The modern world, in which one must seemingly always be ready for a photograph, has rendered the beauty field important and profitable. In particular, the manicure business is gaining momentum every day. But while entering the manicure business seems like a win-win, those holding such hopes might find it difficult to gain the specific sets of skills they need to succeed. Enter Sofia Kifo, founder of the Crazy Nails Chicago studio. Through the studio, Sofia is helping train new manicurists by improving their skills and techniques as well as teaching them about the intricacies of starting and running a manicure business.
Hello, Sofia! Tell us: why did you decide to create your own business?
Hello! I’ve always sought an independent life, and I believe that starts with financial independence. I enjoy trying new things and can’t stay in one place for too long and am driven by energy and freedom. Therefore, I can’t– and have never been able to– work for someone doing the same job day after day. It was these instincts that drew me to starting my own business.
Did your education inspire your nail business? What did you study?
Yes, it did! I’ve been attracted to the beauty industry since childhood. I used to dream of becoming a hairdresser; my sisters, friends, and dolls were regular customers of mine! I devoted my free time to creating hairdressing masterpieces and non-standard manicures. The joy I found building these skills was inspiring.
After the 9th grade, I entered college. In the first year, we studied the basics of manicures: techniques, methods of execution, and designs that were popular at the time. Of course, these designs tended to be more modest than they are now. The second and third courses were devoted to the study of hairdressing. During my studies, I was gaining practical experience while working in beauty salons as a nail technician. That’s how it all started.
After my education, I moved to America with the desire to continue developing my career in the manicure business. I was required to briefly work different jobs while obtaining the American licenses needed for the provision of beauty services, but I went to work in a salon the moment I could. While I enjoyed the experience, I realized that I wanted to work for myself. I opened my own studio and hired my own staff.
What was the most difficult part of taking the leap and opening your own studio?
When you plunge into a new, unknown endeavor, there’s always fear. At first, it was difficult to delegate my work to hired nail technician. I hadn’t previously had to entrust my regular customers to new manicurists. After all, some of my clients told me things such as: “If you stop doing my manicure, I’ll stop coming to you. I only like your work.” However, I remained steadfast. In the end, I didn’t lose a single customer. I chose talented manicurists, and the clients that I initially worried about losing are still regulars at the business. Starting the business wasn’t without its bumps, of course, but these were all necessary experiences for me and the development of my business.
Can you give examples of any of the difficulties someone in your position might face?
There were situations when my nail technicians tried to take my studio’s clients with them when they left. I consider such actions to be at least unethical, since salon customers are salon customers.
Sofia, how long have you been in business? Are you planning to open any new locations?
My studio has been open for three years and is currently our only US location. So far, I don’t intend to develop a network of manicure studios. Instead, I hope to develop an online business in the education field. I’m primarily seeking flexibility and mobility in my work and am attracted to the idea of working at any time from anywhere in the world. The network’s development would not work without a physical presence.
You mentioned online learning. Is this a new field for you? Who would such courses be designed for, and how do your programs differ from competitors offering to teach similar skills?
Yes, it’s a new experience for me as well as for the US; such large mentoring programs in an online format aren’t very common here.
My client base consists of nail technicians who already have work experience by desire to start their own businesses. We give them the skills to improve their abilities, attract returning customers, know what materials and equipment to purchase, and so forth. All of these points are discussed during training.
My courses are comprehensive, not only allowing students to improve their technical abilities, but also to develop their thinking. Students go through certain tasks that help them gain distance from fears that prevent growth, for example. Additionally, my students receive the necessary marketing skills, namely information on how to present themselves on Instagram, how to make attractive but informative posts, and what to refrain from publishing. In my opinion, the courses include the three most important components to a successful manicure business: manicure skills, mindset, and marketing.
Do you follow the progress of your students? How many students have you taught?
In total, I have trained about 25 nail technicians– 20 of them were through live courses, and the rest received online training. Although I’ve only just begun teaching, one of my students has already opened her own studio. She has three nail technicians working for her! It’s been inspiring to see the progress and successes of my students so far.
Sofia, do you have any big plans for the near future?
I plan to continue my online courses and am aiming to launch a mentoring program in the near future. This will either be completely online or include a few offline classes as well. Of course, I’ll continue developing and improving my own studio too.
Additionally, I plan to found a beauty business event. This event will bring nail technicians from all over the beauty industry to network, connect, and grow. Speakers and experts will be invited to share knowledge from their fields with the aim of bringing new insights to the beauty field.