29 minute read
NailFile
Issue 30 Jan/Feb 2020
Classic Blue PANTONE PERFECTION
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The Big Dipper
ur lead news story in this issue focuses on an alarming and
controversial new ‘technology’ that seems to be infiltrating the market – the so called ‘gel polish burst removers’. While products of this nature may well remove gel very quickly, they may also do gross damage to the nails. The underlying but strong message of this story is – only ever use professional nail brands and only source products from official distributors.
Social media is so valued by marketers and businesses alike for its reach, and in particular, the personal nature of its wide reach. Everyone feels connected to social media, because they are. The downside is that bad reviews of one’s salon or services have the same wide reach. There is a subtle art to responding to a bad review on Facebook, and in this issue of NailFile we provide some valuable tips on just how to do this, because respond you must. Nonresponse to a bad review will have dire consequences as it will create the impression that you, as the salon owner, just don’t care. O
Issue 30 Jan/Feb 2020
Classic Blue PANTONE PERFECTION
Acknowledging a bad Facebook review FIRST RESPONDER
Joanna Sterkowicz Editor
The Big Dipper Dip powder systems
WHAT’S INSIDE
55
53 Industry News Stay in the know
55 Ask the Experts Responding to bad Facebook reviews
56 Salon Focus Tapping into the lipstick effect
58 Step by Step The marbled effect
59 Step by Step Milk bath nails
59 60
62 Style Savvy Feeling blue
63 In the Market Product Hub
60 Technology The dipping system makes a comeback
64 Top Tech Talk Mariette Van Wyk
NEWS Information at your fingertips
Industry warned against gel polish burst removers
New gel polish removers, described as ‘very dangerous’, have made their way onto the South African market.
Says beauty professional and educator, Sonette Van Rensburg: “Gel polish burst removers are now being sold to salons as well as to consumers. These removers are proven to have illegal ingredients, along with falsified MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) sheets. Yes, this is a super-quick new method and product to remove gel polish, but it’s not at all safe and has no ingredient listing.
“I have previously written about and advised nail professionals to ensure that they only purchase nail products from reputable and reliable professional suppliers. Buying cheap, unlabelled products can cost you dearly and can cause irreparable damage to you and your clients.”
Industry scientist, Doug Schoon of www.schoonscientific.com, recently released information on burst remover products.
Says Schoon: “They contain dangerous solvents, typically used to remove epoxy paints from bridges and/ or buildings, of course while wearing the appropriate respirators and other safety equipment used for hazardous work. I must emphasis most strongly that they are NOT safe for use on nails and NOT safe to inhale.
“They contain 6% Methanol and 84% Methylene Chloride. Both substances are prohibited in cosmetics in most countries, if not all. These are considered dangerous concentrations, in my view. I believe an international investigation into this matter is needed.”
Schoon notes that he is referencing above a report for one particular product. “However,” he continues, “I believe that these results apply to all of the so-called ‘burst type’ removers. They are manufactured by unscrupulous companies in China and distributed worldwide by naive companies who clearly did not do safety testing or ask too many questions.
Coty explores sale of pro brands, including OPI
At the time of going to press, American multinational, Coty Inc., had launched a process to explore strategic alternatives for its professional beauty business and associated hair brands.
Affected brands include OPI, Wella and ghd (Good Hair Day). Coty’s Board of Directors have determined that moving forward the company will focus more intently on its fragrance, cosmetics and skincare businesses.
These strategic initiatives are aligned with Coty’s previously announced turnaround plan focused on improving the company’s execution capabilities, better leveraging its assets and delivering significant financial “That’s the real problem, in my view. These companies are responsible for the products they sell, even if they believed the lies told to them by the manufacturers. That’s a bogus excuse. This sort of fiasco is exactly why professionals should stick to pro-only authorised distributors and pro-only products.”
Visit https://www.epa.gov/ newsreleases/ and read ‘EPA bans consumer sales of Methylene’. To stay current on what’s happening and learn about the legality and dangers of the ingredient methylene chloride, be sure to ‘like’ https://www.facebook.com/ DougSchoonsBrain/ for updates.
improvements. After a thorough analysis, the management team and Board reached the conclusion that even with its strong current performance, the future growth opportunities of the professional beauty business lie increasingly outside the Company’s core strategic focus.
In the meantime, Coty acquired a majority stake in Kylie Cosmetics (the brand founded by reality star Kylie Jenner), and will look to expand the brand globally and into new beauty categories.
Inspired by the Downton Abbey Movie, this theme focuses on the fashions and lifestyle of the 1920s – that glorious time following the First World War when women threw off their restricting corsets to don slinky, satin, low-waisted gowns, long strings of pearls, sparkly and often feathered head-bands, closefitting cloche hats, glamorous long gloves and feather boas, to party the night away. This was the era of history when American Jazz Music prevailed and when the highly energetic Charleston was the popular dance of the day. Ladies cut off their long, flowing locks in favour of chinlength bobs, wore dramatic make-up and were practically always seen with a long, bejewelled cigarette holder in one hand, and a glass of champagne in the other. Gentlemen sported pencil moustaches and flat, slicked back hair, and wore well-tailored pinstriped three-piece suits, tuxedos, folded handkerchiefs, fedora hats, suspenders, bow ties and black patent leather shoes and spats. The NailFile Photographic Nail Design Challenges run throughout the year and were created by Sonette van Rensburg to encourage nail techs to tap into their creativity. The deadline for entries is 21 February 2020. NailFile Photographic Design Challenge
1. Designs must be created according to the theme – The Roaring Twenties. 2. Rhinestones and embellishments may be used but must not dominate. 3. Nail stylists have complete artistic freedom to interpret and create their designs in any style they wish using flat, encapsulated 2D or 3D design work and techniques. 4. Designs must be created on a live model, either on natural nails or enhancements but not on tips only. 5. Photographs must be high quality. Photos MUST NOT include any product logos and there must be NO PRODUCTS in the photos. 6. The model’s hands, cuticles and nails must be perfectly manicured and in a good condition. PLEASE remove cuticle oil prior to taking your final photo entry. 7. Any length and shape may be achieved. 8. A combination of products and nail systems may be used, as long as it pertains to and complements the theme and look. 9. All 10 of the model’s nails must have a design and creation on them; each design on each nail must be different but must complement one another and be consistent in design flowing throughout all 10 nails to tell a story. 10. Designs must be the nail stylist’s own original work. 11. Please provide a WRITTEN step by step of your work that explains each step of how the nail designs are created, as well as photos to illustrate the steps and the inspiration behind your design. Additional points awarded for presentation. 12. Photos must be submitted by no later than the 21 February 2019 13. Photos must be emailed to nailfile@probeauty.co.za and clearly indicated and labeled with the name of the Nail Technician. Entries must include full contact details. 14. Winners and placements will be announced on social media and the following issue of Professional Beauty & NailFile magazine. The judge’s decision is final. To see the full list of Rules & Regulations go to www.probeauty.co.za Rules & Regulations
the EXPERTS ask
QUESTION: What should I do if I get a bad review from a client on my Facebook page?
Firstly, breathe and don’t act impulsively! We have all been pressured into believing that not answering immediately would be more damaging, but in fact it is the opposite. Should you reply immediately, you run the risk of responding emotionally, which is only natural – it is your business after all – but this can be more damaging. With an immediate response, your chances of overreacting and not thinking through a logical approach to the problem become higher. The unsatisfied client may also be baiting you with more questions. You then run the risk of inflaming the situation instead of calming it down. That being said, you can’t respond three days later or never answer, hoping the problem will go away. Remember that it is not only your existing followers who are looking at your page but also new potential customers. This will be seen as a business that has very poor customer service skills and does not care. It is perfectly acceptable to reply within eight to 12 hours (i.e. within the business day). AYESHA RAJAH
Before I get into how to deal with responding to a bad review, here are some statistics on reviews: • A third of customers post online following inadequate customer service (New Voice Media). • 88% of people read reviews to determine the quality of a local business (Bright Local). • 87% of people say that a business needs a rating of 3-5 stars before they will use them. • When a brand responds to a customer on social media, 65% are more brand loyal (Sprout). We are in the service industry, which means that bad reviews are not unusual – in fact it is expected and would mainly be attached to poor customer service. For instance, a bad wax experience, chipped nails or clients who just don’t understand that laser hair removal is only 80-90% effective and want every single hair gone! It sometimes is completely out of your control regardless of the exemplary service you provide. Here are some ways on how to respond to a negative review: • Have one or two generic responses prepared. • Pick up on keywords in a negative review in order to formulate a personalised reply. • Write a short, nonconfrontational reply that shows that you’ve read and understood the issues raised, no matter if they are unfounded. • Be sincere in your apology. • Thank the customer for their visit and taking the time to provide feedback. • Avoid including your business name and location in the reply, so that the negative review is less likely to be prioritised in search engines.
Ayesha Rajah is MD of Social Medi8, a social media marketing and management company specialising in the professional beauty industry.
Nail services play a big part in the overall turnover at the unusually named Morningside salon, Lesarmario. JOANNA STERKOWICZ speaks to co-owner, CINDY LEWIS, to find out more.
With 15 manicure stations, seven pedicure stations and 13 nail technicians, it’s not surprising to hear that nail services account for 75% of revenue generation at Lesarmario Hair & Nail Bar in Morningside, Johannesburg.
The salon opened on 27 May 2017. Says Cindy Lewis, who coowns the salon with sister-in-law (and best friend), Kayla Lewis: “Kayla and I are very impulsive but extremely determined women and were thinking about opening a salon after discussing how expensive it is to look and feel good. We thought about ‘the lipstick effect’, in which studies have proven that lipstick sales always go up in the middle of the month, the reasoning being that women want to feel good but midmonth can only afford a lipstick. Kayla and I wanted women to feel good throughout the month, with amazing services and pricing. Six weeks later our shop was opened.”
Nails were on the salon menu right from inception. “It was such fun meeting suppliers and learning about products and nails – there is definitely a lot more to it than just polish,” comments Lewis.
Offering hair and nail services seemed like a good fit. Lewis continues: “Sometimes all a women needs is a good blowout to feel like a queen, or just a fresh manicure, and doing it together is even more of a
online @ probeauty.co.za spoil. A lot of our nail services take place while clients are having blow-dries or hair colour treatments. We have clients who have limited time and try to do both treatments at once, but we also have others who prefer to do them separately. And, we also have those who come in solely for nails.”
Locale Choosing the salon’s location within the Aesthetic Centre on Hill Road in Morningside happened organically as they both live in the suburb. “We drove past the centre and decided we wanted our shop there as we felt we could reach a varied clientele, from the corporate lady to the busy mom. “In terms of design, our biggest focus was on open space, with a clean and sanitary look but not clinical – an earthy, yet stylish flow with a touch of contemporary. Our colour scheme comprises the grey tones that we have always loved, together with a pop of green,” says Lewis.
Venture into the unknown Neither of the Lesarmario owners has a background in beauty or hair – Cindy Lewis comes from the legal world, with Kayla Lewis formerly in the property industry.
Says the former: “I would describe Kayla and I as businesswomen who are always seeking opportunities within the market. We are also looking at expanding Lesarmario through our treatment room and are soon off to Europe to review clothing ranges.
“Being a family-run business, we are both very hands on and are at the salon daily, where we build relationships with unbelievable women. We also have an outstanding team that truly works so very hard. It’s important to ensure that our staff is happy, so every Saturday they receive lunches
to say thank you for their hard work. If our staff members are content, our clients will be happy. “I believe that we also have the best way to make appointments in that we utilise WhatsApp. We understand that women are busy, so we try to make it easy for them to make an appointment and get the spoil they justly deserve. We strive to provide the best service at the best price in the best salon.”
What’s in a name? It turns out that the name, Lesarmario, is very sentimental for the sisters-in-law.
Lewis notes: “The name arises from two significant and special men who positively influenced us and left an imprint on us for eternity,” says Lewis. “Les is for Leslie, Kayla’s late grandfather, while Mario is my late grandfather. And so together you have Lesarmario. These gentlemen always held a very special place in our hearts. They truly were unbelievable human beings who essentially taught us so much about life; entrepreneurs who always inspired us as we were growing up. Lesarmario is in honour of them and knowing that they are always with us.” Brand smart Choosing which nail brands to offer at the salon involved trying and testing various products. All the products used for pedicures are mixtures to ensure that they can be used for all clients, including pregnant women. A lot of coconut oil and scrubs infused with honey or coconut are used in pedicures. Nail brands include Color Club, RV and Lola Lee. All in all, there are about 200 gel polish colours for clients to chose from.
“Our choices above were done by process of elimination and ultimately decided upon based what worked best for the salon and, more importantly, our clients,” states Lewis.
In terms of the salon’s most popular nail treatments, there is definitely an influx of pedicures from about August to April, especially Lesarmario’s signature pedicure.
“All in all, I would say that gel paint is our most popular service. Not many clients request nail art, although a few present pictures from Pinterest and ask our nail techs to replicate the looks. But it’s generally a mix of colours on the hand and there is always at least one glitter nail request daily. We do keep up with the trends and at the moment it’s ombre, marbling and glitter,” concludes Lewis.
marbled THE EFFECT
2 1 3 4 • Choose two or three nails and apply a thin layer of CG0s, using a flat brush and do not cure (this is the wet layer). • Using a colour of your choice (I used CGPI05s and CGBL09s) and a thin nail art brush, start by making three randomly placed drops of colour on the uncured wet layer of gel. Then drag it down to create the dripping paint effect. Also ensure that the free edge is painted in a French-style with the same colour. Leave it to self-level for a few seconds and cure for three minutes. • On the remainder of the nails, apply another layer of CG0s natural gel over the cured Calgel colour CGPI08s and do not cure (this is the wet layer). Then, using a thin nail art brush, apply colour at random intervals across the nail, repeat with two more colours. I used CGPI05s, CGBL09s and CGYE05s. With a clean nail art brush, drag lines in various directions through the uncured gel to create the marbled effect. Leave for a few seconds to self-level and cure in a 36 watt UV lamp for three minutes. • Seal by applying a layer of Calgel non-wipe top gel with a flat gel brush and cure for 90 seconds in a 36 Watt UV lamp. • Ensure the proper nail preparation has been completed. • Apply CG0s Calgel natural gel as a base layer to the natural nail, using a flat gel brush and cure in a 36 watt UV lamp for 30 seconds. • Apply a layer of Calgel nude colour gel CGPI08s and cure for two minutes. (Repeat colour application step for a second layer) This intriguing and colour-rich design was created by ELAINE TIMCKE.
This ethereally decorative nail art look was created by ASHLEY ANNE MÖLLER. Milk bath nails
• Prepare the natural nail. • Dust and clean the nails. • Using LCN Fiber Tech Clear, build a thin layer on the nail. • Cure after each layer under an LED lamp for one minute, or a UV lamp for two minutes. Step 1
• Using flowers of your choice, lay them over the sticky dispersion left by LCN Fiber Tech Clear. • Cure under an LED lamp for one minute, or a UV lamp for two minutes. Step 2
• Using a thin layer of LCN Recolution Natural White, outline the flowers. Fill the negative space with a thicker layer and apply an extremely thin layer over the flower. • Cure after each layer under an LED lamp for one minute, or a UV lamp for two minutes. • Build the nail as usual using LCN Fiber Tech Clear. • Cure after each layer under an LED lamp for one minute, or a UV lamp for two minutes. • File C Curve to perfection. • Seal nail with LCN High Shine Sealer. Step 3
Ashley Anne Möller has been doing LCN nails for three and half years. She was trained by the top trainers of LCN and fell in love with the product since day one. Möller now represents LCN as the salon manager at LCN Aesthetic Beauty Spa.
The acrylic dipping system was first introduced shortly after fibreglass wrap systems. It was a way of strengthening the natural nail using fine acrylic polymer powders and resin, instead of a monomer, thus reducing vapours and fumes in the salon. In fact, the Backscratchers Extreme Dipping system was one of the first brands to introduce this type of nail coating and was a service I offered in my salon, when I first started out more than 20 years ago.
Over the past few years social media has definitely aided in the dipping system’s comeback.
The dipping system is similar to that of a gel polish – an easy to apply, no fuss system and a way to provide quick enhancement services and overlays, as well as to fix broken split nails, offering a flexible, lightweight and durable coating with a natural look and finish, lasting a little longer than Having been around since the late 1980s, the acrylic dipping system isn’t exactly a new trend but is now back again, with a whole new approach and advancement in technology and techniques, writes SONETTE VAN RENSBURG. a regular manicure or gel polish application. It can also be removed quickly and easily with little damage to the natural nail. With it being such an easy system to apply, and not having to mix and worry about product consistency and control, it doesn’t require much technique. This is great for nail techs with little experience, allowing them to work more efficiently and with fewer tools. Reinvention Over the years the system has been reinvented in different ways and combined with other products such as gel, silk and fibre. The ‘newly’ available dip systems, however, are now more advanced in that the activators are brush-on, rather than in spray form, to reduce odour.
Dip powders are also ultra fine for effective absorption of gel or resin, thus eliminating the need for too much buffing and filing. They are now available in an array of colours and glitters to achieve just about any look. Double dipping Techniques too have evolved and additional tools have now been introduced, so as not to double dip into the powder, which is said to be unhygienic and can spread infections. Double dipping means placing the same client’s finger back into the product or powder, or repeatedly placing more than one client’s fingers into the same product. It is ultimately your professional responsibility and duty to ensure that you are keeping within the safe code of practices and procedures.
World renowned scientist and author, Doug Schoon, says: “While a polymer powder may not encourage bacteria growth, an active infection could be spread through the powder.” dipping
system makes a comeback the
There are now special dipping bowls so as to avoid double dipping and waste, using just enough product for each client. Other alternative methods of applying dip powders include pouring, dusting and sprinkling. However, ensure that you don’t pour over the top of the nail, or place the powder back into the same container. Any used powder should be discarded, otherwise it is exactly the same as double dipping.
Tips • Firstly, as advised in previous articles, never mix and combine systems and products from different suppliers. Always check that you obtain your products from a reputable and professional supplier and know what you are using. Make sure ingredients are listed and that suppliers provide you with MSDs (Material Safety Data Sheets). If not, then DON’T use it! • Shake your powders well before each use, especially when using pigmented and coloured powders. This breaks up the pigments and distributes them more evenly. • Control your working environment and temperature. Polymerisation occurs faster in a warm room and slower in a cold room. • As with all nail enhancement systems or nail coating applications, REMEMBER that preparation is everything. Always prepare the natural nails properly to avoid infections and to ensure longevity of the treatment and service. • When applying the base coat, do it neatly and evenly over the entire surface of the natural nail and free edge, without touching the skin. This will ensure that you achieve a good, even coverage with no gaps or colour missing from the sides. • Apply additional thin layers rather than one or two thick layers, as you will achieve a far more consistent, smoother and natural look and the application will last much longer. It will also cut down on filing and buffing. • Apply your product neatly around the cuticle area, starting with the base coat,
applying it in a sideways sweeping movements so product isn’t pushed in under the cuticle area. As you work, use a small fine sculpting brush with IPA (Isopropyl Alcohol) to remove any excess product on the skin. If product is attached to the skin, your application will lift. • Keep your products, tools, dipping bowls, bottles and brushes clean and free from product. This will ensure a smooth application every time, save your products and prevent cross contamination. • Your client should follow and adhere to the same after care as they would with any other nail enhancement or nail coating service.
Sonette van Rensburg has been in the beauty industry for 30 years, and has worked with, and educated for, many top professional brands.
feeling blue
Each year Pantone’s Colour of the Year is eagerly awaited as, for over two decades, it has influenced product development and purchasing decisions in multiple industries, including fashion, product packaging, graphic design and nails.
Pantone 19-4052 Classic Blue is described by the colour authority as follows: “Instilling calm, confidence, and connection, this enduring blue hue highlights our desire for a dependable and stable foundation on which to build as we cross the threshold into a new era. “A timeless and enduring blue hue, Pantone 19-4052 Classic Blue is elegant in its simplicity. Suggestive of the sky at dusk, the reassuring qualities of the thoughtprovoking Pantone 19-4052 Classic Blue highlight our desire for a dependable and stable foundation on which to build as we cross the threshold into a new era.”
Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Colour Institute, adds: “We are living in a time that requires trust and faith. It is this kind of constancy and confidence that is expressed by Pantone 19-4052 Classic Blue, a solid and dependable blue hue that we can always rely on. Imbued with a deep resonance, Classic Blue provides and an anchoring foundation. A boundless blue evocative of the vast and infinitive evening sky, Classic Blue encourages us to look beyond the obvious to expand our thinking; challenging us to think more deeply, increase our perspective and open the flow of communication.” Global colour authority, the Pantone Colour Institute, has designated Classic Blue as its Colour of the Year.
Our round-up of the latest product launches in the exciting world of nails Product HUB
Colourful threading Bio Sculpture has introduced four new Biogel Threading Gel Colours, perfect for creating effortlessly beautiful nail art. The colours are: Red, Gold, Blue and Silver. These gels have a high viscosity with tangy threading properties. 0861 246 435
Intelligent illumination The LCN Smart Cordless Light Unit has a removable bottom, which makes it perfect for pedicures. It lasts for between six to eight hours (cordless) and has three time settings to choose from, namely 30, 60 and 90 seconds. This 30W unit has 54 LEDbulbs and comes with a power supply accessory. 010 593 3293
Perfect plus Calgel Plus is a new dynamic formulation of Calgel professional nail styling gel. This highly pigmented colour gel retains the same, much loved qualities of the classic Calgel colour gels. Calgel Plus is packaged in a beautifully designed, modern 2.5g jar, with a colour coded, descriptive label. It is both LED and UV light curable and non-yellowing. 011 624 1101
Best friends forever The NSI Bridal Party Collection features six new Polish Pro shades, inspired by the concept of best friends invited to a wedding. Colours are: Ashley, Darlene, Denise, Isabel, Katia and Laura. 076 488 2624
Feet first Matsimela Spa’s new foot range has been formulated to hydrate, exfoliate and protect your skin from harmful environmental elements. With clinically proven actives, the Heel Balm and Foot Mask Spray will give you salon smooth feet. The range is formulated to extend the life of your salon treatment. 011 704 7251
Top Tech Talk
In this issue, NailFile focuses on Mariette Van Wyk, a 47-year-old nail tech of 16-years standing who operates a one-woman salon in Tzaneen, Limpopo.
When did you first know that you wanted to do nails for a living? It was in my Matric year back in 1991, but because of family circumstances, I decided to get a job in retail instead. In 2002 I was sponsored by a friend, Wilma Bredenkamp of Salon Exilis in Tzaneen, to do the Bio Sculpture training. I then worked just to survive and although I loved my work, I did not realise that a bigger ‘nail world’ existed. Even though I was on social media, I only discovered the Nail Tech South Africa Facebook page a year ago and realised I needed more training and to explore more products. I discovered Maskscara Gel-it, and their customer service and prices made it possible for my business to expand and explode with colour and art under one
roof. I now look forward to training my daughter, Bianca, to assist me.
Why do nails mean so much to you? Because they allow me to live out my passion for art and to reach out to women’s hearts through ‘holding their hands’.
Why do you think that women place such importance on their nails and hands? A beautiful manicure gives women confidence. Manicured hands are proof that they are looking after themselves. Beautiful nails are an escape from stress for some ladies, as while certain things in life we can’t change or improve, we can change and improve our nails on a regular basis.
When did you open your salon – Nails by Mariette? My salon has traveled all over Tzaneen since 2004, but became home-based (still in Tzaneen) since 2014. I have worked alone to this point but my daughter, Bianca, will soon join me once she completes her training.
Are there many other nail salons in Tzaneen? Nail salons in town, as well as home-based salons, have increased a lot in the last five years. I estimate that there are now approximately 50 in and around Tzaneen.
Have you had any mentors in your career? Oh yes! Wilma Bredenkamp was my first ‘training officer’, standing behind my chair daily, guiding me after my training. Maureen Brill from Bio Sculpture has had a big impact on me, getting me to be more relaxed and to think out of the box when doing nail art. Alina Fox from A. Fox StudioQDNails is such a hands-on educator. I love her work and her passion to train.
What has been the highlight of your career? I would say discovering Crystal Clawz Nail Art Lounge on Facebook. Jennifer Ley Miller’s weekly challenges are pushing me to do art that I never thought I was capable of doing. She gave
me the confidence to take on any picture reference my clients may bring to me, without me sweating blood. My daughter Bianca has started doing the challenges as well and I know that an even bigger highlight of my career is in the making, as she will excel beyond me very soon.
What percentage of your clients request nail art? At least 98% want art. When you have art on your own nails, they can’t resist, except for two or three of my clients who have gone without art now for eight years – they are strong and resistant! Most of my nail art clients request, or bring pictures of, specific designs. Even when I get the chance to create something, I prefer clients to guide me as their nails must represent them, not me.
Please describe the most challenging nail art that you’ve ever done. Paris-themed nails with the Eiffel Tower, a bicycle and flowers. This was years ago, before I had
proper training, brushes or art gel. It was stress and sweat coupled with the will to satisfy the lady (Liezel Ernst) who had an unshakable belief in my abilities since day one of my career. And, she took my nails to Paris!
What advice would you give to aspiring nail techs who want to forge a career in the industry? Nails are NOT about the money or art. You have to love the beauty of a clean, healthy nail or have the patience to help the client grow a healthy nail by educating them. Your only competition is yourself – compete against your abilities of last month, to better yourself. Do as much training as possible on a yearly basis. Stay ahead of clients with ideas and trends to show them, so you never have to say, ‘I don’t know’.
