[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
It is really important to me, to share once again how when I grew up in my Salon 1987 – 2009, Nail education was virtually non-existent.
Yes, we have OPI, we had CND. That was about it! Hence how they both became the biggest names in nail care.
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_column_text]
In addition, we didn’t have Social Media or Nail Tech groups whom we can share pictures, ask questions, comment and learn from our piers.
I recall the very first form of Nail Technician groups was the BeautyTech group. The vision of the group was way ahead of the times and if we were to look back at it now, it would seem so archaic. Yet…it worked.
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_column_text]
Eventually, we had a few other groups popping up (Nails Magazine) which brought our Technicians together. And, let us not forget Vicki Peters, who in my opinion…was the pioneer in introducing nail Education to our Industry.
I personally never had the pleasure to get to know Vicki well before her passing. What I do know, is she made a definite impact on our Nail Industry.
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1534802218178{margin-top: 50px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”24″ img_size=”500×500″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” css_animation=”none”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]
There are others we are surrounded by who have made an impact as well. However, although I agree that any Education is GREAT education. I also agree a good part of the Education being introduced into our market is pushing many of our Technicians to cross the line of what is within the limits of their license.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1534802218178{margin-top: 50px !important;}”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]
I use the analogy of a “Foot Care Nurse”.
I know Technicians who specialize in Foot Care for the elderly. Many whom have taken advanced classes in Foot Care to sharpen their skills.
Advanced training in Foot Care does not qualify you to be called a “Foot Care Nurse”. Talk to any Nurse who has had the years of education and interning in order to receive their degree.
Nor does advanced training in Foot Care, qualify you as a “Medical Pedicurist”.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”24″ img_size=”500×500″ alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_rounded” css_animation=”none”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1534802238716{margin-top: 50px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]
I choose my circle carefully and I am NOT one to follow the crowd. I suppose if I did, my Business would or could be much greater than it is.
I choose to surround myself with education I believe in. Meaning, if you ask me about a particular class, I will be brutally honest and I will point out the “cautions” that may be needed in taking a particular class in question.
There are two(2) people in our Industry who I truly believe offer education designed to keep our Technicians within the limits of their license. They offer Education in an effort to share knowledge, build confidence and in hopes of making a brighter future for our Industry. With over 40 years combined experience in many facets, the education they offer surpasses many….in my opinion.
These two(2) people are Janet McCormick and Karen Hodges.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_column_text]
What I would first like to point out is, these two ladies began their Nail career later in life.
They both realized early on in their Beauty career the need for specialty training in the Nail care industry. They both realized the lack of safety issues. And, they both realized in the Beauty industry they had a chance to build their own value because they recognized what they did, they did not only for others…they did for themselves.
Also, there is a certain synergy which has to happen when two adult people get together and develop what Karen and Janet have developed. The partnership works for them and because of their synergy, it works for you….the Nail Technician.
Since they joined forces in 2014, the both have become highly respected and very successful in their quest to educate our Nail Technicians.
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_column_text]
I can’t tell you exactly when I first met either of them. However, as I’m writing this blog, I’m looking at a certificate I received from the National Aesthetic Spa Network, signed by Janet McCormick, dated 2013.
What I admire about these two women is their dedication to our Industry. Their dedication to know what is within the limits of our license and their dedication to helping our Technicians grow and become the best they can be in their field.
The same exact reasons, I personally love to mentor.
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_column_text]To share a little bit of their background;
Karen received her Nail Technician license in the State of Florida in 1998. This after being in the Corporate world as a controller/IT Manager. She furthered her career in 2002 when she became licensed as a Esthetician and then in 2016 she received her training as a Permanent Makeup artist.
Janet received her license in 1980 after she spent many years as a Dental Hygienist. In 1994 she trained and received her Esthetician license holding the highest of Diplomas you can receive….CIDESCO.
Both these ladies are not only driven, they are a driving force for Education within our Industry.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_column_text]In 2014 on their travels to the Nail Tech Event of the Smokies, Janet and Karen brain stormed ideas for assistance with advanced education for our Industry.
Their first collaboration (yes 1st) was Salon Gurus. Salon Gurus is an online educational platform where short courses are hosted on various topics related to the Beauty industry FOR the Beauty industry Professional.
The courses are carefully curated for excellence of content and taught only with good learning principles for adult learners.
I believe the only mistake in this website is the fact it’s not publicized enough. The education it holds is valuable.
You can visit Salon Gurus at www.salon-gurus.com[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_column_text]Janet has an extensive background in Foot Care education and on line learning. She has worked with many in this Industry in developing advanced education. She has been a leader and speaker in many of our Beauty industry platforms and quite truthfully, I don’t think she gets enough credit.
Janet is no spring chicken. Yet age has absolutely nothing to do with the crazy, amazing, plentiful knowledge she welcomes to share with anyone who will listen. What I personally admire about Janet is even with her vast amount of knowledge, with her constant request for speaking engagements, she always and still puts the Nail Technician first.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_column_text]The next collaboration between Karen and Janet came in 2015 when Janet had an enormous amount of copyrighted materials pertaining to Advanced Foot care education which she needed a platform to express.
That collaboration resulted in NailCare Academy.
NailCare Academy offers the ANT program (Advanced Nail Tech). Hence why I shared above how Karen and Janet know to stay within the limits of our licensing.
NailCare Academy is a 10 module, online course which teaches our Technicians how to provide safe Foot care to their clients. Focusing on clients with special health considerations.
- Technicians learn to recognize out-of-normal conditions and how to refer them to a Medical specialist.
- Technicians learn best tips and techniques for launching this newly learned information in Foot care to their community.
- And, much much more!
All education taught through the NailCare Academy is developed in the USA, for the USA according to the Professional regulations within the USA
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_column_text]It doesn’t stop there. Should you choose to advance even more into Foot care, the NailCare Academy also offers an MNT (Medical Nail Tech) program which offers a higher level, more in depth study of underlying health conditions which, can affect our feet and lower limbs.
- Technicians intern with a Podiatrist in their community
- Technicians don’t just do Pedicures, they learn to provide safe, healthy foot care
- Technicians learn more in depth on how to foster relationships with a Podiatrist which can lead to referrals
- And, so much more
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_column_text]What I personally appreciate about the program is the honesty. I appreciate what is being taught is maintained within the limits of our license. I appreciate it is USA based and all certifications are issued through NailCare Academy (USA based)
However, the biggest draw for me to this program is the continual access to all materials AND the continuous amending of the courses. After all, the only one thing in life that is constant…….is change! Programs developed 2 years ago, 5 years ago, 10 years ago…..need to be constantly amended. Shoot, I personally developed a Cleaning, Disinfection and Sterilization series mid 2020 and THAT even is in the process of being amended.
Also, a little sneak preview of information…..The NailCare Academy is getting ready to release The Advanced Nail 5th Edition.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_column_text]At this point you may be thinking this is a commercial for Janet and Karen. Maybe it appears that way.
However, what this really is, is an awareness to these two(2) amazing ladies who fully dedicate their lives to the betterment of our Industry.
We have many newcomers to our Industry who need more education than what they learned (or didn’t) learn in school. We need these newcomers to obtain valuable, honest, TRUE education because they are the torch of our future. They will soon be the leaders and will be trusted to teach, to mentor the generations behind them.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_column_text]If you ask either of them how they feel after 20+ years (each) doing what they do.?
Their answers in sync are; They feel what they have done and continue to do is gratifying. They feel proud and honored to have touched so many lives and changed the path of so many … in a positive way![/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_column_text]
Thank you Karen
Thank you Janet
Not just for what you do for our Industry, also for who you are and for letting me hi-light you in my blog
“Look for more leader highlights in blogs to come”
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”2087″ title=”CJ Murray, President”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
So now that you have called this to our attention where can we sign up? And how much.
I would love it if you would a list of suggestions for this year of trainings that you endorse (I trust your expertise). Looking for a training to sign up for this year to further my learning journey. Learning to play the ukulele just isn’t getting it for me.
Hmmm….I thought I had some links on there, but here they are for your convenience. http://www.salon-gurus.com http://www.nailcare-academy.com
Also, stay tuned, as I will be hi-lighting different education and the people involved each month.
And oh…….I would love to hear you play the ukulele LOL
CJ, thank you so very much for you awesome endorsement and kind words. Janet and I have a mission to do everything we can to raise the prospects for nail techs to the very highest heights.
Anyone who has questions can call Janet McCormick on her cell at 863-273-9134. (Eastern time – we’re located in Fort Myers, Florida). I’m more easily reached via email at karen@nailcare-academy.com.
If you are interested in WRITING courses that we can host on our site, please go to http://www.salon-gurus.com and submit a contact form. We are always looking for master classes from nail gurus!
Again, thank you for all you do!
GREAT Karen, thank you for the information.
Hi CJ,
Wow this is the information I have been looking for and I didn’t know know how to get there. Now I have goals to reach and a list of classes to learn from and keep striving to my goals for my career.
So glad to be able to help.