TIPS OF THE WEEK
by Vicki Peters
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TIP OF THE WEEK #17
ASSOCIATIONS
By Vicki Peters
Simmy Bell asked me to discuss associations
for my "Tip of the Week".
I thought it was a valid subject as to the fact that a very small
percentage
of nail techs are members of any association in the nail industry.
First my personal opinion. There is
a reason I have never joined a
cosmetology or nail association because I did not see any immediate
benefit
even though there are a few out there that are good, and most
are weak in the
nail department. The associations that are out there are for the
good of the
tech and cosmetologists and have given back to their members with
insurance
benefits and other things such as educational programs that are
few and far
between. The problem lies in the fact that they do not market
and advertise
the benefits to the nail tech, some are local, some national or
they are
cosmetology associations that do not focus on the nail technicians.
The
biggest problem is that the membership is not strong and one the
reasons is
we are not a "united" industry.
I do believe there are many people in
our industry and other associations
that have done great things for our industry such as The Nail
Manufacturer
Council, BBSI, The American Beauty Association, NACCAS and other
associations
that are not the kind of associations we technicians would join.
They have
other functions like combating the MMA issues and Toluene and
Formaldehyde
issues in polish and the federal levels. There are organizations
that lobby
for our industry on licensing and anti-tampering laws.
Now back to us not being united. We
are an independent industry, we do not
network or share information, that is a fact. However the Nailtech
Mailing
List is a definite exception. We do share and network, we meet
at shows and
schedule social functions like the Internet breakfast at the Premiere
Beauty
Show. . A perfect way to become an association isn't it?
Anyway let's discuss the associations that are out there.
NNTG
Years ago Karen Lessler had the NNTG - which started out the New
York Nail
Technicians Group. It was first designed to lobby in New York
for licensing -
about 10 years ago. When Karen got licensing in NY she went National
with
delegates all over the country. It was a definite success however
short
lived. Karen and her team spent a lot of her energy making a success
but
again, keeping it united was a challenge.
NIA
Bobit Publishing (Nails Magazine) started an association that
went nowhere.
They never got more than 300 members and took their dues gave
them nothing in
return. Before they killed the association they bought the NNTG
and killed it
along with the NIA. It is really too bad they had the perfect
vehicle to
grow the association and did not have the focus or dedication
to make it
happen.
NATIONAL COSMETOLOGY ASSOCIATION
This is our best hope for the moment. It must be 100 years old
and very
established.
This association has no money and is rock solid. They claim their
membership is 40,000 strong and it's director is Gordon Miller.
You can
reach them by calling 800/527-1683. When you call ask how many
members are
nail technicians. I highly recommend that you check them out.
The problem is
the nail portion is weak, however Marlene Bridge is a highly regarded
nail
technician with a powerful position in the association. If you
would like to
discuss the association with her you should call her. She can
be reached at
412/279-5342. This association has very good technical programs
that they
hold yearly.
Why I suggest you call Marlene or look
at joining the association because
starting an association is difficult and getting members to join
is even more
difficult and that is why most of them fail.
THE SALON ASSOCIATION
This association can be reached by calling 602/996-0749 or 800/211-4TSA
I cannot say enough wonderful things about this association. They
are moving
and shaking the industry. For Salon Owners only this association
is right on
and is going to make it.
NAIL CARE ASSOCIATION
April Buford is the president of this association, which is local
in Chicago.
We need more April Bufords in this industry to make a difference.
She has 600
members, teaches classes at shows, and provides career networking,
support
and lobbies on behalf of the nail professional technician. She
is an active
technician that has made a difference. If you want to get in touch
with the
Nail Care Association call 312/639-4733.
THE GLOBAL NAIL EXCHANGE
Takara Belmont is the driving force behind this association that
has not
opened up for membership yet. Its focus is to embrace other associations
and
make them successful. This association was formed in January 1999
and has
yet to accomplish anything other than hold a few meetings and
appoint members
to committees. I am not sure where this association is going,
and it may be
successful, however it is full of politics. You can reach the
Global Nail
Exchange by calling the ABA at 312/245-1595.
THE ASSOCIATION OF ELECTRIC FILE MANUFACTURERS
This association was formed in early 1999 and has six electric
file
manufacturers as members, Aseptico, EZ Flow, Kupa, Medicool, Pro
Tec/Nail
Genie and ESI. These members are dedicated to making available
safe electric
file education at the state board levels as well as at trade shows
and
workshops all over the country. They are setting electric file
safety
standards in the industry. These six companies meet four times
per year and
have established six trainers that will be training educators
over the next
two years.
I have to mention that I am the director
of this association, and it is a
pleasure to work with these companies because they are focused,
funded and
are making things happen for the association and the technician.
They are
leaving their political issues behind to collectively meet the
goals we have
set forth.
I strongly believe we need an association
in order to unite. It takes money,
membership, leadership, dedication and most of time. Having benefits
like
group health and liability insurance that is affordable is needed,
but most
of all a certification program where we can "go to nail college"
and get a
certified title that is non-product related.
A PERSONAL NOTE FROM VICKI
So ladies, if there is enough support out there on the mailing
list for our
own association please e mail me privately so I can print out
the e mails and
think about this. An association needs to be run effectively and
different
from all those that have failed. A list of what you want as far
as classes,
money you would be willing to spend on the association, any other
suggestions, and where we would hold these certifications. You
also have to
understand that if you live in a small town away from a big city
you will
have to travel into bigger cities. Putting on a certification
program is
costly so let me know what you would spend for that too, how many
days you
think it should be - etc.
Vicki Peters
DISCLAIMER
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is not an
endorsement of any kind.
The Peters Perspective
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