Have you ever stopped to think “seriously” about what your gift is to our beauty industry?
Not your skills, not your product line, not your salon décor—but your true gift. The one that sets you apart, lights you up, and leaves an impression long after a client or colleague walks away.
I believe we all have one. Many of us just haven’t taken the time to recognize it.
Discovering Your Gift
When I first entered this industry, I absolutely had no idea what I had to offer an industry I literally knew nothing about. As I learned the art of doing nails (which I didn’t know when I first entered this Industry), I thought maybe my gift could be my ability to do beautiful nails.
Over the years, I realized that wasn’t it at all. In fact, it wasn’t until recently when I began thinking…what IS my contribution to this industry.
After deep thought, I believe my gift is connection. The ability to listen, to teach, to help others feel confident in what they do. Learning how to do nails and perfecting them, were simply the vehicle that helped me deliver the gift I have.
Maybe your gift is creativity, or compassion. Maybe it’s organization, leadership, or the drive to lift others up. Whatever it is, it’s the energy that makes you you. It’s what allows you to leave a mark on your clients, your peers, and the industry as a whole. It’s your legacy.
Using Your Gift in a Positive Way
Once you recognize your gift, the next step is learning how to use it with purpose.
If your gift is creativity, use it to inspire others—share new ideas, mentor a younger tech, or bring innovation to your services. I see this in many of you. Some stick out more than others, yet there are so many with the gift of creativity…and it doesn’t have to do with just nail art or design.
If your gift is compassion, use it to comfort clients going through tough times or to support those facing health challenges. I see this in the attendees of our Oncology Care Class. It is those with true compassion, a true desire to help others who are suffering and an honesty which can only show through with action.
If your gift is knowledge, teach it. When you share what you know, you elevate everyone around you—and that’s how our industry grows stronger.
I’ve found that positivity in our industry doesn’t come from competition—it comes from collaboration. When we use our gifts to help others succeed, we create a ripple effect that touches far more people than we’ll ever realize.
Why It Matters
Our industry is about so much more than polish and products. It’s about human connection. It’s about making people feel beautiful, heard, and cared for.
When you use your gift intentionally, you bring authenticity back into your work. Clients notice. Team members notice. And you begin to notice a deeper sense of fulfillment that can’t be measured in dollars.
If we continue this, then maybe…just maybe we can be recognized as an essential industry. This reason and so many more is why I feel so strongly about teaching classes which really do make a difference in someone’s life. Toenail Restoration for those who experience real embarrassment over a missing toenail. BS Brace application for those who suffer in pain from involuted or ingrown toenails. Oncology Care in the Pedicure room because there is a huge need for Technicians to learn what should NOT be done in cases of clients with challenging health issues.
A Challenge for You
I challenge you to pause and ask yourself:
✨ What is my gift to this industry?
✨ Am I using it in a positive way?
Maybe it’s time to reignite your passion, redefine your purpose, or share your light in a new way. Whatever your gift may be, the beauty industry needs it—now more than ever.
From My Heart
I have always believed that when you teach from the heart, not just from a textbook, you build confidence, courage and community.
Every class I teach, every conversation I have, is rooted in the belief that when one of us grow, we all grow.
It’s important to me we all help each other elevate their skills and help each other realize their value, their worth and their voice.
So don’t sit back. If you have a gift worth sharing, share it. Our Industry needs you!
CJ Murray, President
