PROXIMAL NAIL FOLD [prok-suh-muhl-neyl-fohld]
What it is: A fold of skin at the base of the nail plate working in unison with the eponychium to seal and prevent pathogens from entering the nail’s matrix.
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28
Sep
Michelle Soto | Artist of the Month
ARTIST OF THE MONTH
Michelle Soto
This October, we celebrate Michelle Soto, international educator, judge and nail artist extraordinaire from Florida, USA.
Article by Alex Fox | Published in 2023
Stepping into the world of nails at the tender age of 12, Michelle Soto was spoiled for a year as her aunty used her to hand model for practice purposes. Later, after moving to Puerto Rico, Michelle made a point of manicuring her nails, mimicking what she’d picked up from her aunt. “My nails became a talking point and people asked me to do theirs, but I always said, ‘No, I only do them for myself’,” Michelle reflects. “However, after some consideration, I accepted my father’s proposal of going to nail school. Getting certified before I would groom anyone’s nails was really important to me. At that time in my life, being certified yet still not thinking it would end up becoming my career, was my mindset.”
On deciding to train in nails, Michelle enrolled at the Pierrette Academy in Puerto Rico, which later changed its name to Ema’s Beauty Academy. “I was offered to work at a well-known salon from the owner of the academy herself,” smiles Michelle. “I agreed and worked in it for a year, then I made the bold move to open my own salon; I was just 16 at the time.” Michelle continued to run nail salons for a number of years before changing her path to work more recently full-time with V Beauty Pure LLC in the USA. “I’ve tried many products throughout the years and one of my favorites is V beauty Pure,” she asserts.
With the onset of the global pandemic changing Michelle’s career course, she highlights, “Not being able to work for some time pushed me in a different direction; I had so much time to think about what I was doing and if it was the right pathway for me. I then changed my life completely. I‘ve always wanted to dedicate myself to teaching full-time while helping others achieve their goals, but I was always too busy to commit. The pandemic gave me the opportunity to make the jump.”Living by the principle to always give any endeavor her best shot, no matter what the circumstances, Michelle instils, “One must always be reliable, consistent and never forget to be humble in this life. In these challenging times, take this opportunity to focus in on yourself and your craft. Get prepared with all the knowledge and tools that will help you grow for when you are able to start working again and most importantly, keep posting content on social media platforms, don’t give up!”
1. Behind the Scenes - GlossaryLive Masterclass | 2. Michelle Soto jugding at Nailympia Orlando 2023
Praising social media as an excellent source of inspiration for nail stylists, Michelle notes, “The artist in me sees nail art everywhere I go! Although, much of my inspiration tends to come at night, so I keep a sketch book on my night table, however, maybe just one percent of my ideas make it into the book itself.” On reflection, she also adds, “As an artist, being able to express myself through my nail work alongside the happiness that it brings to my clients, is a blessing. The ability to express the client’s emotions in the nail style is also extremely rewarding and now I take great pleasure in teaching all this while sharing my knowledge and experience with others to support their career journey.”
Citing her recipe for attaining great nail skills is to never stop practicing or getting educated, Michelle acknowledges that, “Consistency and knowledge are key!”
With education at the top of her menu, Michelle utilised her time wisely during the pandemic and originated a wide selection of courses. “ I’ve developed online trainings that offer a variety of techniques to help salons called Salon Success. These courses offer topics such as nail anatomy – artificial and natural, product & control management, general biosecurity and health alongside E-File, bit theory and practice applied to nail extensions and manicures, nail tip and form application as well as commercial shapes (square, coffin, classic salon almond and stiletto), dip powder, acrygel, UV hard gel and nail art with gels, to name a few.”
Appreciating that ‘Rome was not built in a day’, Michelle stays grounded and focused while optimistic about the future. “My advice to beginners is to keep an open mind, have lots of patience, make sure you practice and don’t give up! Always be reliable, consistent and never forget to be humble!” Moving onwards and upwards, Michelle is excited for a future with her goal being to coach students, “To hit the salon floor fully experienced and knowledgeable. Capable and ready to service!”
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04
Sep
Finger Fashion Factoid
DID YOU KNOW?
Finger Fashion Factoid
Ombré nails are a stunning way to express your style and creativity.
Article by Alisha Rimando | Published in 2023
An ombré design is when one color fades into another and the meeting point creates a seamless blend of the two. Ombré is from the French word meaning ‘shaded’ or ‘shading’. It is a degradation of colors from dark to light or light to dark. This technique can be used with any nail art medium. Nail artists previously called this technique a ‘color fade’ or ‘color graduation’ in the 1990’s. The term ombre’ was coined in 2010 when hairdressers set the trend fading hair from dark to light.
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18
Aug
Scoring Files
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Scoring Files
Have you ever cut a client while filing with a new hand file? Alisha Rimando shows you an easy remedy to dull edges before use that will soften the hard, sharp edges that are created when coming off the production line.
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10
Jul
MASQUE
MASQUE [mahsk]
What it is: AKA masque; concentrated treatment product used in manicures and pedicures. Composed of mineral clays, moisturizing agents, skin softeners, aromatherapy oils, and other beneficial ingredients, which combine to cleanse, tighten, tone, hydrate, and nourish the skin.
How to use: Used as a luxury upgrade element to any manicure or pedicure service.
How to apply: Decant a single serving and apply to the skin with a spatula or masque brush. Often covered with thin plastic and warm towels to harness heat from the body and allow the skin’s pores to open and receive the efficacy of the ingredients.
How to remove: Rinse off with warm water or wipe away with hot, wet towels.
How to store: Store with lids closed tightly in a cool dark place.
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10
Jul
MASK
MASK [mask]
What it is: AKA masque; concentrated treatment product used in manicures and pedicures. Composed of mineral clays, moisturizing agents, skin softeners, aromatherapy oils, and other beneficial ingredients, which combine to cleanse, tighten, tone, hydrate, and nourish the skin.
How to use: Used as a luxury upgrade element to any manicure or pedicure service.
How to apply: Decant a single serving and apply to the skin with a spatula or masque brush. Often covered with thin plastic and warm towels to harness heat from the body and allow the skin’s pores to open and receive the efficacy of the ingredients.
How to remove: Rinse off with warm water or wipe away with hot, wet towels.
How to store: Store with lids closed tightly in a cool dark place.
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21
Jun
Winter Mani/Pedi Chocolate Peppermint
back to basics
Alisha Rimando
Alisha is recognized as one of the nail industry’s leading experts in training & education. In her 28 years experience, her work has been described as ‘ground-breaking’ through her career as a platform artist & motivational speaker for thousands of promotional & educational events. She’s also competed in hundreds of nail competitions around the globe, notably winning the World Nail Championship in 2005 in Pink & White Sculptured Nails. She’s also the featured artist in many training videos, including acting host of the current Milady Standard Nail Technology DVD series.
Winter Mani/Pedi Chocolate Peppermint
For this holiday service learn how to create and apply a homemade detoxifying chocolate peppermint masque. Hand-crafted products are not only incredible to see, feel, and smell, but masques are one of the most luxurious and relaxing upgrades you can provide in a service. Understand how to create relaxation during the application & removal of these products. Learn how to create demand and revenue by offerring these pampering services for a private party or special event. If you have the space in your salon for a holiday get together, why not?
“Create revenue by offering your salon as a meeting place or a private party venue.”
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21
Jun
Fall Mani/Pedi Apple Spice
back to basics
Alisha Rimando
Alisha is recognized as one of the nail industry’s leading experts in training & education. In her 28 years experience, her work has been described as ‘ground-breaking’ through her career as a platform artist & motivational speaker for thousands of promotional & educational events. She’s also competed in hundreds of nail competitions around the globe, notably winning the World Nail Championship in 2005 in Pink & White Sculptured Nails. She’s also the featured artist in many training videos, including acting host of the current Milady Standard Nail Technology DVD series.
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video and so much more educational content.
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Fall Mani/Pedi Apple Spice
Autumn remindeds us of getting back to work and school while the cooling temperatures have us changing from sandals to scarves. As we think on these senses let's review another method for creating and applying a custom scrub or masque and see if this warm relaxing method along with some hot cinnamon tea and a sweet treat can transport your client to that warm and cozy place.
“The details matter like using hot towels & providing themed refreshments. ”
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21
Jun
Summer Mani/Pedi White Sands
back to basics
Alisha Rimando
Alisha is recognized as one of the nail industry’s leading experts in training & education. In her 28 years experience, her work has been described as ‘ground-breaking’ through her career as a platform artist & motivational speaker for thousands of promotional & educational events. She’s also competed in hundreds of nail competitions around the globe, notably winning the World Nail Championship in 2005 in Pink & White Sculptured Nails. She’s also the featured artist in many training videos, including acting host of the current Milady Standard Nail Technology DVD series.
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video and so much more educational content.
video and so much more educational content.
Summer Mani/Pedi White Sands
Let's explore a summer service. This is a great time to get your clients vacation ready and a perfect time to introduce a treat or cocktail with your service in addition to retailing at home products. Learn how to theme your service, create homeade custom products and create a luxury experience for your clients. This is the season for fun, so get out the blow up unicorn floaties and get your clients in the summer spirit.
“Custom made products add value to your service without adding time.”
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21
Jun
Spring Mani/Pedi Lemon Citrus
back to basics
Alisha Rimando
Alisha is recognized as one of the nail industry’s leading experts in training & education. In her 28 years experience, her work has been described as ‘ground-breaking’ through her career as a platform artist & motivational speaker for thousands of promotional & educational events. She’s also competed in hundreds of nail competitions around the globe, notably winning the World Nail Championship in 2005 in Pink & White Sculptured Nails. She’s also the featured artist in many training videos, including acting host of the current Milady Standard Nail Technology DVD series.
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video and so much more educational content.
video and so much more educational content.
Spring Mani/Pedi Lemon Citrus
Spring is the perfect season for a manicure and pedicure promotion. As people emerge from winter to slip into the first sandals of the season, they will be in search of a unique pedicure service that will slough off the old and bring softness and beauty to tired soles. Learn how to up your salon game with a themed service paired with plenty decrations and marketing materials to promote your unique experience.
“Themed services add fun and value to your service menu.”
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09
Jun
Holding Your Nippers
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Holding Your Nippers
Have you considered there might be a way to hold your nail nippers for a better view during nail prep? Hazel Dixon shares a new way of using your cuticle nippers for a better view of the nipper blades while working.
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08
May
CALLUS SOFTENER
CALLUS SOFTENER [KAL-us soff-en-er]
What it is: A corrosive product formulated to soften the thickened skin tissue on the foot prior to reducing and smoothing during a pedicure.
How to use it: Used during a pedicure service to soften hard callused skin on the foot so that it can be easily reduced and smoothed.
How to apply it: Usually squeezed from a bottle or dispensed as a spray directly onto the callus, being careful not to touch any healthy skin tissue.
How to remove it: If needed, wash away with warm soapy water.
How to store it: Store with lids tightly closed in a cool, dry place and keep away from heat and light.
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28
Apr
Kustom Klaws
Kustom Klaws
Live on May 26
Kustom Klaws is owned and operated by former Perth burlesque babe, Kenjai. Before opening her own business, Kenjai was an international multi-award winning pin-up and burlesque performer. She toured the world at events including the London Burlesque Festival, Galway Burlesque Festival Ireland, Slavic Burlesque Festival Poland, the New Zealand Burlesque Festival and the Australian Burlesque Festival. Kenjai has also performed with cabaret troupes in Malta, Paris, and Hamburg.
After a hugely successful year in 2017 touring the world, Kenjai decided to put burlesque on the back burner to focus on her nail career. And so, Kustom Klaws was born.
Kenjai is a qualified nail technician with a Cert III in Nail Technology. In 2017, Kenjai began working from her home-based salon. In May of 2018, Kustom Klaws opened doors inside Bronze Bombshell Beauty in Claremont. The business quickly boomed and Kenjai was awarded multiple prestigious state and national awards for her nail art.
On May 1, 2019 Kustom Klaws opened doors at 1004 Beaufort Street Inglewood with the first standalone Kustom Klaws Salon. Since then Kustom Klaws has quickly become one of Perth’s most sought after salons. GlossaryLive takes a look inside this funky, fantastic salon with its unique nail style and vibe.
Want to see your salon featured in an episode of Salon Stopover? We are looking for fabulous salons & unique services to showcase from around the globe. Contact us for details.
