understand. Thank you for responding, you gave me some renewed hope. ❤️ 💅❤️💓
I was fortunate to find Japanese gels while still in school and invested in them from the beginning and I started my pricing out at a higher level to attract a certain boutique type of client. I’ve been a massage therapist business owner for 15 years, so I feel it was easier for me to start my healthy nail business. Love your videos!
Thanks amazing! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
Definitely sharing this with my students.
As a teacher, I'm determined to make sure that my students graduate with more than "the basics"
NEVER STOP LEARNING!!!
I can imagine you’re an amazing teacher!
I love taking classes too!!!
this was a very interesting! we unfortunately live in a society, where, people would rather rush than do their absolute best. I am not a nail tech, I am just a random person who loves nail art, but I personally would rather spend 2 hours on a nail design and do my very best rather than rush and not like the result.
I agree! Art definitely takes more time than most people think.
Very true about wasting money on cheap products. I definitely did that and it made me frustrated thinking I was doing something wrong but when I upgraded products suddenly I realized that it wasn't me but the products. So you don't just save money but save yourself some unnecessary failures.
I am a biggest fan of all what u do...... all the way from Jordan thank you sooooooooooo❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Thank ypu so much Katie for the great and helpful advice. Truly appreciated for us new nail techs. Love all your videos. Greetings from your subscriber from Cyprus🙂
Katie, this is the best video and Great advice!! I started doing nails about 4 years ago after and still doing hair for the last 46 years. I didn't want to do acrylic but when I found you, and light elegance and young nails on you tube, I was sold!! Yes, I 've taken a lot of classes too especially e-filing. You are absolutely right take the extra classes and I have been there beating myself up thinking I wasn't good enough. But you are and we all make mistakes but we learn from them!!
Yes we’ve all had those feelings! ❤️ we are all human
Most of my nail supplies came from Amazon or other companies that didn’t require a license. When I became licensed in April, I bought high quality products just to see if it was all hype. It’s not. They’re so much better. Thank you for this video. I was definitely struggling with the pricing.
Glad it was helpful! ❤️
I'm not a nail tech but this video was still helpful and informative. You're so kind and generous - thank you for sharing your wisdom! if you ever get tired of doing nails, you would make an excellent teacher 🙂!!
Thank you for this, Katie, such great advice. I recently qualified as a nail tech and currently trying to juggle with a full-time office job. One of my family was getting their nails done with me, but few months ago I found out that they have started going back to their previous salon due to time and wanting to be in and out. It was a real blow to my confidence and left me feeling really deflated 😔 I understand from their pov, but not really sure how I’ll ever get quicker, if people don’t give me the chance to begin with x
YN sells a practice hand. If you can do a set on those in a timely manner, then a real hand will be easier. I love the practice hand.
I know how that can feel. Practicing on family and friends is great, but they usually are not the ones who will be a huge part of our income. Clients will come and go throughout your career, it’s just how the business goes. I suggest getting a realistic practice hand, like Red Iguana or Aleana hands. You can use these to practice your skills and also post photos that look almost identical to a real person.
@@NailsByKatieDutra thanks for taking the time to reply, Katie. My Aleana hands actually arrived the other day, so I can’t wait to start building my portfolio and hopefully help me to get quicker. Although, as you say, I’d rather leave clients happy and with a beautiful set of nails that will last, than rush and then leave them disappointed. Thank you again for the advice, I am a huge fan of yours and always look forward to your content 💕
@@sarahfaith2417 thank you Sarah. I have just got my Aleana hand which is unbelievably real (all they need are real growing cuticles 😆) so I’m excited to start using her! X
This is all such great advice. I have the same issues with time but am finding that it is improving in increments. I also worry about losing clients because they don't want to sit with me for 2 hrs, however I actually had one tell me that they are sticking with me because I do good work and my nails last. It will all work out in the end. Try not to get too discouraged. 🙂
I am having a hard time with the pricing though.
im from Costa Rica and Im just starting as nail tech, it's really hard for me to relax, i love nails and i want to work them so perfect. this season as beginner is killing me... all your advice just suits my needs!!!!! tyyyyyyy❤❤
Thanks you a lot Katie..i'm learning a lot from you...
This video really helped me! Took notes as I watched. I am as of June working at a salon as a full time nail tech and all of your gel manicure videos helps a ton, I am obsessed!! Thank you so much!
Congrats! I’m glad it helped! 🙌🏻🥰
This was amazing, I was just feeling some of these things so I appreciate you for doing this. Tyfs🥰
Glad you found it helpful!
This is an amazing video. Soooo helpful. I just started buying better quality products, gels lamps and just got my efile this really makes a difference. Definitely agree with taking classes they have helped me soooo always looking for ways to improve. Thanks for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed the video! 🥰❤️
Yes Iv had to ask a client to choose another nail tech and it felt so good to not dread her coming in to see me at 7:30am on Saturdays.. I was coming in to give her a manicure at a that time and my regular time was .9:00am
Spot on....well said and so true!
Fantastic video, thank you for sharing this with us
Just found your channel 😊 such great advice thank you iv nade lots of these mistakes in ny first 2 years. Im currently taking a break from my business but when i return ill be doing things so differently. Thank you for sharing your knowledge 😍
Thank you for watching! Glad you found it helpful
What are some good quality gel polishes for beginner's?
I've seen the term white bottles a lot lately for bad reactions and to not use, but not sure what brands they are referring to.
Thank you so much! I’m not a nail tech just a nail artist working on press ons but I use Japanese and Korean gel and pull in a comparable amount. Did you go to nail school immediately after high school or are you just ridiculously young looking? 👀
Lol I had a few small jobs after high school and started beauty school when I was almost 19. 😌
Great advice… also what colours would you start with?
How long do your sets take now?
Such great advice, thank you!
Thank you for watching!
Hi :O) Thank you so much for this video
My first gel set also took 5hrs 😅
I am in my first year of cosmetology and I wanted to start polygel nails (since we just finished the nail section in school) what are some high quality polygel brands? I’m not really sure what the professional brands are
I don’t use polygel but I do have one video showing the Magpie polygel ☺️
@@NailsByKatieDutra thank you!
This was so helpful thanks so much I’m just starting out and I don’t even have a lot of gel polishes lol 😅 where would you recommend for gel polishes or just brands that are good
Luxa & Luxio are some favs of mine. Also trying out some Korean brands ☺️
What are the best gel polish brands? Is Beetles a “cheap” brand?
I’ve only seen Beetles sold on Amazon, which I would be careful of. My favorite brands are Luxa Polish, Akzentz Luxio, Korean Gels from Zillabeau, Ugly Duckling.. etc. I always share high quality products on my channel that I would recommend.
What is some advise you can give on building clientele? I think so far this is the thing I’m most worried about.
It takes time and work. Ask clients for referrals, go out and meet people, pass out business cards, and post photos of your work!
Quality first speed will come
Your only as good as your equipment
About the pricing - how would you even be able to get out of school without getting enough practice to feel confident when you start work? You should have worked on dozens of customers in school, as well as family and friends. If you somehow can't get the hours at school, then spend time with family, friends, and their direct referrals doing heavily discounted services (basically just charging enough to cover the cost of your materials) before renting your station until you feel confident enough to charge market price. I don't think it's a good idea to advertise to the public that you are new and discounting services to practice, I can see that backfiring. Also, not sure if this is still a thing but back when I was an esthetician, you could contact the manufacturer of any machinery you used to see if they would teach you how to use the equipment. Depending on your location, they would sometimes have local classes or other certified and licensed people who could teach you according to their standards, often for free or a very reasonable fee. I am also a firm believer in continuing education for skill building!
Unfortunately most beauty schools in the US only teach the bare minimum, resulting it students not having enough practice or confidence after graduating. The “dozens” of customers were myself, a few other students, and some practice hands. 😂 I think I did one acrylic full set on an actual person. And the nail industry is pretty small compared to other beauty industries. There really aren’t representatives in most areas for brands/products. Maybe a few here and there but they don’t offer free or cheap training. If you want to get certified in using their products you must take the class which is usually $300-$500, and most people need to travel far to get to those classes. So if someone is new or just starting out, it can be hard for them to afford.
@@NailsByKatieDutra Ah, that is a bummer! Early 2000s or maybe just my own state had different programs, with members of the public able to come in for discounted services by students. I can't imagine trying to get started without that experience!
@@LydiaKrow yes we had that too, just not very many customers and most of it was simple manicures. There was a lot we weren’t taught unfortunately 🥲 this was 2010 ish. We weren’t taught at all how to use gel or an efile, not even how to nip cuticles. Only allowed to use a wooden or plastic pusher, and we couldn’t use the acrylic unless we had a paying customer. Sadly this is a common type of experience with a lot of beauty schools.
@@NailsByKatieDutra Wow! My license was as an esthetician, so I didn't go through a nail program. I had no idea. I didn't do the state school as it wasn't extensive enough but I went there for nail and hair because a friend was getting that license and needed people to work on. Thanks for the perspective - that's rough. :\
@@LydiaKrow I hope that it’s better these days! I know they have some specialty/advanced hair & esthetic schools. Maybe one day they will have it for nails too! 😄
Thanks for your tips ❤ I have had my license since February this year 2013 and I love doing nails but has you say they take time. It’s so good too hear you say that it’s okay ❤️ I have made a little nail studio at home and starting to get some clients regular and hope that 2014 will be a good nail year 💅 Thanks again for doing a good Jobb here on UA-cam ❤️ @dreamnailsterapi from Sweden 🇸🇪
Hello! I would have little more personal question - i really want to have my own saloon, but iam scared that my finances wont stand these few months - you know.. Rent for studio, taxes.. How did you start with that? Can you suggest me something for start please (maybe in DMs if its too personal) ❤🥹