Business Matters

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Business Matters

Exciting Expansion: Sweet Squared Welcomes Footlogix, Artistic, Famous Names, Belava & Footsie to its Vast Salon Pro Brand Portfolio

Article by Alex Fox | Published in 2024

From February 5, 2024, Sweet Squared, UK-based professional nail, hair and beauty distributor, is thrilled to embrace the addition of Footlogix, Artistic Nail Design, Famous Names, Belava, and Footsie to its esteemed brand portfolio. This strategic move follows Sweet Squared securing the distribution, education and support rights for these brands from its industry colleagues at Louella Belle. “Our unwavering commitment to providing best-in-class products, services, and education to professionals like yourself drives us,” enthuses Samantha Sweet. “Through this collaboration with these exceptional brands, we see an exciting opportunity to elevate the level of service we provide to salon professionals and their clients. “We extend heartfelt gratitude to Jamie and Darren Crook, alongside the entire Louella Belle family for their dedicated efforts in nurturing these brands in the UK and Ireland over the past few years. With gratitude, we receive these brands in excellent condition, and we convey our deepest love and respect to everyone at Louella Belle.”

Jamie and Darren Crook of Louella Belle, express, “It’s been a pleasure to partner with Footlogix, Artistic, Famous Names, Belava, and Footsie over the years. We are immensely proud of growing these brands and feel that now is the perfect time for our friends at Sweet Squared to take them to the next level while we focus on other new and exciting opportunities. “We’ve known Samantha and Samuel Sweet for over 20 years and the reputation they’ve built within the nail industry is second to none. We are confident that our customers will benefit from their outstanding service, product ranges and education for which Sweet Squared is so well known. “Finally, we would like to pay tribute to our late mother and founder of Louella Belle, Lisa Crook. We know that she will be looking down, excited to watch the brands continue to grow in their new home!”

Samuel and Samantha Sweet are equally excited, as Samuel states, “We are a company founded for and dedicated to the professional. We are beyond excited to start serving our patented ‘love and respect’ to the professionals devoted to these brands.”

With new opportunities on the horizon and a growing fulfilment business, the decision to entrust the brands to Sweet Squared, industry friend and competitor for over two decades, was a natural one for Jamie and Darren Crook. The team at Sweet Squared consistently seeks ways to enhance its service to professionals, and the inclusion of additional brands from Louella Belle presents an exciting chance for salons and clients to explore new and complementary systems and treatments. This acquisition also introduces Louella Belle’s professional customers to brands that Sweet Squared has already successfully embraced, creating a mutually beneficial situation – a true win-win.

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Power to the Professional

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Power to the Professional

From Kitchen Tears to Global Cheers – Ireland’s Kate Kruszynska's Journey to Nail Styling Stardom

Article by Alex Fox | Published in 2024

For those in the nail industry that are still not sure if competing brings added content to a nail business, then listen to the 2023 story of one nail professional who has taken competing to a serious level and reaped the rewards. By investing time in travel and practice, effort and money, Katarzyna Kruszynska embraced the Nailympia 2023 circuit and followed it around the world. Here’s what happened… In the competitive realm of nail styling, Katarzyna (Kate) Kruszynska has attained the prestigious title of ‘Irish National Nail Champion,’ marking her as a multiple award-winner in nail styling championships across the globe. In the past year (2023), Kate showcased her skills internationally, representing Ireland in the UK, Mexico, Germany, USA (Orlando, Texas, and Ohio), clinching a remarkable total of 40 medals and trophies. Reflecting on her recent achievements, Kate shares, “Last year, I was honored to secure the Nailympia Americas Cup, The Nailympia Premiere Cup, Nailympia Art winner of winners, and Individual Top Scorer awards. Additionally, my business success was acknowledged with the ‘Best Established Business’ award from the Local Enterprise Office in 2019.”

Originally from Poland, Katarzyna Kruszynska initially served as a police officer in the Traffic Accident Department before following her passion and relocating to Ireland. In 2010, she transitioned to a full-time career in nails, starting from a humble nail table in her kitchen, overcoming self-doubt and tears and giving it her best shot. With the unwavering support of her family and friends, Kate not only persevered but also established a successful nail bar in 2015. Kate proudly manages Beauty Vision Ltd, an accredited training center, and is the visionary behind the Kohana Professional nail brand. The name ‘Kohana’ has profound personal significance, drawing inspiration from the Japanese term meaning ‘little flower’ and the notion of ‘ohana’, meaning ‘family’ from Disney’s Lilo & Stitch. The name uniquely combines ‘K’ for Kate and ‘Ohana’ for family, encapsulating the ethos that everyone is a part of Kate’s extended family. Explaining the Polish connection, Kate shares, “In Polish, ‘Kohana’ means ‘loved one,’ perfectly aligning with my brand’s ethos, where every individual is considered loved and part of the family.”

Beyond her business acumen, Kate is a devoted wife and mother to three children, an avid animal lover with two dogs and a cat at home. She has a passion for travel, diverse culinary experiences, and a commitment to a fit and healthy lifestyle. Kate actively shares her expertise and creative work on social media, amassing over 60,000 followers in three years. Her content revolves around nails, nail art, beauty, and insights into her business. “Sharing my creativity with a global audience is an amazing feeling,” expresses Kate, who also enjoys connecting with fellow nail enthusiasts through social media. She takes pride in Kohana being a welcoming space for individuals to learn new skills in a positive atmosphere. Expressing gratitude for the enriching journey her business has provided, Kate acknowledges, “Not everyone can say they love their job, but I’m one of the lucky few who can!” @beautyvision_ireland

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GlossaryLive Pro Tips Max Estrada Full Coverage Tips

Why Full Coverage Tips

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Why Full Coverage Tips

If you haven't tried full coverage tips, maybe it's time to try. There are many reasons that full coverage tips can be beneficial to a salon professional. Let Max Estrada explain a few reasons how this quick service can make you money in the salon.

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GlossaryLive Freestyle Nail Art Angela Arigò Fashion Florals

Fashion Florals

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Fashion Florals

The one-stroke painting technique is popular with nail artists, since once mastered, it can bring a nail design to life quickly. Italian nail artist Angela Arigó blends the one-stroke technique with matte and gloss creating a stunning floral presentation onto the nail inside a captivating color palette. Get inspired by this floral design, which is bound to excite your clients in the coming spring.

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Color of the Year 2024

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Color of the Year 2024

A compassionate soft peach shade, PANTONE’s Peach Fuzz Pantone Color of the Year will be the go-to shade for nails this summer

Article by Alex Fox | Published in 2024

Pantone, renowned as the global authority on color and a provider of professional standards and digital solutions for the design community, unveils PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz as the Color of the Year for 2024. This velvety and gentle peach embodies an all-encompassing spirit that enriches the mind, body, and soul.

In a time marked by turmoil in various aspects of our lives, the yearning for nurturing, empathy, and compassion intensifies, accompanied by visions of a more peaceful future. Peach Fuzz, with its warm and cozy undertones, symbolizes our collective desire for togetherness and the sense of sanctuary it brings forth, offering a fresh perspective on newfound softness.

Subtly sensual, PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz is a heartfelt peach hue that evokes tenderness, conveying a message of caring, sharing, and fostering community and collaboration. “A cozy peach hue softly nestled between pink and orange, Peach Fuzz brings belonging, inspires recalibration, and an opportunity for nurturing, conjuring up an air of calm, offering us a space to be, feel, and heal and to flourish from whether spending time with others or taking the time to enjoy a moment by ourselves,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director, Pantone Color Institute. “Drawing comfort from PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz, we can find peace from within, impacting our wellbeing. An idea as much as a feeling, PANTONE 13-1023 Peach Fuzz awakens our senses to the comforting presence of tactility and cocooned warmth.”

What is onycholysis?

DID YOU KNOW?

What is onycholysis?

Medical matters in the nail salon

Article by Alex Fox | Published in 2023

Onycholysis [on-y-chol-y-sis] is the medical term for separation of the finger or toenail (nail lifting) from the nail bed. This condition usually starts at the tip of the nail and can progress towards the eponychium. As the nail plate lifts away from the nail bed, a gap or pocket forms, which can be a potential site for infection. Once the nail has detached it will not reattach and instead, a new nail plate will grow back. This can take around six months for a fingernail. Typically onycholysis only affects one nail, and although it sees the nail plate peel away from the nail bed, it is in most cases painless, however this depends on the cause, since an injury or infection may cause pain or irritation.

What can cause or contribute to onycholysis?

  • Trauma: Injury or trauma to the nails.
  • Infections: Fungal or bacterial infections of the nails.
  • Chemical exposure: Prolonged exposure to certain chemicals, such as household cleaning agents.
  • Psoriasis & other skin conditions: Skin disorders like psoriasis can affect the nails and cause onycholysis.
  • Allergic reactions: Some individuals may experience onycholysis as a result of an allergic reaction to nail product ingredients or other chemicals.
  • Medications: Certain medications may have nail-related side effects, leading to onycholysis.

What is the treatment advice?

There is no cure for the nail plate that has already separated from the nail bed epithelium, however treatment can keep new nail growth attached to the nail bed. The treatment of onycholysis depends on its underlying cause. In some cases, addressing the primary issue, such as treating an infection or discontinuing the use of irritating chemicals, can resolve the condition. The nail professional should advise the client to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a dermatologist or podiatrist, for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Find out more here: https://nailknowledge.org/nail-knowledge-base/onycholysis

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Cuticle oil receives too spot on Today Show

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Cuticle oil receives a spot on Today Show

CUCCIO Cuticle Oil Makes The Today Show’s Top Selling Beauty Product In 2023

Article by Alisha Rimando | Published in 2024

YUMMY is the first word that came to mind when GlossaryLive.com reviewed Cuccio Naturale Manicure Cuticle Revitalizing Oil at cuccio.com. It feels like silk – and smells just as heavenly. Designed to nourish and moisturize cuticles and nails, this novel product is the perfect pairing of quality oils and delicate scents, reminiscent of fine perfume. I must admit, it felt so good I rubbed it into my fingers and hands as well! No wonder it has over 121,000 reviews on Amazon and made 2023 The Today Show’s Top Selling Beauty product for nailcare.

“The best-selling cuticle oil on Amazon, this nourishing product stands out for it’s amazing light and sweet fragrance. Plus, the blend of vitamins and oils moisturizes skin.”

Dori P., NY based freelance writer, editor and wellness expert at goodhousekeeping.com

The oils are a blend of cold-pressed safflower oil, winterized sunflower oil and Vitamin E for a long-lasting hydration, and essential nutrients to individualize each scent. Mango & Bergamot, Milk & Honey, White Limetta & Aloe Vera, Lavender & Chamomile, Sweet Almond, Vanilla and Sugar. I must confess I find Lavender & Chamomile intoxicating, and my hands and nails feel incredible. Great product CUCCIO! GlossaryLive.com gives Cuccio Naturale Manicure Cuticle Revitalizing Oil two thumbs up!!

Mr. Anthony Cuccio, Founder, President, CEO of Star Nail International based in Valencia, California is a true visionary and trendsetter in the beauty industry. He literally built his business out of a suitcase of cosmetics in 1981 on Venice Beach, California. The business has grown into a multi-million-dollar global corporation and in 1986, Star Nail achieved the ultimate recognition, making INC. 500 and Tony making it “Entrepreneur of the Year”.

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Lisa Boone | Artist of the Month

ARTIST OF THE MONTH

Lisa Boone

Veteran nail artist & educator Lisa Boone began her nail sojourn in the 1980's as a hand model before transitioning to creative force behind the nail desk

Article by Alex Fox | Published in 2023

Lisa Boone has over 20 years’ experience in the nail industry. The wide berth of knowledge she’s accrued has taken her from behind the chair, to the competition circuit and researching innovative products to assisting technicians in their quest to create better products and services in the salon. Lisa began her career as a nail tech in Chicago in one of its first nail-only salons and soon became the award-winning hands behind Tom Holcomb’s world champion nails. After traveling the competition circuit for over 15 years, she became intrigued with developing winning formulations and cultivated a love for researching new and improved products for the industry.

Playing a crucial role in the R&D of new formulations for various industry manufacturers, Lisa has since won awards for both packaging and new product development in the beauty industry. As well being cited for best new product awards by industry professionals and magazines across the globe. Lisa is proud to consult for many local up-scale salon start-ups, on topics including location choice, design, establishing products lines and vendor relations, staffing and training, as well as ongoing management functions. This allows Lisa to ensure the quality of salons in her local market and aids in her quest to elevate her local nail industry.

Lisa has judged for the 2nd World Championships, is a staple on the global judging circuit for Nailympia Competitions worldwide and can be seen all over the world as an international educator.

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GlossaryLive Master Class John Hauk Tip Overlay

Tip Overlay

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John Hauk

As the expert behind Cruise with the Nail Stars, Cincinnati based nail artist and educator John Hauk has led a successful and eclectic nail career. With over 29 years experience as an educator and compeitior, John has accumulated over 300 awards and achieved #1 competitor of the year twice after winning the Nail Pro team cups. Currently an international judge and owner of Royalty Beauty salon, he continues to collaborate with world renown artists to bring nail education and fun to the open seas.

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Tip Overlay

John Hauk demonstrates the steps to creating a traditional pink & white nail using the liquid & powder acrylic system. With clear & pink powders and French white nail tips, the tip & overlay technique of enhancement shines. John preps the nail plate with a 180-grit buffer and sizes the nail tip for a perfect, snug fit. Application of the clear bead onto the free edge, followed by the pink bead for the nail plate is showcased, with tips for creating that perfect c-curve and filing hints and tips for creating a perfect salon enhancement.

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GlossaryLive Tag That Trend Shelley Laxminarayan Blue Roses

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Shelley Laxminarayan

With her roots lying in South Africa, in 2004 Shelley began her nail adventure at the Dream Nail Academy in Paarl, where she attended intensive training to become an All Round Nail Technician in a small group of four people. “I’m incredibly grateful to Sheila, the educator there, for her style of teaching, as she taught me the profession well. “Back in the Netherlands I combined my nail profession with my hairdressing career and in 2009 I opened my own nail salon. In 2018, I was one of the nominees for Nail Talent of the Year where I reached second place. I was so surprised and proud. I then started training for my first national competition and reached 3rd place, this was when my competition fever struck. In the years that followed, I’ve participated in many competitions, nationally and internationally. I’ve always won prizes so far, and can proudly say that I’m a national and international champion. I’m an educator for the LoveNess nail brand, whish I teach with passion, as I love to share my knowledge and watch students’ grow. Education is key to success in this industry.”

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