r/NailTechnicians

Bit embarrassing to admit but here goes. I run a small nail salon in Brixton, just me, been going about 3 years now. Work side of things is fine, I'm fully booked most weeks. The problem is how I'm managing those bookings.

Everything lives in a paper diary and WhatsApp. Clients message me at all hours, I say "yes babe that works" while I'm mid set with gloves on, then forget to write it down. Twice this month I've double booked, and last week I properly lost two regulars over it. One turned up to find someone in her slot and I could tell she was done with me. Gutted honestly because it's nothing to do with my work.

I know the answer is an app. But I'll be honest, I'm not great with tech and every time I've looked, the options seem built for salons with a whole team, with pricing to match.

So if you're a one solo owner without any staff

What are you actually using and what's it costing you monthly? Any recommendations would help!

Okay so I need some outside opinions because I keep going back and forth on this lol.

Quick background, I'm 27F, been in Montreal a while now. Did interior design back home and worked in it like 5 years, thought I'd just continue here but nope, French has been a huge problem. Doing it full time now, just got through level 5 and still going, but every job in my field wants way better French than I have so far. After months of getting nowhere I'm kind of accepting maybe I just start fresh in something else.

Two things I'm considering and I genuinely don't know which makes more sense here so pls help.

One is nail tech. Found an academy, it's $1250 tax in and comes with a kit (~$400 they said). Teaches the russian manicure, gel extensions, hard gel, all that, plus the sanitation cert and some business/marketing stuff. Is that a normal price?? and more importantly is the nail scene here even worth getting into or is it completely oversaturated already. like could a new person actually get their own clients eventually or am I dreaming.

Other option is sewing / alterations / tailoring. This one's more natural for me tbh, my mom's been sewing professionally for 18 yrs so I basically grew up in it, I'm good with hand stitching and embroidery. machine sewing I've only done a little so that part I'd have to work on. but is there actual steady demand for this here? can you make a real living from alterations or is it more of a side thing. also figure it needs less french which helps me a lot right now. Please don't come for me regarding French🙏.

Basically just trying to figure out which one has more of a future in this city before I spend the money and time. don't mind hard work at all, just don't wanna pick wrong. anyone who's done either here lmk what you think 🙏 even the harsh truth is fine