ORAH Spring 2022

CHW NETANYA GRADUATE PROFILE: ELINOR EDRY

Reflections From a Nail Salon

Elinor Edry, the proud owner of Elinor Nail Art, reflects on her continuous journey of personal growth and development inspired by her years at CHW Netanya Technological High School.

Elinor standing with the sign outside her salon.

I grew up in a family that was in constant survival mode. My father moved to Israel from Morocco with nothing, and my mother came from a large family. Growing up, we lived in a rough neighbourhood at the entrance to Netanya. We often struggled to put food on the table.

The financial stress made life difficult, and even as a teenager, I knew I wanted to break away from the everyday hardships. I decided to start over at CHW Netanya Technological High School. It was across the city, but well-known as a vocational training school that gave students skills for the future. Little did I know it would change my life forever.

I desperately wanted practical skills that could help me land a decent job as soon as I graduated. I loved trying different courses and focused on business administration. But I also loved learning from experts in the cosmetics industry, who trained us in the Hair and Beauty track. For the first time in my life, I was exposed to a world of new opportunities and had the confidence to try them all.

My high school years were ones of immense personal growth. Netanya was much more than a school. It was a warm community of teachers and counsellors and life-long friends. It was a safe space where I could grow and fully embrace new values. Children were at the centre and we felt seen and supported, something many of us didn’t experience at home. We became like family. Even after I graduated, I returned on Yom Hashoah or Yom Haatzmaut to hear the choir.

After graduation and finishing my army service, I decided to pursue my real passion in the beauty industry. I worked for several companies as a makeup artist, and then decided I wanted to become independent and self-employed. Nobody believed I could, but I established my own nail salon. It was scary at first because I knew I was taking a risk. Building a business from scratch was very daunting, but I did it! I slowly gained a reputation as a dedicated and talented professional. Through word of mouth, more and more clients reached out to me. I was booked solid and relieved to finally be earning a respectable living. I love my clients and have developed wonderful relationships with them.

Over the years, I’ve had countless conversations with my clients. They often share what’s on their mind, from work to family to raising children. These conversations made me realize, at age 37, that I didn’t want to wait for a partner, and decided to start a family on my own. I was blessed to have the full support of my family. They were with me every step of the way. I ended up having a high-risk pregnancy and was bedridden for several months, which meant my business was on hold. But it was all worth it, and I was elated to finally deliver healthy twin girls!

Being a mother changed me forever. I knew I wanted more out of life, especially for my children. After giving birth, I thought a lot about my own childhood and kept coming back to those critical years in high school. Those years shaped me into who I am today. I learned to fight my self-doubt and build my confidence.

Elinor and her twin daughters.

Of course, it’s never easy. At times, I’m still consumed with all the reasons why I can’t possibly succeed. Even the thought of starting my own family seemed like a far-off dream. But instead of focusing on the things I don’t have, I focus on the things I do have, and I can honestly say I feel blessed.

My business has flourished and I have a dedicated group of clients who turn to me, not only for manicures, but also for advice, especially related to their children. Since the pandemic, I started studying to become a parental coach and learn from some of the best in Israel. Our children are a reflection of us, so I constantly strive to be a role model for my children. The way I grew up is so different from the way children are raised today. My house was loud and we often communicated by yelling over each other.

Elinor's twin daughters.

I’m now coaching parents to use language more effectively, to show respect and positive reinforcement. I see what a difference it makes in my home. There’s a mantra I always repeat to my girls: “Keep practicing and you’ll keep improving.” If my girls try something and don’t succeed, they know to try again. The other day my daughter finally peeled an entire orange on her own. She was so proud and told me, “You see, practice makes perfect!”

I feel like I’ve come full circle, especially as I share my story with CHW. I’ve overcome so many challenges thanks to my dedicated mentors and teachers in high school. I truly value the education and opportunities I had, and I’m so excited to help others overcome their challenges, especially as parents. I know the difference it makes when someone, near or far, invests in you and your future.

Rachel Lasry Zahavi, Director, CHW Israel Office getting her nails done at Elinor's salon.

"I met Elinor by chance a few months ago when a new nail salon opened up in my area. Elinor is incredible and loves to chat with her clients. When she heard I was from Canada, she told me she went to CHW Netanya. You can bet that I keep going back for manicures, and as you’ll read in the article, some wonderful parenting advice." - Rachel Lasry Zahavi, Director, CHW Israel Office

Story from ORAH Magazine Spring 2022