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This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.
During my recent visit to Kanab, I stopped by a full-service beauty salon that has a lot of history and character. In 1994, Janeé Nielsen, a champion nail artist and licensed nail instructor, opened a nail salon called Talons. Most people would not expect to find a champion nail artist in a small Utah tourist town, but Janeé showed me several trophies and awards she has garnered in national and international competitions.
I can see why this gifted artist is so successful and widely recognized. While in her shop, I saw a customer bring in a photograph of her two cats. Janeé, using free hand and a tiny brush, produced gorgeous portraits of the cats on each of the customer's thumbnails. This required meticulous work, especially when you keep in mind the small sizes of women's thumbnails. It was not a standard manicure by any means!
Talons has evolved into more than just a nail salon. Janeé is also an excellent tattoo artist. She was encouraged to go into the tattoo business because of her great artistic talent, and she told me that both nails and tatoos compliment each other and require similar skills. Janeé also does esthetics, permanent cosmetics and tattoo removal, among other services.
Janeé is not the only expert at Talons. Kira Nielsen excels as a licensed nail technician and design specialist, and Renae Juber is the salon's talented hairdresser. Talons also offers apprenticeships in many of these areas, where eager students can learn from some of the best.
Janeé and Kira are now gearing up for the next major competition — the 2005 World Nail Olympics, which will be held next year in Las Vegas. Janeé and Kira should be among the favorites to walk away with a medal.
For Zions Bank, I'm Fred Ball. I'm speaking on business.
