Ask Katie Cazorla, Owner of The Painted Nail

Katie Cazorla, owner of The Painted Nail in Hollywood, California, joins NAILPRO to provide you with advice and answers to your nail questions. 

Ask Katie Cazorla, Owner of The Painted Nail

Ask-Katie-Feature-OPTAsk Katie Cazorla your salon questions!

What’s your best advice for a new nail tech who is starting a home-based business? –@katelyn.kristine

First, get a book that tells you how to open a salon or spa. You will have to follow the same rules, so it’s very important to know what you can and cannot do. These books also contain helpful checklists for al of the things that need to be done prior to opening. Next, go to local nail salons and see what they’re doing. What can you do that will set you apart from them? See what products are being used and try to bring in something unique that will make customers want to come to your salon specifically for that. Attend shows and take classes; being educated on the latest products is very important. Be sure to have them out prior to your opening. To help spread the word, go to your local radio and TV stations and offer the hosts a complimentary service. Finally, never take or pay for business advice from someone who does not own a salon. Everyone will try and tell you what you should or shouldn’t be doing, but if that person does not run a nail salon, they have no business (pun intended!) telling you what to do.

During your slow time, how do you bring in business? –Hope Szymanski

We offer “Happy Hour” during our slow period in the mid-afternoon. It includes a discounted service and a glass of wine or tea. It tends to bring in clients who have always wanted to try the salon.

How did you go about creating your own line of polishes and nail products? –@pretty_fingertips

First, I listened to all of the requests and suggestions from clients about products that they wished existed. Then, I saved my money and wrote out a plan. I searched for a local manufacturer who was willing to walk me through the steps, including labels, bottles, formula, packaging, colors, scents, product names, etc. It was a lot of work! When everything was finished eight months later, I threw a launch party and introduced friends and clients to my new line. I’ve since learned so much and I have seen the line grow, but it takes a lot of time and money, so be prepared.

What’s the best day to deal with negative salon reviews on social media? –Karie Ford

It’s best to look at who wrote it and how it was written. If someone uses profanity, a staff member or I will remove it if we can. (Some sites do not allow you to take reviews down and that can be super frustrating!) Sometimes the review is by an ex-employee or a competitor, and sometimes it’s an honest review–and you’ll need to take what is said as constructive criticism. When you respond, refrain from trash talk and take a minute to think before you write anything. Keep in mind, every business is going through the ups and downs of social media, so don’t take everything you read to heart.

Have a question you’d like to ask Katie? Email it to [email protected]!

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