Ask Chelle

As an X’treme Nailz Diva for close to forty years, I have been asked almost every question one could possibly imagine about my nails as well as some, one could not! For this issue, I’ve chosen a few questions that I’ve found to be very interesting and ‘clean’…. LOL! So, here you go:

Q. Explain how you interface your X’Treme Nailz with the work that you do? Are there pros and/or cons involved?

A. Over the years, I’ve had various occupations. When I started allowing my nails to be extreme, I was a hairstylist/salon owner, during a period where X’Treme Nailz were only seen at hair shows. I soon became known not only for my hairstyling and fashion style, but now my nails and extravagant nail art were added to the vibe. The attention I received increased my clientele who not only came to have their hair styled, but now their nails were a regular integral of their appointments! My nails encouraged them to try the ‘new’ craze of sculpted nails equipped with the then popular nail art and jewelry. Soon some of my clients would stop by just to see what design I had created that week as well as to watch me work with my then approximately six-to-seveninch nails!

After twenty plus years in the salon, I “semi-retired” from the field and entered corporate America, I initially scaled the length back to about two inches and “plain” colors…that is until, I became comfortable with my surroundings and regrew my nails once more solidifying my stance in the X’Treme Nailz realm. Of course, there were some minor challenges, such as keeping the attention on your presentation and NOT your nails, but then, WHY wear them if not for the attention! This did not prove to be a devastating con, because it was known that I could do my job and do it well, I just had extremely long, designed nails with my then corporate suits and high heels!

Fast forward, I moved from corporate America to the field of criminal justice, where I worked for over ten years in the Criminal Investigation Division of the Harrisburg City Police Dept. as a Program Manager and Nationally Certified Homicide Specialist. As with my other occupations, I became known in the courtrooms, judges’ chambers, district attorneys’ offices, by my victims’ families and so forth for my extravagant nails and designs.

(For my families, I have been asked to wear their loved ones’ favorite colors during the homicide trials. This has been an honor as my nails appeared to bring comfort to them as they usually concentrated on the designs and gently handled my nails during the court proceedings) Often, I would have someone come to my office to see the, “Look of the Week”. I have even been called to the bench by a few judges to see per se Look!

Today, I am a Case Manager at a residential program that houses homeless teenage mothers and their babies. This again, has been extremely rewarding as well as another way to lead with the Nailz!! Although, my nails aren’t as long as they have been, I still wear them between two and sometimes three inches at the most. Once again there are NO cons with this as I don’t focus on my nails, but more on the aspect of carrying myself as a woman with the hopes that these young ladies emulate the way that I carry myself and my actions…and they are!! I see them as well as my peers now paying more attention to the way they dress. I am now witnessing the young ladies/staff now getting their nails done, waiting to see what my nails look it upon returning from the weekend off, asking if I like theirs and suggesting NEW colors that I should try next! Like me, they are now talking with their hands! Hilarious!!! Even the babies are attracted to my vibrant colors and stones! I love it, and the fact that in my sixties I still have the fashion respect amongst these teens! Then as an incentive for accomplishing milestones, my amazing nail technician gifts them a nail service! Icing on the cake for all involved for sure!

Q. Regarding the maintenance of your nails, what would you say is your overall cost?

A. I am ‘vested’ in my nails, and I make sure that they have the best care possible. This makes me very particular in who maintains them. With that being said, I have at a time or two paid in the upwards of close to two hundred dollars for my service. When I pay this amount, it is for something special that I am having done. Otherwise, I spend around $70-$100 for my services. Like I said, I am vested in my nails!

Q. What type of polish do you prefer?

A. Today, my preference are the gel polishes. I can have an array of colors and the polish stays put and fresh in between services. I pay a little more for this, but it is money well spent. I have no signature color or style, although I’ve worn the stilettos, I usually fluctuate between the coffined or squared shaped. My colors choices flow with my mood!

Q. Do you have a personal nail technician, or do you do them yourself?

A. I used to do my nails myself, but since I’ve been away from the industry, I enjoy sitting on the client side of the table. This is MY time to be pampered and I love it. (I still come to the salon with ideas, though, but mostly, I let my tech’s creativity flow.) So, yes, I have a tech, that I absolutely love! A real down to earth Erykah Badu-type sister from Philly named Naimah

Q. How much time is spent on maintenance?

A. I religiously have my nails done about every two weeks. Sometimes I will stretch it out to three weeks, but never any longer than that to maintain the overall health of my nails. There are also times that I’ll stop in for a polish change if a special occasion comes up or if I’m in the mood to do something different in between my appointments. Otherwise, it’s every two weeks and I usually spend about an hour to an hour and a half for my nail services.

Well, these are my answers to this issue’s questions. As you see, I love my nails and a few of this interesting journey we are having together! Lol…My X’Treme Nailz are an extension of me, and I am an extension of them! Soooo, until then…….Why blend in when you can dare to be different!

Continued peace and abundance of blessings, ‘Chelle