For the kick-off of this column, we spoke to medical pedicurist Truus Jens from Pedicure salon Lovely Feet. After an unexpected career switch, she has now found her passion in the pedicure profession. She talks about how she literally helps people get on their feet, and how her expertise is constantly evolving. With her down-to-earth outlook and personal approach, she creates a place where clients feel at home and heard. She shares her favourite treatments and her views on product use to give her clients the best results. Read on to find out how she keeps inspiring clients, colleagues and herself.

Tell us, how did you get into the pedicure business?

"I worked in hospitality for years, and later in a company that cared for pulmonary patients - there I did a lot with food and hospitality. When I got a knee injury, I started asking myself whether I really wanted to do this all my life. The answer was 'no', mainly because of the working hours. A friend suggested becoming a pedicurist. Because: 'There is so much demand for it!' So I decided to join her for a few days, and it felt right away. Especially the freedom to make my own schedule appealed to me.

While I was rehabilitating, I immersed myself in the necessary training. Through my cousin, who works at a wholesale pedicure business, I ended up at a training course run by Slenders in Valkenswaard. There we learned everything, including product sales. I now enjoy my work and have a great group of friends in the profession. Together we go to trade fairs, try out new things, and keep each other on our toes."

How valuable! What treatments do you offer?

"I mainly focus on helping people walk pain-free and feel good. My treatments range from basic pedicures and gel polish to luxury sessions with foot baths and massages. I am always trying to expand my offerings, for example with composite nails, and soon I will delve into convex nails. I find medical pedicures particularly interesting, because you can help people get rid of serious complaints."

How did you find your first customers?

"I started independently early during my education, even before others in my class were off the orange, haha. My first taster was my husband, and soon friends and acquaintances followed. I also got many clients referred to me through a fellow pedicurist who was herself full. And now it actually runs itself; there is so much demand that I sometimes even have to turn clients away. Pedicures are scarce these days."

That for sure. What do you find most important during a treatment?

"I recently remodelled my practice to create a relaxing atmosphere. It's nice when clients imagine themselves in a kind of spa moment, even if they come for something painful like a corn. I want them to be able to completely relax here."

"I can explain exactly how and why a product works because I try everything myself first."

Do you have any favourite products from HFL?

"Definitely! The Dermoleen cream is my favourite; it works well, clients feel immediate results and keep using it. The day and night creams are also popular, I think because it offers a quality alternative to more expensive brands. But, what I like best about HFL is that you can always call them for advice. They are there for us, which is quite unique these days! Also, I'm in a focus group, so I stay up to date. I can explain exactly how and why a product works, because I try everything myself first."

How else do you stay informed in the profession?

"With a group of pedicures, we regularly attend trade fairs and conferences. This is how we keep each other up to date with new techniques and products. There are constant developments in our profession, which we try out so that we can offer our clients the best. Once a year, we even go on a day out with our men!"

Which workouts would you still like to see?

"Product training is always useful, especially when something new comes on the market. In-service training specifically for pedicures would also be useful, so that we continue to professionalise and innovate. Sometimes a little extra inspiration is all you need to continue growing."

Do you do a lot of marketing?

"Not really, occasionally I post something fun on Instagram or Facebook, but it's more for the atmosphere and to stay in touch than for customer acquisition. Fortunately, most people find me through a referral. Because of the shortage of pedicurists."

What are you missing in the current HFL range?

"I would love to see a hand gel or hand cream developed specifically for pedicures, so that I can lubricate before starting a client. It would be a nice addition to the existing products!"

What makes this profession so special to you?

"What I like best about my job is the freedom and the social part. You really build a bond with customers. Sometimes they even come by with their partners, especially elderly people, which creates a cosy atmosphere. I have a neighbour who is brought from the care home every six weeks - that makes her day, and is great to see. People are happy to come here, unless it's for something really painful, of course. But even then I can do a good job. I can mean something to people in this profession, that gives me energy and I enjoy it every day!"

Do you have a favourite customer experience?

"The other day a woman called to make an appointment, and in the background I heard a man shouting, 'I want too, I want too!' When he got on the phone, he said, 'I want to come, but only for half the money!' I thought this was a joke so played along. Then the day came, he went with his wife, sat in the chair and then it turned out he only had one leg! He thought it was hilarious, and so did we. Just half price then. I'll never forget moments like that."

Final thought for future pedicures?

"This profession offers a lot of opportunities and freedom. If you consider becoming a pedicurist, you can always find work. It is a profession in which you can really mean something to people, and that is incredibly satisfying."

Thanks Truus Jens!

* Would you also like an interview on our page? Then send an e-mail to wesly@hfllaboratories.com