The Undisputed Queen Of Claws............................07 Italy’s top designer & X-Nailz Diva ..........................12 X-Nailz Brand Ambassador......................................16 Europe’s First Lady Of Nailz ....................................18 "Nailz Swag” Is Her Game........................................19 Why This Platform Is Important ................................23 Jersys 3 Amigos.......................................................25 “I See You Looking Hard At Ma Nailz, Let Me Position My Hand For A Better Look” ..........27 Puerto Rican Princess...............................................30 Nelly Nailz Wants You...............................................33 Atlanta’s Hottest Case Manager ..............................36 The Nailz Industries Nightmare ...............................39 Brooklyn’s Finest ......................................................41 X’treme Nailista’s Spotlight.......................................46 The Golden Age Of Nailz .........................................50 Hottest Nailz Salons .................................................52 Real Nail Queen From Dallas...................................54 Seattle’s Heavy Metal Singer....................................55 From Russia With Love ............................................59 Da Nailz Lyfe ............................................................62
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Editor Executive Assistant Financial Advisor Brand Ambassador Event Planning & Productions Sr. Graphic Designer
Jonathan W. Fields- CEO Edith Graham Chandra Williamson Lena Cole Terri Stevens Régis Sudo
Photography
Donna Dymally Ron Morales
Videographers
James Gatti Fernando Garcia
Lena Cole Desiree Winbush
Nailz Consultants
Linda Houston Jessica Goodwin
Fashion Consultants
Dark Gable Edith Graham Stuart Gavzy SHWEIKI MEDIA ISSUU Media
Writers
Legal Consultant Publishing Consultant
LaRue Drummond 6•
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The Undisputed
Q&A Q. When did you decide to let your Extreme Fashion A. Oh my, flash back! People were so cruel to me at Nails become your signature or brand?
A. I started growing my nails at the age of thirteen. There was a woman I met who had Extreme Nails. That inspired me to grow them. I can honestly say at that age I knew that they would become a part of my life and that I wanted to grow them to extreme lengths.
times. They would whisper and some would just come out and say, “Oh that is nasty, I would not eat anything she cooked.” They would turn their noses up as I walked pass. Sometimes, people have gotten up and moved to a table further from where I was sitting in a restaurant. It was crazy! They made me feel like I was from another planet or something! It did not stop me though!
Q. How long did it take you to grow them that length? Q. As an Extreme Fashion Nail Diva, did you experiA. About nine years. In 2003, I was already at three ence more or less prejudice having Extreme Fashinches when I decided to stop cutting and let them grow.
ion Nails?
A. I can say I experienced more prejudice having Ex-
Q. You are from Newark, New Jersey, correct. treme Nails. A. I am from Perth Amboy, NJ, but reared in Newark, Q. You are not only beautiful, but your swagger is inNew Jersey.
Q. Growing up in Newark, New Jersey, what obstacles did you have to overcome growing your Extreme Fashion Nails?
your-face, as evidenced by your flamboyant shoes, tattoos and toenails.
A. Thank you (smile). Q. Has this helped to enhance your Extreme Fashion Nails? TREME NAILS MAGAZINE • 7
A. Yes. I can honestly say that the tattoos, shoes, and toenails have enhanced my extreme nails. It rather throws people off. They are not sure what my passion is. I love them all (smile)!
Q. What Fashion and Nail Expos have you attended? A. I was in a nail show in New York called, “The Red Affair”, where my theme was butterflies. Of course, we all had to wear red it was so beautiful. I felt like a star with all the flashing lights from people taking pictures. It was simply amazing! I am looking forward to attending more one day.
Q. Can you expound on these and/or any other entertainment venues you support, specifically, the one in New Jersey that attracts so many extreme nail divas every year.
A. I only been in one nail show. They do have something in Vegas it is every year. Everyone from all over the world, meet up, have fun, take pictures, talk to people and just get to know each other. I have not been to one yet, but it is a dream of mine to attend one year. If it is God’s will, I will!
Q. Do you find that east coast men find women with Extreme Fashion Nails more attractive than women without?
A. Yes, they do find Extreme Nails more attractive. I cannot honestly say that they all choose us over the women who do not have them, but they are attracted to them more. I guess it is because we are out here and you are now seeing more and more of us. I was so happy when I found other women on the internet who shared the same passion as I did to grow them.
Q. Can you explain why it seems so many Fashion Nail Divas reside in the New York/New Jersey metro area?
A. I think it may be because there is a lot of fashion here, hair designs and now nails have become very popular here as well. You see someone with Extreme Nails and you like them and decide, “Hey, I like that! I want to grow mines too” or “Let me see if I can do that.” It is not for everybody and my nail tech helps a lot with that. She will coach you into growing them long! Lol
Q. Some other notable Fashion Nail Divas from your area are Citierra Stewart, Michelle Anthony, LaVerne Coleman, Debbie Warren, Marisass Ortiz, Sabrina Colon and Rose Santiago just to name a few. 8•
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A. Yes. They are all my nail sisters! Q. What is the reason for such a concentration of unique women? A. We all have the same nail tech, Ms. Maria Ortiz. She is in New Jersey and that is where we all are from. Maria is well known for her work. I can be in another town and someone will see my nails and ask me, “Who does your nails?” Before I can answer, they will say, “Did Maria do them? I have heard about her.” She is awesome and I do mean awesome! She does all my nail designs. I love her! She is a part of my life, too!
Q. What is your signature design or color scheme? You seem to be very skilled at coordinating your colorful attire with your nails.
A. I have no specific design or color scheme. I love to do different designs and colors. All of my life I had this thing where my nails, shoes and clothes had to match. Red is my favorite color, but I love all colors. I have many colors in my life! Lol
Q. Probably, the most insulting question women with Extreme Fashion Nails have to endure is, “How do you maintain your hygiene with those nails?” How do you deal with that ignorance?
A. That just totally blows me away, sometimes! How can someone, first of all, ask anyone bathroom? I politely tell them the same way you do and if there is another way, please do tell me and I will try that way, too! Lol I am thinking that they are looking for another answer as to how we go to the bathroom.
Q. How do your grandchildren and/or your significant other feel about your Extreme Fashion Nails?
A. My grandchildren love my nails. They have seen them all their lives. They will always remember that their Granny had long fingernails. Sometimes they accidentally run into them playing and they will say, “Oh, I'm sorry Granny, did I break it?” It is so cute, they are so afraid they broke one! My significant other loves them. He had better! Lol Anyone that I deal with must and will know that they are a part of me. I would not talk to them if they did not like them. What would be the point? I will not be cutting them anytime soon.
Q. Extreme Fashion Nails are fast becoming accepted as a fashion statement instead of an oddity. Where do you see it going in New Jersey?
A. Wow! I can honestly say more and more women are now interested in growing their nails. I am starting to see it more and more. My nail sisters! You never TREME NAILS MAGAZINE • 9
know, one day they may build a community just for women with Extreme Nails to live there!
Q. How can our readers contact you for more info about your shoes, outfits and Extreme Fashion Nails ?
A. Through my e-mail first, then I can provide them with a number, if I feel comfortable in doing that.
Q. Is there anything you would like to add to this interview?
A. I want to say thank you for allowing me to be a part of this. You have no idea how much this means to me! If feels so good to have you and others that understand and appreciate what we have. Our nails are a part of us! God blessed us with this gift. We are all the same. We may have our own style, our own desired length, we may be a different race, but we are all one, because we all share that desire and passion to grow Extreme Nails! We have come a long way baby, to get where we got to today! (Smile) I love that saying. We are here to stay! Thank you and every one that is a part of X'treme Nailz International Magazine. I love you! I love you! I love you! I thank you!
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The Mermaid artist: Sirena
Q. A.
Where in Italy are you located?
I live partly in Venice and partly in Milan.
Q. How do Italians view the X’treme Nail Industry?
A. The Italians have a variety of categories. Some criticize everything and others prefer not to see. Few live and let live.
Q. How has the pandemic affected your designing business?
A. The pandemic has ruined everything; discos, cinemas, theatre, concerts, events, restaurants, etc.
Q. What changes are you making to ensure the safety of the clientele in your business?
A. I now use small brushes soaked in water and bleach or apple cider vinegar. 12
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Italy’s
top designer & X-Nailz Diva Sabrina De Rossi Q. What was the most difficult part of this crisis in respect to your business or nail maintenance?
A. Being closed for almost a year. Q. How do you feel about the X’treme Nailz movement that’s going on?
A. I have been doing this job for many years and have never seen anything like this.
Q. What did you study at Psicologia Padova?
A. I studied psychology, but never practiced in the profession.
Q. How long have you been in Fashion & Design?
A.
I have been in the industry for a long time. I am a fashion designer specializing in evening dresses, disco dresses, theatrical costumes, TREME NAILS MAGAZINE 13
cosplay, accessories, handmade and 3D print. I am an upcycling artist.
Q. Who are your main clientele? A. I work with clubs, resorts, MTV… Q. What’s your fashion specialty? A. I can make costumes with any material fabrics, foam, plastic, recycling of industrial waste.
Q. What’s unique about your store? A. I only make unique pieces. Q. Do you come in contact with other X’treme Nailz Divas in Venice?
A. No, it’s just me. Q. What’s your personal
Philosophy/Motto about
X’treme Nailz?
A. My personal motto is: “Why not?” That way people will remember me.
Q. Are there any difficulties with having your beautiful X’treme Nailz?
A. I was a little girl with very long nails. For many years I have worn X’treme Nailz. I have a normal life. I work, I drive a car, clean the house, sew and iron, but I don’t wash dishes. I use the dishwasher! But, to mainly answer the question, I only have problems with the usual questions when wearing X’treme Nailz.
Q. Let’s talk about that ‘Twist’ in your Nailz. A. The twist in my nails are natural. I do not know why, but I would actually prefer them to be straight.
Q. Do you maintain your own Nailz or do you have a special X’treme Nail technician? 14
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woman with long nails. A. I maintain my nails on my own. In America, we occasionally put on nail seminars and Q. Are there any upcoming fashion show appearance Q. expos. Do they have the thing in Venice? If so, can you that you would like to share?
explain how that may look?
A. At this time, due to COVID, we are only doing the A. Yes, it is the Cosmoprof Worldwise in Bologna. It is a fashion shows online. fair with nails, hair and body care. Q. Is there anything else you would like our X’treme Q. Last, but not least, we will be conducting a major Nailz readers to know about Sabrina De’Rossi?
A. I am a woman, you may like me or not, I am extrav-
X’treme Nailz Expo in Los Angeles, CA next summer, would you be open to attending?
agant, I am always ready to get involved. I am an environmentalist, I am an artist. I am so much more than a
A. I love L.A., and yes, I would love to! TREME NAILS MAGAZINE 15
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Lena Cole ark Gable Productions Unlimited is proud to announce that X’treme Nailz Diva & Entrepreneur Ms. Lena Cole, has agreed to accept the vacated position of Brand Ambassador for X’treme Nailz International, LLC & Ambiance Magazine Uncut. Lena Cole has been an interictal part of the DGPU family for some time. We started out back in 2013 working on a possible reality show for Lena and three other members of the group formally known as ‘The Real Nail Qweens”. We were also in the process of developing a one-woman tour where Lena would be the face of the X’treme Nailz Movement (traveling the world and doing Seminars, Guest Appearances and Fashion Photo Shoots). Unfortunately, in 2016 tragedy struck and Lena’s beloved husband of 20 years transitioned. Lena who at
that time was on the verge of Fashion Stardom needed to Grieve, Regroup, Reboot and step away from the bright lights of Hollywood, Atlanta, New York, New Orleans, and Miami to heal and reinvent herself. Today Lena is better than ever! She is still drop-dead gorgeous, a fashion icon and class personified. Lena Cole will take the X’treme Nailz Movement to another level. Lena Cole is one of the most recognizable X’treme Nailz Divas in the world. She accumulated literally thousands of followers going back to her Geraldo Rivera, Sally Jessie Raphael, and Howard Stern days. So, she is seasoned enough and well equipped to handle the responsibility of X-Nail Icon! Although It took a while to secure this living legend, we got her now. To coin a phrase from the Marvel Universe Avengers movie…. X’treme Nailz Divas Assemble!
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Gracie Fischer
If you would like to contact or follow Gracie and her nails, check her out on any of her multi-media platforms: Facebook, Messenger and Instagram: Grace Fischer Nails Linkedin: Grace Fischerodi YouTube: Fischerodi Grace grace-fischer@hotmail.com www.fischerodi.com
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râce Fischerodi is a Swiss citizen where her native tongue is French. She writes German and can speak English and a basic leveled Italian. Since 1978, she has been an artist and hairstylist. Grâce began her career as a stylist at the Hôtel National de Lucerne in 1982 and since 1990, she has been the Switzerland representative of Ebony Fashion Fair. In 1992, Grâce received her diploma from Christian Dior in manicuring and since then has allowed her nails to grow about two inches per year. This unusual fact has been confirmed by the French Justice. She stated that she has a special technique and of course a few secrets, which has allowed her nails to grow completely straight, without any curves. Many experts are interested in how Grâce grows her nails straight and because nails are a rare diamond secrets for women, she replies, ‘only God knows how many women fight for beautiful hands. Like the other women, my daily life with long nails and doing my artwork are no problem for me.’ Grâce often imagines making documentary films about her nails, and intends on writing a biography of her adventures, the stories of her trip to the Sahara Desert in Africa, the nail contests, events and galas that she has attended, along with
the television appearances, seminars and magazines, all because of the captured interest in her nails. To her credit, Grâce has appeared in television shows and newspapers in Europe and around the world since 1996. Germany Pro 7 Arabella Kiesbauer from 1996 to 2002, Tobi Schlegel “Absolut Schlegel Pro 7” 2002 Germany Blick, 1996 “Woman Shows Her Claws”, Illustrated Switzerland 1996 “Ciel mes Ongles”; Télévision Suisse Romande Filmdocumentation ,1998 “Black: Fairy’s Nails”; TV5 Monde in 1998 “Fairy Nails”; TV France 3 Evelyne Thomas from 2000 to 2017 “C’est mon Choix et Chérie 25”. Outside of developing her own technique to wear the longest straight nails in the world since 1988 (while losing many of them over time), she has also added to her list of accomplishments, eight certificates of programs in France and Germany and other notarized certificates in France-Switzerland during the period of 1989-2019. Today, Grâce says that her challenge is to enter the legend with all of her fruitful efforts. ‘President Nelson Mandela has said, None of us can achieve success alone. I added: So when you want to realize your dreams, get up early and knock on those doors to accumulate those ideas in the dreams!’-- Grâce Fischer Odi
"Nailz Swag" is her game Jessica Goodwin
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I will lift mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth… The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore. This was the biblical scripture for which this diva of fashion designs, Ms. Jessica Goodwin stood upon when we met almost a decade ago, and this scripture remains even truer for her today. When I initially met her, I was interviewing her for a featured article in
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our sister magazine, Ambi’ance. Jessica was twenty-six-years-old at the time and an up and coming Atlanta designer. As a matter of fact, during that interview, she was accompanied by her measuring tape and sewing machine. She measured me up and completed my outfit during that interview!!!! Since then, Ms. Goodwin has experienced success as a designer, vocalist, stylist and model. Soon she would put all of that on hold to become a wife and eventually a mother of two, “Bam” and “Pebbles”, both who have developed their mother’s love of music and fashion. I caught up with Jessica a few weeks ago for a photoshoot. Although we have continued to remain in contact over the years, it was great to be on set with her. Like old friends, or better yet, Auntie to niece, we took advantage of this time between shoots to catch up. We talked about Atlanta, marriage, divorce, children, modeling and fashion. I also had the opportunity to officially welcome her back to the fashion designing world! A ‘Rebirth’! Yes, that is what we decided to call it…Jessica has been rebirthed! Stronger and more determined than ever to return and continue her mark in designing, I received and am now sharing the good news that Jessica has decided to breathe life back into her designing company! Not only has she breathed life, but she decided to give strength and precedence to her line by changing the name from P121cre8tions to her own name: Designs by Jessica Untile!
Born and raised in Cahokia, IL, Jessica was destined to be a part of the fashion world. She loved fashion all her life, and rightfully so, since her mother and grandmother both were seamstresses. In her senior year of high school, Jessica took a clothing and textile class, having enjoyed it, she has been designing and sewing ever since. After high school, in Cahokia however, Jessica did a little modeling and landed some photoshoots. She attended and graduated school for massage therapy and did that for a while as well. Eventually, she would move to Atlanta where she attended and graduated from AIU (American International University). Afterwards, she knew that fashion was what she really liked and enjoyed doing. Thus, P121cre8tions was birthed!
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Jessica’s custom-made designs catered to the plus-sized divas who wanted that spice and pizzazz! With each client’s designs detailed and made specifically for her bodytype and style, no item was the same! Through recent years, plus-sized fashions have become more friendly, however, this wasn’t the case when Jessica came onto the scene. Wise beyond her years, she understood that the plus-sized business was extremely difficult due to the mainstream’s standard sizes being from zero to maybe a six or eight. Once you start going to sizes ten and up? That’s the plus-sized realms and during that period (almost a decade ago), stores carried plus-sizes but they weren’t fashionable and Jessica didn’t like that!! Understanding that and with her love for fashion, Jessica also a plus-sized diva (size 10, 12 or 14 depending upon the design), designed clothes that fit the infamous muffin-top, long arms, thick thighs, hips and legs, round tummies, and full busted divas! Thank goodness for that! She was upset not only with her own difficulties in finding what she liked, but in watching her plus-sized sisters struggling with the same thing! Jessica stated, “It hurts my heart, because big gurlz like to be fashionable, too! Why not, and this is why I design for my plus-sized divas!” Now she’s BACK and rebirthed as Designs by Jessica Untile and I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us! It would be Jessica’s warm spirit, love for fashion, her vision and her wisdom that made her the best selection as Fashion Consultant for Extreme Nailz International. Her Erykah Badu swag continues to be accompanied by the ever-present series of ‘yes ma’ams and no ma’ams’ and bashful smiles and giggles to this day. I came to respect her almost a decade ago and today, that respect and now added love remains. As we welcome Jessica in her new role, I want to leave you with an excerpt from our first interview: When asked if there was anything that she wanted our readers to know about her, Jessica replied, “I would tell them to first and foremost, always be you! Don’t let anyone change you into who they want or think you should be. You are uniquely you, so never downsize. Everyone is not going
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to be Beyoncé’ or Rhianna. Love your body and follow your heart. If fashion makes you happy or singing does it for you, do it because at the end of the day you are YOU! It was my plans to be a doctor, but it was not my purpose! I’m older now and I understand that this is God’s purpose for my life, and I am extremely happy doing it…… I am a twenty-six-year old, Black, down to earth female that is also humble, driven, a hard worker and will keep it straight with no chaser. I help any and every one that is trying to get there. I think that’s it!” When asked the same question a few weeks ago, she simply said, “I’m older, I’m wiser, I’m stronger than ever and I still stand on those same principles! Welcome aboard, Jessica and we look forward to what God has in store for you and Extreme Nailz International!
Why this platform is important
The Nailz Whisperer
The CEO of X’treme Nailz explains “Why this platform was created” n 2009 I created a platform that was revolutionary, unique and seemingly unpopular at the time. My thought was that this platform could allow all the long Nail Divas of the world to meet, interact, exchange ideas and relate to each other’s unique talents without bias. It wasn’t about Sexual Exploitation, Financial gain or Fetishism. Just a place that X’treme Nail Ladies (and those that admire them) could thrive. Today I’m proud to say that X’treme Nailz are a competitive and thriving business globally (places like Europe, Russia, Asia, and Puerto Rico are far ahead of the USA when it comes to X’treme Nailz Technology and Marketing) .
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We’re not the first or the last to realize the potential of turning X’treme Nailz (and their Nail Techs) into a profitable “business” entity.
years ago? Or how the LGBTQ community was once ridiculed and blackballed? Or when locks, braids and natural hair were frowned upon by mainstream society?
However, I guarantee you we were the first to actively pitch the concept of an X’treme Nailz Platform, Promotional Opportunities and a X’treme Nailz Magazine to tell their UNIQUE stories).
I’m glad someone in those discriminated groups decided their voice was important enough for them to make that critical, conscientious and unpopular decision to pioneer a movement (that would forever “change the game” in their community).
For example, way before TNT’s hit series CLAWS hit the airwaves, we had already begun work on our X’treme Nailz Reality show, X’treme Nailz Personal Souvenirs, and Speaking Engagements (as well as X’treme Nailz Radio & Podcast projects).
So, today ladies it’s the “X’treme Nailz Divas Internationals, LLC” turn to kick the door down and challenge the Nail Industry “Status Quo”.
Now here’s the crazy part -55% of the profits that we would have made, would go back to the investors (The X’treme Nailz ladies themselves).
X’treme Nailz International, LLC is going to introduce an amazing Social Gala to the General Public and Nail Fashion Industry (in a way that’s never been seen before). It was originally scheduled to premiere August 2020 (before the COVID19 Pandemic hit)!
What business model does that? Well ladies, I guess it was “to good to be true” for some, because some of the more popular Long Nail Beauties (and I’m sure your familiar with a lot of them) refused to come on board and be a part of this revolutionary concept. Some choose to listen to the NAIL HATERS, others continued to be exploited by men (overseas publishers and FETISH groupies) who only wanted to prostitute their claws, but most just didn’t “Dare 2 be Different” outside of their comfort zone! I could have gotten frustrated and turned over the rights of my business to less invested individuals, to make a quick buck. However, I truly believe in advocating for these ladies. Let’s be clear, this isn’t a get- richquick scheme. The concept of creating a legit X’treme Nailz platform has been a vision of mine, since the 80’s (my military days). But today, thanks to the encouragement of my long-time personal and professional associates, I’m once again fully committed to see this vision develop and thrive. Most people forget where “Plus Size “modeling was 20
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And no, I’m not talking about the Fetish Nail industry or BDSM stuff. X’treme Nailz International is about uplifting and promoting positive imaging of all Long Nail Divas. X’treme Nailz International, LLC is determined to smash those negative stereotypes about these ladies. No longer will they have to endure people saying that they are Sexually Deviate, Gold Diggers, Living in Poverty, Uneducated, Vocationally Deprived or Examples of poor Hygiene practices. Those ignorant assumptions have been major stumbling blocks for our long Nailz Divas and Professional Nail Artists (as far as being respected and/or maximizing their monetary potential in the Nail Game). X’treme Nailz International, LLC wants to ensure those previous obstacles become obsolete! For more information about what we’re doing at X’treme Nailz International please contact;
Jerseys 3 Amigos 1
Ana, La’Rue and Maria are this millennium’s three amigos. Why? If you knew their origin, their struggles, their passions and their impact on everyone they meet, you would know why! Maria Ortiz is both MacGyver and Ringmaster. Few in the Nailz industry can equal Maria for sheer, creative audacity. She can do the things with naked Nailz that Michael Angelo, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Pablo Picasso used to do with raw canvas. Maria
has single handedly turned Newark, New Jersey into the ‘Mecca’ of X’treme Nailz designing. Women come from all over the east coast (and beyond) to savor Maria’s skills. Although her client base has grown in leaps and bounds since the early 2000’s, Maria’s core clientele is made up of roughly thirty dedicated regulars who swear by her (and refuse to go anywhere else). Marie is fearless when she sits at her workstation. If Maria were a super-hero, she would be pinned, ‘Dare Devil–The Women
without Fear’! Just like fingerprints, Maria’s styles are unique and rarely duplicated, unless specifically requested by a client. It could be said that Maria can be responsible for bringing the nail industry out of the dark ages, especially with the acceptance of X’treme Nail Artistic expression. In the past, women had to have their hands hidden because of ridicule and discriminatory tactics. Today’s ‘Long Nail Beauties’ have found a true leader for TREME NAILS MAGAZINE • 25
their cause. When Maria steps into the ‘Nail Octagon’ it is straight submission! Maria is the undisputed, undefeated Heavyweight Champion in the “Nail Game”! When you hear the phrase, ‘Long Nail Beauties’, remember it was Maria Ortiz who coined that term, to describe her customer base. She encourages them to take pride in their unique expressions of self. She demands that they hold their heads up high and love everything about themselves, no matter what their shapes, color, religion, ethnicity, economic status, or length of their claws. Maria is “That Chick” who keeps the ‘Long Nail Beauties’ a force to be reckoned with.
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LaRue Drummond is both fashionista and debutant! No ‘Long Nail Beauty’ can rock the footwear like LaRue Drummond. The term, ‘Shoe Horse’ doesn’t do her any justice. She is the Mad-Hatter of kicks! LaRue finds and rocks the shoes you used to see (back in the day) at Studio 54! She has shoes that sprinkle happy dust when she walks into the room! LaRue struts down the street like she’s on the French Riviera with Tyra Banks and Naomi Campbell. Damn! No one rocks these kinds of colors... Lime green, burnt orange, periwinkle, banana yellow, apricot, metallic red, Wet Beetle Black, Bad Girl P**** Pink, Greenwich Village Erotic Green, Straight Salmon, Do Do Brown and the list goes on and on. Lastly, is it me or is LaRue a reincarnation of LaBelle or a 5’ 4” box of 26 •
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Skittles? Because this Garden State grandmother, takes no prisoners when it comes to fashion. LaRue is that rare individual that can represent whether it is dressy casual or after five avant-garde eveningwear. I genuinely believe that LaRue Drummond missed her calling. If she were to walk the runway during New York Fashion Week …SHE WOULD SHUT THE CITY DOWN! Oh, did I mention she’s a grandmother?
3
Remember Gloria Gaynor’s song “I Will Survive” that became the women’s national anthem of the late 70’s? How about the McFadden and Whitehead’s 80’s hit, “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now”? Some say this jam was the theme of social reform and the Black nationalism movement in this country. If it were possible to put a figurehead behind these and other themes of redemption, survival, struggle and reinvention it would be Ana Otano’s image, hands down! This X’treme Nailz Latina from Brooklyn, New York, is definitely my SHERO! It’s funny, but the first time I saw a picture of Ana I thought she was Black. During that time Ana was on the “Nails So Long” website, where she was represented in a nice Black & White profile picture. It wouldn’t be until we met, that I then realized she was a proud Puerto Rican Diva! it would also be at this meeting that the first link of the ‘3 Amigos’ would be connected. In 2013, an event covered by our podcast called, ‘Long Nail Divas Turn’t up’ was held and where Ana met LaRue Drummond in person. They hit it off immediately! This
connection eventually led Ana to make an appointment with Maria Ortiz to have her nails done and like they say, the rest is history! You see, a lot of the X’treme Nailz Divas here and all over the world know of each other, however, they do not have the vehicle(s) necessary to connect and/or meet on a personal level. This event jumped started that concept and indirectly brought together some of the most recognizable Qweens of Claws on the east coast. I remember Ana being so warm and engaging. With her energy so positive and unassuming, Ana is both proud and humble. She fit right in with the “Sister Girl” setting. She hugged and kissed everyone like she knew us for years! We ate together, took photos, laughed and discussed future get-togethers and opportunities. Fast forward, a week after that event, I began seeing pictures of LaRue Drummond, Maria Ortiz and Ana Otano hanging out together, thus the birth of the 3 Amigos! At 53, Ana has had to surmount numerous obstacles. She is a survivor of sexual abuse, suffered the recent loss of her brother and shortly thereafter, the passing of her mother, on top of numerous medical issues (including open heart surgery). Through it all, Ana remains positive and optimistic and is one of the most gracious X’treme Nailz Divas you will ever meet. This is the Genesis of the 3 Amigos! They are strong, talented, driven, humble, proud, determined, beautiful and PIONEERS!
let me position my hand for a better look Emma Briggs TREME NAILS MAGAZINE • 27
“I fish, I garden, I make my own wigs and I even clean my own chitterlings to where you can see through them, all with THESE girls!!!” (chuckling, as she is referring to her nails) This is the jovial and yet somewhat shy spirit of this X’treme Nail Diva complete with that infamous southern charm!
rowing up about a hundred miles outside of Little Rock, Arkansas in the small town of Camden, Emma stated that she has had long nails as far back as she could remember. A passion, she says that she inherited from her late mother who always kept her nails manicured and polished. Emma realized at an early age that nails were a sign of femininity and she loved it! “My mother was my inspiration! I loved her nails! However, when I was young, I used them as a weapon! See, I was very busty, and the boys always wanted to play, “Hida, Hida BeBop” where the girls would hide and the boys would come looking for you, you know, trying to steal a kiss! I always knew that they would come looking for me because of my breasts. I would wait for them and as soon
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as they find me, I’d scratch them up! (Laughing) Emma and her nails would grow up and later marry, Mark. Working in security, not only is Emma a wife, she is also the mother to one son, the grandmother of six and the great-grandmother to one! When asked how Mark feels about her nails, Emma teased and stated that she and her nails came as a package deal and today, as he did then, he loves and protects them more than she does. Her grandchildren and now her great-grandson have all become accustomed to seeing her eight plus inch X’treme nails, which she wears on her left hand. Her right hand is long as well, just not X’treme, which allows her to complete her daily tasks without the X’tremes getting in the way. Although, she periodically cuts them back at various lengths of growth, Emma has been growing this set of X’tremes for a little over ten years. Like many Divas with X’treme nails, Emma is subjected to the stares, comments, whispers and of course, the QUESTION. She finds that when people see her, they do not know WHAT to say so they blurt out the first thing that comes to mind. One such question caught Emma by surprise, “How do you bathe?”
Having never heard this one before, Emma’s witty response was not only to tell them, but “demonstrate” just how she does it to a round of hoots and hollers! Another time, Emma noticed a woman staring at her while at the fair. Finally, the woman approached her and asked if she could take another picture. Emma did not know that she had even taken the first one! She stated that she doesn’t mind posing for pictures if requested, she just ask that they allow her to position them so that they could get a good shot of all of them! Emma embarrassedly recalls a time when she was faced with the frightening stares from children who loudly compare her to Freddie Kruger. She quickly regained her composure and playfully re-enacted a Freddie Kruger move, of course, when the parents weren’t watching! Recently, Emma had considered cutting her nails because of the public attention and a few blank stares from her younger grandchildren. I, of course, told her “No, girl! Represent that individuality!” She agreed!
odically wearing a necklace her husband made for her of previous nails that she has had cut. Excited about the platform that X’treme Nails International is providing, Emma is like a kid in the candy store and is excited to be a part of this groundbreaking experience of respect, which gives X’treme Nail Divas a voice, and a look into their real lives! She stated that she follows a group on other social media platforms and find that they all are facing the same pros and cons. They have all faced the perverted fetishes from men and the snide comments from women. This platform makes her, and other Divas feel that someone respects them and understands that this is their life, their choices, their individualities to fashion and all she wants is to be accepted for who she is and her preference to sport those X’treme Nails!
Through the COVID-19 pandemic of wearing masks, Emma is still recognized by her nails. There have been cashiers, and others who have stated that they couldn’t tell who she actually was with the mask, but they KNEW those nails! Being the only person in her tiny town with the X’treme nails, Emma is now a town celebrity having her nails featured in the local newspaper. Having experienced the rejections from nail technicians who immediately state that she will not be serviced due to the amount of time or product her nails will need; this even when she is willing to pay the extra to cover those known expenses, now has a nail technician at Lucky Nails who is willing to take care of her Girls! However, Emma, preps, shapes, clean and designs her own nails. She also insists that hygiene is of the utmost and she has a special tool and brush that she uses when cleaning them. With no signature color, Emma sports a variety of colors and designs depending upon her mood of the week. Amongst Emma’s designs is a picture of her late mother that has been encased in her pinky finger which she proudly displays. She can also be seen peri-
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Nora “Cleo” Molina “I would jokingly say to my nieces, “What do you have there? A map?” They would say, “Don’t look at my nails!” I would then say, “Yes, I do look at your nails. Look those maps, either you have them perfect or you remove EVERYTHING! It’s terrible when you can see chipped nail polish from a distance. It’s better to wear nothing at all!” As a woman, I have always strived to teach my nieces to take pride in themselves and their appearances as young ladies. Our nails are a part of that femininity.” 30 •
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s X’Treme Nailz International,LLC continues to make its way around the world providing this platform for X’treme nail divas, we stopped in Hagerstown, MD to speak with Nora “Cleo” Molina. Born on the Southern Coastal Plain of Ponce, Puerto Rico and later raised in the beautiful beach town of Santa Isabel, Nora moved to the mainland in 2003. You see, Nora’s older son was born with a rare blood disease that would give him a short life expectancy and kept him in the hospital for months at a time. Learning that the John Hopkins Hospital, in Baltimore, MD was the best place to treat him, Nora left Puerto Rico and sacrificed everything she loved to care for her baby! In 2004, he would be diagnosed with Leukemia AML, one of the most aggressive forms of blood cancer and the most difficult to cure. By November 2004, he would have a bone marrow transplant and would later spend 2 ½ years in the hospital. Today, he is twenty years old and although he will need a lifetime of post-transplant treatment, he is a sixteen-year cancer survivor and Nora, is a resident of Maryland! Prior to coming to the mainland, Nora was the first nail instructor
in her small town and owned only one of the two salons in Santa Isabel, which she fondly named, Cleopatra and inherited the nickname, Cleo. An avid studier of Cleopatra’s history, Nora’s salon was designed with Egyptian décor in honor of the Queen and her long and short-nailed diva clientele. This love and the love for nails began at an early age. Nora would later say, she was born with the love! Nora stated that her mother who also wore averaged-length and neatly polished nails would have to constantly cut her nails back because they would grow so fast. It would be in high school that she decided to allow her nails to grow, and grow they have!! Although Nora, now retired after devoting over two decades to the nail industry, has cut her X’treme Nailz on occasions, today, after ten years of growth, they are slightly over nine inches long and polished in whatever color or attires Nora is feeling for the week! She states that she doesn’t try to grow them proportionally, she just allows them to grow naturally and at their own pace, creating their own uniqueness.
knows that the cost for her nails may cover the service of two to three clients! One even attempted to charge $100 just to remove her polish! Luckily for her, Nora KNOWS how to maintain her own nails! However, she stated that there are times, like everyone else, that SHE too, just wants to be pampered! “You know, I don’t just WEAR nails, I LOVE my nails, I am a retired nail tech and I love this industry! My nails are an investment and a part of ME! Having being an X’treme nail wearer for over three decades, I understand some of the prices that I have to pay and the amount of time it may take to service them. I have even gone into salons without polish and have been told, “Ummmm, I don’t know…” or,” Your nails take a lot of time…” I think because of the length, they are afraid they may break one or are unsure of what to do. Once, I just wanted one crack repaired and different designs and was told they would have to think about a design (for like a week!) You DON’T need a week to come up with a design, as a technician, you just sit down and you create! After a stressful day, sometimes I just want
to sit on the other side of the nail tech’s table and be pampered!” Today, accustomed to stares and questions, Nora states that the most negative comments or sneers she received have come from other women! Having to get used to this on the mainland, Nora had always serviced and been around the women in Puerto Rico who loved and were wearing the X’treme Nailz. However, Nora, after years of enduring the stares and questioning, even though some comments bothered her, is ready for pretty much anything! Outside of the #1 age old question, “How do you wipe yourself?”, she’s been asked, “Can I buy your nails?”, Secretly asked by men, if she would allow a picture to be taken of them, it’s been implied that her nails are dirty or not real and asked to see the underside of them, and so forth. Finally, there has been a few totally offensive questions that neither of us will afford the courtesy of repeating. Asked if she allows people to take her picture, Nora stated that she does, but only of her hands.
When discussing some of the pros and cons of being an X’treme Nail Diva, Nora stated that she loves her nails because they allow her to express her own individuality. Although, not always readily accepted or eagerly worn by others, she stated that she still has problems when going into salons. One owner even told her she was a liability! Technicians at times, have been reluctant to invest the time or products that they may need to use in order to service her. This, even when Nora TREME NAILS MAGAZINE • 31
It has been known that some would post pictures of X’treme Nail Divas’ nails to fetish websites, making Nora mindful when granting pictures. Nora stated outside of these somewhat and sometimes annoying cons that come from having X’treme Nailz, there are good comments and those that are curious into why or how she has grown them. Nora stated, that through it all, none of this would deter her from sporting her nails! As she stated, they are a part of her, and she LOVES them! “It makes me feel good when my nails are done! It doesn’t matter what you have on, if your hair is done, or your makeup is on, but if my NAILS aren’t done, it’s just like, something is missing. I’m not complete! I wake up every morning and my nails are the first thing I check, making sure they are all still there and intact!” Even though she is retired, Nora continues to maintain her nails herself and will even design her friends’ nails for Christmas or other special occasions. She has even tried to convince some to grow their nails X’treme, although, some have tried, there has been no successes yet! When Nora was asked what she thought about X’Treme Nails International,LLC giving women like her the platform to tell their stories, she immediately expressed her pleasure in being able to be shown as the true woman behind the NAILS. “First, I’ll say that I am glad to be on the ground floor of this platform. I believe that, especially in my world, I think that I’m unique. I think that everybody is going to have a presentation. The platform
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gives the ability for those who wear or desire to wear long nails to come out and say, you know what? This is me! I do this, and this will present me as an individual. Because a lot of people believe that they will be looked at as weird for looking like this. I have a friend that likes long nails. He is male and not gay, but he likes long nails and he must hide this from his family and people from his country because it’s no, no. I mean, that’s talking about a guy, but yeah, you see other X’treme nail wearers, you know, and they’re now being recognized. It’s like, I’m not the only person with nine-inch nails! It’s like going outside and seeing other people who look like you and you all get together and you no longer feel alone, because there’s someone else over there that has twelve-inch nails, someone here has eight inches, you know, and we are all experiencing the same things! That’s the way this platform makes me feel.” Well it’s time to say goodbye, as our journey continues, but not without Nora offering a final word(s) to our readers: “We are not weirdos. Our nails are our way of life! Women love long hair, we love wigs, makeup, shoes, clothes, or anything that give us that feeling of femininity, that feeling of wholeness! Nail divas are no different, NAILS are our expressions of art, of individuality, our passions. There are a lot of us! We are in the music industry with my favorite being Ivy Queen. We are in the comedy, with my favorite being Luenell! We are in all walks of life and we ask that the same way we treat you with your
passions, treat us the same! This is our way of life! I don’t walk up to you with your stylish shoes, makeup or clothing and ask you how do you wipe yourself when you use the bathroom and we deserve that same respect! We are not freaks or sexual fantasies or to call for attention. We don’t feel like we are special, we just like different things. Like you, we are wives, mothers, stylists, fashion trendsetters, bus drivers, lawyers, teachers, etc. We are the same as you with a passion to express what we love, our nails! When you get to know who I am, not my nails, you will find that they are just an extension of who I am! Not who I am!” Well said, my friend.
“Every day that I sit in my chair and provide a service on a client, leaving them happy and satisfied, continues to keep me pushing to do better and become the technician that I am! So, as for who inspires me? I do! I really inspire and push myself to be the best of the best in this nail industry!” —NellyNailz Situated along the shores of Lake Michigan, is Waukegan, an industrial suburb of North Chicago, IL. This would be where X’Treme Nailz caught up with our Diva nail technician, Jonyell “NellyNailz” Daniels. Nelly as she is affectionately called, is plus-sized
model, motivational speaker, educator, survivor, and an entrepreneur who is serious about her craft! As a business owner and the manager of Best Nails, the number one nail salon in Lake County, we wondered how TREME NAILS MAGAZINE • 33
Nelly was managing during this COVID-19 pandemic. Managing the pandemic was not part of her DNA or her thought process. Nelly was on her hustle! She re-invented herself by taking her logo on the road as a mobile technician until it was safe to return to the salon! She traveled to clients’ homes whether it would be down the street or in another state! During the initial shut-down, no one would cater to these clients that wanted or needed services, however, Nelly, masked and gloved, would capitalize on this void for the next five months! You see, Nelly still had bills to pay! “I was staying with my Auntie in her home and my Auntie was extremely cautious about me coming in and out of the house after doing business at client’s homes and rightfully, so. However, I told her, “I still had to pay rent, you still have to be paid, the salon is closed, I don’t receive unemployment, FBA, PPP, or PA, so in order for anything to transpire, I have to get out there and hustle!” Hustle, she did! Nelly would generate close to $10,000 within a few short months. She advertised on all the social media platforms, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Gmail, she would tag and text as well as self-advertisement with her own nails, gaining herself new cliental while maintaining her regulars. She was creating signature designs, glow-in-the-dark designs, long nails, short nails, almond shaped, squared nails, coffin-shaped nails. You name it, she did it! Claiming everything as her specialty, Nelly refuses to pigeon-hole herself into one style. Her clients love her creativity in her designs, but lately, she has been told that her shaping’s have been amazing. “The coffin-shapes are really popping and trending right now. Doctors and lawyers are requesting the almond shapes. I will do any shape and length, even the X’tremes. I come from a time where “Long nails, don’t care” was the saying. You know, you can put a shape or design on ANY nail, but if that nail lifts even a tiny bit and doesn’t last until you see them for their next appointment, or if a fungus is contracted, then none of this will make a difference. I take pride in keeping the nail healthy while my applications are lasting without lifts. THAT’S my REAL specialty and my reputation!” When asked about the pros and cons in the nail industry, Nelly’s response was thought provoking. Having used her own longer length nails as a walking billboard of ad34 •
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vertisement for years, she finds that the stigma for her is reversed. The stigma is being an African American nail technician! Nelly states that the lot of African American clientele do not want to patronage her. They have openly passed her over to cater to the Asian technicians in the salon, even though SHE is the manager! She stated that although it bothers her that the total support is not there, she doesn’t get upset with her colleagues, because like her, they are about making money. “I’m just going to put it out there, I am the ONLY Black technician here in Lake County and NOBODY can touch me! The Asians can’t touch me, and neither can the ‘kitchen’ technicians! I mean, I’m serious! I’m about learning and understanding, I’m about my books! I’m not just a technician, I am about the history of nails. A lot of
technicians are out here to just collect a check or make fast money, NOT ME, THIS is my career! I gave up my CDL license because I was so passionate and dedicated to this business! I mean, this is just what it is! I understand that WE are not used to seeing US in this industry, but I’m changing that!” Nelly is so dedicated to her passion of nails that when asked where she sees herself in ten years, she stated that she didn’t want to be viewed as conceited by speaking into existence that she sees herself as an educator and more. Before the pandemic, she had started teaching up and coming nail technicians at the beauty college on 147th and Calumet. She has been asked to post on Pinterest or conduct live videos on nail applications and designs, but Nelly believes in old fashioned timing. Having been in the industry for close to two decades, receiving numerous awards and becoming well known in the nail industry, Nelly feels that this is HER time now! Therefore, in ten years she envisions herself as a traveling nail technician, not just in the surrounding areas and states, but internationally! “I’m a celebrity nail technician, so it’ll be good anyway, but I want to be internationally known! That’s my goal! I want to go to Paris and do nails while on the phone booking a client in Italy! I already know they’ll be atomic, making my business unforgettable! This is not my bucket list, it’s my dream and I’m not conceited, I’m speaking it into existence! While listening to Nelly, I recalled another instance in her life. Over the last ten years, Nelly has lost over two hundred pounds! In 2009, she was diagnosed with hypothyroid disease. Her weight would explode from 145 lbs. to tipping the scale of 490 lbs. Physicians would later discover a goiter in her chest, measuring the size of a miniature football and it had to be removed. The first incision was unsuccessful, and she would have to have her breastbone cut in half to remove it. This surgery, which left her stitched from ear-to-ear, stapled up her chest and on a ventilator allowed her to lose her first 100 lbs. Not willing to give up, and after stabilizing her hormones, incorporating a balanced diet and exercise, she would reach her current weight and remains focused on achieving her goal weight.
tional is offering in the nail industry, you could hear Nelly screaming with joy that she is able to come aboard on the ground floor of its production! She screamed even louder when she finally realized that part of her DREAM of being known internationally is coming true!!!! That high school basketball player whose nails were constantly popping off, figured that if she watched the technicians long enough to do them herself, went to Sally’s Beauty Supply to purchase products, is NOW the successful nail technician living her dreams. Full of gratitude and suddenly humbled, I asked what she wanted our readers to know about her. “Never give up on your dreams, remain patient. When God says it’s your time, no one can take that from you! I’m grateful, very creative, some have even said that I’m a strong woman. If you take anything from this, know that I am someone you can reach out to and of course, get Nellyfied!” “That’s MY word! You can’t steal it! already have it trademarked! You can have NellyNailz (chuckle) but yeah, Nellyfied that’s mine! So, when I finish your nails, I’ll say, Michelle, you’ve just been Nellified!” Bye Girl! (both laughing)
Nelly can be found in Waukegan, IL • • • •
Nellynailz81 on Instagram Nellynailz Daniels on Facebook Nellynailz81 on Twitter Nellynailz on Snapchat
Excited about the platform that X’treme Nailz Interna-
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Michelle Stackfield
’ve been wearing long and periodically extreme nails for nearly forty years. Raised in a household of all girls, I’ve always been very feminine. This came during a time where it was rare being 6’0” and a size 10-12. The fashion world hadn’t caught up by creating tall sections in the stores to fit my thin frame, so my mother made ALL of my clothes, and society hadn’t been used to women of my height who weren’t either tomboys playing basketball or models. I eventually would participate in both! Basketball because I loved it and modeling because although I loved fashion, I was extremely embarrassed of my height. But, with the encouragement from my mother and basketball coach, I merged my height with my femininity. I grew up the eldest of four girls. All with below-shoulder length-ribbon ponytails, matching dresses, bobby socks and patent leathered Mary Janes. My mother was an equally long-haired, stiletto and bodycon 36 •
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fashion woman. She didn’t wear extreme long nails, but they were always polished with the then popular exposed “moon” and I loved it! So, it is no wonder that I would pursue cosmetology as a trade in high school. My sisters and I were known to braid the entire neighborhood on the steps of our front porch. Upon graduating high school, I obtained my cosmetology license and later achieved my cosmetology teacher’s license. For the next twenty-five years I would go on to become the director of International Beauty School and own Chae’ Silk Hair Designs while also being identified by my then extreme nails. Always, colorful and designed they became a huge part of my expression and creativity which continues to this day. It’s also what would attract my nail clients. In response to “If I had difficulty being a hairstylist with long nails?”, No, my nails were actually a blessing to my business! I maintained and acquired new clientele for the “new” nail craze as we were transcending from the sculpted nails to the fiberglass and the tips with overlays, feathers, diamonds, snakeskin, freehand art and nail piercings which I supplied and wore! My hair appointments were now including “nail” appointments all because of my nails! I eventually sold my salon and decided to try the 9-to-5 world. Due to a personal tragedy, I became a Nationally Certified Homicide Specialist with the Crime Victim/Witness Advocacy where I would work for close to another twenty years in the Criminal Investigation Division. Again, my nails played a part in immediate
calm and conversations. The District Attorneys and judges would look forward to each passing week for new colors and designs. The victims would pass their time admiring or conversating about my nails. And if someone didn’t remember my name, they would ask for “that tall lady with the nails”! Today, I am semi-retired and still wearing my nails. I am a case manager at a shelter for teenage mothers and their babies. Although my nails are LONG but no longer EXTREME, they are STILL a conversation piece amongst the staff and residents. Like other extreme and long nailed divas, I am subjected to the age old questions of, “How do you do anything with your nails that long?”, “Are they real?”, “I bet you don’t work!”, and of course, the ultimate, “How do you wipe yourself?” as if there is any other way! I love my nails and cannot imagine being without them. I have no particular signature color or style, I just wear them in whatever my mood leads me, which is pretty much my personality. Being that I have been in the industry for more than a couple of decades, I am very particular in the quality of my nail maintenance. I don’t believe in shop hopping, but I do believe in quality and customer service. I have a young lady that does my nails and I love her
personality and her work. She’s not afraid of my length and she is always up for a creative challenge! Lately, however, I have been allowing my love to select colors and styles for me. This has been extremely difficult and challenging for me because he enjoys them long and plain, and I’ll admit that he may be on to something! He has always been my main support. He loves my nails and is more cautious with them than I am! LOL….He tells me that they are super sexy and feminine and is an advocate for all of us Extreme Nail Divas! Finally, I am honored to be amongst these amazing Extreme Nail Divas and like my sisters, my nails are an extension of my personality! They are the windows of defiance to the world that tells me that my nails are not part of society’s norm! To that I say, “Why fit in when I can stand out, be happy, and be myself!” TREME NAILS MAGAZINE • 37
LET’S ASK CHELLE... Q1. How long have you been wearing X’treme Nails? A1. I’ve been wearing between “Long” and “X’treme” nails for more than 40 years.
Q2. What has been the most difficult part of having X’treme Nailz?
A2. For me it has been finding a good nail tech.
It takes time working on long or x’treme nails and today’s techs are looking for the quick and easy clients that they can get in and out. Unfortunately, with these techs, you are taking the chance of not having quality service or once they see your nails, they’ll “politely” refuse the service.
Q3. Do You have a signature color or style? A3. I don’t have a signature color as I usually go with whatever my mood is once I arrive at the salon. My style is always “LONG”. I have big hands and with the nails, I love art. Not gaudy, but a classy style of art.
Q4. Is it difficult to be a hairstylist with X’treme Nailz? A4. Today, I have ‘retired’ my irons, but during my time as a stylist, nail tech and instructor, I’ve never had an issue. It was always amazing to my clientele that I WAS able to provide all services while sporting the nails!
Q5. Is it difficult to find a good X’treme Nailz Technician?
A5. It is and I am still looking for the day that I can find an artist the works exclusively with long and x’treme nails!
Q6. What would readers be surprised to know about Michelle?
A6. Hmmmmmm, I am sure that with any question posed to me, the response would be surprising, so ask away! (Laughter) 38 •
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The Nailz Industries Nightmare The Effect of Covid-19 on business owners On March 2020 Covid-19 officially put a choke hold on the Nail Industry! It was well over 120 days before any of the neighborhood salons were able to resume any kind of business. Those that survived solely on that revenue, suffered dearly. Most were temporarily crippled, being forced to take out emergency loans (or tap into savings). Others just focused on their secondary jobs or created new streams of income. Unfortunately, a lot of salon owners lost
COVID-19 Alert for Nail Salon Owners & Employees Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness). It is caused by a virus (SARS-COV-2). It is spread from person to person through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. There is a high risk of COVID-19 infection in nail salons
their businesses altogether being unable to pay salon overhead fees and keep food on their family’s tables. Two income families were able to put their business on hold and make do with just the one income. However, those dependent on cash flow from the salon- Perished! On July 6th most of the country was allowed to reopen their salons- under strict guidelines; However, with the increased costs and a continued drop in profits, salon owners know they have a tough road ahead.
even with safety precautions implemented at those establishments. One of the prime risk factors is the proximity between customers and employees. Salon owners/ employees face a higher risk of infection due to the number of people who enter their establishments. Experts urge consumers to check with their salon about their specific safety precautions before going in. TREME NAILS MAGAZINE • 39
As a nail salon owner/employee, you might come into contact with the virus that causes COVID-19 at your job by: ( Being in close contact with clients or coworkers for more than 15 minutes at a time;
you are handling things that need extra protection, like acetone or other chemicals.
Clean these areas every hour:
( Jobs like manicures, pedicures, and acrylic nails will place you in close contact with clients.
( Countertops, doorknobs, toilets, tables, light switches, phones, faucets, sinks, keyboards, etc.
( Touching or handling items, cash, or merchandise, and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
( Clean credit card devices, foot basins, curing lamps, keypads, etc. between clients ( Follow the directions on the cleaning product’s label.
For owners/employees to protect themselves experts urge them to follow these steps: ( Stay at least 6 feet away from clients and coworkers, when possible. ( Be aware of your fellow employees; take turns using the break room and entering and exiting the building. ( Use markings or signs on the floor to help you practice physical distancing.
( Wash your hands ( Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. You don’t need to wear gloves if you wash your hands regularly (unless they are already required for your job). ( Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol if soap and water aren’t available.
Wash your hands at these key times:
( Use ventilated tables or portable ventilation units, if available. Move the ventilation units so that air does not blow from person to person.
( Before, during, and after preparing food;
( Space apart nail stations, or only use nail stations that are at least 6 feet away from another that is being used.
( After using the toilet;
( If the nail station has a transparent shield between you and the client, stay on the opposite side as much as possible.
( After putting on, touching, or removing cloth face coverings;
( If you can, limit the time that you are close to others.
( Before eating food; ( After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing;
( Before and after work and work breaks, including eating or smoking;
( Wear a cloth face covering in the workplace and in public where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. A cloth face covering does not protect the person wearing it, but it may prevent the spread of virus from the you to others.
( Before and after each client;
( If surgical masks or respirators are usually required for your job, do not substitute for cloth face coverings.
( Cover your coughs and sneezes.
( Wash your hands with soap and water before putting on, touching, or removing your cloth face covering. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol if soap and water aren’t available.
( Throw used tissues in the trash.
( Do not share your cloth face covering with others, unless it has been washed and dried after the last use. ( Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces. ( Use single use tools and supplies (like. powder vials for dipping nails) where possible. For items that must be used for multiple clients, disinfect after each client (such as nail file, clippers). Or follow the rules of your local board of health if you are supposed to use single-use tools. ( Wear gloves appropriate for the products being used. You may need additional personal protective equipment if
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( After handling money or credit cards for transactions. ( Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands. ( Use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
Some nail salons are requiring their employees wear personal protective equipment (PPE). This might include some combination of gloves, a gown or smock, a cloth face covering, and a face shield or goggles. Your employer will train you on the correct way to use PPE. ( Change disposable gloves between each client. ( Wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer after removing gloves. ( Wear a clean smock between each client.
Ana Otano TREME NAILS MAGAZINE • 41
“…. I like being different. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been different, and I like that. Not everyone can have long nails, and the ones that wear the artificial ones still don’t wear them this long. It’s a lot of work and I like proving people wrong. My nails prove to people that things that they think about us are pretty much, ‘myths’…When I am at the doctor’s office, I crochet. I crochet about a mile a minute and I crack up when I see people’s mouths literally drop…This lifestyle is different, it’s like telling someone today that they can’t function because they don’t have nails and then add six to seven inches to their hands. Of course, you can’t do anything because you haven’t grown them out to that length. On the other hand, I have been growing my nails since my son was three years old and he will be thirty-five in September. So, I guess because I’ve had them longer than I have gone without them, I wouldn’t know what to do if they weren’t there. I wouldn’t be able to function…and I have been identified as ‘the girl with the long nails’ way before there was even such thing as social media!” –Ana Otano
rooklyn, NY is the final stop for now as we interview this X’treme Nail Diva. Brooklyn, home to notables, Notorious BIG, Sean “Puffy” Combs, Eddie Murphy, Chris Rock, Matt Damon, Jimmy Fallon, Nia Long, Bernie Sanders, Jay-Z and Spike Lee to name a few, also birthed this beauty, Ana Otano. Shy, yet outspoken, humble, grateful, witty, street-smart, sweet, loving, family oriented, and the life of any party, this diva is a true X’treme Nail enthusiast. She is no stranger to the nail industry and is a pioneer and full supporter to this platform. Ana states that she was conceived to be different as her mother prayed for a daughter. A minister would place his hand on her mother who had prayed for a daughter for her father, and name Ana. He would go on to state before her conception, that she would be a gift. True to his words, Ana arrived in this world on December 24th and was the first baby girl born in Brooklyn’s hospital on that day. As a bonus, a supply of diapers and formula were “gifted” to her parents on Christmas Day. In return, Ana was now called a ‘triple’ blessing by her parents and would be the apple of her father’s eye. However, life, would have other plans for Ana. By the age of eleven, Ana would run away from home and become a child of the streets before being placed in a group home. Although Ana has grown her nails long for over thirty years, she decided after leaving work that she would just let them grow, and today they are over eight inches long. Ana reminisces of her employment at an off-track 42 •
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betting company and later at the gas company where CEOs and dignitaries would come to her area and watch her type. “Our CEO used to come downstairs with dignitaries from other countries and be like, “I don’t know” while handing me a long list and begging. “Please, Ana, type a couple of notes so that they can see that you know how to type!” I’m like, “What are you looking at me for?” He would then offer me a deal and I’ll be “Alright, what do you want me to type?” (laughing) “I used to post pictures of me typing and writing. When I worked, they were at different stages, you know once they were a little over two inches, and at time I was at the gas company, they were about three to five inches. I left work officially in 2012 and have been letting them grow ever since.” We asked Ana what she found to be the pros and cons of being an X’treme Nail Diva, and for Ana, she has had long nails longer than she has been without them and loves the fact that they allow her to be different! She enjoys defying the myths of what people can or cannot do with long nails. Ana stated that before her decline in health, she was able to work on her car! She changed her oil, transmission fluid, and her tires, and did her own tuneups and so forth until her nails had grown to a length that she could not maneuver around under the hood without breaking one. “…Look at me. I have long nails and I can jump, start a car. I’ve jumped so many cars in the winter because their cars would go dead and they don’t understand how, but I could do it! She raised both of her sons and took care of her late mother, all with X’treme nails. She
also stated that she loves her nails and couldn’t imagine not having them, even with the constant attention they tend to generate. Her cons, like many other nail divas, start with the major response: “There is a misconception about who we are. Everyone thinks that we are nasty, not everyone, just the haters! They say we are lazy, and our hygiene is questionable, like we walk around with feces on our hands! The cons are people’s thoughts. You know, Whoopi Goldberg stopped me one time and said, “Girl, I just have to ask” …and before she could finish, I finished for her…. I wipe my ass just fine. She asked me how I knew she was going to ask that, which was hysterical. But my nails have gotten me into places, and I have met people that I never would have met if my nails were short. People are just interested, and they’ll come up to me and talk. I was in Miami and there was someone over there, that ask if they could take my picture. I’m like, really? I wanted to ask them how many Puerto Ricans they’re going to take a picture with, but I didn’t want to scare them away. So, I told them to come on and take it. The next thing you know, I’m on Facebook, all the way in New York, an now I’m the long nail lady. I’m like, Oh, s***! Okay, and then I take it from there. Other than things like
that, I don’t have any cons except we take the basic things for granted, like going to the ATM machine or the gas station where you must use your card for the machine. I fixed that problem; I now use a tweezer! Ana loves pink, so it is no surprise that pretty much everything that she wears is in some shade of pink. Pink shades, purses, suitcases, sneakers, and the go-to color for her nails! It also enticed me to ask who or what inspired her to grow her nails so many years ago. Earlier we mentioned that Ana was a runaway and placed in a group home. Well, it would be one of the staff that took this angry thirteen-year-old Ana under her wings. Gail had long nails, four or five inches long in a time before the acrylics and gels. She used oils to keep them healthy and flexible and caught the attention of Ana. Ana mad, at a world that she felt didn’t care about her, because she was different, a world that allowed her to be molested by a pastor, a world that she felt hated Puerto Ricans, found strength, love and guidance with this woman. “Through this woman and her nails, I was able to come out of my shell. I learned about myself. She talked to me like I was normal. This beautiTREME NAILS MAGAZINE • 43
ty out of their nail appointments. They would be up all night chatting it up, eating and having their nails done. Ana stated that she couldn’t get the proper service in Brooklyn as people were just doing her nails for the extra money, they were charging her, whereas Maria was doing what she loved to do. “She didn’t just do my nails and I would leave; it would be a total of four of us. We would get together, and we would cook from our homes and have a meal and hang on a pajama party. It would be a nice weekend thing. It wasn’t just, she’s our tech, she’s also a good friend. That’s the good thing. She knows I have my illnesses, so she knows if I checked my sugar, and my sugar is too low, she’ll know what to do. If I check it and it’s too high, she’ll know how to give me insulin, and the girls that I hang out with, we all know how to take care of each other. We look out for each other.
ful Black woman with an afro, taught me that it was okay to be different. She told me that she was going to love me until I learned that I was valuable. To this day, I still admire her, because I never would have finished school or be where I am today. I lost touch with her over the years and after forty-two years, I found her on Facebook, and we did Facetime. We were both crying, and she says, “Oh my God, you look exactly the same, but ten times more beautiful than I had expected. You were always my favorite, and you always will be. You have an awesome smile, but now you’re smiling on the inside!” I found out later that she was an ordained minister and I believe that God sent her to me in one of my darkest times, because I had been through and seen so many things by the time that I was thirteen that some adults would never see in a lifetime!” Gail would not be the only angel placed in Ana’s life. After years of discouragement at the nail salons which substandard service and rush appointments, she would meet the ultimate X’treme nail technician on the eastern coast, Maria Ortiz. Maria became like family to Ana. Ana would drive from Brooklyn to Newark, New Jersey and return on Sundays, where she and a few other X’treme divas would have a pajama par44 •
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Ana who suffered a heart attack in July of 2018 and has also been diagnosed with diabetes was informed over the Christmas holiday to enjoy her family with may have been her last celebration with them. Her stints, place in her heart had failed and she was now having open heart surgery and her prognosis was grim. She celebrated and prepared her family before having surgery in January. “My immune system is so compromised that if somebody coughs, it could be detrimental to my health. They had to create all my arteries. My doctor calls me his miracle. He doesn’t know how I survived with all the blockage. When I went for my surgery, the people that were there were the people that I needed. And when I woke up the people that were there were the people that I needed, so I was okay. I did flat-lined during surgery, and they had to literally put my heart in their hand and massage it to get it to pump. But I survived. I’m a survivor and I’m a happy survivor! Because my doctors know that my nails are a lifestyle, they made sure that I was treated gently so that they wouldn’t break, however, when they rolled me, two were caught under me and broke. They placed them in a bag and immediately informed me when I was awake enough to speak. (Laughing) Through all of this Ana lost two of her brothers, one through COVID-19 and her mother who was her best friend. Ana is grateful for another chance at life. She’s found love again. The two met online in September and have
been together ever since. He’s tall, a biker with tattoos, and long black hair, but he’s her teddy bear and he dotes on her as evident during our interview. Her mother got a chance to meet him shortly, before her death and he received her stamp of approval. We asked Ana what she wanted our readers to know about you and she simply said, “Although, I have long nails and am known for them, there is so much more to me than my nails. There is so much to US! We are smart, were our lawyers, business owners, mothers, we learn to standout because we are enough. If people would just take the time to understand that our nails are a part of us. Yes. They are just an extension, like lashes. They are not WHO we are. We’ve had them, some of us for decades and we’re known by our nails. It’s a blessing that I’m still here and I feel like I have soooo much more to do! Right now, I’m taking things in stride, because evidently, it’s not my time! Yes, I have illnesses, but that doesn’t mean that I am sick. I’ve had open heart surgery and I am diabetic and that’s just another part of me! Ana was asked about doing a reality show. Ana, being who she is, stated that she wished them all of the luck, but she declined. “I have too much junk in my life and I don’t want some of that stuff to come out, because you know, they may try to come for me, and I’ll have to tell them about themselves. I have Jesus in my life now and am trying to keep Him there! As she continues to rehab, she still checks on her diva sisters around the world. Some are on dialysis, some have cancer, some are waiting on transplants and like her some are in various stages of heart failure. She reminds us to not be so eager to rush to criticize just because their nails are long,
as you have no idea what is going on behind the polish. Their nails are their expressions, like hair, clothing and so forth, sound familiar? These ladies were asked at one point before a show to have their nails tested for fecal matter. (Is that something that everyone is requested to do, or just the long-nailed divas) twelve girls were tested…and NOT ONE came back positive! They did this to prove a point, these ladies are not dirty, and those that tested them couldn’t believe it! Why not? Most X’treme divas are OCD. They understand that anything under their nails can cause either a form of fungus or some type of infection. “I’ve been sick, and I can’t afford anything that will cause me to go back to the hospital. I’m not dwelling on it; I just have to do what I feel is best for me and my health.” Ana came across a memory sent to her by her late brother not long before his death of an embolism, and it put everything in perspective for her. “…I want you to stop taking care of everybody else and take a bit of time to take care of you. I need you to take care of you because I need you here for a long time.” As Ana stated after reading this to me, “It gave me chills, I just started crying because I keep getting these little messages to remind me that it’s okay to be. You know sometimes we just need that reminder, especially when were just who we are! I am just glad that my angels continue to watch over me!” As your friends have said and I concur, “You are not meant to stand, you are meant to shine. You are not meant to blend in; you are meant to stand out!” You are not meant to be a part of everyone else, because you do not LOOK like them. You are DIFFERENT for a reason and this is YOUR story! Continued blessings, my friend!
“…Some things just take time. I mean the Bible says: “Write the vision and make it plain upon the tables that he that readeth will run and not tarry for the appointed time.” So sometimes the visions that God gives us to do are not for the “right now”, but for an appointed time. It’s also why he tells us to write it down, so that we don’t forget. You know? So, every vision is not to run at that point. It is for an appointed time, and that appointed time could take ten or twelve years, and then you bring out that note and you remember, wow, God gave me this vision ten or fifteen years ago, and you finally get around to doing it! I think with this pandemic, most people are being more creative and sitting down and really looking at that list of things that need to be done….‘that vision on the table’!”-Hope Flood
HOPE FLOOD is still one of
the most “Keeping it Real” Comediennes on the Laff circuit today. Her appeal is universal due to her everyday life experiences that she jokes about, having audiences thirsting for more. A God-fearing mother, 46 •
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“Grandtee”, comedienne, actress, philanthropist, business woman, publisher of the first nationally distributed comedy magazine, “Comedy, the Magazine”, on air personality, and Founder/CEO of “The Comics Rock” convention, Hope has been in the
industry for close to three decades and has produced weekly showcases that helped launch the careers of many successful comedians like Jamie Foxx and Chris Tucker just to name a few. She has also been featured in the best-selling comedy book, “Snaps”, “Why We Laugh”, “Comediennes Laugh, be a Lady” and has headlined comedy clubs and colleges all over the world. A semi-finalist in the “Old English 800” women’s comedy crunch and a two-time semi-finalist in the “Black Bay Area Comedy Competition” are just some of the accomplishments of this multi-talented artist. Her talent has taken her to over fourteen countries and all fifty states.
After years of being on the road in 2004, she relocated to Dallas, TX, to try her talent on the radio as a sidekick on, “BJ in the Morning” on 105.7 KRNB (Hope was handpicked by BJ Murphy, the top morning show DJ in Charlotte, NC for thirteen years in a row). Hope took the “Bible-belt” by surprise with her “out of the box” style of jokes and unconventional views, and the ratings went from .09 to 2.4 in less than two years, making radio history! After appearances on Russell Simmon’s, “All-Star Def Comedy Jam”, and ten seasons on BET’s “Comicview”, where she won her own one hour, “Grandstand Comedy Jam Special”, Hope was picked as one of BET’s 39 most favorite comedians. Having appeared on Comedy Central’s “Comic Groove”, hosted by Tracey Morgan, and the late night series, “Comics Unleashed” with Byron Allen, Hope, was one of only two comediennes in the country picked for the 2009, “Martin Lawrence presents: The First Amendment Stand-Up” on the Starz Network. Hope is no stranger to the stage or the big screen having performed in such plays as the NAACP nominated play, ”Culture Shock”, “Ken Sagoes & Friends Variety Show”, not to mention being featured in John Singleton’s, “Baby Boy.” Even with her rising stardom she will never allow success to prevent her from reaching back. She is involved with several non-profit organizations such as: SOY-Saving Our Youth (saveouryouthok.org), City Lites Network (citylitesnetwork. org), IBWC-International Black Women’s Coalition to name a few. With all of Hope’s accolades and accomplish-
ments, X’treme Nailz International is honored that she was willing to take time out of her busy schedule to have a “sunrise” chat. Yes, it was that early on the westcoast! It is 6:00 am (PST) and Hope is up and ready for her interview. I, on the other hand, was off from work, imagining the beauty of sleeping in on this Monday morning. However, I was not going to miss this opportunity to speak with one of my favorite female comediennes! During our conversation, I discovered, and not to my surprise, that this young lady is more than “laughter!” Originally from Benton Harbor, Michigan, Hope at the age of six, would move with her mother to Los Angeles, CA, and that is where she’s been by way of Inglewood, CA, as Hope says, “Always up to no good!” Having been in the industry for nearly three decades, Hope shared that she knew this would be her calling at the tender age of five. She would perform in all the Easter speeches in her hometown and at fellow comedian, Sinbad’s father’s church. A true Cancerian, Hope loves attention, so it was no secret that she was bitten by the entertainment bug early in life. She would go on to star in all the school plays, talent shows and later in high productions like, Bye, Bye Birdie, Westside Story and so forth. Having always been on stage, wanting that limelight, Hope accepted this calling and there would be nothing stopping her! In 1986, Hope would watch a new and upcoming comedienne, Whoppi Goldberg perform her one-woman act. As she watched
her portray five different characters drawing laughter from the crowd, Hope knew this was it! “Goldberg really inspired me because I had never seen anyone like that on television before. I had never seen a Black woman with that range of talent, doing what she did. I said, “Oh...my…gosh! She’s beautiful, she’s amazing, and she’s brilliant, and I WANT THAT!” She really, really inspired me and when I met her, I told her this as well. She was so blown away by it.” However, as Hope followed her dream, and although the road had already been paved by veterans and icons like Moms Mabley (the first female stand-up comedienne during a time of racism and sexual innuendo), Phyllis Diller, Mitzi Shore (Founder and owner of famed Los Angeles Comedy Store), Joan Rivers, and of course, Whoppi Goldberg (the groundbreaking comedian, who won an award for her portrayal of the first African American stand-up comic, Moms Mabley, and who went on to be the second Black woman to win an Oscar), and others before her, Hope would soon discover that it would be a rough world out there for female comediennes, but she had a calling and a determination to make it, regardless. “….the industry really embraces us now, you know, a lot more so than they were back when I started comedy. I feel like that if I were a man, I might be a lot further or something like that, but you know, it is what it is and we just keep pushing and fighting for our place in this business. Our voices are important because at a lot of the shows there are about 90% women in the audience, so they TREME NAILS MAGAZINE • 47
need to hear our voices and our point of view on things. We are always pushing to be on shows and to have our say. Shout out to Mo’Nique and for the fight and all of the things that she is doing to help bring things to the forefront.” As I sat back and listened to Hope, I was able to feel, appreciate and understand the humble, observant and somewhat dark side of comedy. Coming from a family full of laughter even during tragedies, comediennes also use this platform to humorize current events, politics and politicians, poverty, observations, and so forth. They give us the ability to laugh at ourselves and each other. But, when the curtain goes down and we all go home, those that have given us their all to make our sides aches and memories of jokes that we will definitely be repeating, are very serious, and in tuned to everything around them. “In reality, I am a really serious person. Actually, most comedians are. It’s an oxymoron. We are some of the most intelligent people in the world and some of the most serious. Nobody makes us laugh harder than other comedians sometimes, but we have the gift of making the world laugh. I know this sounds crazy, but it’s just who we are. It’s just the way it is! It’s our job as comedians is to find the ‘funny’ in every situation, no matter what it is, and a lot of us do it well. It stops people from thinking, people go to comedy clubs, just like people go to church, they go to laugh, and they go to escape, you know? I tell comedians all the time, we are ministers of laughter and it’s our job to make people feel better for the time that they’re there. That’s our job!” I sat back and with a fresh cup of coffee, I absorb those words and let them 48 •
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swirl around in my soul, before moving on for a little “girlie talk.” As we sat down and talked about nails and the nail industry, I found that Hope has been wearing nails since she went to the prom in 1984, and like most of us nail divas, she decided to remove hers when the nail salons closed due to the pandemic. “I thought I had lost ALL of my ten fingers! I was like, Oh, my God! I didn’t want anyone to see my hands! It was horrible! Then I saw someone with their nails freshly done and it was like the Underground Railroad, “Girrrrl, where you get your nails done at?” As she told me, I was like, Oh, my God! I inboxed the lady and went and had them done when she opened back up. Now they are closed again, but I got my nails done and I have her number now, so I can call her when I need her. I am back wearing my nails, and I love it! I love nails, I love wearing colors. I don’t do the rhinestones or anything like that anymore, because I got tired of all of that stuff falling off. I just wear colorful ones. Glittery ones, so that they can just POP good when I’m on stage. My nails are a part of my grooming!” “When women say that they asked men for money to have their nails done, this would never be me, because I feel that it’s part of my grooming, just like taking a shower or having my hair done. You know, like buying clothes and shoes, but the shoes? I have at least five, six, seven hundred of them, so yeah, they are a part of my grooming!” Seven hundred shoes? A woman after my own heart! Hope even tries to make sure that she matches her nails to her outfits. At the time of this article she was going all out for the Fourth of July.
She had decided to show her patriotism and but opted for the red, black and green in honor of solidarity to our ancestors from the Motherland. Afterwards, Hope had an epiphany. “I felt like we ARE Americans and our ancestors built this country. I’m not going to let the colonizers take that away from us. We ARE red, white, and blue. We ARE Americans and this was our ancestors, blood, sweat, and tears who built this country by hand from scratch, and I’m not going to let them take that away from us. So, the red, black, and green is great, but we are Americans, and we celebrate the red, white and blue as well, maybe not Independence Day, but we ARE Americans. And that, that’s just what it is.” Not one to judge or be judged, Hope is an out of the box thinker, an innovator, a trendsetter. She is not that person to give an opinion on how long or short you should wear your nails, or if you should or should not wear the flashy art or subtle colors. That’s just not her lane. Hope is that person that tells you to go for it, do your thing. To each its own! “I think that people need to stop with all of this, putting people in boxes, labeling and so forth. Allow people to be who they are and express themselves through their nails, hair, clothes, makeup or whatever they want to do that makes them feel good.” As an advocate for X’treme Nails International’s platform, Hope feels that this will allow those that choose to wear the X’treme nails the ability to be seen and known for something besides their nails. “I think it’s a great platform. It’s something that’s really never been done be-
fore. It’s innovative and it’s new. It’s real. I’ve been friends with Jonathan for a while now. He supports my comedy conventions that I do every year for up and coming comedians, so I’m down with him and I am honored that he has allowed me to be a part of this. It’s been a long time coming, you know, so I’m glad to be in this issue.” As we continued to talk, we mentioned another nail diva, Hope’s best friend and fellow comedienne, Luenell, Like Hope, Luenell, thinks outside of the box and can be seen on stage sporting long nails and extravagant nail art. Hope states that she loves Luenell’s nails and people love her as well as they stop her just to see them. Hope laughs as she thinks of the times that Luenell asks her to meet at the nail salon. Hope says that she tells Luenell that she’ll be there in three hours because she knows that this about the amount of time it takes for Luenell to have her nails done and she’ll still be there when she gets there! “Yeah. When I go, I go once a month, it depends on what I’ve got to do. I’ll go and I get everything done. I get my nails done, face threaded, toes done, lashes on. Everything. I stay in there for a couple of hours and just get everything done at one time.” Hope then says when she and Luenell tour together, Hope always makes sure that her nails are nice with the glitter and so forth, but Luenell, she goes all out, and they both love it! As we were bringing this interview to a close, I asked Hope to leave us with a little wisdom. A little Hope! “A little, wisdom. Oh God. A little wisdom. You know, in 1989, when I decided to do comedy. My mother, I’m not going
to say she was strict, but she was very adamant on me being my own independent woman you know. Anyway, I look back on when I told her that I was going to be a comedian (I had my son already in 86, I’m single, and a young mom), she said, “What is that? That ain’t no job!. What are you talking about? You’ve got a baby, go and get you a skill and find you a job or something like that.” Looking back at it, I was like, no wonder she freaked out! I would have freaked out back then as well, because there weren’t that many females, black female comedians doing it. Years later, when I was able to pay her rent, bills and things like that, she told me to keep throwing things up against the wall and something’s going to stick! She transitioned in 2004 at 56 years old. I gained her strength, her fearlessness, her discipline, her commitment and her integrity. All of those things made me who I am today. I was able to raise my son by myself and was able to keep him off drugs, away from gangs, and out of jail. He’s a good person, and he loves his mom. We have been able to create a business together, so I just want to say don’t give up on your dreams, and don’t’ worry, everything has its appointed time. Don’t give up, keep creating, keep being fearless and stay relevant. Stay out there. I have thirty years in this game and people always say, I’ve been following you for years, or did you fall off? I’ve been here, just exploring other opportunities. I’ve been doing radio. You know, I did a magazine, a comedy convention, cannabis business. I have my own lip glitter, a hat line. I’m always creating, and I’m not afraid to fail and I’m not afraid to succeed. I’m not afraid to work hard, get up early in the morning and do what I need to do.
I just keep moving. Sometimes, people get stagnant and we can’t let this time get us depressed and sad and thinking, it’s the end of the world. You know, it might be, but hell it might not be for another fifteen, twenty years. So, you’re going to give up now and haven’t planted any seeds, you know? If I could say anything to people, just keep moving, don’t stop. Don’t worry about it. Don’t look to the left. Don’t look to the right. Just keep moving! This pandemic has a lot of people second guessing life, but we’ll get there. Just like anything else we’ll get there. We are a resilient people, especially Black people. We’ve been through a lot. I live in LA, I live in downtown LA and we have a huge homeless community and it’s really sad to see it. I don’t know what they know, but they are not social distancing. They’re not wearing masks or anything. They feel like if they can sleep on concrete for ten or fifteen years, this is a cakewalk. They are just out there doing them. I know what I have to do. People are creatures of habit like that. Some are like me, explorers and love a new adventure to learn and do new things, there are people who work a job and those that are self- employed. When you have all kinds of people doing their own thing, that’s what makes the world go round, and life beautiful and worth living. That’s why I live outside of the box, I can do anything I want to do in the land of the free, and, we should. We should all take advantage of that. A woman in complete control is the best way to describe her. When it comes to style, class and talent, she is definitely in a league of her own giving it all to make her HOPE a reality! TREME NAILS MAGAZINE • 49
Dolly Parton is a cultural icon whose powerful voice and songwriting skills established her as a presence on both the country and pop music charts for decades (along with those signature long red nails that, always grabbed the public’s attention). At 74 years young, she is still stunning, still relevant, and still performing! Yes, Dolly Parton is the first X’treme Nailz Avenger, but before I digress let’s take a look at the life of this living legend.
credit: NETFLIX
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Dolly Rebecca Parton was born on January 19, 1946, in a oneroom cabin on the banks of the Little Pigeon River in Pittman Center, Tennessee. Growing up poor in rural Appalachia, as the fourth of twelve children, money was always an issue for her family. Dolly’s father, Robert Lee Patton, Sr., was a sharecropper and later tended his own tobacco farm. Dolly’s mother Avie, was a homemaker. According to Dolly’s website, her mother always had a way
of knowing when her children needed extra attention and how to make them feel special. Dolly wrote a song, ‘Coat of Many Colors’ a memory of her mother sewing a patchwork coat when they couldn’t afford anything else. Another song, ‘Little Tiny Tassletop’ was written at an early age when Dolly couldn’t read or write by her mother and was later given to her. Dolly’s first introduction to music would be through her family. Her mother sang and played the guitar and Dolly was further exposed to music while performing at church. Initially, this future country music icon and actress found success with country star, Porter Wagoner before embarking on a solo career marked by hit songs like, ‘Joshua,’ ‘Jolene,’ ‘The Bargain Store,’ ‘I Will Always Love You,’ ‘Here You Come Again,’ ‘9 to 5’ and ‘Islands in the Stream,’ among many others. A highly skilled singer/songwriter known for thoughtful narratives and dis-
HERE ARE A FEW MORE DOLLY PARTON FUN FACTS: ZODIAC SIGN Capricorn PLACE OF BIRTH Pittman Center, Tennessee BIRTH DATE January 19, 1946 (age 74)
tinctive vocals, Dolly has won many major awards and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999. She has also starred in films like 9 to 5 and Steel Magnolias and opened her highly successful, Dollywood theme park in 1986. Over the years, Dolly has continued to work as an actress in an array of films and television projects that include Rhinestone (1984), Straight Talk (1992), Unlikely Angel (1996), Frank McKlusky, C.I. (2002) and Joyful Noise (2012). She also hosted her own variety show in both 1976 and 1987-88. At the 50th Annual Country Music Association Awards in 2016, Parton was honored as the recipient of the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. In 1992 her song, “I Will Always Love You” (which a lot of people didn’t know Dolly wrote) was recorded by Whitney Houston for the film, The Bodyguard. Houston’s version catapulted Dolly’s song into a new stratosphere of popularity, with the single sitting
DID YOU KNOW? Dolly Parton wrote her hits “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You” on the same day. DID YOU KNOW? The world’s first cloned sheep was named after Dolly Parton in 1996. Dolly has been married to her husband, Carl Dean for 54 years (since 1966) and they have no children DID YOU KNOW? Dolly is known for having undergone considerable plastic surgery on her breasts, face and tummy.
DID YOU KNOW? Dolly Parton has been an active supporter of X’treme Nailz and has stated on numerous occasions that she feels “naked without her wigs and nails”.
atop the pop charts for fourteen weeks and becoming one of the bestselling singles of all time. During an interview with Anderson Cooper, Dolly stated, “When Whitney did it, I got all the money for the publishing and for the writing, and I bought a lot of cheap wigs.” in the typically classic Dolly response, when asked how she spent her royalties from the song.
num certifications for some of her songs, Dolly was to be honored with the Governors’ Award at the 32nd Midsouth Regional Emmy Awards. Additionally, she was recognized in the Guinness World Records 2018 edition for her accomplishments of most decades with a Top 20 hit on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart (six) and most hits on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart by a female artist (107). Having already been honored by the Grammys with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011, Parton received yet another tribute during the February 2019 awards show, with artists, Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, and Kaki Musgraves joining her on stage to sing a medley of her hits. Later that year, Dolly joined a televised special to celebrate her 50th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry…and in case you’re wondering, yes, she’s still rocking those iconic Candy Apple Red Claws!
In 2006, Parton received special recognition for her lifetime contributions to the arts as one of five artists feted at the annual Kennedy Center Honors. She also picked up a second Academy Award nomination for the song “Travelin’ Thru,” which appeared on the soundtrack for 2005’s Transamerica. In early 2018, just before the music icon’s 72nd birthday, a Sony Music press release revealed that she was still setting records and sweeping up accolades. Along with receiving gold and plati-
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Luxury Nail Bar t’s that time! As a true nail diva, today is the day that I take time out of my schedule to love on me! What do I do? I head over to Soak and Polish Luxury Nail Bar for my bi-weekly nail appointment! Located in Midtown-Atlanta, this Black-owned and operated nail spa screams ‘Diva-tude’! Offering an array of manicure, pedicure, SNS, Gel and Acrylic nail services, Soak and Polish is also known for their unique signature pedicures! Pedicures with names such as: Citrus Mojito, Red Velvet Rose, Cal52 •
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lous Cosmopolitan, Classic Cosmopolitan, Cucumber Martini, Classic Manhattan, White Russian and more! By the way, it’s not just the names that makes them signature, they use actual fresh ingredients basking your legs and feet with their sweet aromas! Just imagine relaxing with a glass of wine, swaying to the sultry sounds of R&B music being pumped into the air, your legs covered in fresh rose petals or freshly sliced oranges, cucumbers, limes, etc along with cinnamon sticks, milk, gels, and other
floral potpourri ingredients floating around your feet! Not to mention that these signature pedicures also include sugar scrubs and masks for that smooth and exfoliated feel! If your imagination is going wild just envisioning this ambiance and aroma aphrodisiac, just wait until you actually experience it! Immaculate, posh-designed and very professional, this salon exudes comfort in knowing that YOUR best interests and desires were in mind when this salon was being designed.
With rules regarding your appointment scheduling, this allows minimum to no wait period upon arrival, and no extra guests (unless they are being serviced) are allowed, this is YOUR time! The spa keeps client profile cards on file documenting all your previous services, likes and dislikes, which nail technician you prefer, etc. There is a receptionist, who greets you upon arrival, displaying the true meaning of customer service, and of course, your nail technician who dotes on you from the time you sit at her station
until you are complete (mine is Aaliyah, who keeps my nails tight)! This nail spa was designed to deliver its clientele a total pampering spa experience! So, the next time you are in the Atlanta area and are in the mood to love on yourself, check out Taj Diallo and her team of amazing technicians, bring a friend or two for that perfect Girls’ Spa Day or your Love for that couples pampering time! While you’re at it, don’t forget to tell them that Michelle sent you by! Enjoy!
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y name is Lena Cole, and I have been growing my nails for over 35 years. I was a chronic nail bitter and I have always a d m i r e d women with long nails and wanted to break my nail biting habit. True story, one day I decided to make an attempt to stop biting my nails. It was very hard after several attempts. I figured that if I could just let one nail grow, which was my right thumb nail, I could still satisfy myself by biting the other nine. This worked for me! That thumb nail, to my amazement, was really growing out. Someone suggested I start going to a nail salon to protect the nail by putting an acrylic overlay over it. By doing this, that thumb nail started growing out of control. I was so impressed and decided to stop biting the rest of my nails and as they say, the rest is history. Dating was not an issue when it came to my extremely long nails and the love of my life, my beloved husband of 20 years fell in love with me and my nails and was my biggest fan and supporter. My husband, John Cole may he rest in peace, is no longer with us. He passed away November 1, 2016. He was very instrumental in making me feel special and excepting myself as someone who is special and unique in my own way. He taught me to always believe in myself and to be true to myself. My nails are the identity of who I am. Someone who is not afraid to express myself by showing the art and beauty of my nails. My nails have exposed me to meeting very interesting people. I’ve traveled and appeared on national television shows and in international newspapers. I’ve been interviewed for magazines and radio and posed for professional photo shoots of my nails. I want to be an inspiration to women all over the world. Ladies, stand up and express who you are, no matter how extreme it may be! Be proud and hold your head up and say to the world, “THIS IS ME AND EXCEPT ME FOR WHO I AM!” —Lena Cole
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“…Oh, I say wear that s***! Don’t be embarrassed! I’m all about attention. So, Ladies, wear your nails! Don’t even worry about the negative attention! As a matter of fact, try to attract attention! I don’t shy away from it. Attention is for the person that needs or wants to be in the forefront, making a statement. No one should ever have to justify WHY they chose to wear their nails at any length that they desire! This is no different than Paul Stanley from KISS or being Keith Urban, you’ll just be known for something else!”
ygerr Recchia, currently has taken a hiatus from X’treme nails to enter the world of Court Reporting and Captioning. Her main focus, however, is on the “Captioning” part of her curriculum. Tygerr’s objective after school, is to create subtitles for television, you know, the ones you see when you press the CC option on your television screen for the hearing impaired? Yes, the “Close Caption” option” and, she will be translating in French! Tygerr, who speaks not only
French, but Greek, Japanese and is now learning Turkish, wants to give back to the world that ended up being so giving to her, although for Tygerr, life did not start out that way!
Tygerr (pronounced: Tiger), yes, that is her real name was born in Birmingham, a metropolitan borough in the West Midlands of England, and the second largest city in the United Kingdom. “Yes, Tygerr, is my real name! In the nineties I caught hell with Tiger Woods being on the scene and everyone thought that I was trying to be like him! Every single person in my life has given me s*** about it! Besides the fact that I’m older than him, THIS is my birth name and Tiger’s nickname! S***, I have the birth certificate to prove it!” Now, with jazz being popular in the United Kingdom since the 1920s, there are many regular festivals such as the Harmonic Festival, the TREME NAILS MAGAZINE • 55
Mostly Jazz Festival and the annual International Jazz Festival. Not only is jazz a musical highlight in England, it is also where the pioneers of heavy metal were formed or resided. Other popular bands, Duran Duran, Fine Young Cannibals and musicians, Jeff Lynne and Ozzy Osborne to name a few, all grew up in the city, so it is no wonder we found our future rock star and nail diva amongst this crew of legends! After her birth, Tygerr was placed in a foster home where she stated that she was literally being starved to death (this was evident by her weight). At four months old and only weighing 8lb, 6oz (Tygerr weighed 8lb, 1oz at birth) this bright red-haired, golden-eyed baby girl who’s birth grandfather named Tygerr, because he stated that she looked like a big ole cat with long nails, would be flown to NY to be adopted, making the United States her new home!!! “I have no idea how I ended up in Washington state and hell, neither does anyone else! That was July 1969! What can you say?” (laughing) Tygerr’s story doesn’t end there, because as soon as she was old enough to travel, she left Washington and didn’t come back for a long time. Tygerr received her first gig as a hand model for Revlon cosmetics. However, she would make her first professional debut on the world stage with Alice Cooper! Yes, THAT Alice Cooper! She goes on to tour with David Lee Roth and later with the band Stryper before landing another gig. This one would be on a cruise ship. “I was on a cruise ship for what was supposed to be for four months. This gig turned into two years! Yeah, that was like the best education any eighteen-year-old kid could have ever had! I started out in the Caribbean and ended in the Mediterranean! Wow, yeah, I have had the best life anyone could have ever had!”
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Tygerr was eighteen when she started performing professionally on the cruise ships and also when her nails were really her primary focus for her career. During this period, Tygerr and her agent were trying to develop her look. So, by the age of twenty, Tygerr’s name and her new look were trademarked making the whole makeup, the hair, the nails, EVERYTHING that made Tygerr recognizable trademarked! “It took a bit to figure out what I was going to look like, you know the name was there, but what I was going to look like to portray the name was not. Once we did it, it was done! To this day, no one has ever looked like me, they can’t because I’m trademarked, and I did that’s *** a long, long time ago!” Trademarked in 1989, Tygerr’s nails have been various lengths and shapes throughout her career. This would also depend upon what she was doing. As a singer, it didn’t matter how long they were. However, she would later cut them back slightly, when she worked with the World Champion Archer, Bob Markworth. As Markworth’s beautiful assistant, Tygerr would pull arrows and deal with the tackle and the gear making her long nails difficult to maintain. For fifteen years and to six of the seven world continents, Tygerr would travel with Markworth as his assistant! They have literally been EVERYWHERE! “We performed for everyone! We’ve been on television, we’ve done live shows, we’ve performed for royalty, we performed for the Monkeys! Now that was a funny story! The Monkeys were in the audience in Sydney, Australia and of course, we didn’t know this. They came backstage, and I just lost it! It was Davy Jones, Micky Dolenz and Peter Tork. At twenty-two and like most girls of that time, I was a huge Davy Jones fan. I was like, that’s f****ng Davy Jones! He’s gorgeous and not that tall, around 5’3”, so around my height. Anyway, he says, “Oh darling (British accent), we loved your show,
can I give you a kiss? I say, “Oh, just like Marsha Brady!” The entire room and him, cracks up laughing and now I’m totally embarrassed that I had just ‘fanned’ out on Davy Jones with a Marsha Brady comment! He was so gracious and gave me a hug and a kiss. He said it happened to him all of the time and I was sure that it did!” (Laughing) He was lovely! They gave us tickets and we rocked out to the Monkeys! They came to the bar with us afterwards and we sang and had a great time! Yeah, Bob and I did some fantastic things together! We traveled to fifty-six countries over six continents! I literally saw the entire globe with this man! I was in Penthouse, National Enquirer, and People Magazine three times because of him and a lot of my career success is because Bobby allowed me to expand and grow. He has had many partners, but I thank him for the time I had with him!” Along with Bob Markworth, Tygerr gives credit to her adoptive parents as well. She stated that she is extremely fortunate to have been adopted by them. Her father transitioned from this life two years ago, followed by her mother just a few short months ago and Tygerr is grateful to them both for choosing her. “I miss my dad terribly. My mom, you know, it’s so new yet. I haven’t quite gotten there yet. I haven’t had time to process it, but I love them both so very, very much. My parents literally saved me from death! I owe them everything! They afforded me a life that I would never have had had they not adopted me! I was literally being starved to death in my foster home, and these two people saved me! They took pity on me, I don’t know why they did, but they did and gave me a beautiful life! I owe them everything!” Tygerr has met some of her biological family when she returned to England years later and has a
good relationship with them. However, she has not met her birth mother and feels no animosity as the circumstances behind her adoption are what they are. Like other nail divas, Tygerr finds herself coming under siege with questions regarding her nails. She states that she has had people come up to her and once again ask that same question that her sister divas are facing….” How do you wipe yourself?” Unfortunately, they have come face-to-face with a ‘Tygerr” who not only politely answers but offers a frontal lobotomy! “I’m in my space, the space YOU came in, you know and instead of easily saying that you like them, or you don’t, listen, sometimes, just keep your comments to yourself! If you’re inquisitive, ask a legitimate question, like how long did it take you to grow them, or are they really yours? You know, something that’s going to strike up a conversation. But how I wipe my a**? That’s the ONLY thing you could come up with? You don’t even know me, so what gives you the right to even say that? If I walked up to you on the street and just blatantly asked you, well, how do you go to the bathroom? You would f****ng smack me. Right? And rightfully so!” Tygerr states that her favorite color is blood red and her go-to shape is extremely pointed, like Tygerr claws!! With caboodles full of polishes, and a completely stocked manicure table on deck, Tygerr states that she loves the direction that the nail industry is headed. She reminisces on the early days of maintaining her own nails and how she continues to for well over two to three decades. During her travels overseas, it was difficult to find technicians who worked with acrylics in the nineties. Only silk-wrap and fiberglass were
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available then, so she learned to do her nails herself. A true diva, Tygerr would match them with her outfits, especially on stage! “Back in the day, nails were mainly seen in show business or hair and nail shows. I remember myself and a group called SWV back then. Me and them. And that was it. Nowadays, women are just embracing the nails and I am so happy to see it! All of the younger generation just reaching out going, YES, this is how we want to look, because man, when grunge came along, I thought I was going to die! It was terrible! Oh, it was awful. I hated it, because in the eighties, everybody was, you know, wearing the big hair and makeup and everything. Everybody was gorgeous! Then grunge came along and killed everything! I’m happy to see everything coming back full circle with everybody. I mean all these beautiful women, powerful women coming out with their beautiful makeup, hair and bold nails. And they’re strong! I love it! I support the nail community 150%. I always have and always will. I am also thrilled to see the advancements and technology. I’m always keeping my eye on it so that I know what’s happening! Tygerr assures us that she has not disappeared from the X’treme nails community, she is just on a hiatus to pursue new adventures. “During all the time that I have traveled, I not only speak French, I speak Greek and Japanese and I’m also learning Turkish. So, what I want to do with my life is give back to the world, at least some of the gifts that I was blessed with throughout my lifetime, and one of them is the gift of language. I am really, really blessed in the fact that I do speak French. I read
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it and write it. That is one of the criteria being a translator in Captioning. You need to be able to fluently speak the language. This is a way that I can give back and help people while doing something that I absolutely love, watching television. I love to watch television, so, now I’ll be able to get paid to watch television and translate it for other people. This is a beautiful gift, because not everyone will be able to write a speed of two hundred and fifty words per minute. Yes, this is how fast I must write in order to graduate, and I’m on my way! Once I get my speed up, I will be able to grow my nails back to a length that I can still successfully translate and work. So, that’s my hiatus.” Honored to be a part of this groundbreaking platform, Tygerr sends her love to all of the divas and gratitude to X’treme Nailz International. Finally, she asks that we open our eyes and stand up to oppression. “I just want people to stop with their idealistic one opinionated hateful s*** that this g**damn administration we are forced to live under right now is trying to put on people and open their eyes and wake up to the fact that we matter! Otherwise, they’re going to keep living under a rock. In a world where you CAN be brave enough to be an individual and you are NOT brave as an individual, I feel sorry for you! Speak up against oppression, open your eyes and stop the hate! Under our skin, we all bleed RED!” On that note Tygerr, it’s been a real pleasure, and we thank you for being authentically YOU! Here’s a toast to you as we wish you total success on your way to typing 250 words per minute! Cheers, Girl!
“In Russia, I think there is a very stereotypical way of thinking about long nails. People don’t understand it. They consider it to be something dirty, not well-groomed and not practical. They do not know how to respect someone else’s choices. People who meet me in person, and get to know me, they are all okay with my long nails, because they are just a part of me.”
oday, we are traveling to St. Petersburg, Russia. With the average temperatures ranging anywhere from 14 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter and no warmer than 83 degrees in the summer, young adults can be found in jeans and t-shirts, women are dressed in brightly colored dresses, long skirts, blouses and of course, flaunting high heels, and men in their traditional basic colors of clothing, St. Petersburg, Russia is a mecca of cultural, historical and architectural landmarks. Located about four hundred miles northwest of Moscow, St. Petersburg was founded by Peter the Great, and it bears the unofficial status of Russia’s cultural capital hosting operas, ballets and the State Museum showcasing Russian art and carrying the nickname of The Venice of the North.
While perusing the history of Saint Petersburg, we caught up with the Russian Book of Record Holder for the longest nails, and Xtreme nail diva, Elena Shilenkova. “I was born in St. Petersburg, Russia and have lived here all of my life. Since I was sixteen years of age and in high school, I have always had nails much longer than my friends and even their mothers! At that time, my nails were about 2-3cm (a little over 1 inch). By the time I entered the university they were longer, about 4-5cm (around 2”). Later I decided to grow them longer for about three years and then I cut them. I cut them twice after that and then I decided to just let them grow one last time. I thought, “Hmmm ok, if this is going to be the last time, I will grow them to their maximum for as long as I can!” so for six years, I allowed them to grow. They reached the total length of 150cm (totally 59 inches) with my thumbs measuring at TREME NAILS MAGAZINE • 59
their longest 18 cm (7 inches) and enabling me to capture the attention and become the record holder for Russia’s longest nails! On June 23, 2020, I cut them off.” As one who thinks outside of the box and marches to the beat of her own drum, Elena shared that she found inspiration from her own self when deciding to grow her X’treme nails. As she has always done, she followed her heart and soul’s wishes. As her nails became X’treme, Elena would place swimming and tennis on hold as a protectant against the possibilities of breaking them before reaching her goal. With all the protecting factors in place and the desire to grow her nails, none of this would come without a price. Elena knew that having nails would bring attention and she was ready for it. Because X’treme nails are a rarity, stereotypically misunderstood, and frowned upon in Russia as unsanitary, Elena accepted the stares and the attention from people, even if they didn’t like it, she viewed it as cool to watch the reactions. She stated that in real life, she has never met other women with long natural nails and would love to have a community of women, like some that she’s seen in the USA, who wear and appreciate long nails. Having developed a strong
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immunity to the negative comments, Elena who never faltered in her decision to grow her nails, maintains them herself in a squared shape as she wears the pinks, reds and all the bright colored polishes that she loves and coordinates with her outfits! Amazingly, even in Russia, the main question remains, “How do you wipe yourself?” Elena stated that the question is not always asked in the right manner by most people. So, when they ask, “How do I go to the bathroom? Her response is, “I go there with my feet!” “I always try to use humor. It’s not easy, and you must carry a strong personality inside. I always say that total control helps very well!” (laughing) “Not everyone thinks that my nails are cool, but there are enough, and yes, it’s mostly men. They think it’s sexy!” Unfortunately, there are those that take advantage of any opportunity to satisfy their fetishes with X’treme divas. Elena shared that once she had to have a surgical procedure done which required her to be placed under general anesthesia. Without her knowledge or permission, pictures were taken of her nails and posted on so-
cial media networks! A few days, she was informed through her friend who provided her the link and action was taken against the clinic! Through it all, this Russian diva will survive. Her wit, her independence and her determination will allow her to continue to pave the way for those in her country who dare to think outside of the box and follow their soul and heart’s desires in a world where others conform to a norm. “I think my nails are my calling card. When people see my long nails, they will remember me forever. My plans and my desire are to partner with a nail care company developing nail products. At this moment, though, I am resting, and my nails are, too. I think I will grow my nails back to about 1-3 cm. Who knows, that will be later, but I don’t think I’ll do the 150cm again.” If you are interested in following Elena as she demonstrates various things that she has been able to do with X’treme nails, feel free to follow her on Tik Tok where she has over 2M subscribers as well as on Instagram @ elena_beauty
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“I am Tiara, Owner and operator of ‘Nails by Tiara’ where I specialize in promoting healthy nail care. I want you to know that there is no reason to be afraid of going to the nail salon anymore and having damaged nails or receiving services that you do not like. I take my time, I educate, I ask questions and I try to give my clients the best service that I can!”
till in the ‘Hotlanta’ area or more like the Metro-Atlanta area, we stopped by to talk to this super nail artist, Tiara Smith. Tiara was raised in Jacksonville (Duvall) FL, by way of Anchorage, AK. This “Jacksonvillian”, was born in the beautiful snow-capped mountain city of Anchorage, AK. Tiara would later make her way to the Atlanta area for college. However, prior to attending college, Tiara met her brother‘ s then fiancé, Tammy who was a nail technician in Atlanta. This interested Tiara, af62 •
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ter learning more about obtaining a nail license. At the age of eighteen, she attended school for nails and braiding and was licensed before attending college. Tiara attended Morris Brown College, but when Morris Brown lost their accreditation Tiara transferred to the Art Institute of Atlanta and graduated with a BA, in Media Arts and Animation. While at Morris Brown, Tiara would put her newly acquired licenses to work. “I did a lot of braiding at first. This was during the time they were filming, “Drumline” at Morris Brown. I was
braiding the band members’ hair and some of the extras in my dorm room. I did that until my hands started hurting from braiding, that’s when I started doing more nails and obtained an apprenticeship under the owner of New York’s own “Ericka” Yummy Nails in order to change my license over to the State of Georgia. Big Ups to Ericka!” A girly girl at heart, Tiara was reared in a God-fearing family environment that appreciated and cultivated self-love and an appreciation of the arts. Always interested in hair, makeup, nails, fashion, etc. and standing, 5’11”, it was assumed that she would play basketball, however, this would never be, especially since Tiara felt that if she had to choose between basketball and her nails, the nails would win every time, so she never played because she was not about to cut down her long nails. She still wears her nails, however, during this COVID-19 period, she’s been kicking it low-key by keeping them polished with the gel polish but of course still rocking the bling and designs. “Babes, I keep my nails done. It’s what you call self-advertisement”. Tiara’s favorite nail colors are anything in the nude family or a slut red. “Nudes are very sexy, but so are reds! I also love an ole ratchet bling-bling! Yes, I’m a blinger! I love it whether it is a glitter bling or just a shiny bling or even a diamond bling. I don’t really worry about matching my toes with my nails, and YES, I’M THAT CHIC! First of all, I like my toes a coral color that’s my favorite color for my toes, but I’ll rock other neon bright popping colors on my toes too.” I asked Tiara how she would come to just choosing nails over hair as her ultimate career path and discovered that although, she was initially inspired by her now sister-in-law to pursue the nail industry, her real inspiration came from the movie, “What’s Love Got to Do with It?” Yes, it’s true, her inspiration came from the character, ‘Annie Mae’ who would later be known as, ‘Tina Turner’. “I was thinking about doing hair, but there was a part in the movie where Annie Mae was in the salon to have her hair done and they put a relaxer and color in at the same appointment and her hair fell all out! I thought I would never want to be doing someone’s hair and it just fell out like that. So that scared me from doing hair. Then I thought of being a makeup artist, but people are way too
picky about their face. What if they had a breakout from something that I used, then I remembered that I used to love getting my nails done. As a matter of fact, I used to go and have them to do my nails and get then long as heck, and because I’ve always been into art, I would keep them plain and once I got home, I would design them myself!” Tiara’s degree in media art and animation goes hand and hand with her doing nails. She does not use tips, she sculpts all her full sets. Let’s not forget about the ART. As an art major, Tiara freestyles her nail designs. “Again, that goes with my love for art, because I can draw. Initially I wanted to be a forensic artist, but I kind of steered away from that. After I graduated from college, I didn’t want to move to California (that’s where the film industry was and where I would have found a job in my major), so I just started working at the salon Attitudes by Moe. The owner of the salon, “Moe” showed me so much love and I’m eternally grateful. He was the lead hairstylist for the show, ‘The Game’ and he gave me the opportunity to work on set along with other television shows. Later, I started working on the set of ‘Love and Hip-Hop Atlanta’. On the first season, I worked with the key makeup artist, Tekoa. That’s my girl, such a pure heart. After that I just kind of got into the film industry and it took off!” She still taps into the industry at times, but with a regular clientele, Tiara finds it hard at times to juggle the two. “Working in the film industry is so demanding and when you have clients, their time is their time. When you have a client’s appointment at five o’clock, they don’t care that you are on the set and can’t leave until five. So, it’s kind of like one or the other when you’re in this field.” We asked her which sector she prefers to work with, as both are rewarding and found it to be a toss-up. “It fluctuates because at one point I love the film industry because it gives you a lot of freedom. You know, sometimes you are on the set and they don’t need you, but you have to be there in case of there is a need for touch-ups and polish changes and so forth, but then again, the interaction with everyday people at the salon is fun, you know, but I love both aspects of it.” Tiara has her own salon of suites; it’s called, House of Pretty Beauty Bar. She also has a barbershop as well, House of Cutz. At her salon she is the only nail technician at this time, but she has someone that does TREME NAILS MAGAZINE • 63
braiding, eyebrows and lashes. Tiara enhanced her business to another level by adding plus size women’s clothing and shoes (for those with feet sized ten and up), allowing that total head-to-toe pampered experience. Also, she doesn’t just turn her clients’ nails into a work of art, she educates them on the care of them. With an array of different types of clients, there are some that haven’t worn nails before or are afraid of acrylic nails because of their past experiences. Before receiving services, Tiara asks them what it is that they are looking for or want to achieve. She educates her clients and let them know the products she uses and the differences between hers and the typical products being used elsewhere in the industry. “People are afraid of acrylic these days, so I have to break it down to them, letting them know that the acrylic that I use is safe and does not damage the nails. By the time I’m finished, we have a total understanding. They’re fine and tell me to just do their nails and we’re all good.”
ing the extra sanitation of my salon, before and after services, my clients must wear masks and if they don’t have one, I will offer them one, however, and there is a fee. Some don’t like paying for them, but when they see that I am serious, the next time they come, they bring their own masks. I also only see clients by appointment, and they can’t bring anyone else with them.”
As we are all trying to adjust to the new way of living that the COVID-19 pandemic has bestowed upon us, Tiara is weathering the storm. Although, she has made changes and adjustments, her business continues to thrive. Being the only nail tech in her salon suite with plenty of space, Tiara, who has always worn a mask and gloves and made sure that everything was sanitized, only allows one customer at a time. She used to have a sofa and has now removed that along with extra chairs in the front of the suite. No longer there, this prevents anyone who is not being serviced from just hanging out. “I don’t know if anyone else has been able to maintain like this, but I was like, okay, I’m just going to shut it down, but I had a client that literally called me nearly in tears because she didn’t want to go anywhere else as well as others texting and calling me about having their nails done. So, I just said, OMG, OKAY…. just come on, I’m staying open. I make sure that their needs are met, and all of our health are protected as much as possible. Like I’ve said, I’ve gotten a lot of new clients, but I’m being safe about it. Not only for them, but for me as well. I have older parents, you know, family members and friends, and I don’t want anything to happen to them, either. Besides, maintain-
At first, I thought of the readers of this magazine and wondered if I would include this statement/observation in Tiara’s story. However, with me always being true to the truth, I decided to let it stand, it is HER story and I can honestly agree that NO, this is not a harsh attitude or stance. It’s no secret and has been known in this industry that the Black technicians are generally overlooked and not highly patronized or supported by Black nail clientele. Tiara continues, “… We are definitely conditioned. You know? And the thing is that we’re so used to seeing the Asian nail salons on every corner, easily accessible and convenient. However, most of them do their services exactly the same. That’s because the majority of them are trained in-house and have not been to cosmetology schools. I tell my clients, listen, if they can’t understand the full English language, then they haven’t received their licenses or understand the science behind the products. Simply because the State Board testing for your license is in English. Yes, you are in and out, but you lose the quality of your service and sometimes the products are cheap and can potentially be dangerous to your nail beds. We are often compared to our counterparts about the pricing of or services. We have to charge more because of the quality products they we use. They are more expensive than
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Tiara has also seen a major increase in her clientele with most looking for a Black nail technician. Although she welcomes them, she is also very adamant and serious during her consultations. She informs them that she already has a lot of regular clientele and she must block off her calendars in order to accommodate them all without becoming overbooked. She then let’s them know, that if they are only patronizing her due to the pandemic just to return to the Asian community afterwards, then she doesn’t want them and declines them as a client.
what your corner nail salon uses. Black technicians have to work double hard to receive the recognition or support within our communities. We are proud of our craft and accomplishments. This is my business and I would like to be respected as a businesswoman. I hear women state that they have been searching for Black techs, I say, Google us, we’re here. We are located in the back of some salons and in suites. Some don’t have the capital, to purchase stand-up buildings next to Kroger’s (supermarket chain) or corner places, you know. But we’re out here, you just have to ask around or use social media, or again, save yourself the time and Google us! I am glad though, because I am seeing more Black techs graduating from cosmetology school and wanting to work in the industry. That could be because most are growing tired of the Asian salons.” With the awareness of supporting Black businesses increasing, millenniums and the Generation X are more enthusiastic than ever before in developing their own businesses in the personal care sector which also sees an increase in wanting to support their fellow entrepreneurs. Finally, we talked about the reality of nails being a part of true nail divas lifestyle. As a diva herself, she understands that nails are a daily part of her personal grooming. It just like hair, clothes, makeup and shoes, if one part is missing then the entire persona is lacking. It would be the death of a client that would make this more of a reality to her. “So, let me tell you a story. I had a transgender client named Lateasha Shuntel and she worked at Blake’s on 10th Street. She used to come and get her nails. I had to do them overnight because she would work until around eleven or twelve o’clock at night because of the hours she worked, and we would finish them around five or six in the morning. She was always telling me, “Girl, you have to come down and see my shows, they live for my nails!” Each month, she would add a theme, you know if It was the 4th of July, she would have them done in a theme, Black History month, Christmas, you know, whatever the occasion, holiday or whatever, she had a themed set of nails. She would have the spiral nails, spinning beads, crazy chaotic 3-D nail art, etc. so she kept telling me that everyone
just goes crazy over her nails. People wanted to see her nails during her performances, and she was known for them. Unfortunately, she died a very publicized death. She had been receiving illegal and lethal butt injections and passed away from related complications. The person that administered these injections was finally arrested in Florida and charged with murder. Anyway, I was invited to her memorial which was held at Blake’s where she used to work. As I was brought up on stage, I felt like Beyonce or Rihanna because as I was walking on stage people were grabbing my hands kissing them, as if I were the star! It was CRAZY, because I had always intended on coming to one of her shows and after she passed, I was really blown away by the amount of people that actually LIVED for her nails! These people were praising me as the nail tech that kept her nails fly! So, I know this is real, this is a lifestyle and I’m for it and I love that X’treme Nailz International are given us this platform!” Even when I did long nails and posted them on social media, I HAD to post not to speak on my clients! I used to get comments of their nails being so long and they must be nasty and so forth. You know what… WHY are you even commenting? So, today, I am more of an advocate now than I’ve ever been!” Tiara’s style of work focuses on contemporary trends, global concepts as well as international designs. She has an uncanny ability to sketch and draw, an extensive understanding of color, and the imagination to create master pieces that captures your personal style. Tiara also plans to create her own nail polish line, custom press on nails, and other products. She is determined to promote healthy nails by providing in-depth nail consultation while conveying the benefits of proper nail care. Her goal is to inform clients and provide empowering information because of her, nails ARE a fashion statement. This amazing tech can be found across all of the social media platforms at Nails by Tiara and you can check out her website at www.nailsbytiara.com where you can book your next appointment. When you do, make sure you that you tell her that Michelle sent you!!! Enjoy!
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