December Kicked My Ass

I don't know about the rest of you, but December kicked my ass, especially the last few weeks.  I have a few Reader Submissions to post, however, I would like to hold off on them and post something different this week.

What are your New Years Resolutions for this coming year?  For your business, career, etc?  Submit them to me at nailtechtalk@yahoo.com and I will post them.  You can send them to me on Facebook, or on the Nail Tech Talk Facebook Page if you don't want to post them anonymously.  I will compile a list and post them!

--Nancy

BUYER BEWARE!!!

I was tipped off to a FaceBook group that was started to buy, sell or trade things within our profession.  While I think it's a great idea, the moderator needs to set up some kind of rules because it seems as though she is allowing people to sell things under false pretenses.

First case in point, was the reason why this link was sent to me.  Someone was offering a CND ProFinish 20 watt, two handed light.  It said she paid $265 for it and was entertaining any reasonable offers.  She stated that it was practically brand new and used only a few times.  Well, a number of people assumed that this is a UV light that will cure gel and gel polish and soak off gels.  When someone posted that this light was "Nothing more than a glorified polish dryer" all hell broke loose and then all the ridiculous came out.

Ridiculousness like statements like this:

The light has 5 "4WATT BULBS" if you add that together u get 20WATTS!This is what I do with my 36 watt lamp, i remove 3 bulbs which leaves me with 9 watts and I use that to cure my builders to lessen the heat spike more bulbs DOES equal more curing power!  it works the same way iff you want less wattage to cure, u just remove how ever many bulbs u want to get the wattage u want--common logic i do it All the time!I asked this very question to a woman who works for star nails and developed her own UV/LED and I asked this very question to the President of CND, Gelish reps and a President of Forever French Nail Systems and they all told me the same thing.

WOW, I am glad you aren't MY nail tech or that you don't work for me because that is just bat shit crazy!

First of all, the number of bulbs doesn't matter.  More bulbs just gives you more even coverage.  A one bulb light will not cure a whole hand, you have to cure the thumbs by themselves.  A light with four bulbs will give you the ability to cure the full hand.  A 36 watt light is a light with 4 - 9 watt bulbs, just like this light is one with 5- 4 watt bulbs.  Four watt bulbs will cure or should I say DRY a UV topcoat.  Who the hell uses those any more?  Are any of you people really still polishing nails?  I haven't polished a nail since February (I just looked) and that was someone from OUT OF TOWN.

Second, I would like to call bullshit on the statement that you asked people from Star, CND, Gelish and Forever French and they confirmed what you are saying.  Elaine Watson of Star would NEVER tell you that 4 watt bulbs will cure gel, gel top coat, gel polish and soak off gel.  I laugh at the thought of actually being able to ask the President of CND a question.  Really???  Hell, I can't get them to return a phone call or an email, yet you can just ring them up anytime you want?  Give me a break.

Lastly, if you are having to remove bulbs from your light to avoid a heat spike, might I suggest that you either find a new product to work with to take a freaking class and learn how to use your product.  Taking bulbs out of lights?  Who the hell has time for that ridiculousness???

Everyone do yourself a favor and educate yourself on UV lights.  Jim McConnell from Light Elegance is like the guru of UV lights.  Start reading on page 14.  

I have looked through this page some more and while I see a lot of good things, like people looking for pedi carts and people selling newer things like the new OPI soak off gel system, I still see crap like this.  Someone is selling SOLARNAIL powder.  How the hell old is this stuff??  CND discontinued it how many years ago (Just like they discontinued ProFinish, which is what that stupid light above was for).  Don't you people know that there is a shelf life on products.  I would garner that that jar of Solarnail powder is five or more years older.

So, BUYER BEWARE!  Don't be buying someone's old ass product.  Don't purchase someone's nail polish dryer (because lets admit it, that is exactly what that lamp is) and be all bummed because it won't cure your gel.  Don't buy other people's shit.  If they don't want it, why the hell would you???

Thank you for the tip on this little gem.  I have also received a tip on some things to watch on International Competition Judging as well.  Keep them coming!

--Nancy

Strut Your Stuff - Where's the Beef???

So, the Strut Your Stuff winners are finally online.  Sure would be nice to know the NAMES of the winners and where they are from.  Are we ever going to know this information or is the posting not completely done.  It's been like this since last night.  Kind of anti-climatic if you ask me!

--Nancy

Happy Holidays!

It's that wonderful time of the year, where all the holy people start bitching about people saying Happy Holidays, or heaven forbid, Merry Xmas.  Well, this is something I've wanted to say for some time now.  Just because someone says Happy Holidays or Merry Xmas, it doesn't mean they don't have faith, or are taking Christ out of Christmas.  To a lot of people, Happy Holidays is an expression to use from the day after Thanksgiving until New Years Day.

Between those two holidays, there are a number of religious and holy days for a number of faiths.  In my opinion, Merry Christmas is appropriate on December 25.  When it is December 14, it is Happy Holidays.  You don't get greeted with Happy Birthday each and every day of the month you were born, right?  No, you get Hello the other thirty some days.

Now where I do draw the line is places that are putting up trees and calling them "Holiday" trees instead of what they are - Christmas Trees.  You don't see Jews putting up Menorahs and calling them Holiday Candelabras.  If you are going to call them holiday trees, well then they should be up all year long and decorated for each and every holiday of the year, including Groundhog Day.

Now, for the folks that get their panties in a bunch over Merry Xmas.  Well, did you know, that yes, the X is taking place of the word Christ, however it is not being replaced with an "X", it is supposed to be a cross.  Well, on an old keyboard, there isn't such a character, so an X is used.  I've also read where the X is the Greek letter X and you can read all about it here.

Why all the sensitivity?  Why all the anger and resentfulness towards people who greet you with Happy Holidays or Merry Xmas?  I will wish you all a Merry Christmas ON DECEMBER 25!

--Nancy

I Need My Lunch!

READER SUBMISSION
I am a human being.  As such, I like to eat in order to sustain obtainable energy throughout  the busy day.    When I say I want a lunch every day, I mean it.  I don't care if the whole damn industry books themselves up all day, every day.  I don't care if hairdressers can eat while their color processes.  I'm not a hair dresser.  I'm a nail tech.  If my lunch isn't physically on the books, I don't get to eat.  


What is so frigin hard to understand about that!?!  I'm not a machine here to work from start to finish because you won't support my decision to choose to take 30 minutes from my day to sit down and eat.  Threatening me that the receptionists won't like me if I keep getting mad because they took my lunch out, and therefore won't book appointments with me; is piss poor management on your part.  You should make it painfully clear to them that they are to respect me and my schedule, that they are not gods.  


And here's a tip: when you chew out an employee, don't act all high and mighty by saying how you do things so much better because you do them a different way.  You sound condescending and off-putting.  I'm all for making the client happy, but I'm not going to sacrifice my lunch just because they want in.  I'm sure given the option of a different time available, most would be completely ok.  You don't have to say yes to every thing.  I've never said I had to have lunch at the same time every day, just that I wanted one.  If I don't stand up for myself on this, who will?  


And to the receptionist who flat out told me there would be days that I wouldn't get a lunch because it would be too busy and clients would want in... FUCK YOU.  I just got done telling you that I want a lunch every day.  I didn't say, "if time allows."  I said every day.  The hours I work are to include 30 minutes every day.  You annoy me.  You are around 50, yet you act like a whiny brat teenager.  You annoy the other girls and because you are unhappy you like to stir the pot. 


I am ready to leave.  The only thing that keeps me motivated is job hunting and knowing that this BS is temporary.  I won't let people walk over me or put up with their crap. The more I take, the more they give. 
Life is too short to not have fun.


--I Need My Lunch!

Maggie's a Fan - The Feeling's Mutual!

I noticed a lot of people being referred to this blog from a Nails Magazine link, so I did a little research.  It seems that Maggie Franklin, Nail Tech Extraordinaire and blogger/author of "Maggie Rants and Raves", a Nails Magazine Blog, has a blog post about this blog.  Thank you, Maggie!!!

I have been a follower of your blog for some time now and I must admit, your blog pretty much gave me the idea to do this blog.  I would love to comment on your post, however, since blogs and such can see IP origination, an approximate location could blow my anonymous status.   

For what it's worth, I have never had the opportunity, but you bet your sweet ass when I do, I will most definitely sit with you and have lunch with you.  Anonymously, of course!

--Nancy

Follower Friday - Reader Submissions 10

It's been awhile since we've had some reader submissions.  I have stockpiled them and here's the latest.  REMEMBER, these are from a lot of other people, so please do not dog on me for bitching, whining and being negative.  This is "Everything you always wanted to say, but couldn't".  --Nancy

As stupid as you look when you make that stupid "kissy face" in all of your photos, you sound even more stupid when you talk like a Valley Girl and you live on the east coast.  Stop dumbing yourself down.  You are giving women and young girls a bad rap.

Don't you just love when you and three of your co-workers are slammed with clients and the one tech, that is either ahead of schedule or had a no show just sits there surfing the Internet, while there are phone calls to be returned, the phone is ringing off of the hook and people are walking in wanting to purchase things?  Maybe if you got off your ass and off the Internet, maybe you would have a client in your chair.

My client that is missing three fingers on one hand doesn't ask for a discount, why should you?

Shellac didn't ruin your nails, YOU DID when you picked it all off, when it is easily removed with acetone, even by you.

Listen carefully.  It is called O.P.I.  Three letters.  It's not Opie.  He was a small boy with an Aunt Bee.

I'm sorry, coming in six weeks later with seven nails missing isn't a FILL it is called a FULL SET.

We realize that WalMart has brought back lay-away for the hoidays, however, we are not WalMart, therefore, payment is expected at the time of your service.

Hey you, with the gift certificate that you won, that we donated to an organization to give to you:  Why must you always want more?  Isn't the ONE service of your choice enough?  Oh, no?  You want two and one for your sister too.  Greed kills.

For the love of everything good, WIPE YOUR FEET!  Do you really think we want your muddy shoes stomping all over our carpet.  I can't imagine what your home looks like!

If you sprinkle while you tinkle, please be neat and wipe the seat!  Women are HOGS in the bathroom.

Put the phone down!  Put the phone down!  Put the phone down!  The world will not end if you can't touch your phone for an hour.

If you use it up, refill it, if you break it, fix it, if it is empty, refill it, if it drops, pick it up, if it is out of place, put it back, if you dirty it, clean it.  It's really not rocket science.

What is it with people who think that positive things should be written about on here?  The mantra of this site is "Everything you always WANTED to say, but couldn't"  How does all the things you love about this industry fall into this category.  Quit your bitching and if you don't like it don't read it.  You are pathetic.  You probably live alone with a cat.

I see new educators trying so hard to impress people.  Way too hard.  It's actually kind of painful to watch.  If you have to put that much effort into it, maybe you aren't cut out for the job.

To all the judgmental bitches out there who make snide remarks about others who post photos of nails, that they don't think are perfect, where are YOUR photos for US to critique.  Just what I thought.  Shut the fuck up then.

Things I Can't Say - Positive Edition

So most of the "Things I really want to say, but can't" are negative.  That's a no brainer.  How many positive things are there to say about life and business that you can't say, in fear of repercussions.  So, it got me thinking and I came up with some positive things about my business that I could NEVER say to anyone other than my spouse, children or close friends.  Why? you ask?  Well, because if I said these things to anyone, I would be accused of bragging.  I am not a bragger.  I am humble.  However, the Troll asked for it, so here it is - The Positive Stuff.

I have made entirely too much money this year.  I have paid off every debt I have ever had.  For the first time, in a long, long, time, I am totally debt free.  I never thought I would see this day.  I have started stockpiling money in different savings accounts.  I have tried to spend it, to get some tax write offs.  I did improvements at the salon.  I brought in new products, new retail and vamped up the furniture.  We are showering our clients with Christmas gifts.  The staff is getting BIG bonuses this year and we are having a formal party this year with spouses invited and entertainment.  I am considering a staff cruise as a reward.  Still, I have way too much money left in the bank.

We have too many clients.  I know that sounds like a good thing, but it really isn't.  We have so many clients, that if we worked non-stop, seven days a week, we would still be busy and have a waiting list.  We are working so much that our backs are hurting.  Our hands ache.  After working all of those hours, there's still the supply ordering, bookwork and cleaning that must be done.  Still, there is the disappointment when we have to turn clients away.  We have no more room in our books.

Our salon has the best technicians in the area.  Yes, they may be sloppy and sometimes be a little lax in their duties, but isn't everyone?  I can honestly say that our technicians are the best around to the point that our competition doesn't even hold a candle to our work.  I guess it's a good thing they charge $5 less than we do, they should charge even less considering the end result that they are putting out, that we end up fixing and thus earning even MORE clients, that we no longer have room for.

So finally, I am proud that I am a female business owner, in a business that I love and thrive at.  I am a successful one as well.  I employ a staff of  seven now.  Each and every one of my technicians is a trained professional, who was trained by me.  With all of the things I deal with each day from salon issues, to staffing issues to client issues, it's no wonder I have things to say.  Things to air out.  I mean really.  Who can I air these things out to?  My spouse doesn't understand.  My best friend is a teacher.  I can't complain about the staff to the staff.

So, I could vent to my peers.  Some of them, would see this as a sign of weakness.  Some like to see any form of it and they just go in for the kill, most of the time behind your back.  So, I and others, vent anonymously.  It gives us a way to get it off our chest.  Without the fear of ridicule.  It is quite cleansing.  You should try it.

--Nancy

Don't Feed the TROLL

Well, it seems that we've attracted a Troll.  Here's the Urban Dictionary definition of a TROLL

One who posts a deliberately provocative message to a newsgroup ormessage board with the intention of causing maximum disruption and argument

I think we can add blogs to this list.  In the past few weeks, I've had my writing criticized.  I've been told that I hate my job, I hate my clients, I hate my potential clients, I hate my co-workers, I hate life.  Blah, Blah, Blah.  Can you imagine what they would say or do IF THEY KNEW WHO I WAS?  I would be the next public sacrifice to the Nail Gods.

I have two words for our little troll.  FUCK YOU.  I will not respond to any of your posts.  I will not let you bait me.  I am providing a service, which is a way for professionals to vent in an environment that judgmental bitches, like yourself, can't look down on you, rub our noses in our own insecurities and publicly make fun of us.  YOU are the reason why we have to have a website like this.

I must be doing something right, because I have brought it out in you.  Maybe you read a little truth in these posts.  Maybe you are guilty of a lot of things that I, and others, post.  Yes, that's right, I post a lot of things for other people.  If the post is from me, I sign it.  If it's not, I let the author sign as they wish.

If I was to guess, our Troll is someone who either works alone, because no one will work with them OR they are someone who isn't even working in the business any longer.  They have failed.  They are now on a mission to make everyone miserable, because nothing makes them feel better than making someone else feel worse than YOU do.  Well, it's not gonna happen.

I am a very happy person.  I am very successful.  I have a lot of close friends, a loving family and most importantly, a clear conscience.  I don't lie.  I don't mislead.  I don't pick fights.  I just tell it like it is.  If you think otherwise, what do I care?  I don't.

So I am asking all of you readers - "Do not feed the Troll".  If you don't feed it, it will go away.

--Nancy

Planning Ahead

Does anyone plan ahead anymore?  I mean, I don't know about the rest of you, but December is a killer month for me, my staff and my salon.  We are crazy busy each and every day.  Yet, there are still people who don't get it.  They must think that we are sitting around waiting to do their nails.

It's not only bad when people call the day that they want an appointment.  It's worse when they want it at a specific time, usually, 5:00.  Really?  I mean, come on.  If the salon you are calling is even half way decent, it is pretty safe to assume that they are not going to have an appointment for you on the day you call and they are never going to have the perfect time that you want.

How about the brides that call the week of their wedding wanting to schedule their nail and pedicure appointment for themselves AND their nine bridesmaids?  Really?  You have been planning this wedding for how long and you call five days before the big day and want us to magically produce 20 spots in our book?

So, if you want your nails done and have them look awesome, and have them prepared in a safe and clean environment, with legal products being used, PLAN AHEAD.  If you don't care about those things, I am sure a walk in place at the mall will be more than happy to apply a set of Chicklet nails with a side of infection.

--Nancy