Posts by Katie Barnes
Is your work/life balance too affected by social media?
We are able to create relationships with customers before, during and after they have booked a visit to our nail business with the power of social media. This allows customers to trust us and become instantly loyal, even before they may have visited. But, there is a downside to social media – it is 24/7.…
Read MoreWhy you shouldn’t use an at-home gel polish kit
Salon owner, educator and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, unveils concerns surrounding DIY gel polish kits… Gel polish seems like an easy to use, harmless product – surely, it’s just like painting on a nail polish, isn’t it? Well, this is the attitude that is causing problems amongst some non-professionals, as they attempt to replicate professional services…
Read MoreHow to file 5 different nail shapes for your clients
Educator, former Scratch columnist and award-winning nail stylist, Katie Barnes, reveals how to file various nail shapes for your client… When filing nail shapes on enhancements, it is important to remember that the way your form is fitted and how you build the product is paramount for the correct shape and longevity of the structure. You cannot alternate between…
Read More5 ways to improve your online nail & beauty tutorials
You don’t have to be a teacher to create tutorials for your customers. There are two kinds of tutorials: short ‘how to at home’ demonstrations for consumers and more in depth, factual lessons for professionally trained techs, taught by qualified teachers. They serve different purposes and offer different results. Owing to lockdown measures, finding new…
Read More5 steps to improve your nail photos
Taking professional, clean looking nail photos is what can set you apart from your competitors and build your brand and portfolio. A great image will stop someone scrolling on social media and help them pay attention to your brand. The following aspects should all be considered when you are looking to create images: 1.Camera choice…
Read MoreWhat to look for when choosing a reputable business awards to enter
Winning an award is an excellent marketing opportunity. It boosts morale, raises the profile of your business and highlights and recognises your expertise. When contemplating entering an award, you firstly need to consider whether you want to increase your recognition locally or nationally. These both have genuine and mock awards, so to uphold the reputation…
Read MoreKatie Barnes explores the value of online learning for nails
Use your time wisely between appointments and during any ‘down time’ by broadening your knowledge and skillset through online classes. During times such as lockdown, online learning has proven really beneficial. There are many online classes available – from paid and free business mentoring and webinars to technical skill building and beginner classes. Figure out…
Read More5 ways to boost your nail business during lockdown 2.0
As business owners and busy professionals, time is something we often have very little of and many tasks get put on the back burner. It can be hard to be motivated in times like this but it is important to remember that just as there are real challenges, there are also fantastic opportunities. 1.Plan…
Read MoreNail technique: How to successfully file the lower arch in 5 steps
One of the most common mistakes a tech can make is over filing the lower arch of the nail, especially if the form or tip fit was incorrect in the first place. Careful and controlled filing can help to prevent this. The way you hold your file is important when filing all parts of the…
Read MoreRevealed: The 16 best hand poses for showing off your nail work
Taking good quality photographs of your nail work is great for your advertising and marketing materials as it shows off your skills. Regularly photographing your work will also allow you to see room for improvement and highlight areas of concern that may not be obvious when in front of you. These photos you produce can…
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