According to Frances Fabish, who now owns her own nail business, her education in cosmetology began in high school.

“I have always loved glitter and such so when my friends took cosmetology it sounded like a fun class to take in high school,” she said. “I fell in love with nails. Not hair. Ever. I graduated with all of my hours to test for my license, but it took me four years to actually do it.”

After completing her hours, Fabish spent the next few years at a telemarketing job she loved before being encouraged by a friend and her cosmetology teacher to take her test and launch her career.

Fabish went on to work for Austin Springs Spa for 10 years before opening her own salon, “All That Glitters,” at the end of 2015.

“It was as if all of the stars aligned,” she said. “I had just finished treatment for breast cancer, and, for lack of better words, your perspective changes after that kind of experience. After seeing the shop for rent and deciding to jump at the chance, my family helped me be able to leave the spa and renovate my little shop. It’s been so much fun to hear clients’ reactions when they see the inside for the first time.”

Since opening her salon, a new friend and fellow cancer survivor has come into her life to work with her.

“Sometimes the universe introduces you to people who are meant to be in your story,” she said. ”I met Becky because of our breast cancer. She is an eight-year survivor and I just hit my five-year mark this past October. She became a client and a friend over our manicure and pedicure appointments for the last four years. Last year in a random conversation it came up that she had always had an interest in doing nails.”

Her coworker, and friend, Rebecca “Becky” Key, began studying cosmetology last year and has been working alongside Fabish since March.

For Fabish, this is more than a job, it is her dream come true.

“This has always been my dream,” she said. “That one that you always talk about, that ‘one day’ kind of dream […]. Thanks to my amazing family and amazing clients, I get to live my dream every day. I am the luckiest girl in the world.”

According to Fabish, she has easily bonded with her clients, and has regulars.

“Imagine getting to hang out with several of your best friends all throughout the day and help them feel pampered, pretty, and better about themselves or help them to not hurt,” she said.

Nails at her salon are not usually left plain, with customers coming in with their own ideas or sometimes letting Fabish go crazy with her own.

In terms of basic nail care, Fabish advises the use of cuticle oil and lotion, as well as regular manicures and pedicures, and wearing gloves for dishes and cleaning.

“Always remember, ‘your nails are jewels, not tools,’” she said.

While Fabish is currently not taking new nail clients, she is available for facials and massages. Key is taking on new clients.

“We are beginning to offer extensions called Xtens that are a replacement for the hard gel enhancements,” Fabish added. ”They are $50. We also keep our front door locked since it is just us, so there is a door bell. Appointments are definitely suggested.”

For more information on “All That Glitters Salon & Spa,” you can check out their Facebook page and website of the same name. You can contact Fabish at 423-773-5354, and Key at 423-262-3879. The salon is located at 724 West G Street here in Elizabethton. Services include manicures, pedicures, gel extensions, facials and more.