Article: Making It; A manicurist has a sharp idea for a new career

Alicia Groncki was manicuring a client's nails 18 months ago when frustration got the better of her. Like those of all nail techs, her cuticle trimmers dulled over time; buying a new set was expensive and wasteful. "I wish I could find someone to sharpen my tools," Alicia told her client. Nearby, a couple of hairdressers chimed in. They hadn't seen a sharpener in years, and their scissors also were dull.

So began Alicia's transition to a trade that dates from an era when people saved rather than spent and sharpened their knives, scissors and shears instead of buying new ones.

Decades ago, sharpeners wheeled carts full of tools or drove trucks down back alleys, ringing a bell to summon ...

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