Can o'worms- preface

Before I can dish the dirt, I have to give you some info.

First of all, I have been competing for almost 6 years straight. I hadn't missed a competition in the states until the ISSE Midwest show just this past March, 2011 for those of you from the future. And in those six years, I made substantial gains in "eyeball" skills.

What are "eyeball" skills you ask? Eyeball skills are where you can walk the model line up looking at every set of nails and and just by eyeballing, can pick out the top three sets of nails, if not the winner. What I'm saying is that because I have competed and won so many times, and have studied so many sets of nails (winning or not) that I no longer have to study the nails to determine whether it is a winning set or not. I can eyeball it. But, of course, if I was assigning a score to that set of nails I would study, (and do when I judge) as I would expect every judge to study them. And every competitor that does not place 1st in any competition should also study the winning nails to see why they didn't win. Ok? Ok.

Second, you don't get to my position in the competition world without butting heads with people. Not only can I talk the talk, but I can walk the walk. And I can see bullshit when it arises and I'm not afraid to call it as such either. I'm not afraid to challenge discrepancies or be a thorn in the judges or directors sides and make them follow their own rules....

While I'm at this point, let me add that the reason I chose to call this blog my "Revolution" is precisely the reasons that I stated above. Large parts of our nail industry need a 180 degree turn around. And the only way that that can happen is for manicurists like you and me to be our own advocates and make the changes. We have a duty to ourselves and our fellow manicurists to identify problems, call them out and if we have the ability to effect change, then we have the obligation to effect change.

Those who can, must.

In other words, if we turn a blind eye to corruption because we are afraid of what we'll get (like being black balled) then we only get corruption. In the words of Leann Smith-Henderson: "If there is any doubt, then there is no doubt" that something is wrong and it's up to us to make the changes...to Revolutionize the industry.

Third. You don't gather as many 1st place trophies as I have without developing some technical skills along the way. I have yet to see anyone that has the control over products and tools that I have. Even the so-called godfather can't control a file in competition like I can. But that is a whole 'nother story. Now I know that it sounds like my ego is talking here, and I don't mean for it to be like that...I'm just sayin'.

But if there happens to be any doubt about my control, you can check out my youtube videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/lynnberry1972  where you can watch me handle an electric file, hand file and acrylic like nobodies business.  <---- Ok. That was my ego :)

So now that you have the supporting facts and info, we can move on to the good stuff.

Happy reading,
Lynn

I think I'm ready to open this can o'worms

I've had many people ask about the events that took place in Germany this year. I've been too angry to talk about it but in prior years, I've had only good things to say. Now I'm going to give my account/opinion of the so-called "2011 World Championships."

Over the next few blogs I'll lay out what happened as well as post pictures to prove my points and help you understand the alliances and connect the dots between the key players and what it is that they are trying to do.

So hold on to your hats, this shit is going to blow your mind.
BTW- these are my "4th" place nails.

Perceived value

For a very long time now, I've felt like something was wrong with my beloved nail industry. I couldn't put my finger on it because there are so many things in this great big nail world that need change. But the thing that  strikes me as most odd, is the value that manicurists place on themselves- or rather- lack of value.

Now when I say these next things, I hope that others in the beauty industry are not offended because I'm only using them as examples, so here it goes.

I have clients that will pay $200 to have their hair colored and cut. I personally have paid $120 for a massage, and my dear friend offers facials starting at $85 (to wash my face!) I'm shocked at these prices. Not because of the price per-say, but because of the perceived value.

My hair looks great, my skin glows and that pain in my neck is gone...for a while. So when people baulk at $45 for a fill, I have to wonder why?

"Oh! I only pay $8 down the street."

And yet- my hair grows and must be maintained. If I personally don't ex-foliate my face at least every other day, my skin dulls in a week and the fantastically relaxed feeling I get from a great massage only lasts till the next stressful event. But most pay these prices without complaint.

 It seems to me that the perceived value comes in part from the length of time that these services last, 4-6 weeks in most cases. Or the other thing that plays an important role in whether a customer will pay a price or not is (believe it or not) location. Say a spa or upscale salon with a fancy name on it. As if your physical location has anything to do with quality or talent.

Now I know that these prices are at the top end, where we all strive to be right?, but let's look at the time frame aspect. If we break the price down to a $$ amount per week this is what we get. A $200 hair "do" that lasts 6 weeks = $33 per week. $120 massage at 4-6 week intervals = $20-30 per week. An $85 facial every 4 weeks = $21 per week. With this price ratio in mind, if great nail enhancements are on the same level, customers should be prepared to pay $20-30 per week for nails. Or should I say, manicurists should be charging $40-60 for nail enhancement maintenance every 2-3 weeks.

I do not wash dishes with my hair or dig in the garden with my face. Not to mention all the other things that fingernails do. So why would any customer think that they should be able to have good, durable nails, that actually enhance their hands for dirt cheap? I have even heard manicurists say; "I can't charge that! I wouldn't have any clients left!"

And I say "Why not?"

I have to ask myself what's going on here? Where is the perceived value?

Food for thought...

Wow, it's been a long time

So I haven't posted anything in a while, I'm sorry. I really do want to keep up with this blog for you all, so here is the update:


I did really well at the ISSE Long Beach competition, with a 1st place in both sculptured nails and salon success. Plus I got to see all my nail competition friends. I also was able to catch a judge pulling some funny business. That is a very long story (which I will post soon) but right now I want to focus on the next event.


This is the big one. The International Nail Championships in Düsseldorf, Germany this weekend. I leave on Thursday with a Friday arrival, returning home on Monday. Germany for the weekend is not something that I recommend for the faint of heart, no no. But I've done it before and I can do it again.


I hope to be giving updates on my facebook from the competition arena and elsewhere while I'm there, so stay tuned. And wish me luck.


Oh yeah, if you're there, come by and say hi. I'll be in hall 12.


C-Ya

Competition training- First Class of the Year!

Competition training/workshop with World Champion Lynn Lammers!

Don't get left behind this year. See tried and true winning techniques from the 3x Nailpro Cup Champion, 3x Nails Magazine Top 25- #1 Competitor and the 2009 World Acrylic Nail Champion, Lynn Lammers! Learn the techniques that the other “top" competitors won't teach you and get all the education that you need to be competitive for ISSE Long Beach and other competitions!!

Location: TBA (Long Beach, CA)

When: Friday, January 28, 2011; 9am-5pm

Please send questions or comments to: lynnlammersnails@gmail.com

Payments can be made by Paypal or by US Postal money order. 

If your registration is received by December 31st, the cost for this hands on workshop is $279, 

after January 1st, the cost is $299

Buddy System: Two friends register together- you both receive $50 off (good anytime) but all registrations must be received by January 21st.

"This is going to be a very exciting class full of information. If you want to be competitive, this is the time to learn! I look forward to seeing you all!" ~Lynn

Please include your name address and phone number with your registration:

Welcome to my Revolution!

Starting in 2011, this will be my new place to blog. I figured as I won't be blogging for Nails Magazine full time, (Thanks to Hannah and Tim and the whole crew at Nails Mag, for giving me the opportunity to write for you. You guys are great!) I thought I would offer a place for my nail friends and family to follow my postings here on Blogspot. And although I probably won't be posting as often, I still have many plans and announcements for the nail world.

This will be the place to find all the information on my classes, trips and events, as well as a place for me to provide insight for manicurists over a myriad of subjects. And, because we need some real change in the nail industry, I will offer my unbiased opinion of it, what is great and what is not. And, as though someone were to ask, how to fix it. So please follow along on this journey to the Nail Revolution and don't forget to leave me your comments. I will answer as them as I can. Thanx!

~Lynn