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When Andy Hulin was growing up in Thomasville, he had no idea that he would work in one of the largest day spas in this area. Hulin graduated from South Davidson High School more than 15 years ago. During his junior and senior years in high school, he worked at a furniture factory. When he graduated from high school, he worked at another factory making entertainment parts to be used by companies such as Thomasville Furniture, Stanley and Broyhill. He remembers the plants were often cold in winter and hot in summer. The fumes in the air affected his breathing.

Hulin's cousin, Joann Spivey, a hair stylist, suggested he check out the beauty field, particularly as a nail technician. Hulin had never considered this career but decided to give it a try.

"I really like meeting people and, through my work, making them feel good," Hulin said. "A part of my job is helping others to relax. Massaging the feet sometimes even helps people with migraines. Making someone's feet feel good helps them feel better all over. I've had people say when they leave the spa, they feel so much better.

"My favorite thing to do are pedicures. I probably spend 80 percent of my time on them and 20 percent of my time on manicures. Most pedicures last four to five weeks. This time of year, when people are wearing sandals and flips, they like for their toes to look attractive."

A typical manicure or pedicure usually takes 45 minutes to an hour. On a really busy day, he may do four or five pedicures and two manicures.

His advice to remember when doing your own nails is "don't dig into the side of the cuticle and don't clip the nails too short. This helps avoid ingrown toe nails."

He recommends that people take care of their nails throughout their lives and have them done professionally. This makes them easier to care for as you age.

Some of his clients bring their elderly mothers to have their nails done. He has clients in their 80s with whom he enjoys working.

"I am especially careful with diabetic clients," he said. "You can't rub their feet too hard on the bottom, and you have to be very careful about cutting their nails."

Hulin's advice to anyone wanting to go into the field: "You need to be a good listener. Some people tell me they come just to talk. A technician needs to be part counselor, too." Hulin got his start by attending the American Nail Academy in High Point. To receive a license, he took a state test that lasted four or five hours. Part of the test was practical application, and part was written. A nail technician is required to take eight hours of workshops each year to maintain his license. Strict sanitation requirements must be met, and every spa is inspected twice a year by state inspectors.

Workshops sponsored by the N.C. State Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners are offered across the state. Hulin also attends workshops sponsored by Odontorium Products, a nail products company, whenever he can. Hulin uses only OPI products on his clients.

Hulin said he enjoys traveling to New York for shows and workshops. This summer, some employees of the spa are going to Las Vegas for a workshop.

The spa does wedding packages for brides and their attendants. April through October are usually especially busy with wedding preparation. "Every weekend has been busy," he said. "We have some spa employees who have had weddings this summer."

Hulin said bright colors are definitely in, especially shades of pink. Many people are wearing their nails a little shorter. He is often asked to paint a flower or a design on the big toe.

"Clients come back and tell me someone saw their toenails at the pool and commented on the art," he said. "I consider my work to be my advertisement."

He has worked at Bliss and Company for four years and really enjoys the work. He said he is thinking about attending the new Fila Academy when it opens in High Point in the fall. He has been impressed with the stylists at Bliss and Company and wants to learn how to work with clients' hair.

"I would continue to work at Bliss and Company while working on my license to become a stylist," he said.
Another advantage to working at the spa, he said: "We trade services. I get my hair cut here, and in return, I do someone's manicure."

When he is not making fingernails and toenails look beautiful, Hulin enjoys camping, gardening and fishing. "I love being near the water and often go to Danbury, Va., to be on the Dan River or to High Rock Lake."

For information about Bliss and Company, visit http://www.blissandcodayspa.com or visit the spa at 3805 Tinsley Drive in High Point.

Kathy Johnson is a retired educator. Contact her at mjohnson2@triad.rr.com.