How To Move To A New Nail Salon

"IF I AM AN ADVOCATE FOR ANYTHING, IT IS TO MOVE. AS FAR AS YOU CAN, AS MUCH AS YOU CAN. ACROSS THE OCEAN OR SIMPLY ACROSS THE RIVER" — ANTHONY BOURDAIN

The relationship between the nail tech and salon is a familiar mutually beneficial one. Even so, what happens when it’s time to switch things up? Are you feeling ready for a change in scenery? Life is a series of entrances and exits. The daily rhythm of a nail tech is no different with its rotation of faithful clientele and seasonal must haves. All good things come to end; signaling the start of another unimaginable good thing. As you grow more confident, you’ll encounter more opportunities. It’s natural that as your talent, self-knowing and personal connections expand that your definition of what’s professionally satisfying evolves.

SEEKING A FOREVER SALON
The reasons to leave a salon will vary. Toxic characteristics and problems previously invisible are now made visible. Maybe the salon location lacks a steady foot traffic. It’s quite possible there’s no specific drama exists at all. Perhaps, you’re just ready for a new thrill. To insure your next long-term salon relationship is the right one, give yourself ample time for proper research. You deserve better, so make sure you find better. Don’t be in a rush. Settle for less and you might find yourself bouncing around too much. You aren’t the only one in the process being sized up for the job. You’re also in a position of power. You have a choice in this. You get to interview the salon owner, too. Are Do they have what you are looking for? Check things out as a customer. Talk to the people that work there. Do they look happy to be there? What’s the vibe? Get a thorough read and visit on different days of the week. Let’s hope it’s a love match.

MAKE A LIST, CHECK IT TWICE
When the desire to leave your current salon becomes hard to resist, it’s time to make a list. It’s so important to identify what you want in a work environment. What vision do you have for the next version of you? Articulate every detail of the vision so that it can be manifested. Take notes of what qualities you want to prioritize. What about a new salon and its owner is a deal breaker? Be rigorously honest with yourself and dig deep. What is making you happy or unhappy? Is it something you can actually change or is it beyond your control. Sometimes there is a cosmic lesson we need to learn about ourselves. It will keep appearing in our lives; showing up with a different face until it is dealt with properly.

EXIT STRATEGY
Act like a grown up when you plan your exit. Now that everything’s lined up, go directly to the salon owner to give notice. Don’t let this get to them from someone else’s lips. Word gets out very quickly. Keep everything super professional. Let the owner know how much you appreciated their time and sharing their knowledge with you. An unfortunate byproduct of honesty when you resign is that the discussion might not be well-received. Don’t be surprised if the salon asks you to leave on the spot or shows you the door at the end of the day. So be prepared. Have your things ready. Leave with your dignity and head held high. Give everyone respect, even if you don’t think they deserve it. You never know when your circumstances might change. Somewhere down the line you might want to return or your paths might cross. Try to play the long game.

GREEN LIGHT
Congratulations you’re ready to make the big move! When can you start? Map out this time frame, have dates in mind. Are your finances in order? Do you have any financial cushion for a slow start? How will you let your existing clients know? How can they book with you at the new place? Do you have a new schedule? Sometimes the new salon owner will be ready for you to start right away. Do you commit on the spot? Give your current salon at least two to four weeks notice as a courtesy. It’s a thoughtful move and best practice to give everyone time to figure out what needs to be done should they need it. Make a conscious decision to be courteous and appreciative. Express your gratitude for the opportunity but now it’s time to go.

**This is an adaptation from our YN Biz Talk playlist on YouTube which originally aired on May 11, 2022.

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