What I did was went to a Nail convention first. THEN I was very lucky, because I found the Young Nails booth. I was inspired and signed up with the Road Show 2 day class. It was hands of and I learned so much. I continued with Young Nails and watched all of Greg's tutorial videos, over and over again. I couldn't afford to go to their school in Las Angeles, so I continued with Road Shows in Redding, Ca. That was 3 hours away from my home town. I can say now, my career was developed and saved by Young Nails. I meet Greg and he actually held my hand, showing how to use the electric file properly. I meet Tracy, and all of the mentors at these classes. I still watch everything they put out to learn. I'm now in my 7th year and I now I have my own nail shop, The GlitterBox Nail Salon, Kelseyville, Ca. and I'm doing very well, for what I decided I needed to meet. Thank You!!!!
There's a lot of people leaving the industry too, A lot. And there are so many baby boomers and pros that will soon be retiring if not later. The shift is happening now. Now is the time to get in. Not later.
The diploma is just the beginning - after that it’s up to yourself. Joining all kinds of Workshops, watching UA-cam constantly, practicing, reading reviews, going to Trade Shows - it’s hard work but it will work if you put the energy in it!
I went through cosmetology thinking there would be an equal focus on hair, nails, makeup, skincare, etc.. I was wrong - it was exactly as Tracey says - we learned to do the one crappy nail with “odorless” acrylic”. I would have gone through just a nail tech course, but I couldn’t find one local to me at the time. I graduated and got licensed, but had zero confidence, so I located a nails-only school about half an hour away, and put myself through the program - EVEN THO I WAS ALREADY LICENSED - just to gain more (basic/foundational) education. They still didn’t teach much, wouldn’t even touch on hard gel, and we weren’t allowed to do “nail art”. It was crazy. I spent hours on UA-cam and ig stalking other techs, asking a million questions, and watching tutorial after tutorial. That’s how I stumbled upon some of Greg’s videos. I googled Young Nails and found out there was actually a distributor here in Utah, and I signed up for one of Amanda’s classes immediately. She was a great teacher, super helpful. After that, I finally had some confidence. Another thing that really helped boost me a bit is I got into a contract with a local pageant competitor (she was Miss Orem, competing for the Miss Utah title), and I did her nails for free, but in turn, she spread my name around and I was listed in programs for the pageants as her exclusive nail and lash artist. Sorry such a long comment, but I’m just saying you will need to seek out classes outside of traditional cosmetology or nail school in order to learn how to do a decent set of nails, you just have to. And reach out to some girls competing in either pageants or maybe bodybuilding- they need to keep their nails perfect at all times, for events, photo shoots, parades, etc- so yes, you’ll do them for free, but it will help get your name out there as well. Once the pageant season was over, the girl remained my friend and came to me to do her nails for her wedding, along with 3 other girls from her wedding party (:
YES. I’m having to go to school for hair skin and nails, because I can’t get JUST a nail course. I have to get in 1000 hours of hair and 600 hours of esthetics before even thinking about touching a nail. I’m sad. I know it will benefit me in the long run. But I’m bummed.
Also if you do not have confidence in yourself it is so hard to promote yourself. I received my nail tech license 23yrs ago and still I am still looking for more nail education. You can never learn to much.
You are what you do, Period! I actually tried the college thing. Graphic design is more cut throat than anything. I believe passion will be the thing that makes the difference. Anything can be challenging starting out. If you aren't practicing your craft on the down low in your closet when no one is watching or cares too, then that is not your calling. I realised that from personal experiance. In another topic, I learned the 3 bead method and all the pros are not doing that, makes me validate that real work is much different then school work. I may be wrong.
I totally agree I have done a lot of different things in my lifetime and being a nail tech was the hardest thing for me to learn. And I am still not a 100% I'm about 60%
This is exactly why I am so unbelievably grateful for YN and their content. I am planning to enroll in a program very soon and I am 36 and coming from a medical background. I started with the "messy mani" during quarantine and since then have progressed to attempting acrylic applications as well as gel and polygel. I love the creative process and building something from scratch into a beautiful piece of wearable art. I don't want to sound arrogant because I truly am not and my nails are very much rudimentary "diy at home nails". I have a knack for this and I am fairly good at it. I have consumed hours and hours of UA-cam videos, YN included. I have learned a wealth of knowledge and I practice everyday. I'm just so thankful to YN and the nail tech community on YT for providing me invaluable instruction that has given me a solid foundation to start nail school and later when I begin building my business. Thank you so much!
Omg yes Tracey!! I never got real training!! It was all books. Instructor only saw us maybe 30mins to an hr a whole 8 hr day! I was even told that we didnt pay enough to get our own instructor!! I was detemined to get my license after all that i did paid for school, but 15 yrs later i still can't really do acrylics because i was never taught and never felt secure with my work. I eventually left the field and went to medical field but my passion still is with nails always will be. I want to work doing nails again but i know i need a really good hands on course. Thanks for the discussion i loved it!
Wow. My nail technology course was four months long. 9-5, five days a week, doing nails on each other, on family and friends, and eventually on real clients. Thought that was normal level of education. No wonder people give up. I just wish they had taught more about the business end of things.
@@pressonprofessionails It was called 'Martier', they taught hairdressing, esthetics, and nail technology. They went out of business shortly after Canada stopped requiring Provincial lisences to practice. Now anyone can 'learn' to do nails in a 24-48hr period and call themselves a tech. No more federal safety regulations required. *shudders*
This was an amazing biz talk!! It’s so true what you said about “ignoring” or trying to pretend an expense exists. In reality, it is still there at the end of the day, We need to be honest with ourselves in order to be successful. Don’t be afraid to post your prices and whatever else you need to let your customer know on time.
Thank you for doing this video. I started taking business classes for this reason. I think it's important to have as much knowledge as possible before opening my salon to ensure that I succeed.
I just found your videos. I started Nail School in April. I have been showed nothing! I am so glad I found you all! I've been watching your tutorials for 2 days now. Thank you!
Omg, so it’s not only me. I’m about to complete my course, and I swear I am walking out with just about as much knowledge on nails art, as I had when I first walked in. This was really helpful. Thanks guys.
Thank you Tracy and Habib. I'm thankful for TKD having classes, however when you're new you don't have the money to attend them. I'm in a two nail tech salon and my salon partner is appointment only, whereas I will take anything. She on a slow day taught me to do a sure fire way to do acrylics (which I was terrified to do) because once we were on the floor in school all we did was mani/pedi and no one got nails. So I came out frustrated feeling like a failure before I even began. The salon owner has a flat rate at her salon. Everyone thinks we're too expensive for where we live, Tracy I live in the town you used to live in. All these chop shops charge $25 nails. We charge $45 because it's all inclusive. You get as much glitter, gems, stamps blah blah blah as you want without the charge per nail. This city expects you to charge $25 because all these chop shops do, but then they want the $45 quality for $25. Then there are multiple systems out there and the latest trend up here is the Dip System. Then you have to purchase and learn that. In this small city it's hard competing against the chop shops. Every advertisement I see, other techs working in other salons (not chop shops) are advertising $25 nails. It's a lot of competition in this city. I work two jobs. I work as a CNA at a hospital 3-12 hour shifts the I work at the salon 3 days a week. It's hard building clientele on that schedule. Any advice on how I can work that out?
Always the perfect information on The Biz Talk!!! Getting into the nitty gritty of how your income is formed...bottom line! Thank you again Tracey and Habib 😉
Thank you so very much for this information. I have been working as a financial controller for many years, so I believe I am fortunate to see the behind the scenes intricacies of owning your own business, that others may not realize exist. This gives great insight into taking on a nail career and for those of us who are serious about launching (a new career in my case), maintaining and growing their own nail business, this VLOG is invaluable. THANK YOU 🙏🏻 for sharing your wisdom and insight.
Hope this comment is ok - I wish I’d known earlier about courses available in Australia. Anyone in Australia looking to take a nail course - Ella Grace Beauty on the Gold Coast in Queensland is AMAZING! I walked in with no experience in nails and left with the knowledge and confidence to start my own nail salon from home. Nikki is a young nails mentor and her classes are brilliant - every question was answered and the on going support is second to none. Every subject was covered - acrylic, hard gel, gel polish, Manis, pedis, health and safety, infection control, costs, how to manage clients and nail art - everything! I was blown away and so thankful that there was a hands on course that allowed me to explore a new career and have the confidence to grow a successful business. Big thank you to Nikki and the Young Nails team 😘😘
I went on a youngs nail acrylic foundation course. It was very extensive but only the first step on the ladder. I didn't know how to do refills properly and it took me hours to do a full set of nails. I gave up trying to make a living out of it. I needed more education and possible a business degree. I've since found a new love for nails but now in gel. But only do them for fun 😁❤
I am so thankful for my teacher and school. In our state you are only required 45 services to go to state board. Our school requires over 400 to even pass the class. We take our practical today then register for board. We covered every chapter and were shown how to do so much. My teacher has been a nail technician for 20 years. She didn’t have a teacher when she was in school show her how do nails so she has to learn on her own. So it is amazing having a teacher who taught herself and became a teacher. I am thankful to have been in the sales business before nails. My clients I have seen in school still want me to do them once I get my certification. So I am going into the job with clients instead of without. You have amazing points and you are completely right. New nail technicians have a long hard road ahead of them getting right out of school. But don’t give up!
I didn't get my license until 3 years after finishing School. These last two years though I have stuck with it and determined to have my own first black owned nail salon in okc!!!
Thank you , I thought I was the only one, I worked so hard even having my own salon and with lack of Licensed nail techs not willing to work , students were the worst almost bringing my business down. eve tho I trained then they still would not make any money sooo slow with their clients ! and lack of details . I love what I do as A nail artist , feature magazine and still people don't appreciate my job and I refuse give discounts or sales like others unliscend places will do. I decided to learn About The Nail industry because of you and waychi.g over and over your videos and the willing to try . went to school and after that kept investing in my career for that I thank you😉
When I learned nails, 34 years ago, my boss taught me one on one. Every nail was checked. I then had to teach other nail techs how to do gel nails, as it was a new concept in New Zealand. There were no courses back then. There was almost no nail art so we only focused on the foundations. Now I see everyone trying to do complicated nail art without knowing how to get the nails right. I think many people are not being trained properly. The schools just want the money.
loved this episode. i use excel spread sheet to brake down my service. in truth im not making that much. but my prices are comparable to other salons in my town. as for my style im still working on it. im fresh out of nail school and your videos help me a lot. it also helps that i have a bff that is willing to let me try anything on her. thank you so much for helping us and explaining thing we would have to learn the hard way.
A lot of schools just get the time, tests and basics done. I have my cosmetology license and paid for CND classes in school because I was interested but only a few did and that was including the nail tech people. I've done education for a hair company and have taught in schools. I've only seen one school who covers the business end and try to get students more hands on experience. But that school is super expensive. Sad. They need a serious business segment to the course.
I'm glad that you talk about this. I'm working in a retail store and also in a 💇 as a nail tech. Because I have to pay my bills. I hope everything change soon because I'm 😩
Not easy, especially if other salons are undercutting by paying staff peanuts. The same applies to almost all other artisan businesses, customers have no idea of the running costs.
This video should be titled "why salon owners fail" ... it doesn't really help nail techs as workers... and the reasons why nail techs fail, is because Vietnamese dominate the nail world, and rarely hire ppl outside their own race. Also because like u said, u don't really know how to do nails coming out of school... I taught my self acrylics then went to school, which gave me an advance over my classmates. Another issue I found, is that if I work for a high end salon, they don't care about my work, only what name brand clothes I'm wearing, my make up and hair... I live in Toronto Canada, which makes being a nail tech even harder. Canadians are mostly conservative, we're behind in the nail industry, especially when it comes to products. We also have winter, and ppl are of the idea that they don't need pedicures or polish cuz their feet are in boots. Which means less business.... I'd like to see a video on all this. Lol.. but preferably from a Canadian point of view, since u live in warm sunny weather all the time. 😎
Miss B think she's at Vancouver island.. but, British Columbia, Canada. West coast Canada is more advanced in terms of the nail industry than the east. You can totally tell because all the large Canadian nail companies/distributors are located in the west.
Lioness7 agree about Toronto being very behind on the nail scene. It's really difficult to come by quality training/work shops in Toronto. I found that I mostly had to travel to the States or go West to be further educated on the nail industry. Not only that the Toronto clientelle are a different bunch where I feel they don't really have an appreciation for the artistry 😫 Don't get me wrong though I love my City and my peeps!! 😊😊
Great topic your blog coincides with your blog on service charges. I sat down and looked through everything and implemented things in business, so now we are starting to see the benefits. 👍
TDK... in Redding?! Thomas and his wife are SO awesome! They work so incredibly hard and Thomas is dedicated to providing awesome service and educating every tech that walks into his supply store.
Staying in one place to build clientele. Also do not put yourself in the save category as chop shops that charge to little because they do that to push you out of the nail business and once you are licked and we all give up they will and have gone up on prices. They're so unclean but people don't know the difference until they go to a nice clean place. Advertising yourself and your work and letting them all know the difference will spread the work around your community.
I've been scared to watch this because y'all gonna snatch my wig straight off! Thanks so much for sharing. You guys offer so much FREE useful content. I appreciate you so much
I love this video. Is so true I still hungry for more. I over expose my self to acrylic so know I’m a little limited to perform but in great need of work. I’m working commission which is not giving me enough to live out it .
I’m a new nail tech and I know that I’m not ready to charge people to do their nails. Right now I’m just looking for models to practice on. I’m not that good at laying acrylic or hard gel. Plus my time is awful. I have a question should I start charging at least something or putting out a tip jar because nail products are not cheap.
i ask my friend that i work on to cover the cost of my products. im making no profit but at least i can by more product to keep practising. keep it at it your time will get better.
YoungNailsInc I have been watching every video you guys post for a little while now. Now I’ve decided to watch all of them starting with the first one 👍🙂👍
You 3 are amazing!! Always giving us wonderful advice, always trying to push each one of us to our highest power,.. Exactly why I've been subbed from the 5th nail blog I believe lol.. Completely love you 3!! X-P
I am a new nail tech getting ready to open a nail salon. What advise would you give me? I love this information video. Thank you for helping newbies like me to keep moving forward ❤️
Lorena Garcia make your nails be your calling card. Walk the talk. And they will come! Get people who know things to help you. Idk the busness side as i don't own. But i don know someone. She said you are spending more than earning your first year for income. It'll take a few years ti make profit!
Yes I agree! 31 years ago that was just it with the claw finger and thankfully was taught about sanitation. You just find it so hard to get some where. Thankfully I am a certified cosmetologist, and built up the hairdressing part of my world way faster, from there MY CLIENTS were set to come to me for nails, because of trust in me for the hair part. Education education! Is so essential to achieve the best and successful results in either hair or nails, I’m so thankful for UA-cam for some of this education, but I must say you need to watch out for some of the content is not professional. So watcher be ware eh Thank you so much for doing this biz talk with us, keep up the good work! 💅🏻👍
I went to school to do cakes and friends and family are always wanting cakes cheap. Since I have no shop I try and explain that I’m paying retail price not buying in bulk which is way cheaper. I worked in bakery to see the prices they are paying and it’s way cheaper than going to a grocery store.
The school I went to not only teaches how to actually do nails (hair estethics etc) but they also teach the business side as well, which is helpful and needed. my sister was in cosmetology in the 80s but unfortunately got burned out and now is a preschool teacher.
Love this! I will be starting to take on clients after the summer when both my kids are at “big” school! I’m really excited and really anxious at the same time! Really appreciate your advice! I couldn’t stop looking at the unicorn head on the shelf behind you both! Lol 😂 xx
Wow, this is so disappointing to hear students in some schools don't get good training on acrylics and such. Academy of Nail Technology in Phoenix Arizona offers a great program where you graduate knowing how to do great mani's, pedi's and good acrylic nails. These instructors are awesome and you have lots of practical experience by the time you graduate.
I absolutely love young nails! They really touch on important information for nail techs. I really appreciate that...just wish they had an affordable chargeable Efile and a more affordable dust catcher..but I’m sure they’re worth it..just very hard for me to afford. Love their acrylic kits and the affordable pricing that is a great deal for their pro kits. My school actually teaches how to do nails but they’re skipping the sanitizing portion. I’m having to teach myself that..could you guys please show us how to properly sanitize our instruments? I’m going to take an online course for barbacide but I would love a video on that. Keep it up guys!
Wow, my school has actual clients to practice on, they pay a small fee to the school, so hopefully we will get lots of practice. This school is in Vancouver BC though. I'm so grateful for UA-cam!
I am REALLY struggling as a tech, and I just dont know where to start sometimes . I took a young nails course in school btw and was given my supplies but never my completion cert. Lol. Thats how I was introduced to YoungNails. I appreciate both of your advice SO MUCH.........Thank you
Im still only thinking about becoming a pro nail tech. I’m in business school and even though psychology would be the “smartest” thing for me personally to take next semester( on top of the classes I can’t choose, like English, Danish, computer science, business finances and business law), I have opted for innovation, media communication and how to manage a business instead, just because I know it’s smart when I take the jump into the nail world full time. And I can always take psychology in evening school if it’s the leader route I take anyway
I have this idea about splitting my finances up into separate accounts like supplies, rent/utilities, continue ed/trade/ competition, once I get a salon and employees a employee health account ( many restaurants in my city are staring to charge a 'wellness fee' for health care.) payroll ( or something like this) and then my 401k.With all that Said do I plan to become mega rich doing nails....no but I do want to do what I love and not feel like in the end it all was in vain. I have worked in the beauty supply industry for over 12 years and many of the salon owners I speak with in the Cosmo field are struggling finically. I don't want to end up like that, Finance stuff freaks me out a bit but watching videos like this having a supportive partner who forces me to look at my personal finances and creating a plan before I even start is what keeps me focused on my goals. I love your Biz Talk series.
I’d love to see a Biz Talk on what you guys think of the increasing number of products for DIY-ers out there. Is it people that buy those products that are going to kill the industry? So many uneducated and unlicensed people doing nails think they can do nails on others but have no idea about nail structures, sanitation etc. It makes me sick at the thought of these people out there. And at the same time, these DIY-ers aren’t going to salons and doing it themselves because people are so time poor these days so they just order products online to do it at home. I’d also love to see a Nail School on proper sanitation and one-use tools. I want to see whether country’s are different in their procedures. ☺️
As a DIY-er, I’m a little confused about your question of why our purchasing products is killing the industry and why we make you sick. I pay full price for every product I purchase. I do myself and my friends because we all know I can do a better job than alot of techs out there. I don’t charge because I am not licensed but I do accept donations. It’s incredibly hard to find good, trained techs where I am-they are all foreign owned, foreign speaking sweat shops that can’t paint a simple dotted flower to save their lives. Forget applying a few crystals. So why wouldn’t i do them myself at a much higher quality? I am trained in sanitation, cross contamination, haz mat, and bio hazards, btw. Much more so than any nail school could ever teach. I am not trying to be combative, I’m imply curious about your opinion. 🙂
I love Biz Talk. I am a aspiring self-taught nail artist. And I would love to go to school to educated. I'm on the East coast do you offer online classes? I eat sleep and drink all of your teaching videos and vlogs.
You guys should give examples of good apps out there for self employed nail techs to use. There’s many out there that help keep track of your business reports and appointments I’d like to see what you guys suggest
Not sure if any other videos touch on this, I know using good products is key but what about a new nail tech who cant afford high end products just yet,such as monomer/liquid or what would be some staples a new nail tech should start out with? Especially if they are booth rent and need to supply their own products while trying to maintain a low overhead cost? Or what is your general take on a situation like that, sorry this questions kind of all over the place!! I've been watching every video lately, trying to retain all the great info you guys provide!!! Thanks!!
I can't say enough about Groupon. I went from being overwhelmed to loving it. People drive up to an hour and a half away to see me. About cost, I spend $2500 to $5000 a year. Midwest cost at a booth rent salon, average $120.000 per week.
Good topic and talk!! Would have preferred if you dvelved a bit more in to fierce competition out there and market share..., specifically how does Young Nails deal with your competition? How does Young Nails handle so many gel/acrylic lines popping up and essentially having a piece of that pie?
The struggle is REAL! I am in the UK, my training that I had 5 years ago, was only 2 days! I did four nails, two acrylic and two hard gel. I came into the industry feeling lost! I have taught myself what I know now. My issue is, I want to become an educator in the UK, but my training was so basic I just don't know how to get to the level I need to be. It's a minefield!
i just graduated from cosmo in june and when i tell you o learned nothingggggggg about nails lmao.. i learned so much from youtube tho! thankfully i’ve been pretty successful for starting out
love this informative video! Habib, do you have a tip on which app would be good to figure out if you are making enough money. . the apps you were mentioning in this video??
love this informative video! Habib, do you have a tip on which app would be good to figure out if you are making enough money. . the apps you were mentioning in this vudeo??
I would love to learn how to so my own nails at home...too bad there isn't an apprenticeship opportunity I can do. I'm not interested as a career but learning and being able to purchase my own supplies would be great!
I became a licensed nail tech maybe 5 years ago. However, I also have a full time job. I was/am scared to quit my job and start doing nails full time because I have bills. But I would like to start off doing it part time, and so should I try to work out of a salon? However, I also know that I need to get better so someone will want to hire me. Like you guys said, I wasn’t taught how to do acrylic. Well...we read it in the book, but there was no one on one teaching to give me pointers and tips. I’ve tried to ask “friends” and “family” to practice on them, but I think social media makes it hard for them to say yes because they know it won’t look as good as those people on the internet. What advice would you give me to convince more people to allow me to practice on them?
If you're looking to start off your business dont watch this video. All negative. Enjoy your journey and stay positive. Work hard and anything is possible.
As a DYIer, but also a client, it’s difficult because there are a million techs on UA-cam, FB, IG, etc., and so many are only doing business on social media-making money from the nail companies. We don’t even know where they are located. Then we find that they aren’t taking clients. How do we even find good nail techs in our areas?
Thank you so much for your reply! I’ve asked several and no one responds at all. You guys totally ROCK (I can say that because we’re all the same age)! *Hugs from Texas*.
Hey guys! I’m fairly new to your channel. I’m starting out in the nail industry. I would deeply appreciate If you would touch the commission subject in the nail business. Let’s say you’re starting in a nail salon that’s commission based. How does it work? What to accept as a nail technician and depending on your experience. Is it more profitable in comparison to becoming a business owner or a freelance nail artist. I’m dedicated now to watching and learning so much from each one of your videos! ❤️
I'm about 100 hours away from finishing nail school and wondering how to find a job in a salon... Is it always booth rent operated or is it like working for someone else and I get a percentage? And does that mean I still have to pay for the product used etc.
What I did was went to a Nail convention first. THEN I was very lucky, because I found the Young Nails booth. I was inspired and signed up with the Road Show 2 day class. It was hands of and I learned so much. I continued with Young Nails and watched all of Greg's tutorial videos, over and over again. I couldn't afford to go to their school in Las Angeles, so I continued with Road Shows in Redding, Ca. That was 3 hours away from my home town. I can say now, my career was developed and saved by Young Nails. I meet Greg and he actually held my hand, showing how to use the electric file properly. I meet Tracy, and all of the mentors at these classes. I still watch everything they put out to learn. I'm now in my 7th year and I now I have my own nail shop, The GlitterBox Nail Salon, Kelseyville, Ca. and I'm doing very well, for what I decided I needed to meet. Thank You!!!!
That is so awesome!!!! You are killing it...way to go!
First off.. let's say that Young Nails has the absolute best musical accompaniments that ANY channel could ever hope for!
Thank You!!
There's a lot of people leaving the industry too, A lot. And there are so many baby boomers and pros that will soon be retiring if not later. The shift is happening now. Now is the time to get in. Not later.
The diploma is just the beginning - after that it’s up to yourself. Joining all kinds of Workshops, watching UA-cam constantly, practicing, reading reviews, going to Trade Shows - it’s hard work but it will work if you put the energy in it!
I went through cosmetology thinking there would be an equal focus on hair, nails, makeup, skincare, etc.. I was wrong - it was exactly as Tracey says - we learned to do the one crappy nail with “odorless” acrylic”. I would have gone through just a nail tech course, but I couldn’t find one local to me at the time.
I graduated and got licensed, but had zero confidence, so I located a nails-only school about half an hour away, and put myself through the program - EVEN THO I WAS ALREADY LICENSED - just to gain more (basic/foundational) education. They still didn’t teach much, wouldn’t even touch on hard gel, and we weren’t allowed to do “nail art”. It was crazy.
I spent hours on UA-cam and ig stalking other techs, asking a million questions, and watching tutorial after tutorial. That’s how I stumbled upon some of Greg’s videos. I googled Young Nails and found out there was actually a distributor here in Utah, and I signed up for one of Amanda’s classes immediately. She was a great teacher, super helpful.
After that, I finally had some confidence. Another thing that really helped boost me a bit is I got into a contract with a local pageant competitor (she was Miss Orem, competing for the Miss Utah title), and I did her nails for free, but in turn, she spread my name around and I was listed in programs for the pageants as her exclusive nail and lash artist.
Sorry such a long comment, but I’m just saying you will need to seek out classes outside of traditional cosmetology or nail school in order to learn how to do a decent set of nails, you just have to. And reach out to some girls competing in either pageants or maybe bodybuilding- they need to keep their nails perfect at all times, for events, photo shoots, parades, etc- so yes, you’ll do them for free, but it will help get your name out there as well.
Once the pageant season was over, the girl remained my friend and came to me to do her nails for her wedding, along with 3 other girls from her wedding party (:
So happy you found Amanda..She is amazing!!
It's funny when I went to school they wouldn't teach acrylic only gel
YES. I’m having to go to school for hair skin and nails, because I can’t get JUST a nail course. I have to get in 1000 hours of hair and 600 hours of esthetics before even thinking about touching a nail. I’m sad. I know it will benefit me in the long run. But I’m bummed.
Yeah I guess the comment is long, but no shame bc it is 100% helpful!
In this industry you truly wear multiple hats.
Also if you do not have confidence in yourself it is so hard to promote yourself. I received my nail tech license 23yrs ago and still I am still looking for more nail education. You can never learn to much.
Oh me too! I completed a health degree but I still want to return to nails.
You are what you do, Period! I actually tried the college thing. Graphic design is more cut throat than anything. I believe passion will be the thing that makes the difference. Anything can be challenging starting out. If you aren't practicing your craft on the down low in your closet when no one is watching or cares too, then that is not your calling. I realised that from personal experiance. In another topic, I learned the 3 bead method and all the pros are not doing that, makes me validate that real work is much different then school work. I may be wrong.
I totally agree I have done a lot of different things in my lifetime and being a nail tech was the hardest thing for me to learn. And I am still not a 100% I'm about 60%
This is exactly why I am so unbelievably grateful for YN and their content. I am planning to enroll in a program very soon and I am 36 and coming from a medical background. I started with the "messy mani" during quarantine and since then have progressed to attempting acrylic applications as well as gel and polygel. I love the creative process and building something from scratch into a beautiful piece of wearable art. I don't want to sound arrogant because I truly am not and my nails are very much rudimentary "diy at home nails". I have a knack for this and I am fairly good at it. I have consumed hours and hours of UA-cam videos, YN included. I have learned a wealth of knowledge and I practice everyday. I'm just so thankful to YN and the nail tech community on YT for providing me invaluable instruction that has given me a solid foundation to start nail school and later when I begin building my business. Thank you so much!
I've been watching you guys for about a year now, I can't tell you how much I have learned from you all.
Thank you so much xxx
Omg yes Tracey!! I never got real training!! It was all books. Instructor only saw us maybe 30mins to an hr a whole 8 hr day! I was even told that we didnt pay enough to get our own instructor!! I was detemined to get my license after all that i did paid for school, but 15 yrs later i still can't really do acrylics because i was never taught and never felt secure with my work. I eventually left the field and went to medical field but my passion still is with nails always will be. I want to work doing nails again but i know i need a really good hands on course. Thanks for the discussion i loved it!
Wow. My nail technology course was four months long. 9-5, five days a week, doing nails on each other, on family and friends, and eventually on real clients. Thought that was normal level of education. No wonder people give up. I just wish they had taught more about the business end of things.
That’s the great thing about our videos, we try to help fill in the missing education ❤️
Where did you study hun ?x
@@pressonprofessionails It was called 'Martier', they taught hairdressing, esthetics, and nail technology. They went out of business shortly after Canada stopped requiring Provincial lisences to practice. Now anyone can 'learn' to do nails in a 24-48hr period and call themselves a tech. No more federal safety regulations required. *shudders*
This was an amazing biz talk!!
It’s so true what you said about “ignoring” or trying to pretend an expense exists.
In reality, it is still there at the end of the day, We need to be honest with ourselves in order to be successful.
Don’t be afraid to post your prices and whatever else you need to let your customer know on time.
Thank you for doing this video. I started taking business classes for this reason. I think it's important to have as much knowledge as possible before opening my salon to ensure that I succeed.
I just found your videos. I started Nail School in April. I have been showed nothing! I am so glad I found you all! I've been watching your tutorials for 2 days now. Thank you!
I have shuffled through 6 salons in the last two years and icey realized I don't fit anywhere. I have to make my own lane.
Omg, so it’s not only me. I’m about to complete my course, and I swear I am walking out with just about as much knowledge on nails art, as I had when I first walked in. This was really helpful. Thanks guys.
Every BIZ TALK is a great help!!! Thank you so much
Thank you Tracy and Habib. I'm thankful for TKD having classes, however when you're new you don't have the money to attend them. I'm in a two nail tech salon and my salon partner is appointment only, whereas I will take anything. She on a slow day taught me to do a sure fire way to do acrylics (which I was terrified to do) because once we were on the floor in school all we did was mani/pedi and no one got nails. So I came out frustrated feeling like a failure before I even began. The salon owner has a flat rate at her salon. Everyone thinks we're too expensive for where we live, Tracy I live in the town you used to live in. All these chop shops charge $25 nails. We charge $45 because it's all inclusive. You get as much glitter, gems, stamps blah blah blah as you want without the charge per nail. This city expects you to charge $25 because all these chop shops do, but then they want the $45 quality for $25. Then there are multiple systems out there and the latest trend up here is the Dip System. Then you have to purchase and learn that. In this small city it's hard competing against the chop shops. Every advertisement I see, other techs working in other salons (not chop shops) are advertising $25 nails. It's a lot of competition in this city. I work two jobs. I work as a CNA at a hospital 3-12 hour shifts the I work at the salon 3 days a week. It's hard building clientele on that schedule. Any advice on how I can work that out?
Always the perfect information on The Biz Talk!!!
Getting into the nitty gritty of how your income is formed...bottom line!
Thank you again Tracey and Habib 😉
Thank you so very much for this information.
I have been working as a financial controller for many years, so I believe I am fortunate to see the behind the scenes intricacies of owning your own business, that others may not realize exist.
This gives great insight into taking on a nail career and for those of us who are serious about launching (a new career in my case), maintaining and growing their own nail business, this VLOG is invaluable.
THANK YOU 🙏🏻 for sharing your wisdom and insight.
Hope this comment is ok - I wish I’d known earlier about courses available in Australia.
Anyone in Australia looking to take a nail course - Ella Grace Beauty on the Gold Coast in Queensland is AMAZING! I walked in with no experience in nails and left with the knowledge and confidence to start my own nail salon from home. Nikki is a young nails mentor and her classes are brilliant - every question was answered and the on going support is second to none. Every subject was covered - acrylic, hard gel, gel polish, Manis, pedis, health and safety, infection control, costs, how to manage clients and nail art - everything! I was blown away and so thankful that there was a hands on course that allowed me to explore a new career and have the confidence to grow a successful business.
Big thank you to Nikki and the Young Nails team 😘😘
Thank you Tracey and Habib for keeping it real!
I went on a youngs nail acrylic foundation course. It was very extensive but only the first step on the ladder. I didn't know how to do refills properly and it took me hours to do a full set of nails. I gave up trying to make a living out of it. I needed more education and possible a business degree. I've since found a new love for nails but now in gel. But only do them for fun 😁❤
I am so thankful for my teacher and school. In our state you are only required 45 services to go to state board. Our school requires over 400 to even pass the class. We take our practical today then register for board. We covered every chapter and were shown how to do so much. My teacher has been a nail technician for 20 years. She didn’t have a teacher when she was in school show her how do nails so she has to learn on her own. So it is amazing having a teacher who taught herself and became a teacher. I am thankful to have been in the sales business before nails. My clients I have seen in school still want me to do them once I get my certification. So I am going into the job with clients instead of without. You have amazing points and you are completely right. New nail technicians have a long hard road ahead of them getting right out of school. But don’t give up!
Good Luck!! ❤❤
Thank you so much and thank you for posting these amazing videos! ❤️
I didn't get my license until 3 years after finishing School. These last two years though I have stuck with it and determined to have my own first black owned nail salon in okc!!!
Thank you , I thought I was the only one, I worked so hard even having my own salon and with lack of Licensed nail techs not willing to work , students were the worst almost bringing my business down. eve tho I trained then they still would not make any money sooo slow with their clients ! and lack of details . I love what I do as A nail artist , feature magazine and still people don't appreciate my job and I refuse give discounts or sales like others unliscend places will do. I decided to learn About The Nail industry because of you and waychi.g over and over your videos and the willing to try . went to school and after that kept investing in my career
for that I thank you😉
Thanks for the wisdom you share to help us grow.
When I learned nails, 34 years ago, my boss taught me one on one. Every nail was checked. I then had to teach other nail techs how to do gel nails, as it was a new concept in New Zealand. There were no courses back then. There was almost no nail art so we only focused on the foundations. Now I see everyone trying to do complicated nail art without knowing how to get the nails right. I think many people are not being trained properly. The schools just want the money.
foundation is huge! should always be foundation first
loved this episode. i use excel spread sheet to brake down my service. in truth im not making that much. but my prices are comparable to other salons in my town. as for my style im still working on it. im fresh out of nail school and your videos help me a lot. it also helps that i have a bff that is willing to let me try anything on her. thank you so much for helping us and explaining thing we would have to learn the hard way.
A lot of schools just get the time, tests and basics done. I have my cosmetology license and paid for CND classes in school because I was interested but only a few did and that was including the nail tech people. I've done education for a hair company and have taught in schools. I've only seen one school who covers the business end and try to get students more hands on experience. But that school is super expensive. Sad. They need a serious business segment to the course.
I'm glad that you talk about this. I'm working in a retail store and also in a 💇 as a nail tech. Because I have to pay my bills. I hope everything change soon because I'm 😩
Not easy, especially if other salons are undercutting by paying staff peanuts. The same applies to almost all other artisan businesses, customers have no idea of the running costs.
This video should be titled "why salon owners fail" ... it doesn't really help nail techs as workers... and the reasons why nail techs fail, is because Vietnamese dominate the nail world, and rarely hire ppl outside their own race. Also because like u said, u don't really know how to do nails coming out of school... I taught my self acrylics then went to school, which gave me an advance over my classmates. Another issue I found, is that if I work for a high end salon, they don't care about my work, only what name brand clothes I'm wearing, my make up and hair... I live in Toronto Canada, which makes being a nail tech even harder. Canadians are mostly conservative, we're behind in the nail industry, especially when it comes to products. We also have winter, and ppl are of the idea that they don't need pedicures or polish cuz their feet are in boots. Which means less business.... I'd like to see a video on all this. Lol.. but preferably from a Canadian point of view, since u live in warm sunny weather all the time. 😎
Doesnt suzie own the Nail Distric in Toronto?
Or is it Vancouver?
Miss B think she's at Vancouver island.. but, British Columbia, Canada. West coast Canada is more advanced in terms of the nail industry than the east. You can totally tell because all the large Canadian nail companies/distributors are located in the west.
Mni w thanks. I couldn't remember.
Lioness7 agree about Toronto being very behind on the nail scene. It's really difficult to come by quality training/work shops in Toronto. I found that I mostly had to travel to the States or go West to be further educated on the nail industry. Not only that the Toronto clientelle are a different bunch where I feel they don't really have an appreciation for the artistry 😫 Don't get me wrong though I love my City and my peeps!! 😊😊
Great topic your blog coincides with your blog on service charges. I sat down and looked through everything and implemented things in business, so now we are starting to see the benefits. 👍
I simply love your honesty & advice! LUV these chats!thanks
TDK... in Redding?! Thomas and his wife are SO awesome! They work so incredibly hard and Thomas is dedicated to providing awesome service and educating every tech that walks into his supply store.
Staying in one place to build clientele. Also do not put yourself in the save category as chop shops that charge to little because they do that to push you out of the nail business and once you are licked and we all give up they will and have gone up on prices. They're so unclean but people don't know the difference until they go to a nice clean place. Advertising yourself and your work and letting them all know the difference will spread the work around your community.
I've been scared to watch this because y'all gonna snatch my wig straight off! Thanks so much for sharing. You guys offer so much FREE useful content. I appreciate you so much
Great topic! It’s so per hard & super expensive doing it on your own. Gave me things to think about. Thank you!
I love this video. Is so true I still hungry for more. I over expose my self to acrylic so know I’m a little limited to perform but in great need of work. I’m working commission which is not giving me enough to live out it .
Good to know about the state test as far as passing I didn't realize that thank you
I’m a new nail tech and I know that I’m not ready to charge people to do their nails. Right now I’m just looking for models to practice on. I’m not that good at laying acrylic or hard gel. Plus my time is awful. I have a question should I start charging at least something or putting out a tip jar because nail products are not cheap.
Even when we are learning, we should still be charging something. 😊
Thanks ☺
i ask my friend that i work on to cover the cost of my products. im making no profit but at least i can by more product to keep practising. keep it at it your time will get better.
ben boyton ok thank you
YoungNailsInc I have been watching every video you guys post for a little while now. Now I’ve decided to watch all of them starting with the first one 👍🙂👍
I am grateful. I'm always learning from you guys. You guys have helped with my confidence and skills.
That makes us so happy to hear 💖💖 Thank you so much for watching!!
You 3 are amazing!! Always giving us wonderful advice, always trying to push each one of us to our highest power,.. Exactly why I've been subbed from the 5th nail blog I believe lol.. Completely love you 3!! X-P
I am a new nail tech getting ready to open a nail salon. What advise would you give me? I love this information video. Thank you for helping newbies like me to keep moving forward ❤️
Lorena Garcia make your nails be your calling card. Walk the talk. And they will come! Get people who know things to help you. Idk the busness side as i don't own. But i don know someone. She said you are spending more than earning your first year for income. It'll take a few years ti make profit!
Bombshell nailS thank you 😊
Wear your work!! keep up your education and post your work to social media to promote you and your salon 😊
Yes I agree! 31 years ago that was just it with the claw finger and thankfully was taught about sanitation. You just find it so hard to get some where. Thankfully I am a certified cosmetologist, and built up the hairdressing part of my world way faster, from there MY CLIENTS were set to come to me for nails, because of trust in me for the hair part.
Education education! Is so essential to achieve the best and successful results in either hair or nails, I’m so thankful for UA-cam for some of this education, but I must say you need to watch out for some of the content is not professional. So watcher be ware eh
Thank you so much for doing this biz talk with us, keep up the good work! 💅🏻👍
Debbie Fochler nj
This is my first Biz Talk! loved it xxx
Ah it is so truth every single sentences.But But it is so had.This video was so help full .Thank you .
❤️❤️❤️
Same at my school. Thanks for UA-cam
I went to school to do cakes and friends and family are always wanting cakes cheap. Since I have no shop I try and explain that I’m paying retail price not buying in bulk which is way cheaper. I worked in bakery to see the prices they are paying and it’s way cheaper than going to a grocery store.
The school I went to not only teaches how to actually do nails (hair estethics etc) but they also teach the business side as well, which is helpful and needed. my sister was in cosmetology in the 80s but unfortunately got burned out and now is a preschool teacher.
That's amazing that school teaches so much!
I love Thomas at tkd he is so knowledgeable!
Love this! I will be starting to take on clients after the summer when both my kids are at “big” school! I’m really excited and really anxious at the same time! Really appreciate your advice! I couldn’t stop looking at the unicorn head on the shelf behind you both! Lol 😂 xx
Natalie Mugridge Nail Artist The Unicorn!... LOL
Wow, this is so disappointing to hear students in some schools don't get good training on acrylics and such. Academy of Nail Technology in Phoenix Arizona offers a great program where you graduate knowing how to do great mani's, pedi's and good acrylic nails. These instructors are awesome and you have lots of practical experience by the time you graduate.
That is so awesome!!!
Thanks Habib and Tracey
I love this series! Keep it up! Thank you for helping us starting artists out, and keeping the motivation up. 💗
thanks for the love!!
I absolutely love young nails! They really touch on important information for nail techs. I really appreciate that...just wish they had an affordable chargeable Efile and a more affordable dust catcher..but I’m sure they’re worth it..just very hard for me to afford. Love their acrylic kits and the affordable pricing that is a great deal for their pro kits. My school actually teaches how to do nails but they’re skipping the sanitizing portion. I’m having to teach myself that..could you guys please show us how to properly sanitize our instruments? I’m going to take an online course for barbacide but I would love a video on that. Keep it up guys!
Wow, my school has actual clients to practice on, they pay a small fee to the school, so hopefully we will get lots of practice. This school is in Vancouver BC though. I'm so grateful for UA-cam!
❤️❤️ That's awesome
I am REALLY struggling as a tech, and I just dont know where to start sometimes . I took a young nails course in school btw and was given my supplies but never my completion cert. Lol. Thats how I was introduced to YoungNails. I appreciate both of your advice SO MUCH.........Thank you
Enjoy all of our free content, hope it helps
Love the talk today. Needed some confirmation.👍
Im still only thinking about becoming a pro nail tech. I’m in business school and even though psychology would be the “smartest” thing for me personally to take next semester( on top of the classes I can’t choose, like English, Danish, computer science, business finances and business law), I have opted for innovation, media communication and how to manage a business instead, just because I know it’s smart when I take the jump into the nail world full time. And I can always take psychology in evening school if it’s the leader route I take anyway
I have this idea about splitting my finances up into separate accounts like supplies, rent/utilities, continue ed/trade/ competition, once I get a salon and employees a employee health account ( many restaurants in my city are staring to charge a 'wellness fee' for health care.) payroll ( or something like this) and then my 401k.With all that Said do I plan to become mega rich doing nails....no but I do want to do what I love and not feel like in the end it all was in vain. I have worked in the beauty supply industry for over 12 years and many of the salon owners I speak with in the Cosmo field are struggling finically. I don't want to end up like that, Finance stuff freaks me out a bit but watching videos like this having a supportive partner who forces me to look at my personal finances and creating a plan before I even start is what keeps me focused on my goals. I love your Biz Talk series.
So happy you are finding value in this series, and love hearing these goals!
I really enjoy all these Biz Talk videos😍.....
I just looked at Tracey's Instagram and wow. She doesn't look like she would have a son in his 20's.😊
Thank you !!
Loved this video! I'd really enjoy a discussion on basic supplies list a new nail tech needs coming out of school.
we've got one! another biz talk, check it out
Awesome!! Thank you!
I’d love to see a Biz Talk on what you guys think of the increasing number of products for DIY-ers out there. Is it people that buy those products that are going to kill the industry? So many uneducated and unlicensed people doing nails think they can do nails on others but have no idea about nail structures, sanitation etc. It makes me sick at the thought of these people out there. And at the same time, these DIY-ers aren’t going to salons and doing it themselves because people are so time poor these days so they just order products online to do it at home.
I’d also love to see a Nail School on proper sanitation and one-use tools. I want to see whether country’s are different in their procedures. ☺️
As a DIY-er, I’m a little confused about your question of why our purchasing products is killing the industry and why we make you sick. I pay full price for every product I purchase. I do myself and my friends because we all know I can do a better job than alot of techs out there. I don’t charge because I am not licensed but I do accept donations. It’s incredibly hard to find good, trained techs where I am-they are all foreign owned, foreign speaking sweat shops that can’t paint a simple dotted flower to save their lives. Forget applying a few crystals. So why wouldn’t i do them myself at a much higher quality? I am trained in sanitation, cross contamination, haz mat, and bio hazards, btw. Much more so than any nail school could ever teach. I am not trying to be combative, I’m imply curious about your opinion. 🙂
Great advice guys.....
Thanks for these biz vlogs!
👍😘
I love Biz Talk. I am a aspiring self-taught nail artist. And I would love to go to school to educated. I'm on the East coast do you offer online classes? I eat sleep and drink all of your teaching videos and vlogs.
Thank you!!
Thank y'all for sharing❤❤
The Unicorn is KILLING me! LOL
I love these videos. We all need education on how to be successful
happy you're enjoying the videos
You guys should give examples of good apps out there for self employed nail techs to use. There’s many out there that help keep track of your business reports and appointments I’d like to see what you guys suggest
Not sure if any other videos touch on this, I know using good products is key but what about a new nail tech who cant afford high end products just yet,such as monomer/liquid or what would be some staples a new nail tech should start out with? Especially if they are booth rent and need to supply their own products while trying to maintain a low overhead cost? Or what is your general take on a situation like that, sorry this questions kind of all over the place!! I've been watching every video lately, trying to retain all the great info you guys provide!!! Thanks!!
I can't say enough about Groupon. I went from being overwhelmed to loving it. People drive up to an hour and a half away to see me. About cost, I spend $2500 to $5000 a year. Midwest cost at a booth rent salon, average $120.000 per week.
I’m in a school with no nail tech teacher so I’m the real definition of self Taught
There's a salon here called Sun Palace that does nails mainly plus tanning, they have nail classes frequently. i took an acrylic class this summer
Nice
I love these segments!
Good topic and talk!! Would have preferred if you dvelved a bit more in to fierce competition out there and market share..., specifically how does Young Nails deal with your competition? How does Young Nails handle so many gel/acrylic lines popping up and essentially having a piece of that pie?
The struggle is REAL! I am in the UK, my training that I had 5 years ago, was only 2 days! I did four nails, two acrylic and two hard gel. I came into the industry feeling lost! I have taught myself what I know now. My issue is, I want to become an educator in the UK, but my training was so basic I just don't know how to get to the level I need to be. It's a minefield!
i just graduated from cosmo in june and when i tell you o learned nothingggggggg about nails lmao.. i learned so much from youtube tho! thankfully i’ve been pretty successful for starting out
That's pretty standard. School is to log hrs, the courses you take after are for technique
love this informative video! Habib, do you have a tip on which app would be good to figure out if you are making enough money. . the apps you were mentioning in this video??
Love your product and all your information!
thank you!
love this informative video! Habib, do you have a tip on which app would be good to figure out if you are making enough money. . the apps you were mentioning in this vudeo??
i love biz talk!
Why is it Habib looks younger and younger each episode?! Lol
👌 on to class! 💕💓💕💓💕
Thank you guy's for such great info!
I would love to learn how to so my own nails at home...too bad there isn't an apprenticeship opportunity I can do. I'm not interested as a career but learning and being able to purchase my own supplies would be great!
Go for it!
@@youngnailsinc ug my state requires supervised practice hours to sit for the exam
Please tell us more about client missing apointments and deposits regulations in salon 😕
I became a licensed nail tech maybe 5 years ago. However, I also have a full time job. I was/am scared to quit my job and start doing nails full time because I have bills. But I would like to start off doing it part time, and so should I try to work out of a salon? However, I also know that I need to get better so someone will want to hire me. Like you guys said, I wasn’t taught how to do acrylic. Well...we read it in the book, but there was no one on one teaching to give me pointers and tips. I’ve tried to ask “friends” and “family” to practice on them, but I think social media makes it hard for them to say yes because they know it won’t look as good as those people on the internet. What advice would you give me to convince more people to allow me to practice on them?
If you're looking to start off your business dont watch this video. All negative. Enjoy your journey and stay positive. Work hard and anything is possible.
We always push positivity but also like to be real about the journey. Sorry if you felt this was negative, that was definitely not the goal
You guys are the best.....
❤️❤️
As a DYIer, but also a client, it’s difficult because there are a million techs on UA-cam, FB, IG, etc., and so many are only doing business on social media-making money from the nail companies. We don’t even know where they are located. Then we find that they aren’t taking clients. How do we even find good nail techs in our areas?
Search your hashtags is usually the first recommendation.
Thank you so much for your reply! I’ve asked several and no one responds at all. You guys totally ROCK (I can say that because we’re all the same age)! *Hugs from Texas*.
Yes learning now
Thank God we have YT
It's difficult to handle the false sense of intimacy we develop with people. I never knew how hard it would be to watch clients age and pass away.
As long as u can pass the practical ur good
Hey guys! I’m fairly new to your channel. I’m starting out in the nail industry. I would deeply appreciate If you would touch the commission subject in the nail business. Let’s say you’re starting in a nail salon that’s commission based. How does it work? What to accept as a nail technician and depending on your experience. Is it more profitable in comparison to becoming a business owner or a freelance nail artist. I’m dedicated now to watching and learning so much from each one of your videos! ❤️
We Will Pass the idea along ❤️❤️
@@youngnailsinc Thank you very much guys!
Well there goes my hope 😂😂 I need to push myself more
Thank you!!❤
I'm about 100 hours away from finishing nail school and wondering how to find a job in a salon... Is it always booth rent operated or is it like working for someone else and I get a percentage? And does that mean I still have to pay for the product used etc.