As the owner of Sanctuary Salon and Spa in Billings, Montana, Kris Carpenter's biggest challenge is staffing her nail department. As a member of the local executive board of Montana State University in Billings, Carpenter understands that rising tuition costs are one of the biggest challenges facing incoming students.

Carpenter decided to kill two birds with one stone by approaching the school's Dean of Business about developing a program that helps a selected student earn money as a nail technician. In exchange for two years of service, Carpenter is offering to pay the approximately $2,100 tuition needed to earn a nail license.

"We need technicians in evenings and on weekends, which provides a flexible schedule for a busy student," says Carpenter. "I actually got the idea when we had a student put herself through college by working as a nail tech. I expected to lose her after she earned her degree, but was surprised when she told me she'd rather do nails and stayed with us."

Smart Way To Staff Your Nail Department

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