Yesterday I gave you part I of my interview with Ji Baek, the brains behind Rescue Beauty Lounge. Here’s the rest of our chat…
Image courtsey of Rescue Beauty Lounge/Ji Baek
dwj: What made you decide to write Rescue Your Nails? You’re giving away all of your secrets to a great manicure/pedicure!
Ji: Rescue has been so good to us I have no problem sharing the journey to give back. To be honest when the publisher approached me my first reaction was “Really? Who will buy a book about nails?” (being a complete book snob). Their reaction was “well no such book exists!” After some research they were absolutely right, there was a gap [in the industry] of how to do your nails step by step.
dwj: What are some things that you hope women can walk away with after reading this book?
Ji: Doing your nails at home can be the most amazing experience if done correctly, somehow getting it done professionally has become a status symbol. Not all the professional services are done correctly, you need to know what to look for. If anything, if they can walk away from this book with the three S’s rule.
Sanitation: Clean working environment (a nail technician should always use hand sanitizer before the start of the service)
Sterilization: This is vital for healthy nail care. All non-metal implements are DISPOSABLE and only metal implements can be reused by sterilizing them. This can be done so easily at home (step by step instructions in the book). Many households share all their nail implements without a second thought, this communal sharing can lead to a devastating infection that spreads to entire family (I’ve seen plenty). It’s almost like having one tooth brush per household that they share and it never gets replaced. Gross but oh so true.
Lastly…
Storage: After you sterilize your tools, you must store them in an air tight container or a ziplock bag. Do not toss them back into a draw, dust and dirt can still get on them and that defeats the purpose. Label the date you cleaned them and you are safely ready to go for your next either at home manicure or professional manicure.
dwj: Do you have any plans to expand your Rescue Beauty Lounges outside of NYC?
Ji: Due to popular demand we just launched our licensing division. Let’s see how that will fan out.
dwj: Rescue Beauty nail polishes are a bit on the higher price end of the spectrum, for a first time buyer, what makes them worth their price?
Ji: First, there are only a few nail polish brands that are created by nail experts. Our brand is unique, in a way we have had active locations for past 10 years, where clients have tried and tested our products everyday. If our formulas are not up to our high standards we would have been out of business a long time ago. Our goals are colors that suit all skin tones, long lasting formulas, great application and gorgeous colors. Our price is on the high end because I personally mix every color in house rather than getting ready made stock color and slap our label on them. Therefore it takes a painstakingly long time but the outcome is perfection or sometime close to it that I can live with. We are also an independently owned small company in Manhattan and the cost of running a business is really high. Due to increases in almost everything from nail brushes to shipping, we have been trying our best to not increase the price this year, which has been very challenging. Here is the thing- at the end of the day when clients tell me “Ji, I can feel you made this color with love!”,” OMG I’m so excited to try this color”, “Where is your new color? I need that yesterday!” that reminds me why I do what I do. It’s true, making someone happy with an $18.00 bottle of nail polish, it’s truly rewarding-grown adults become absolutely giddy!
dwj: Any other big plans for Rescue Beauty in the future?
Ji: Wherever life take us.
Now through 10/31/08, get FREE SHIPPING when you order the Treatment System.
Thanks again to Ji Baek for taking the time to answer questions!
dwj
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
This was a very informative interview!! I can’t believe they mix the colors in house! Loves it!
[Reply]
I will admit, the polish is a bit expensive but every time you suggest one it’s right on the money! Love it!!
[Reply]