Sunday 20 January 2008

My trip to LA

It seems such a long time ago since I boarded the plane at Bristol to fly out to LA… and now as I sit here at Paris airport 10 days later, waiting for my connecting flight home, my mind is on over drive. Not only from the global training in LA, but my experiences at the international salon and spa expo at Long Beach over the weekend, and all the fantastic people I have met.

Tiffany & Virgina, who are both great girls, and helped me more than I think they realize.





The annaul global training at Aii's head quarters in Los Angeles, were 28 global educators met to discuss current issues with training, learn new skills from each other, and develop the brands awareness every year. This was my first one and I really didn't know what to expect, as it turned out, it highlighted some fantastic pieces of information, words of wisdom and practical techniques. It is also a good opportunity to meet up with all the global educators, who were fab.












May Ling, Mary, Allison, Gari Dawn, and my beuatiful room mate at Long beach Erika.



We also got a chance to take a tour around Aii’s head quarters and warehouses, it was amazing, this place has to be seen to be believed.







we did some relaxing....Shaun, Allison and me.



On friday we moved onto Long Beach were we worked, demoing and selling at the Aii stand for 4 days, my feet are still smarting. This show has atmosphere, not only nails (which I must say there was disappointingly few of) but beauty and hair, which there was a lot of.

Elaina came over from Russia to attend global and give us all a master class in basic gel design, it was tremendously humbling to see her in action at the show, producing beautiful works of art, time after time. She also entered the competition, as part of Team Ez Flow, and yes I was one of them too. I will let you know the position I came in my next post.


Antonio and Elaina demostraiting.

Antony & Kristina in the back of the bus...is there someting we should know Ant?










Saturday 19 January 2008

New Fantasy DVD....coming soon



This long awaited DVD, that every one, it seems, has been asking for, a little piece of inspiration for you to take home and start creating those dreams with. For a year now I have been plagued with emails and suggestions about this DVD...and I have listened and planned....we went to film it in Cornwall just after Christmas and it is now being edited.
Available in March this 2 hour double disc DVD set with include 8 inspiring designs, some hints and tips and suggestions on how to find your inspiration. perfect if you can't get to one of my workshops.

If your like me and passionate about design and fantasy then you will enjoy this DVD. Let me share with you how I create my illusions and design my dreams, all on your finger tips.

Now for the best bit! I am so excited about this DVD, I want to give you all an exclusive opportunity to pre order your copy today. Released in March, if you buy now you will receive your copy for only £35, normal RRP £37.50. Not only that I would like to give you a exclusive step by step which I will sign. This will only be available to those who pre order.

Check out this trailer and press that buy now button! For further information email me on sam.biddle@btinternet.com

DVD released in March. Special pre order price £35.00 (RRP £37.50) includes 1 extra signed step by step insert exclusively to those who have pre ordered.

....to order your copy click on the buy now button on the right hand side bar to be directed to pay pal, any problems you can email me on sam.biddle@btinternet.com.

Monday 14 January 2008

Inspire your self.......

Caroline Hickey is hosting three days of 'Fantasy with Sam Biddle' in Cheshire…….. These design days will held at the Chimneys Hotel, Cheshire, junction 17 off the M6.

If your interested in design and fantasy then these three days are a must for you.

Acrylic fantasy class…..10th Feb.
A workshop which not only establishes the benefits of building your design skills within your business but for personnel growth too.
Learn how to find inspiration and relax enough to develop your creative side, it is the first class of its kind to help you develop as a tech in all aspects….not just design.
With practical skills you will design and produce two nails, one which has been demonstrated and includes steps to take home, the second will involve planning. A multi media nail will establish the link between finding the inspiration and translating your storey to your nails.

Gel fantasy class….31st March
This exciting workshop not only includes design ideas for the salon but techniques for gel fantasy. Gel design is relatively new to the UK, and this class is completely unique. Including three amazing fantasy nails and two salon nails.

No models required for both of the above days.
Arrive at 9.30 to start at 10 am.

Photographic workshop…..22nd September
We have learnt how to create the amazing nail but would love to know how to create the winning photo look , if it is for our own portfolio, for magazines or a competition ….this class will help you style and develop your own photo.
Utilize this class and learn some top tips, secrets of the trade and leave with a polished professional finished photo. You will need to bring your finished nail designs and props and camera. There will be time to prepare the models and nails before the shoot. MODELS WILL BE REQUIRED…. details of type of model will follow once booked on to the course.
Each student will have created some images to use., ideas from any of the design days can be taken or ideas of your own can be discussed be create the winning look.

These classes are available to everyone regardless to what stage your at within your career and which brand you use.
It is easy to find designs and recreate them but now here is an opportunity to find your own inspiration and confidence, develop a style and skills to boost your business. You have seen a lot of demonstration but now is the time to have a go.

Bookings made via carolinejhickey@hotmail.com or 07974 943681 on a first come first served basis.

Monday 7 January 2008

Need your Help!!!

Global nails.......I am writing a feature about nails around the world, and was hoping for some help, I know I have a lot of international subscribers and would love to hear from you all.

Please could you take a look at the following questions and email me on sam.biddle@btinternet.com .

1. What s the most popular treatments natural nail or enhancements?

2. When choosing enhancements, which style is most commonly asked for? For example, pink and white, colour, design ect.

3. What is the popular shape in your area? Square, oval, stiletto?

4. What do you prefer to do? For example, pink and white, design, nail art, natural nail treatment…..

5. In your country/area, how popular is the nail industry?

Can you please tell me the country and region your from when you reply, if there is any further information you think might help please feel free to add this.

Thanks in advance

Sam

Year in the planning

Take a little time to plan ahead and turn 2008 into your most profitable year yet.


New year, new beginnings - so resolve to have a successful and profitable bussiness in 2008. with this diary of do's to get you motivated. it couldn't be easier if you use yur time wisly and plan ahead.

January
This is not a time for rest after the Christmas rush you need to cash in on those new customers and remind the old that you’re ready and waiting to see them through the New Year. Keep the Christmas momentum going and hold an open evening, invite all your clients to have “try me treatments” to help detoxify. Send out a newsletter giving information on your special offers for the next quarter and include some nail news, information about your treatments, perhaps the latest celebrity gossip; whos uses what. If there is something you have been planning of interest to your clients don’t be shy, include this in your letter too Get them talking about your salon.
An ideal treatment this month is hot wax, and moisture treatments for the hands. If your clients have extensions offer them a hand massage after their appointment and don’t forget to sell them the cream and oil for home use.

February
Valentines day and love is in the air, another great reason to pull in new clients. Hold an event at the salon “love your self day”. Invite other local business in to have a small display; party plan companies are the best for this, Justrich, Body shop and Ann Summers are popular choices. If you don’t provide these treatments in your salon invite other therapists in; Indian head massage, reflexology or even aromatherapy massage, you can earn a kick back on any booking received. The most important thing to remember is that your clients will remember your salon for providing such a day, and come to you again when they need further help loving them selves. Don’t forget to invite your entire database, perhaps send them a valentine’s card. Offer a discount on your vouchers, 30% off when they spend over £30. A gift solution those partners will be grateful for.

March
Start now educating your clients about feet, and how they will take at least three months to get them into shape before the summer. Offer discounts on Pre booked appointments; for example book three appointments and get the forth free.
This is a brilliant time of year to redecorate the salon, fill the window up with daffodils. A great way to promote your nail art is to decorate blown eggs. Hang them on some ribbon in the window.

April
Time for your next newsletter, promoting the special offers for the summer, continue the pedicure promotion, and offer something extra with the enhancements. People are starting to think about going on holiday, plan some holiday packages for the hands and feet.

May
A great time to promote other items in the salon; jewellery, make up and air brush tanning. Have another open evening, by now your regulars will come to expect it, and it is a great way to get some free advertising, invite your local press in to do a feature. Advertising is a vital part of your budget, and you should be placing an ad at least once a week if not, every other week. A key stone to your business plan, advertising will not only help remind people you’re around but will continue to promote the various things your doing throughout the year. You can do your own advertising my posting leaflets through doors; take a stroll one sunny afternoon around the neighbourhood, and leaflet drop. If you just get 10% interest of a 1000 leaflets that is plenty to be going on with.

June
With this extra advertising in place and paying off your special offers and packages should be booked up. Now get your self prepared for the summer and the rush of clients before their seasonal break. Pre book all your regulars, explaining you would like then to have a priority booking before the holiday rush.

July
Pedicure, pedicure, pedicure, why not have a feet week, educate your clients on the benefits of looking after their feet, and show them how pretty they can look. Get some pictures up and advertise within the salon. The children will be breaking up from school soon, so offer something special for the kids, natty nail art, or petit pedicures, if they book in with mum, they can get 50% off. Make a special price for the children, they won’t need the hard skin removal, just a soak, massage and painted fingers and toes.

August
With a diary full of manicures and pedicures, nail art and extensions you need to keep the salon atmosphere calm and cool. Titillate your clients with some non alcoholic fruit cocktails, I used to come in early and cut up loads of fruit, and have 4 jugs of fruit punch in the fridge. Iced tea and coffee always go down great. Up sell, buy in additional holiday products, travel cosmetics and suntan lotions, jewellery and bags.

September
Back to school; this is a tough month for any salon, and it is now time to plan ahead. Also use this time to book yourself on some education, it is always wise to keep up with the latest techniques and utilize new methods. Time for another newsletter, get your clients inspired with some pictures.

October
Orange and black; jazz your nails up with witches and pumpkins, your display can be gourds and black velvet, draped with silver jewellery and funky nail designs.

November
Christmas seems to come around all too soon, and again we are promoting our Christmas offers, writing cards to our clients is a good excuse to make them aware of what is going on, and remind them your still in business and waiting for their appointment.

December
A great way to display your polishes and other products for up sell, is to spray paint pasta bows in gold, place them in a large bowl on the reception and lay out your seasonal polishes, not only is it attractive, people can’t help but touch them, and of course pick up the bottles, once in their hands your half way there to a purchase. Decorate the salon and your tree using your products, hang polishes and files from ribbons. Utilize this time of year to promote goodwill with your clients, offer mince pies and mulled wine, hot chocolate and marshmallows. Don’t forget to get your regulars a little gift, even if it is a 10% discount voucher to promote loyalty.

Its a busy year, but planned accordingly it will end profitably - and put you in excellent cheer for 2009.

This article was written for and published in the December 2007 addition of Health and Beauty salon Magazine.

Friday 4 January 2008

More training dates for your diary.

Now you can come on a fantasy acrylic or gel class no matter where you live...
here is a list of different workshops and training days available through other distributors & salons.


10th Febuary - fantasy workshop Cheshire
12th & 13th Febuary - fantasy & comp workshop Doncaster
26th Febuary - fantasy workshop South west
27th Febuary - Gel fantasy workshop South west
24th March - fantasy workshop Glasgow
31st March - Gel fantasy & design Cheshire
14th & 15th April - Gel fantasy & design Doncaster
20th & 21st April - Comp P&W & fantasy London
28th April - fantasy workshop Tamworth
29th April - fantasy workshop Cardiff
4th May - fantasy workshop South East
19th May - Gel fantasy & design Cardiff

if your interested in attending any of these, email me at sam.biddle@btinternet.com and I will forward on your details.

these dates maybe be subject to change.