In my last life...
I read all of your answers to the contest question and many of you hit the "nail" on the head!
Of course, I do talk about having spent time as a Stampin' Up demonstrator. I loved being a demonstrator and I, like so many of you, didn't even know about rubber stamping until I was invited to my first Stampin' Up party.
But the career I was talking about with my sneak peek clue was my years as a nail technician. I actually started doing nails way back when I was only about 19 or 20. Shortly after graduating as a cosmetology instructor, I open a nail salon in the Philadelphia area. By the time Tom and I were ready to move out to Wisconsin I had owned a small chain of four salons and sold them off.
When my husband and I arrived in Wisconsin, he went to the University of Wisconsin and then on to Marquette Law School. During that time, I opened two nail salons. After selling one, I took on partners, (Dave and Lea,) to be more of a stay at home Mommy and we ended up with a total of four more salons in Wisconsin.
Because of the difficulty of finding enough help to satisfy all the customers, we blended our smaller salons into our two larger ones and found pure joy in running our two very upscale spas.
Then, just about 1 1/2 years ago, I had to make the decision to either pursue my rubber stamp designs as a full-time business or let it go because my online sales were growing faster than I had ever dreamed.
Fortunately, my wonderful partners knew the nail business inside out and they purchased my shares in the company so I could pursue my new dream.
They currently run these gorgeous Nail Spa Plus salons in Madison, Wisconsin which specializes in a technique that I invented and had patented many years ago called Gelcaps. If you want the best nail services in Wisconsin and you are anywhere near the Madison area, call Lea at 608-274-5177. She will take excellent care of you as she runs everything from the westside location.
They are the cleanest and safest salons anywhere! We were interviewed many times on television as the experts in Madison for keeping our customers safe while making them gorgeous! (So, if you go, make sure you tell them all that Gina K. sent you!)
. . . . .
So, that was my last life. Someday I will tell you about the life before that one! It's a doozie! *snicker*
Contest winner
To see if you were the winner of today's contest, click here.
(I now post the winners right on the contest post so nobody comes by later and thinks they should still enter.)
Coming up tomorrow, I will showing you the full project from my sneak peek plus another fun project I made using Melanie's new set! You won't want to miss it so stop back tomorrow!
Hugs,
Gina K.
ok, I knew about the salons, but not about the patent LOL! and I know about the life before (dont worry i'll let you shre) but I'm sure you'll find a way to surprise me then too with more detaisl!
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I love the past life story- I think it is amazing how our lives continue to change. They say you have 7 major career changes as an adult.
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That is super cool...I wish I knew of a salon like that here in San Antonio. Thanks for sharing your wonderful, successful story with us. I bet you were wonderful with nails but you are absolutely fabulous with stamps!
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The life before High end salons, you were a Vegas Show girl, huh? Hehehehehe, very interesting story. I didn't know this about you...I love getting know people. Thanks so much for sharing a part of your past with us! Have a wonderful week.
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It sounds as though you have the Midas Touch when it comes to businesses. I wish you continued success because it couldn't happen to a nicer person (at least that's how you seem as you open your life to all of us). Warm thoughts!
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OH MY GOODNESS---you are quite the entrepeneur---I had no idea that you owned your own salons---AND YOU HAVE A PATENTED SYSTEM---sorry for shouting---I just had NO idea! Thanks for sharing so much of yourself with us---hugs~
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Gina funny you should mention nails. I have been contemplating artificial nails all day. Swore I would never have them again because of the damage they do to the nail. Do you know of any salons in the Columbus, Ohio area that does the Gelcaps? Thanks for sharing!!
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Well well well. One never knows about our past lives until we come clean. I enjoyed your story so much and to think what wonderful experiences you have had. I can't wait for the rest of the tale! I like the card and can't wait to see the set, too. I am totally a fan of Gina K!
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You continue to amaze me, Gina. I agree with a post above that says you have the "midas touch". Thanks for sharing yourself with all of us.
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Wow..You lead a very interesting life.
Can't wait to hear the story of living in the Philly area.
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It's always so interesting to hear a little bit of someone's past. TFS
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WOW....you sure have an interesting "past"!! Wonder what the Philly life story will entail. Thanks for sharing a little bit about you.Barb S.
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Gina, you have the BEST stories ever. I know a little bit about the life before the spa from a few stories you've told.... but I can't wait to hear ALL about it.
That salon looks BEAUTIFUL. I'll have to go hop a plane sometime - we'll go get nails done and then once everything is nice and set and dry, we'll hop over to the store to stamp!
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Wow Gina you rock! The gelcaps you invented sound awesome. I wish you could teach someone in my area (north of NYC) how to do it. I took off my acrylics last year and miss having beautiful nails.
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Gina,
Thank you so much! I cannot believe I won your contest. I just recently started following you and I LOVE your work. I used your 'stamp in color' card for the inspiration for a card on my site that I submitted to your challenge. I think I will wait until that release, so I can see both of the sets in full. I love hearing about people who re-invent themselves, it is so inspiring! You Go Girl!
Blessings,
Shannon
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OMG! I LOOOOOOOOVE these nailpolishes!
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Wow - for some reason I missed this earlier! I had no idea you did all that!!! WOW - you amaze me, woman! So what exactly are Gelcaps?
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