And I thought SoHo House was hard to get into. Harvard. Babbo on a Saturday night. Boom Boom Room circa Fall 2009. A Hermes Birkin. Derek Jeter's phone number...
The Japanese nail salon in LA that specializes in 3D nails is harder. I've achieved everything on the above list (ok, except Birkin... and Harvard), and it was time I pushed my way through the doors of the nail elite. The phone calls didn't work; "sorry El, we are booked for the next month", the random drop-by's didn't work {open appointment book to numerous empty slots...} "sorry, hehehe, no room for you!" What would it take? 
I started to show up with my Sally Hanson wallpapered nails to proved to each of the nail-masters that I was deserving of her craft. I learned their names. I donated to the Japan Relief Fund plastic box by the register. I made my mark.
And sooner than later, I made my appointment.
Welcome word! elshane and 3D nails are now united as one. And guess what, I'm in the books again for May 13th. 
I'm a regular.