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POWERStaying

Owners and techs reveal what keeps them at the same salon for the long term.

FINDING A NAIL TECH THAT’S BEEN IN THE same salon for more than 10 years is often equated with find-ing a unicorn standing atop a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. While hiring and retaining talented techs can be tough, the following three salons have mastered the art of running a successful business with the same technicians year after year. Read on to learn the secrets to holding onto top talent for a decade—or more!

B y L i z B a r r e t t F o s t e r

142 N A I L P R O J U LY 2 0 1 5

SALON OWNERS: Ami McClure and Traci Dungan, 16 years

ProFiles ✿ Cape Coral, FL

✿ FOSTERING LONGEVITY: “We’ve learned through the years that taking care of our staff is the most important thing,” says ProFiles co-owner Traci Dungan, who notes that of the salon’s 20 techs, eight have been employed for more than 10 years. “When they feel valued and appreciated, you create loyalty.” According to co-owner Ami McClure, investing in their techs is the key. “We start all of

our techs at a commission rate that allows us to give raises when deserved and we run in-house contests for nail goodies,” she says. “We also travel to beauty shows and offer ways for techs to earn their trips at no cost.” And, as a gift for

achieving 10 years at the salon, techs receive a diamond-encrusted “P” necklace that a local jeweler

custom creates for them. “It’s like our badge of honor,” says McClure.

✿ WORKING LONG-TERM: “I knew as soon as I walked in the door that ProFiles was where I wanted to be,” says Jenny Wilson. “There were 15 nail techs working, the lobby was full and the energy was captivating. I’ve stayed because our salon is a constant learning environment.” Receptionist, manager and nail tech Carol Demeyer says that after 10 years there’s a sense of belonging and a personal connection to many people’s lives. Plus, after years of working together, owners learn which

clients are a fit for each tech. “My boss, Traci, knows me (and everyone) very well and has an uncanny ability to book me with clients that I will have a long working relationship with,” says Wilson.

✿ THE CHALLENGES: “In our industry, there’s only so much a salon owner can pay,” says Dungan. “You have to be creative to take care of your techs when they’ve been with you for so long.” For Dungan, this can mean letting a tech use the salon after hours to do their mom’s nails, giving techs a Saturday off or a new nail goodie, such as a brush or bit. ProFiles also offers techs educational opportunities. “We try to keep techs interested with new products and techniques,” says McClure. “This keeps everyone, senior techs and newbies alike, genuinely interested in what each other is doing.”

✿ ADVICE: McClure says that the ProFiles secret is simple: respect and appreciation. “Traci and I respect our techs, we learn from them, we appreciate what they bring to our salon and we thank them for it as much as possible. In return, our staff is happy, helpful and loyal.”

Techs: Carol Demeyer

10 yearsKathy Moore

11 years Shanna Rix

13 years Randi-Jo Thomas

10 years Katie Tremel

10 yearsJen Wagner

11 years Laina Walsh

15 years Jenny Wilson

10 years

(Top row, left to right) Carol Demeyer,

Katie Tremel, Shanna Rix, Ami McClure, Traci Dungan,

Jen Wagner, Diane Long (stylist), Kathy Moore; (bottom row, left to

right) Randi-Jo Thomas, Laina Walsh, Jenny Wilson, Carley Meola (stylist)

144 N A I L P R O J U LY 2 0 1 5

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SALON OWNER: Nanci Soltani, 20 years

Fandango Salon ✿ Santa Rosa, CA

✿ FOSTERING LONGEVITY: According to owner Nanci Soltani, the atmosphere at Fandango Salon is comfortable but professional. “Everyone can work the hours they want, they all have a key and we call Fandango our salon,” says Soltani. “We’re all in the trenches together and want to do all we can for the industry and our local commu-nity.” To wit, for the past 20 years, the salon has held a successful holiday gift drive. “With the help of our generous clients, we collect presents for 250 local kids,” says Soltani, who adds that the salon also participates annually in a local high school fun-draiser that provides scholarships to less fortunate students.

✿ WORKING LONG-TERM: When you’re with a salon for 20 years, you see a lot. “We’ve seen each other and our clients through tri-umphs and tragedies,” says Kathy Sanchez. “I consider them my ex-tended family.” Indeed, a family that supports one another, says tech Sandy Toleson. “I know that if I’m sick or on vacation my clients are in good hands.”

✿ THE CHALLENGES: “ We know each other so well that sometimes we give and take a little more than was asked for, including advice, opinions, etc.,” says Terry Canter. “The professional-ism falters a bit at times, but the clients love the group discussions. After all, isn’t that what family is

all about?”

✿ ADVICE: Don’t get too comfort-able, says Sanchez. “Staying at the same salon for so long, there is always the possibil-ity of complacency. We work to stay current with the latest trends.” The tight team of techs also regularly works on their relationships. “Invest your time and friendship,” says Jeanette Dodds. “I’ve been working with my best friends for a long time and couldn’t imagine working without them.”

Techs: Terry Canter

20 yearsJeanette Dodds

20 yearsKathy Sanchez

20 yearsSandy Toleson

20 years

(Top, from left)

Kathy Sanchez and Jeanette Dodds; (bottom,

from left) Terry Canter, Nanci Soltani, Sandy

Toleson.

Liz Barrett Foster is an Oxford, MS-based writer and

the author of Pizza: Pizza: A Slice of American History.

✿ FOSTERING LONGEVITY: Owner Marita Durham believes in giving her techs space to live their lives and room to grow in their careers. “I try to respect the balance between family and work and not impose unrealistic expectations,” she says. “In the end, family comes first.” Durham also points to the professionalism, dependability and technical strength that come from having long-time techs in the salon. “If I ever need coverage for a client, I know that the person I’m asking can handle it,” she says. “We also keep each other motivated creatively through the sharing of new products

and techniques.”

✿ WORKING LONG-TERM: Being part of a team and being able to work independently is what keeps this group together. “We’re all in charge of the upkeep of our own areas, which gives us a sense of ownership,” says Barbara Kennedy. “Everyone pitches in to keep a clean and sanitary shop.” Sherry Heimsness also likes the private rooms afforded to techs at In the Nails. “Each of us has our own little room

for services,” she says. “This allows us privacy and lets our clients talk

more freely.”

✿ THE CHALLENGES: Durham recognizes that techs who have been at the

same salon for many years expect a certain level of cleanliness, professionalism and marketing throughout the shop. “I’m always conscious that I need to continue delivering at a high level,” she says.

✿ ADVICE: In the end, Durham says that it comes down to caring for those around you and helping them find what they’re looking for in a work environment. “There aren’t a lot of southern salons like ours around anymore,” says Jennifer Formby. “Some have compared us to the salon in Steel Magnolias. We’re just a close knit group of ladies who like a nice, clean salon.”

SALON OWNER: Marita Durham, 25 years

In the Nails Day Spa ✿ Huntsville, AL

146 N A I L P R O J U LY 2 0 1 5

(Top, from left) Barbara Kennedy,

Jennifer Formby and Sherry Heimsness;

(bottom) Marita Durham.

Techs: Jennifer Formby

13 yearsSherry Heimsness

11 yearsBarbara Kennedy

12 years