Hey southernly sweets! Welcome back to another wonderful blog post! This week I want to talk about the wonderful world of Nail Retreats! Ever increasing popular, nail retreats are popping up like popcorn on a skillet!
But before we dive in to the different ones, let’s start with a history lesson of the O.G retreat, “nail camp.” Nail Camp started many years ago before it has come to the marvelous attraction it is today. And for the sea faring lovers out there, there is a Nail Cruise. However, for the sake of this article I will stick with land based, cabin style living. Not any classes that have you in hotels.
Nail retreats have been growing ever increasingly popular over the last years, and we just about have one in every region of the United States. They offer a vivid value of education, social networking, and relaxation. Often times, we can become burnt out, or over worked and want or need a vacation. At the same time, we want to hang out with friends from afar or with old buddies that partake in the same interest we share. Nail retreats offer a a beautiful combination of both! And the highlight is, there is proper, that is PROPER education taught by industry professionals. Sounds like a well rounded retreat to me indeed!
So where and who are the retreats we have? Nail Camp is the most frequented and popular of retreats with a whopping 150 guest list. Nail Camp is typically held twice a year, with a West and East version for travelers. Very similar, with one having an additional costume party , but just held in two locations for convenience of travel, how thoughtful. Next up, is Jill’s Smokies Nail Retreat, a log cabin style vacation staycation usually held once a year in the mountains of Pigeon Forge, TN. Backed by the popularity of the Smokies Nail Show, the retreat is a reoccurring event living off the premise of education and validation.
Next up, is Nailcation, by Mary Ellon Ballance. This seaside beachside full of a water tide retreat is home to the world of art, feet restoration, and acquiring new skills. A high endurance trip that captures the sun, sand, and teaches you how to plan, or you’ll plan to fail! If snow is your wintry delight, head on up to Massachusetts to Danalynn’s Fun Fancy Nail Retreat. A beautiful and boastful boundary of hills, skills, and thrills. Quite new to the industry, this lovely retreat showcases many industry veterans for education and serves the northeast.
Rounding out the list is Deb’s Pro Nail Retreat, a new up and coming event based in New York. This event is traditionally held in the fall, and brings forth new experiences to the eastern border. Deb’s passion for nails glows and shows proudly in her retreat, you will leave feeling refreshed.
So now that the list has been compiled, let’s answer our original title question shall we? I say no! While competition maybe a thing, which is natural among any business, I believe we will see variety. And so far, I am liking that, personally. When it comes to choosing these events you want to attend, there are many good options and benefits each one has. Such as, whom are you closer to? Can you take off in the spring versus the fall? Also, is one shorter or longer than the other. And then there’s price versus value. Many different factors can line up.
What intrigues me is that I can go based off a location, such as Nail Camp being held in Texas, what if I have never been to Texas and this could be my first time? Or my state never receives snow and I could take time and enjoy myself in the north? I believe each retreat has its benefits just like a nail show would. Because we can’t go to them all, so we chose based off of our own opinions on what will work best.
I firmly believe more will come, I know I’m ready for something to be held in Georgia! But I’m more excited if they could go to more places, such as Utah or North Dakota. How cool would that be?
With every year something new and exciting comes along. As nail techs we have to embrace that change. It’s our normal to always be ever changing. And that’s starts with our mindsets, so take a chance and leap onto your next venture into a retreat. You just might learn something new about yourself. See ya later sweets!
Well said my dear!! I’m really looking forward to next years Nailcation with Mary Ellon!! I love learning, laughing and the bonding!! Which ones are you planning on attending?
I’m super excited for MA, I really enjoyed it! But I would love to attend them all next year, some as an educator and others as an attendee.
An older post but I thought I would leave a comment to bring it back to life.
I don’t think it will ever be too saturated with too many events or too many retreats. Just as I don’t see other nail techs as competition.
There are plenty of clients to go around, just as there is plenty of Education to go around. These retreats and events allow us as nail techs to elevate our skills and also renew our passion.
Nail techs especially the ones that work in a walk in Salon or even just run their own business, we all experience burnout, but I’ve learned over time. These events allow us to ReDiscover our passions and meet and greet with individuals in the industry that truly still have that passion and it’s almost infectious. ❣️