It Is a Family Affair

TONYA MCCLINTON IT IS A FAMILY AFFAIR

onya McClinton has a long history in the nail community. For years she has had extreme nails with a thumb if fifteen inches. Like most women of this intriguing phenomenon, as a teen, Tonya’s nails were longer than average. Her current length achieved over the last four years are a stunningly and remarkable four to five inches long. When asked about the pros and cons of having nails and the length of hers? The typical and most annoying answer every long-nailed woman will give you is that age-old question, “How can you wipe yourself?” The workplace for Tonya remains interesting. Customers seek her as clientele informs other of the interesting woman at the facility. “You absolutely must see those nails!” while attempts to hide them are futile. Tonya herself, only notices the length in those typical situations many would mention, like dropping coins and that dreaded ATM! Any long-nailed enthusiast will tell you that tweezers are a girl’s best friend, and a debit card helps to pick up a coin. Adaption is key.

Of course, there is always the haters attempting to make her appear inadequate, testing not only her abilities to perform but temperance as well. After replying to the most abstract and rudest question in her memory, a customer anticipated that Tonya would immediately be discharged for her quick and most appropriate answer to how she could navigate a menstrual tool. Instead, management let it be known that such questions or

assumed right to inquire was more inappropriate than any response could warrant. That customer left a very unhappy patron and deservingly shamed by the manager for instigating an attempt to have Tonya fired. If these are the cons of having extreme nails, what, might you ask could be her response to the pro-side of the equation? Her nail technician! She sees her natural wonders as a canvas waiting to be artistically appreciated and looks forward to their appointments. When asked how she feels about the recent emergence of interest in extreme lengths of nails over the years, it became apparent that Tonya would be sporting her jewels with or without acceptance. Accustomed to women in her family adorning slightly longer and always manicured nails, Tonya’s grandmother and mother kept elegantly painted and groomed nails for as long as she can remember, so longer lengths for Tonya were inevitable. What colors or style mostly appeals to this nail Diva? Her signature, pink and white ombre’ look, with Swarovski stones and colors that pop! When she feels like expressing herself, she will occasionally wear polishes to match her braces, more so than coordinating with clothing.

While mother and grandmother may have set the stage, Koko, a singer in the urban hip-hop group of the 90s SWV, was a definite catalyst to extreme lengths for Tonya. The inflections in her voice when she mentioned her, said it all! With nails slightly thinner and just thick

enough to endure her active lifestyle, Tonya amazes her co-workers with her ability to work efficiently. They know that she draws attention. If she is playing coy, attempting to hide her nails from a curious patron, there may be a little help or a lot of laughs when they come into focus. Fortunately, the vibe stays positive and her co-workers know that someone will be looking for the attendant creating the chatter. Mums the word on the creator of her artistry, with careful wording and tight lips, she sang the praise for her nail tech but dared not divulge the name. No worries Tonya, we know you need the extra time and special treatment for those beauties! A great artist is not an easy find!

Honored to be in this publication, Tonya appreciates the opportunity and admiration for achieving such lengths. Although extreme is normal for women in this forum, commercial acceptance from a platform like X’treme Nailz is a rare experience when your days are defined by words and expressions often heard at sideshows. Not that this magnetic personality would notice. She realizes the nail explosion has gone mainstream. Cardi B, Love & Hip Hop’s Mimi, and Luenell come to mind as true lovers of long nails, but you rarely get to see them up close! If you are a true lover of longer nails, you may feel a little cheated not seeing them more closely for detail. That would not bother Tonya as long as her seat waits for that next mani-pedi as she’ll enjoy the beauty of her own.