Artist Spotlight: Lori Halloway (The Meticulous Manicurist)

Meet Lori Halloway - aka The Meticulous Manicurist! As her name suggests, she’s perfected the nail game, but we’ve found that nails aren’t the only thing she’s mastered. Lori has taken her 30 years of experience to create educational courses covering everything from business acumen and skill mastery, to cutting-edge techniques and personal development. We recently caught up with the manicure master. Let the learning begin!

Marlo Beauty: First things first: what made you want to pursue a career in the nail industry?
Lori: During my college years, my budget was limited, and this led me to take up nail care at home. I loved the look of my roommate's acrylic nails and wanted the same. One day at the mall, a hairstylist approached me and asked where I had my nails done. Surprised by my response that I did my nails at home, she suggested I enroll in nail school to obtain a professional license. She was surprised I was a bartender with the talent I possessed! She emphasized the potential for a lucrative career in the nail industry. Without hesitation, I went home and contacted every cosmetology school listed in the phone book, eager to find a suitable nail program to start my new journey.

Marlo Beauty: You say it's vital to 'listen more than you speak' when with clients - tell us why this is so important for building client relationships.
Lori: Cultivating relationships is the cornerstone of establishing a solid client foundation. Amid their demanding lives, patrons seek peace and friendship in their salon visits - a self-care ritual that brings them a sense of satisfaction. They desire instant satisfaction from the skill and beauty of the nail service and to have a safe place where their own concerns take precedence. Clients yearn for a practitioner who has an empathetic ear and contributes to the balance of their lives. The balance between friendship and professionalism is what truly resonates with clients.

 

Marlo Beauty: You have built an incredible following on social media - what are some tips for nail techs who want to improve their social media game?
Lori: Social media serves as a remarkable avenue where clients can familiarize themselves with who you are. However, it's imperative to recognize its potential to set up barriers that could also deter clients inadvertently. Authenticity becomes the crux; resisting the allure of perceived monetary gains promised by an online presence is vital. Avoiding sensational or comedic posts about clients is paramount, as your focus should be nurturing the invaluable bond with them.

Authenticity is the value that should guide you - prioritizing genuine interactions over accumulating followers or likes. My YouTube channel just reached 290 million views because I use education to help people and not sensationalize their issues. Being approachable, sincere and honest, along with putting a natural face to your identity, resonates far more effectively than attempts at targeting a niche nail art clientele.

Marlo Beauty: How did you hear about Marlo Beauty Supply and what makes you a loyal Marlo Beauty customer?
Lori: Marlo Beauty holds a special place in my heart as the very first professional beauty supply on my journey. What truly resonated with me was Marlo Beauty Supply's dedication to catering to licensed nail technicians like me, providing access to the best professional products at prices that made sense for our success in the industry. It wasn't just a store; it felt like a supportive companion on my professional path.

Before developing the Meticulous Manicurist collection, my journey led me to Marlo Beauty Supply for two decades as my go-to source for indispensable salon supplies for my salon. I could always count on their swift delivery and reliably-available inventory. I sold my salon and moved my Meticulous Manicurist business to Arizona in December 2022 to focus entirely on this new chapter.

Marlo Beauty: Your courses teach nail artists how to deal with challenges like nail fungus and ingrown toenails - why is this so important?
Lori: The sheer magnitude of individuals dealing with challenging toenail situations is astonishing. These clients feel embarrassed and disheartened after seeking medical aid without resolution. Where do these individuals find themselves when they've been turned away from a salon without the technical knowledge to help?

The education landscape within nail school has created a misconception, leaving nail techs with the impression that they're confined to working only with toenails that meet specific criteria. I took it upon myself over my 30-year career to develop a repertoire of skills alongside a range of specialized tools. This combination empowers nail techs to extend their aid to clients seeking to reclaim not just their physical appearance but also their dignity and self-assurance. The emphasis here is on enabling a substantial portion of the population to overcome their nail-related issues with hope and motivation.

I value the education the nail technology program provides at cosmetology school, but the instruction is to prepare us for licensure and protect our clients daily. The continuing education I provide teaches how to reverse numerous unwanted toenail appearances while gaining loyal clients.

 

Marlo Beauty: What is your best piece of advice for nail artists who are trying to scale their nail business?
Lori: You already have a client base; you must offer additional services to these clients, like pedicures. Have you wondered why your nail clients aren't getting pedicure services? They may have issues with their nails they're afraid to talk to you about. Getting continuing education on how to help your clients is essential.

Marlo Beauty: Why is it essential to continue nail education even after receiving certification?
Lori: Continuing education is the cornerstone of continued success and growth in the nail industry. It bolsters skills and knowledge and empowers nail techs to navigate the ever-changing landscape, fostering personal and professional development. It also helps set nail technicians apart as experts in their field, attracting a broader client base and commanding a higher pay scale.

Attending trade shows and nail expos also facilitates networking with other pros, opening doors to collaboration, mentorship and shared insights that can enhance one's career. Clients also seek skilled professionals who have taken continuing education. This helps create loyal, satisfied clients who, in turn, help generate word-of-mouth referrals.

 

Marlo Beauty: Tell us about becoming Meticulous-certified! What are the benefits of becoming Meticulous-certified?
Lori: There are so many benefits to becoming part of the Meticulous Manicurist Network. My transformative 22-hour course seamlessly blends the areas of business acumen, skill mastery, cutting-edge techniques and personal development. With a record of over 1,600 happy nail technicians, the Meticulous Manicurist Online Nail Academy is a top choice for continuing education.

Perhaps one of the most significant advantages is the opportunity to join our network map - an avenue through which clients are referred to you directly. This network affiliation isn't just about education; it's a launchpad for careers. It eliminates the painstaking learning curve associated with starting from scratch or attempting to build a client base. The growth is so rapid that some nail technicians temporarily step back from referrals.

Throughout your journey, you'll find unwavering support from both myself and the private Facebook group, the Global Meticulous Manicurist Network. Our roots are firmly planted in a commitment to excellence, and our sights are fixed on continued expansion. As you journey with us, anticipate professional growth and personal fulfillment within a vibrant and supportive community.

Want to become Meticulous-Certified? Learn more here!