Deborah Frew

“I’m always telling people I am never in competition with anyone else. I’m always trying to be the best ME because nobody can do me—I am me. You know what I mean? It’s just like, I can’t do you, YOU are the best at doing you.” —Deborah Frew

resident of Grand Rapids, MI, Deborah is a mother, nail technician, make-up artist, tattoo artist and has been exploring the realm of plus-size modeling and other avenues that incorporate art. Most of all, Deborah is being Deborah! “I love expressing myself. I’m not a person who judges anyone, but this is who I am and how I look. I love me and am doing my thing! Being 38 years old and looking like I look like the artist that I am, I’m just coming hard with everything that I do so that you see it, not just on my face, but in my work itself.” Going hard with everything that she does has been the foundation of Deborah’s survival. We all make choices in life to either wallow in our misfortunes or move forward with the determination to succeed. The latter has been her choice and motivation. “As long as you are doing it to benefit you, and it does not affect your body negatively, it has nothing to do with anyone else. I always try to spread positive and uplifting encouragement to the next woman, because I grew up with nothing. My mother wasn’t rich. She wasn’t financially stable. We grew up on welfare and we grew up in the hood, you know what I mean? I guess I just know from my circumstance and my past, that was not who I wanted to be or to pass that life on to my children, so I poured all of that

into my art.” Deb shared she would and still recreates her moods through her make-up artistry. “I’ve drawn clouds, or thunderstorms, or whatever on my face accenting my makeup and then added a blue wig to match. It’s something that I enjoy and am creative with. I remember back in the day when we had the ‘Lisa Frank’ trend. I did a makeup look to that and when they came out with the palette, I used every shade on my face and down my neck. Literally, any form of art keeps me focused and constantly growing, wanting to try new things and push the limits to always making someone extra! When they say, ‘Deb, do me up’, I’m pulling out EVERYTHING!” Go for it, Deb! Do you, and as part of the art industry, really go for it! You are a free spirit and pushing that envelope to the edge is being who you are!

X’Treme Nailz: How long have you donned extreme nails? Deborah: Well, I’ve been wearing extreme nails for about three to four years, and honestly, before then I was not a nail girl!

X’Treme Nailz: So, how did the nail game come into play?

Deborah: Well, I’m constantly painting, even with nails on. I’m one of those artists that use their nails as the ‘painter’s pod’ where I place little drops of different colors that I am using on my thumbnail

and paint from it. Of course, I always end up with paint all over them. I don’t let my nails set me apart from what I’m doing, because I pour all of myself into my work. Back to your question, I started doing nail shows for IBS (International Beauty Show) and the ISSE (International Salon+Spa Expo). Because I was the only one who had nails that differed from everyone else that worked with us on our team, I was the person to show the product. So, as an artist, I had to cut the design, put crystals on the nails and basically sell the product. Soon I was selling over $100K worth of products for them and it grew my Instagram followers as well. Everyone started saying, “Hey this girl is really on to something over there.” I did classes with Cardi B’s nail artist, Jenny Bui, and Glam Susie from the UK and wore my nails X’treme, too. It was a pleasure having a chance to just meet them and experience things regarding the nails and trying to work with them. That, (working with the nails) became the task that I had to master. So, for a year, I didn’t want to keep the nails on because I wasn’t used to maneuvering with them. Now, they are okay, and they’re X’Treme!

X’Treme Nailz: Absolutely! If you aren’t used to your nails being long, there is no way you can work with them. You’re having an amazing run in this industry! The experiences that you’ve had are some that few veterans in the game have ever experienced. Now that you’ve gotten used to the extremes, how long are they?

Deborah: Um, right now they are probably about two inches. I usually will wear them about three and a half, but not longer than that. Now, my clients? They’ll do the whole tip! They are usually about four, five and six inches and they’ll let me dangle little charms and things from them. (laughing) Now, for me, I don’t think that I could function with being to their extreme with the dangles and keep it all together.

X’Treme Nailz: Yes, wearing the dangles can be challenging, but not impossible. I remember wearing the dangles when my nails were about five to six inches. My challenge comes when you are not only responsible for your children and household chores, but being a stylist as well. There would be times that the dangles would become tangled in the hair during a client’s shampoo. However, that was resolved when I hired a shampoo person! So, yes, I can relate! What if any are the pros or cons of being in the X’Treme nail community?

Deborah: I grew up by myself from a young age, so, doing nails I’ve learned from my clientele. Their talks and experiences helped me raise my daughters. I wasn’t raised by my mother. I had been a ward of the state since the age of nine. When I turned fourteen, I moved out on my own. My brother got me an apartment and I’ve been on my own ever since. These women have come into my life and shared stories of what they’ve gone through, and you sort of become like a counselor. I developed a kind of motherly family where I’ve learned from these women and I’ve cried with these women. I’ve lost some of them. Over the years, they have passed away or things just happened. But the bonding and the friendships, learning how to be a woman, have all kept me grounded when I was going through things myself. These women were like mothers, sisters. Some have been the ‘Grannies and Aunties’ saying things like, “Baby, you need to get it together and get you some Jesus!” I feel like I’ve learned life lessons from these women and I’ve been able to take these lessons and teach my children! I’ve never had these relationships growing up, so these experiences by far are my pros of being in the nail community!

X’Treme Nailz: That’s the ‘ole school’ version of empowerment when the older generation would sit down with the younger generation and drop a little knowledge on them!

Deborah: Yes! You know, when I was young, I had to learn how to hustle and how to pay my bills, so in ninth grade I started designing nails. I’d be at school and I needed an avenue for money, and the only avenue I knew was to have a job. At that age, you could only work twenty hours a week, and I needed more money, so it worked out. Word of my art spread and everyone wanted me to draw or create something for them. Later, I started seeing other people’s work (nails) that were thick or bulky and I started fixing them and making them more attractive and I found the beauty in that. Life then takes you through things and I stopped for a while. After having my children, I decided I needed something secure in my life. At 24, with three children and nothing to show for it besides the entire world of craziness I had going on, I attended cosmetology school. After a year, I graduated and continued on to manicuring school to complete everything. I then began getting opportunities to travel and pres-

ent at the nail shows doing what I loved. None of this was really in the plan because I didn’t have the confidence. I didn’t believe in myself, nor did I think that my talent was that amazing or would go as far as it had, so getting the attention was crazy to me! Even now, I still love what I do and I’m still flattered that so many people like to see and appreciate my art! I really don’t have any cons, but this is another pro!

X’Treme Nailz: We normally don’t know what our genuine gifts are until we actually sit down and listen to that little voice and follow it.

Deborah: Yeah, and that it has given me self-confidence. I never wore makeup before, I never wore weaves. I did none of that. Once the creativeness of the nails began, I started getting into makeup, painting my face, coloring my hair, painting canvases and murals, all of that. My confidence opened up everything, even tattooing! I figured if I could draw on a nail, I could draw on skin, you know?

X’Treme Nailz: I’ve always loved art and I’m so inspired by your journey and I am sure others will be as well. You are the story behind the story, which is the reason Jonathan created this platform. It allows our readers to see the genuine women internationally, behind the nails, the art, the makeup, and the industry.

Deborah: I’m humbly flattered and I’m amazed! I was in shock when I received this message to do this interview. Even though there are so many people who think my work is amazing, I still feel like I am always strengthening, perfecting what I’m doing. I am overjoyed with flattery and amazement, and I am very appreciative.

X’Treme Nailz: On the other side of the artistry, you decided to either stay in despair, or to bring yourself out for not only yourself, but your children. You’ve done that and I wholeheartedly commend you. .

Deborah: My children are all the family that I have. I don’t have an extended family. My mother and sister have since passed away, so my children and I are it. I don’t have a choice but to strive every day. I get up, grow and try to show them that there’s always something better. You know what I mean? Motivation and determination no matter how devastated you are, or what’s going on in your life. Hanging on to that motivation and determination has gotten me through even some of my hardest times in life. Having children and going through what I was going through, you honestly will see some of my best work when I’m struggling the most. It’s really crazy because all of that focus gives me life! It tells me, “You may go through something right now, but you’ve still got it, Baby!” When my oldest daughter (now an inspiring MUA) was going through struggles as a teenager or just growing up, I could instill dreams and aspirations that she continues to follow now that she is twenty-one. That speaks life to my soul because I always want to uplift others.

X’Treme Nailz: You’re doing that. When I listen to you share some of your history, you’ve touched people without knowing you’ve touched them, because somebody’s watching you, they see what you’re doing, and they like it! You have the talent, the personality, passion, and determination which have made you successful in attracting the clientele. You are reaching those that want to be near you. They want a piece of that, you know, a piece of your work and they want it on their nails, their faces, or they may want to permanently tattoo it on their skin. Either way, in some form or fashion they are wearing a piece of you!

Deborah: And you can’t ask them more than that. It’s just something that I love to do. Like I said, having not grown up with a big family or anything like that, nails have kind of brought me around many people who feel like they’re broken, or are going through rough times and devastation, making me humble myself. It’s more like you are going through this right now, but this person just told you they are going through that and it’s ten times worse than whatever you’ve got going on, so you need to be grateful! There are also the times when your client speaks or texts you positively and you are feeling the love. You then know that you are sending positive vibes to the universe and that makes me humble and grateful as well. I take these things home and teach my daughters so that they are raised with these life lessons that I never got to learn.

X’Treme Nailz: Speaking it into the atmosphere, where do you see yourself in the next five years?

Deborah: I would love to have my salon. If not this one, then a building of my own. As an artist, I want to make my salon something lavish and unforgettable! I’d like to have a space that offers not only nails and pedicures, but lashes, hair, maybe body massages, tattooing, any-

thing that it empowers any woman to do. I want to support that. I want this to be a place where you can come and get whatever from here with a little store inside offering strip lashes or little outfits. I like to make my own clothes, so no one will wear the same thing. Unique one-of-a-kind pieces!

X’Treme Nailz: Living in Grand Rapids, do you see a lot of work like yours up there?

Deborah: Just on the shape or longevity, there is a difference. My nails can last between one to two months on average. I also teach nail education on their first visit because a lot of the clients are coming to me with damaged, sore nails or little rings of fire from being drilled too deep into the nail beds or nail matrix, causing the damage. I also teach my natural nail clients on how to take care of their nails, because even though you don’t stand on the walls of your house, you still need them! To answer your question, no, I don’t see a lot of my work up here. I’m always advocating for healthy nails, teaching them how to take care of them from the first time they come to me and throughout our relationship, whether they are wearing natural nails.

X’Treme Nailz: Is it fair to say that your nails speak for themselves?

Deborah: Yes, I can say that. I’ve been in competitions here where I’ve been voted number one in the state of Michigan. I feel like they set aside my work in my clientele because I spoil them like crazy! I have a very wide range of clientele because I’ve been doing nails for so long, making my clientele steady. Attracting new clientele hasn’t been difficult for me either. If I am wearing my nails, I am always asked who does them. My clients are always telling people who do their nails or when they are seen, some people already know that I am the tech that created their designs.

X’Treme Nailz: How does that make you feel?

Deborah: It makes me feel like I am the best at being me. Everyone says that there’s competition between nail techs who are the best. I am the best at being me, so if I am giving you my best, then that’s the best. I can’t be the next person. I can’t do what they are doing. I like to artistically, creatively and unequivocally be me!

X’Treme Nailz: Do you have a signature color?

Deborah: I don’t like color on my nails. I’ll be extra with the stones, but I can’t find a color that I actually like, so sometimes they are just a plain soft color.

X’Treme Nailz: Wow! Now that was a surprise answer!

Deborah: It throws me, too! (laughing) I’ll color my face and my hair. I have every color wig that could be imagined, but my nails, I don’t know. I can do pastels, but not colors.

X’Treme Nailz: Who inspires you or you feel is trending right now?

Deborah: Cardi B most definitely. I’ve seen over the years, just the fact that she is so extra with her nails, it causes the girls to come in and ask for the ‘Cardi B’ nails. I would also say that Megan the Stallion is bringing out the lipstick or ballerina shape. Both were common a while back, but since Megan did it, everyone is on it now. Those two have nailed the nails and are definitely trending and probably Ivy Queen as well.

As this interview was coming to a close, having talked like old friends for well over an hour, I came to understand that it’s not the nails that keep this young lady moving, it’s her passion to give. Through her conversation, being in her chair, conversing with these women, giving them a piece of herself through her art, brings her genuine joy. It’s cathartic. “I never look at nails as a job. I’ve always seen them as something that constantly motivates me. It makes me grow and has taught me compassion. The ability to be as creative as I can, allowing everything to come out. But the thing that is the most important to me is that I go to work every day not feeling like it’s work, but like I am amongst friends. I can be and express myself. I can uplift these women. Being there to support another woman is so important because you just never know what’s going on, what they have been through or what they need and you are the one that lightens that load, at least for that day! So, I guess, I know nails are nails and clients are clients, but to me, you know, it’s kind of different.”

Being the artist that she is, Deborah’s plans are to enter an annual event, ArtPrize 2022. They hold this event in Grand Rapids’ downtown every September, where people can vote on the best art piece over a course of about two months. Deborah is considering a piece dedicated to none other than, you guessed it, Nails! “Only this sculpture will be made of waste materials like furniture or wood from sofas, used lettering and building signs. Instead of using new plastic, new metals and new wood, the older pieces that are lying around will be recycled, saving the world at the same time so that we can see how much waste is being thrown into our oceans.”

X’Treme Nailz: Well Deb, we’ve covered so much, is there anything else that you want us to know before we close for now?

Deborah: You know, I’ve never really had anything growing up and I’ve always wanted to have something. I want to teach my daughters that no matter what, even me as 38 years old, with the photoshoots that I’m doing and the nails, makeup and tattooing, you know, you can have a hustle at every avenue. You don’t have to have one thing. I also teach them that nothing or no one ever may define you. I am supposed to be a statistic. I am someone who they probably thought would abuse their children, or use drugs or something like that. Instead, I took an entire lifetime of pain and suffering and turned that around and into something that I am proud of and that brings me joy! I will not pass on that generational trauma to my children. I’m going to show them better, you know? So I don’t really know if there’s a right or wrong answer to that question.

X’treme Nailz: There is no right or wrong answer. There’s only YOUR answer and no one can answer this better than you.

I truly enjoyed talking with Deborah. Her determination to overcome the hands that were dealt to her is a true testament to her strength and her courage. Determined to make a better life for her children than what was afforded her, she has with the love and support of the village she created not only as customers, but women who took her and her family under their wings as an extended part of their families. They instilled the missing values, the nurturing, love and affection that she could then pass on to her own children. This shows that there is more to just working in a salon. Deborah has learned that regardless of age or circumstances, it still takes a village! Jocelyn Sanchez said it best. “Our past doesn’t define us, rather, it’s the course we take after that that tells us who we really are.” Thank you Love, for telling us who you really are and on behalf of X’Treme Nailz, I wish you nothing but peace and prosperity as you continue to make a difference not only in your life, but in the lives of others.

You can find Deborah at:

Facebook:

beautifiednailz or Deborah Frew

Instagram:

@beautified_nailz1

Email:

deborahfrew1@gmail.com