What I've Learned as a Nail Tech for 20 Years Ft. Yvett

Summary

Podcast Summary: Beauty with a Twist Episode: What I've Learned as a Nail Tech for 20 Years Ft. Yvett Release Date: May 24, 2024 Host: Dede Guest: Yvett Garcia (Eyvette G)

---

Introduction

In this captivating episode of Beauty with a Twist, host Dede welcomes the esteemed Eyvette Garcia, known as Eyvette G on Instagram. With over two decades of experience in the nail industry, Yvett shares her inspiring journey, insights, and the evolution of her career as a celebrity nail technician based in Los Angeles.

[00:19] A: "You know how nervous I am? I'm like, I'm sitting in the presence of a queen. Nicki Minaj."

Yvett's Early Nail Journey

Yvett's passion for nails ignited in her mid-teens while living in Guadalajara, Mexico. Initially unfamiliar with the craft, she was inspired by a family friend who was a versatile stylist.

[00:35] B: "I love when she would do the nails and stuff. So I would convince her to do my nails once or twice."

Her initial foray into cosmetology encompassed hair, makeup, and nails, but her true affinity was always with nails. After moving back to the U.S., Yvett balanced a side gig of doing nails while working as a bill collector until the birth of her son prompted her to pursue nails full-time.

Building Her Clientele

Yvett emphasizes the power of word-of-mouth in growing her business during the pre-social media era. Starting with friends and high school peers, her reputation organically expanded as she honed her skills.

[05:49] B: "It was just word of mouth. Because back then, there was no Instagram, there's no social media, there's no nothing."

Opening a Nail Salon: Challenges and Lessons

Venturing into salon ownership in Sherman Oaks, Yvett faced numerous challenges, including break-ins, COVID-19 disruptions, and an unfortunate car accident that severely damaged her salon.

[12:58] B: "So first we got broken into, then COVID happened. Then a car ran into the salon."

Despite these setbacks, Yvett values the lessons learned and the relationships built during this period. Her commitment to creating a comfortable environment for both clients and technicians remained unwavering.

[11:15] B: "I wanted to make sure that everybody feels comfortable. Everybody grows."

Transition to Celebrity Nail Tech

Yvett's entry into the celebrity realm was seamless, largely due to her consistent professionalism and the strong relationships she maintained. A pivotal moment was her long-term client, Jeffree Star, whose loyalty and influence opened doors to other high-profile clients.

[17:14] B: "Jeffree Star... he really helped me a lot."

Her collaboration with Pink Friday (Nicki Minaj) marked a significant milestone, where Yvett not only designed nails but also took on the role of Creative Director for branded nail lines showcased at events like Rolling Loud.

[25:10] B: "I did all the Designs for him. We tweaked them, we did certain things... based off of sets I've done on her before."

Social Media and Business Growth

While Yvett acknowledges the challenges of maintaining a social media presence, she underscores its importance in expanding her reach. However, she balances online engagement with her commitment to quality and client relationships.

[26:12] B: "A lot of my following did grow... because I just like what I was posting or the type, my work."

Pricing Strategies and Client Expectations

Yvett discusses her pricing philosophy, emphasizing transparency and the value of her artistry. Her clients understand and appreciate the premium she places on quality and creativity.

[35:07] B: "They know that, because I do come from... it's a little more pricey... it's because she does so and so."

She also touches on the balance between taking new clients and maintaining flexibility to accommodate her celebrity clientele's demanding schedules.

[16:38] B: "I do take new clients here and there because I feel like I need that change sometimes."

The Evolution of the Nail Industry

Reflecting on her 20-year career, Yvett observes significant shifts in the nail industry, particularly the rise of social media influencers, press-ons, and varying standards of licensing across regions.

[29:20] B: "Absolutely. Everybody in their mama thinks they can do nails now... it's a little overwhelming."

She differentiates between nail technicians and nail artists, stressing the importance of comprehensive skills in maintaining professional standards.

[29:33] B: "A nail tech, you want to be able to learn... you want to be specialized in the one thing... but know how to do everything."

Advice for Aspiring Nail Technicians

Yvett offers invaluable advice for those entering the nail industry:

1. Focus on Craftsmanship: Master various techniques across different mediums to enhance versatility.

2. Build Genuine Relationships: Prioritize client relationships over fleeting social media trends.

3. Maintain Professionalism: Set boundaries and uphold respect in all client interactions.

4. Adapt and Evolve: Stay abreast of industry changes and be willing to pivot as needed.

[30:20] B: "For a good nail tech, I think you need to learn how to shape. It's a good shape... knowing how to put colors together."

Final Thoughts and Inspiration

Yvett concludes with a heartfelt reminder that everything happens for a reason, a philosophy that has guided her through the highs and lows of her career.

[67:21] B: "Everything happens for a reason. And I literally have that tattooed because it's just, like, one of those things where I've learned it..."

Her journey underscores resilience, adaptability, and unwavering dedication to her craft, serving as an inspiration to both seasoned professionals and newcomers in the beauty industry.

[67:42] A: "Yes. So it really does happen for a reason."

---

Key Takeaways:

• Resilience in Business: Yvett's ability to navigate challenges showcases the importance of perseverance.
• Value of Relationships: Building and maintaining strong client relationships can lead to sustained success.
• Adaptability: Staying flexible and open to industry changes is crucial for long-term growth.
• Professionalism: Upholding high standards and setting clear boundaries fosters mutual respect and loyalty.

Notable Quotes:

• "Everything happens for a reason." — Yvett Garcia [67:22]
• "I do think that there's nothing wrong... but it's a little oversaturated, but it's easier if you really perfect your craft." — Yvett Garcia [07:25]
• "A good nail tech... should be able to do all of it. They should be able to do a good... shape. Beautiful shape and longevity." — Yvett Garcia [31:05]

This episode offers a deep dive into the life of a seasoned nail technician, revealing the intricacies of building a successful career in the beauty industry and the personal growth that accompanies it.

Transcript

[A]

Hey, guys. Welcome back to another episode of Beauty with Twist. I'm super excited for this week's episode because we have a special guest. Go ahead and introduce yourself.

[B]

Hi, my name is Eyvette Garcia. I go by Eyvette G on Instagram. I'm a celebrity. Celebrity nail tech based in Los Angeles. Girl, yeah.

[A]

You know how nervous I am? I'm like, I'm sitting in the presence of a queen. Nicki Minaj.

[B]

Like, I was like, I'm nervous. Can't even say right.

[A]

And this is our first time meeting, so I'm like, okay, I'm nervous. I don't know.

[B]

We.

[A]

You know, we gotta see how it goes.

[B]

But I'm like, so far, so good. Breaking the ice.

[A]

So tell me how you got started. Tell me your nail journey. And did you start with doing nails in the beginning, or did you have another path? Because how did you come. The biggest. One of the biggest celebrity nail techs out there.

[B]

Thank you. Hey. It's like. It's a story. So I basically started doing those when I was, like, 15, 16. Yeah. So I started a long time ago, and I started doing nails when I lived in Mexico. So we just moved to Mexico, and my mom basically was like, you have to do something. You know, we. I did the opposite. Like, instead of moving from over there to here, like, we moved from. I lived. I was born and raised here and then moved over there. So then my mom had me, like, you gotta do something. And I learned how to do nails. I started doing nails over there, and then eventually we moved here, and then we just. You know, I kind of. I did it on the side always. It was always like a little side gig. And then I think by the time I had my son, I was like, you know what? I'll do this full time. And, yeah, so far, that was, like, about 12 years ago that I've only nails.

[A]

And what part of Mexico did you move to?

[B]

Guadalajara.

[A]

So how long did you live out there?

[B]

I lived over there for, like, five years.

[A]

Okay, so did you know nothing about nails? You literally just got a kit and you were just like.

[B]

So I had. My mom had a friend. She was like a. The. The stylist. You know, we all have, like, that one friend, like, the beautiful. She knows how to do all of it. She would do the waxing and the nails and the hair. Everything, right?

[A]

Yes.

[B]

And I used to play the violin, so I remember. Or something. I don't know. I really. I've always been, like, kind of like a little tomboy still. But like a tomboy. But I'm like more of like a tomboy. I'm creative, but I'm like. It was very much like a tomboy. But for some reason the nails was like. Like I didn't like to do anything with my hair or makeup. Like, I wasn't girly girl, but I loved when she would do the nails and stuff. So I would convince her to do my nails once or twice I would bite them off because I was a nail biter. So I bit them off in like two days or whatever. I remember for like some little thing she would like. She would do my little nails, like super nubby nubs. So funny. But that was like what I like to do. I like to. For her to do my little nails. And that's like my little introduction. And then I remember I would like polish them or like I would like polish it. That would be as much as I knew. And then by the time I moved over there, we. I just did beauty school, like all together. So I did everything. Hair, makeup, everything.

[A]

So you did cosmetology?

[B]

Cosmetology, all the whole thing.

[A]

Did you hate it?

[B]

I hated it.

[A]

I hated it.

[B]

I hate hair. Like, I hated everything. But I like, the nails was like, that was my. I was like, I really want to get to the nail part. So it was like. I remember it was divided. So I ran through the first part. Just so that it could get to like the nail part.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So that I could get to like the exciting stuff.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So they. Back in, back then, they didn't have just nail manicurious license or they.

[B]

I mean, this was in Mexico, so I don't know. This was also. We didn't really need a license, but I just went to school. It was more of a way to keep me like busy and entertained and like just get in trouble, I guess.

[A]

So was that license able to.

[B]

No, I had to do it again here. Yeah, that was just for me to learn or whatever. But then once I decided, okay, this is what I'm going to do, like full time, then I got my license here.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So then what made you decide to move back or like, did you.

[B]

Well, I was 19. My mom kind of just, you know, I was going to college and everything over there. I was going to university, everything. And I really didn't want to come back. I liked it like at that point, like, I'm like, you already put me over there and I'm already struggled.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And I got, I adapted to it. I loved it. And then now I got to move back, but it's just, you know, my mom, you know, money wise or whatever, just to follow her, so.

[A]

Yeah. And how much would you charge for nails out there?

[B]

Oh my God. I, I still, I still remember I had this big old cartoon. This cartoon. I don't know why you say in Spanish, English, like a big old board that I had because I used to do it out of like my.

[A]

So with all the prices.

[B]

Yeah, I had little prices and I had like a, like whoever would pass by. I think it said sinkenta pesos.

[A]

What the hell is that? Like $5?

[B]

Yeah. Or less? Yeah. Cuz the dollar is like 16. So. Yeah, now it's less, but back then it was around 10. So. Yeah, it was like about 5. Yeah, yeah.

[A]

So for a full set.

[B]

Yeah. But then I was learning, right? So it was like, it was more so I could get people to practice. I just wanted people to come. Right. And then I think eventually that's when I was in school and stuff. So I think once I got like the, the, the, the hang of it or I started, then it started up. But I think then eventually I think my little standard base price was like docientos pesos. It was like 200 pesos. So like 2, 3.

[A]

And did you have clientele out there?

[B]

I did.

[A]

You did?

[B]

I did. I did.

[A]

How did you do you just.

[B]

My clients were sad. I had my. Because it started with like my little friends. Right. So I was in, I was in high school.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You know, so I was in high school. And that's where it started.

[A]

So she tells her.

[B]

Yeah, yeah. And all my little friends, I remember, you know, while they'll tell me now, like the ones that I still kind of in contact, they'll be like, oh, remember when you have my names? Oh my God. I was like, yep, yeah.

[A]

And now look at her. Okay. Creative director. Don't play with her. Okay.

[B]

It's a story.

[A]

So then when you moved back here, did you move with your family? Did you come. You had family out here?

[B]

Yeah, yeah.

[A]

So then, yeah, I just moved with.

[B]

My mom and I moved with like an aunt back over here. Yeah.

[A]

And then you were like still doing nails full time?

[B]

I did it like on the side at that point. I had like a job like I was like a bill collector.

[A]

So then what were you doing? Nails.

[B]

I was just doing on, like at my house, like on the side. You know, I wasn't, you know, supposed to. We know it's like friends and stuff. You know what I mean? It's like you know, you're not. I wasn't like, professionally doing. It was just, like, in the way of getting, like, little extra money or whatever. And then. Yeah, it was. It was still like, a while for me to, like, eventually get into it, like, completely.

[A]

So when you started doing nails and then you realized when you're out here, how did you grow your business? How did you say, hey, like, maybe I'm going to start doing nails full time here? Did you just.

[B]

It was just word of mouth. Because back then, there was no Instagram, there's no social media, there's no nothing. Like, right now, it's so much easier. So much easier. I feel like now if you don't have, like, it's. It's a little oversaturated, but at the same time, it's. It's easier if you really. If you really perfect your craft or if you really, like, for former bond or whatever. You know, everybody has their thing. But I think back then it was. It was hard, but it was mostly just word of mouth, honestly, like, it would be. And I remember I would only do nails, like, on the weekends or like at nights, like, after work. Then I would still come and do it, you know? And then eventually, like, it was just kind of like, it just, oh, what are you going? Like, they wanted me tomorrow. I'm like, I'm already working. Like, I still have a job, like, to do. And it was until my son was born. When he was born, that's where it was like, I all kind of like, the universe helps you. Because the universe was literally like, this is your dime. Because the job that I was working at, I was great at my job. Like, I. I had already been there for a while. I had benefits. I had all, like, the good stuff, right. But you get comfortable. And the job ended up. They were like, the company. The company was moving to, like, Carlsbad or something like that. And I'm like, I'm not moving over there.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So then I remember my husband at the time, he had said, well, like, you can't do everything. You have just had the son, you just had a baby. You can't be working and doing nails. One of them has to go. And I was like, bet I'm not working. No more than. Yeah. Because it was like the company was already closing.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I was gonna get a good little severance pay. I was gonna be on unemployment. So I was like, perfect. That'll be my little cushion. Obviously, he would work. I was like, while I, like, my clients are ready for me to work More. And sure enough, the moment I, like, left, it was the cousin that did it. Like, it was just boom. And I got busy. Like, I was blessed, like I've always been. Yeah.

[A]

So it was mostly word of mouth.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And then did you work right away after you gave birth to your son?

[B]

I waited, like, a little bit. I worked pretty quickly. Like, I think, like, within, like, a month.

[A]

I think, like, see, because people think I' crazy. I tell them I'm gonna come back.

[B]

In a month, they're like, yeah, I did a month.

[A]

You should take off, like, eight weeks. I said, no, no, no, no.

[B]

I. I went back to work. Work after a month. But I think nails. I think sooner than that because I was at home so I could. And my clients were like, yeah. My clients are like, just take your time. It's okay. Like, I. Breaks.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So then after that, you grew word of mouth. Did you decide to move outside your house into, like, a station? You rented a station or.

[B]

So I started doing. I still had. In my house. I had all my clients there. It took me a minute. My mom had a. A bridal shop. Like. Like a little bridal shop. So then they kind of fixed the back. Like, hey, you want to come over here? So I went to, like, the. I remember my aunt would help me, like, take care of the baby. Like, I. Like some of my OG clients. I think I still have, like, a couple of them. They remember. Like, I remember when he was, like, in a stroller. Like, you'd literally be working with him with a stroller. Yeah, I was, like, huge. So, like, yeah, it's been. My. My mom helped me a lot. So then that. That helped, and I had my little clientele with that. And then my mom switched locations. So when she switched locations, she's like, now we have more space. She gave me, like, a whole little area. Bigger area. And then I remember trying to remember what happened. Oh, and then after that, and then I worked at a really big salon. Like, I'm not gonna say names, but I worked at a big salon that was, like, a celebrity. No, we already know. And, I mean, honestly, whatever happened there, at the end of the day, I'm grateful. Things have to happen for a reason. And, I mean, I got a lot of clients there, and I got a lot experience there. I met a lot of cool people there.

[A]

Yeah. So that's how you met your celebrity nail techs?

[B]

Some of them. So that's how I met, like, some of my celebrity clients. Like, yeah, some of them.

[A]

So.

[B]

So it was, like, a Couple. Because back then, it was like, when that influencer era was, like, huge.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Social media was huge.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

It was all about who you knew and tag me and post me and shout me out and all that stuff. Now, it's. It's not that deep, but, like, back then, it was, like, huge. So I had, like, one or two that, like, stuck with me. And I remember I had clients would be like, leave this place.

[A]

Like, why are you still here?

[B]

And I'm like, no, I can't do that. Because I was, like, loyal. Things happened for whatever again. The universe pushed me. I feel like every single thing had been pushed. I wasn't ready for it.

[A]

Dude, were you booth rented at this?

[B]

No, I was an employee.

[A]

But that's why your clients are telling you, like.

[B]

Yeah, it was, like, not because it wasn't also, like, the best place, but it worked out because then things happened. The guy got fired. Yeah. And then I was like, I'm trying to remember. And then it was kind of like, yeah, I told it. I was like, bet. Okay, fine, let's go. So then my clients, like, most of them, you know, they. They. They tried to follow me. Some, like, took. Some I didn't, but they were, you know. Yeah, they. They. Then it just kind of grew from there, you know?

[A]

So then after you went there, did you go to another spa or did you make your own?

[B]

I went back to my mom's, but this time, like, we had, like, I cleaned out this whole back area that she had. So I cleaned it all out and just turned it into, like, a little studio.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

That. That was. And then I was just there for, like, a while until, like, I was able to write, like, a little studio. Studio.

[A]

Yeah. So then you rented a studio, and then you had a nail salon, right?

[B]

I rented the studio for a while longer, and then I rented another spot, and then I had a nail salon. And then that nail salon I had because I had a client. Amazing. I love her to death. She was like, hey, have you ever thought about having opened a nail salon? And I was just like, I mean, I want to, but, you know, it's like, cost this again. I was, like, scared. So I was just like. And then she was like, oh, you know, we could do this, whatever. And she was kind of like the one that pushed me and so opened up a nail salon. And. Yeah, I did pretty good. We did really good, honestly.

[A]

Where was it located?

[B]

It was in. On Ventura. It was in the Valley in Sherman Oaks.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

Yeah. Yeah.

[A]

And then how long did you have that place?

[B]

For. We had it for. I think I was open for about. Let me say, like, three years. Yeah, about three years.

[A]

Dang. So did you have other nail techs working there?

[B]

Yeah, I had a couple. I had. I had one of the. When I switched over, I was, like, looking for nail tech. So we had. I think I had, like, two or three nail techs because I wanted it to be, like, a very. I was. Because I did come from a bad experience of the nail salon. I didn't want that. So my biggest thing was, like, I want to make sure that everybody feels comfortable. Everybody grows. Like, you know, so I remember they all. They. You know, one of my girls that. She's still with me, she still helps me out a lot. She's actually works with me on Pink Friday and everything. And she. She. She already knew how to do nails. Like, she just got her license, like, not too long ago or whatever, and then, you know, just kind of trained her and, you know, and I was like, oh. I'm like, you're right. Your station. Eventually, girl. Like, I'm can't, like, you know, I had to push her. Like, I had to force her.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So, you know, she was like, no, I'm scared. I was like, no, you're not. Just, you know, and now she still. She still laughs now. She was like, yeah, he was me. And he was just like, big me. I was like, girls, you need people to push you. Like, this one thing I learned sometimes you need that push. And then eventually, you know, I convinced her. So, like, she, you know, she. They became a booth renter. So, you know, obviously, as a salon owner, you don't always make the money, but to me, I just wanted that space. I was like. I knew eventually, like, my goal was to have people come in, train them, and then rent them. But I think when it. When I had the salon is right when things had shifted. So it was just like I kind of opened it at the wrong. And even with all those little struggles and setbacks. We had a lot of setbacks. We did great for that salon. But there was just, like, I was just constant, like, fighting. I was just like. Something just told me, like, no. But I learned a lot, though. I learned a lot.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And I just did it because that's, like, what you're supposed to do, right, as a beauty industry. Like, you're supposed to have a salon.

[A]

Yeah, that's what they say. And then I'm like, I missed sometimes being solo.

[B]

I love it. I love it. I love it. Like, I love it.

[A]

I always Say.

[B]

I'm like. I just.

[A]

There's so much stress when it comes to salon.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So what did it happen into your salon?

[B]

So first we got broken into, then covet happened. Then a car ran into the salon, like, literally crashed into.

[A]

Was it on the main street?

[B]

Yeah. Yeah. Well, because it's on right on Ventura and. But it was, like, the dumbest thing. I wasn't there, but some of my girls were. Luckily, nobody was hurt. Like, nobody was hurt. We had these big stairs right in front. So, like, the way the car. It was like Escalade. Like an old Escalade. So I think that's what kept the driver safe because it was like, an old car.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And it was a kid. He was, like, 16. And I don't know if he was, like, trying to, like, park or shift or what the heck. And instead he just rammed in. So luckily he wasn't going that fast, but it was enough to, like, like, bent the whole front. Like, the whole, like, those type of.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Kind of shifted them in. Yeah.

[A]

So it was a Shalon. It was before or after closing.

[B]

I think we just. I'm trying to remember the timeline, but I think we just kind of, like, barely, like, reopened a little bit, I think. Yeah, I think we just kind of like, finally or something, and we're just like, damn it. Like, it was like, one thing after another.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So it was bad luck already.

[B]

It was just a lot. Yeah.

[A]

So then after, you just completely closed.

[B]

It once the lease was up. Our lease. That's another thing. Like, our landlord was trying to be greedy and be, like, trying to charge us, like, a normal leg. I was like, no. Like, sir, no, no. So it was like, it was coveted. Like, we just got out of COVID Like, people aren't opening salons right now. Like, nobody's opening a business.

[A]

A lot of people are closing, actually.

[B]

You're lucky that we're still here. And, yeah, we just. Eventually, he went all the way down to, like, less than what I was paying just so I wouldn't leave. And I still. And I was about to sign a lease and everything, and then just something told me, like, nope, don't do it. Don't do it. And I'm like. Because then after that, a lot of other stuff just happened. Like, it was made. It opened me up to be free, to be able to do more things. Because as a salon owner, you know, you have to be here. There's so many things that you have to be responsible for. And I realized, like, that's just wasn't what I wanted, I didn't want to be tied down. Like, for me, I want to do the traveling. I want to go there, I want to go over there. Like, that was what I wanted to do.

[A]

Yeah. So then you closed it completely. Then your girls left, right? Or.

[B]

So what happened when we closed? Luckily, my friend was about to open a salon which I worked with her at that other salon. We were like super close friends and she was looking for people and I was like, hey, you guys. So I had my two. At this point, I have just two girls, super, like amazing, talented nail techs. And I was like, okay, guys, so I'm gonna go over here. She's in K town area. I was like, she has three stations. Would you guys want to come with me now? Instead of paying me rent, I just pay her. And they were like, yeah, sure, you know. So then they all came and we're still there, two of them. The other girl, she went back to Valley because it was kind of harder for her. Yeah, most of her clients were Valley based. Yeah, my clients were kind of a mixture of everywhere, so they didn't really care.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

But yeah, we're still there for. And it's nice because it's my friend. I feel comfortable. I trust her solo.

[A]

Yeah, you're just brenting.

[B]

You know, I just. And I still. Because it is someone that I know, someone that I'm close to, I still have, I still feel that freedom. Yeah, I still feel comfortable. I don't feel like, you know.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And we none of us take like walk ins or anything like that. It's solely like, we all just ran our stations. We all have our clients. So we don't even open to the.

[A]

So now that you're so big, like in the celebrity nail tech industry, like you do so many celebrities, do you still take new clients? Do you still take clients at all?

[B]

I do, I do. So I have my regular clients. I did have to cut down my clients, obviously, to be able to have that like freedom to kind of like pick up and go. Flexibility. So the clients that I do have, a lot of them, they already know. They just, they know unfortunately that I might have to cancel them or I might have to like switch them up. So I, I. Those are the ones that kind of stuck around. A lot of them were like, hey, you know what? Like, they have like stricter jobs. Or I'm like, I understand that's on you. So they moved in. A lot of them. We still talk on like social media or they still text me or they're like, so I'm still cool with them and everybody, because they knew it was like more of, like a. Of a career thing, you know, it wasn't because I didn't want to take them or anything. I do take new clients here and there because I feel like I need that change sometimes. I like that little shift. So here and there, I do take clients. I'll post, like, okay. Taking a few new clients, if I.

[A]

Notice, and that gets booked right away. Trust me, I'd be one of them, though.

[B]

The thing with that, though, is when I do, because I kind of want to do specific things, I. I kind of pick and choose. So I'll be like, okay, I'll take like one or two. But it's because I want you to do, like, are you going to do long nails if you're gonna do short nails? I'm sorry. I just. You know what I mean?

[A]

It's your girl.

[B]

Yeah. Like, I love it, but it's just. I don't have the space for it. Like, I could. I'd rather do, like, something really cool that I could, like, you know.

[A]

Yeah. Like your freedom on, like, to design.

[B]

A little more creative.

[A]

Yeah. And then. So now that you. You. So you still take clients, but how did you get introduced to your celebrities? Like, how did you. So you said you worked at the salon?

[B]

Yeah, so at the salon, I had one of my clients. I think he helped me a lot. Jeffree star. He's been my client for, like, 10 years now, so he really helped me a lot. You know, he was one of the ones that was like, slave. Like, he was like skull, you know, And I. He. So he's, you know, he's been loyal to me, and I've been loyal to him, and I just, you know, we kind of just formed like a. It just works out, you know what I mean? Like, we get along. It's been great. And he. Once I started doing him, obviously he has. He had a lot of impact that. Especially back then. And then, obviously, people started hitting me up, you know, I did, like, I just. I did a lot of those influencers from back in that era, that YouTube era. And then he just. Yeah, again, word of mouth. Right. And then from there, I'm trying to remember. I think eventually I didn't really reach out to anybody. I think everybody's kind of reached out to me. And then eventually I forgot who the first.

[A]

Like, I'm like, how'd you. Nikki?

[B]

Like, I'm trying to remember, and I can't remember. Somebody hit me up, like, hey, can you do Nikki? I said, but do they ask you.

[A]

To do free on them?

[B]

No.

[A]

No, because I've heard that from the.

[B]

Ones that ask you for free or the influencers.

[A]

I know, I've heard that. That's why I just want. I know it's always like, I'll trade you.

[B]

Not all the nails.

[A]

Yeah, I'll trade you. You do the nails, then just shout me out or I'll shout you out for.

[B]

That worked back then. Not anymore. Yeah, it doesn't work anymore.

[A]

And you know, someone told me, I can't say who, but they mentioned, yeah, they used to do. I used to do that a lot. And sometimes they wouldn't even post the nails.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Or sometimes, like, I would drive three hours from here to there and they wouldn't even at least give me a tip for just even going over there. I'm like, so you just went all over there for free, not getting paid, not getting a tip nor getting a shout out? Like, yeah, that is crazy.

[B]

Yeah. And see, I think that's. That's the problem nowadays is like, so many people get into this because they want to do the celebrities. Like, that's one of the questions I get to ask the most is like, how do you get to do it in celebrities? I'm like, I just happened. Like, I never seeked it.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Like, I. That was not a goal of mine, was, oh, I want to do celebrities. My goal was always like, honestly, when I first, like, I didn't even know this nail world was that big. That's like the number one. Like, I didn't even know that the endless possibilities, like, you could work with brands you can work on. Like, right now my favorite thing, now that I know is like, I love doing commercials. Give me a Target commercial. I just did.

[A]

I know, Kiss.

[B]

I did KFC commercial. Like, kfc? Yeah. Like, that's where, like, you know what I mean? Like, I love those, like, little things. You know, I love the editor. I love the pretty things. You know, we all love the, like, the COVID shoots. Those don't really pay, but there's good because it gets your name out there. So I think that's the biggest thing is people want to do, like, the celebrities and they want to like, how do you do this? I think your goal should be your own career. Like, how do I establish myself as myself? Not because I'm so and so's nail tech. Like, yes, obviously people are going to always be like, oh, you're so and so's nail tech. You do so and so But I think I worked enough in this industry. Especially, like, I did. I worked a lot with, like, brands, and I've done a lot of trade shows. So, like, people in the industry will know. Okay, maybe not the newer ones, because I feel like a lot of new texts, they don't, obviously. It's like a whole new round of no tech now. Yeah, they don't know who the hell I am. But, like, the older ones, a lot of people do because I've.

[A]

You're like, og.

[B]

Yeah. And I used to do classes and all that stuff back in the day, so I've done everything. I've done, like, a little bit of everything.

[A]

So, like, this whole. You're. You're transforming into, like, a. Commercials. More like, like, how the hell did you do KFC then?

[B]

That's where we go into, like, that's the next level thing. Right. Once you do the celebrities, you have a few celebrities. That's when I got reached out by, like, an agency. Like, hey, so now I have an agent.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So that's where then you got those type of games. I was like, oh, I didn't know you could do that. Okay. You know, so, yeah, that agency, it was cool. I like them. And then unfortunately, that let me go because, like, again, something with COVID I was like, one of the last people they took on, so they let me go. And then I got taken on by another agency, which I love. I love my agency right now, but I still do a lot of my own stuff.

[A]

Oh, so you still do, like, the back end? Like the. You're. You're still free?

[B]

Yeah, yeah. Like, people still. Yeah. There's no exclusive. Like, if somebody. I don't have to send them off to them. That's more for, like, the bigger jobs where they can find me stuff. Or if I feel like something comes to me and I really don't know. Okay. I don't know how to handle this or, you know, then I'll pass it to them. You know, like, hey, can you help me? Obviously, you know, they take a commission. But that's the cool thing about those is, I mean, it's pros and cons. You just have to outweigh it.

[A]

Yeah. My biggest question is, what is. Okay, I know a creative director, but how did you become the creative director for Pink Friday? Like, girl there, that's like, literally hugely had his own booth at Rolling Loud. Right. Did you design the nails?

[B]

Like, what is it? So basically, I've been doing Nikki's nails since when she was pregnant. I think before I Think around the time she was pregnant.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

That's when I started doing her nails. Right. And like I said, they just reached out. So, you know, and I think. Was it covered times? I think so.

[A]

Covet is covet.

[B]

Covet was. It was a weird time.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So things worked a little bit differently, so I think did it. So it was like. Like you were that bubble. But I started to. I don't. I don't. Don't quote me. Okay. I don't remember right now. But the point is I started doing nails where she was. Like when she was pregnant. We would do her nose, I think. I think I started before, like five years, man. I can't remember. But the point is I did her nails for a while. And then obviously the. The thing with celebrities is, like, you can't be too, like. Because they're gonna go to other people sometimes if you're not available.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Schedule. So you can't get to butt her if they don't. So I think she. With people, whatever. And I hadn't been doing her nails for a while, and then she hit me up again. And then eventually she just started doing press ons. Like when her son. Once her son was born, she just cut it because some people just can't sit. Because it's a process and, you know, it's a process, obviously, especially for those type of nails. Exactly. So you can't sit there especially because you want the bling. They want the crazy.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You know, so she eventually just started doing press ons. So she's like, you want to do press ons? I'm like, yeah, sure. So I started making her own press ons for like photo shoots or whatever. I would do. I would do a nails for like, you know, music videos, stuff like that, you know, more that type of thing.

[A]

And for a music video. Right. Sometimes they change their nails like three times a shoe or four. So to do acrylic. Acrylic, yeah.

[B]

You can't. You have to do press on that. But luckily that's when, you know, we all these like gel extensions came in where like the nails already there. So it's so much easier now as opposed to before we. I had to make the press on it. Custom make it. But eventually that became easier. And yeah, I actually hadn't done her nails for like a little while because she hasn't really. Hadn't really been doing her nails or doing anything. And then out of nowhere, she hit me up like, hey, I'm starting this line. And we had talked about it kind of vaguely and she was like, I'm starting this, like. And I want you to be a part of it. Like, they're gonna hit you up, let me know thing. We're having meeting. I'm like, okay, sure. We had this meeting. And I was like, I'm in. And they're like, you have to come up with certain designs. She's like, I want things. Basically, the whole thing was she wanted people to be able to wear the nose that she had. So she's like, let's start with designs you've already done. So I kind of had to, like, you know.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And so I made a bunch of designs. I remember the first samples were horrible. And I think when we finally kind of dwindled down to, like, you know, we asked her, she was obviously. Well, now we know she was prepping for her tour. She was prepping for, like, we didn't know this back then. So she was like, I have a lot on my plate. Basically was like, I'll let you handle that. Like, she was involved, but it was a lot of mean her. As opposed to, like, let's check with her. Like, so to kind of, like, make it faster. Like, certain things I already knew she liked, so I would.

[A]

So you kind of.

[B]

I would bring it to her, like, okay, the more concrete. So she could make, like, this, this, this, you know, a little easier for her, because as opposed to just showing her everything, you know, I'd be like, I already know she's not gonna like that. So get that out. You know, things like that. So it. Yeah, we've just worked on it together, and we even went to China to like, figure out, like, the how, like, where we're gonna manufacture and do all that stuff.

[A]

Dang.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So you went with her to China?

[B]

No, I went instead of her because she couldn't. Because again.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Dang. So you really took creative directing, too?

[B]

Yeah, so back then, I was just a designer, and then somehow it just turned into this. They're like, yeah, I think that's not a sufficient title. Like, so they were like, yeah. Like, basically, you know, I was part of. I was part of, like, choosing the boxes and everything. Like, a little bit of everything, too.

[A]

That is so cool. So Rolling Loud was just a booth of where you guys showcased her work or the nail.

[B]

The.

[A]

There were your nails, though, right, that they were giving out? There's.

[B]

Yeah, the designs. Yeah. Yeah. So all the designs that are Pink Friday. All the designs. I've made the designs.

[A]

That is so crazy.

[B]

Yeah. So we did. I did all the Designs for him. We tweaked them, we did certain things, you know, obviously certain things aren't able to be produced as, you know, so we had to adjust certain things or like adapt. But they're basically all like based off of sets I've done on her before. Whatever's coming Nesses. Some of them are still. Some of them are part of like the Tory ones that she wore because I did make her some custom ones for the tour, but those are also coming. So like that's kind of like the basis, you know?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So yeah, Rolling Loud reached out and they want to do like a little booth because they had like the hair and they do them all that stuff. So it was cute. And I mean it fit in perfectly.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

It was the VIP section I seen.

[B]

Oh yeah.

[A]

So do you feel like now because you have a big following on Instagram, so like, do you feel like working with celebrities got you there or do you feel like you just because you said you did classes, right?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Like how did you grow your following? Because it's pretty.

[B]

It's funny because I've lost a lot of people because I kind of did. There was a time, I'm going to be honest, like I love social media, but sometimes it just gets a little overwhelming and I look completely disconnected. So I think like a while back I just kind of disconnected. I was. I haven't really been as active as I should. I've been focused more on like the work and the aspect like in that point. But I think, yeah, a lot of my following did grow. I mean, even when I was at that salon that I was at, I was already had. My following was already growing because I think I just like what I was posting or the type. My work. It was mostly just my work.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And then once I started doing like the influencer stuff, then it was, you know, obviously the shout outs and stuff that boosted it and stuff like that. Yeah.

[A]

And I feel like you're right. Like, it's just so draining. Especially when you're a business owner and you have so much going.

[B]

That's a job on its own.

[A]

Yeah. And it's like hard. Like that's why I took breaks too because I'm just like, dude, it's just draining and like I just lose. I don't know, I. I just. I just lose myself in social media. You know what I mean? So do you just have Instagram or do you have Tick Tock?

[B]

I have Instagram and Tick Tock right now. Yeah.

[A]

Do you post a lot on Tick.

[B]

Tock No, I should, though. I should. Everybody keeps telling me, you should do like lives and stuff. I was like, I'll do it eventually. I am going to get back into it. Yeah. Because I think now because of the pink fight, I do have, I have more time and less time, but I do have a little bit more time in the sense of, like, I have a little more control over the my time. And then I also kind of cut back on stuff because, you know, I have my son and he's 12 and I think this is the age where he needs a little bit more. So I. There's certain things that I had to cut back on or like, I'm okay with like, maybe not having as many like, day to day clients as opposed to before where I was like, I had to be hustle, hustle, hustle mode. And you know, now I'm like, there's days when I'm like, I. Yeah, I have like, way more time for myself and my family.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And then I'm like, because, you know, he's gonna be a teenager soon and then they're not really gonna care.

[A]

Do you have a set schedule?

[B]

No.

[A]

Well, so you work just.

[B]

Just whenever. Yeah. What I do try is when I have my regular clients at the salon, I try to kind of do them all the same day. So that way, like, okay, I'll go one or once or twice a week.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And do those. And then, you know, the thing is, like with agency jobs and stuff, they'll hit you up like, hey, are you available tomorrow to do so and so. Okay, cool. So you have to have that little bit of freedom.

[A]

Yeah. So do. Are you. Do you want to do classes at all again?

[B]

Yes, I definitely plan on doing some for next year. That's for sure. For sure.

[A]

Because I know, like, online courses are huge too.

[B]

I like doing the in person. I really like doing the in person. I did a really huge. We did. I did one with John. With John Legend.

[A]

I know.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Loved that for the. He does gel x right too. Well.

[B]

He does anything. He does anything. Yeah. So we work together. I've known him also since forever. Like, we've been friends forever too. And we've worked together. Like, you know, it's always funny because, like, I remember at certain points that people would be like, oh, so I'm like, we're friends, you guys. Like, not everybody has to hate on everybody. We're all friends.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

So we're part of like that og, you know, so we did a really dope ass class. Like, I think I Seen on Instagram. Yeah, it was, it was super cool. So I was like that level of class. I don't, I don't think people do that level of class anymore. It got a little oversaturated. So I'm just kind of waiting for. Yeah, thanks to.

[A]

And you know, that was one of my questions is like, do you feel like the nail industry is like oversaturated?

[B]

Absolutely. Absolutely. Everybody in their mama thinks they can do nails now. Yeah. I mean not to clown people or duck or anything, but it's a little, it's a little overwhelming.

[A]

Yeah. What do you think makes a good nail tech though?

[B]

I think it depends because there's a difference between a nail artist and a nail tech. Right. A nail tech, it involves way more skills. If you don't know how to do it, sorry, this is going to cause some stuff, but if you don't know how to do acrylic, you're not a nail tech, you're an artist. If you're Jalex tech, you're a nail artist because you like the art. You like think I don't consider that or a nail. Like for me a nail technician is like, you know how to do all the mediums, gel, hard gel, acrylic. Whether you choose to specify or, or be on one. That's every, that's the goal. Like you want to be able to learn, okay, I can do acrylic, I can do gel, I can do gel X. But I wanna, I wanna be like, okay, you know what? I don't do acrylic because I get it. Most people don't want to do acrylic. I want to be like specialized in the one thing. But you know how to do everything. Most people don't know how to do that.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Or most people just see a little YouTube video or a little course they're on a license and they just be like, I'm not. You're not nail tech, you're an L artist. Not taking it away from you, but it's different. So like it's next levels.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So I feel like for a good nail tech, I think you need to learn how to shape. It's a good shape. You don't have to do the most craziest, like hand painted designs because I personally, I can do certain things, but I can't do everything because that's like a whole new level of artistry, which is amazing. So I think you need to. But you need to know how to put colors together and mesh certain. You know, if you're doing just A French. Like, how to do a French. Like, so good artistry. Knowing how to shape. Knowing how to build a nail, even if it is just jelly, you still have to know how to shape it.

[A]

Yeah. Because sometimes it has to, like. Right.

[B]

Yeah. Or like the little bump.

[A]

Yeah, yeah.

[B]

Like, there has to be way. Or like all the gel and, you know, certain things.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And yeah, I think it has to be a combination of. Because a lot I remember back in the day, people would come and get. You would come and get your acrylics done with one person and then you get your art with somebody else, like. Well, because they wouldn't know because this is og.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Yeah. This is like back in the little chop shops.

[A]

That's where I used to go.

[B]

Yeah, everybody and I.

[A]

And I remember that. That's so funny because I would always go with one guy to shape, but then a girl would do the nail design because he didn't know how to do it.

[B]

Exactly. Oh, so true. So I think, like a good nail tech or good, you know, should be able to do all of it. They should be able to do a good. You come out with that person. Does a really good shape. Beautiful shape and longevity. Make sure, you know, stay. That's another one. Because your nails could be real beautiful, but if they're going to pop up in a week, then. Or lift what's going.

[A]

Yep, that's so true. That's some good advice. Because I've been seeing everyone. I went. I see a lot of nail. That's so crazy that you said that because I see a lot of people so good at nail art. And then I realized that it's not acrylic, it's just gel X.

[B]

Which is. Nothing wrong with that. No, because that's also every.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Clients love it because it's easy. You take it off. You know, it's amazing. And it saves so much time and.

[A]

It says it's healthier for your nails.

[B]

Right. That's all. I just know at the end of the day, it's how you apply and how you remove.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

It's not what you use. So people are, like, so scared of acrylic. Acrylic ripped my nose. No, your new. Ripped your nose off or your acrylic or your nail tech ripped off your nose. You know what I mean? It's. It's not the. The medium or like the actual product that you use. It's how it was applied or sometimes they don't take it off. Right.

[A]

Yeah. So don't look at my nails.

[B]

I was like, I have no nails done right now, but they were on their healing mode.

[A]

So do you feel like that's it, the industry, the nail industry changed so much over time?

[B]

Oh, absolutely.

[A]

You know, and I feel the same way too, because I feel like I don't feel like the chop shops don't even get love anymore. You know, I honestly feel like I only go for pedicures sometimes if that. But like, I don't really see them do hand nails because I remember when I would go and they're like, oh, do you need hands? I'm like, I just went to go get them done. You know what I mean? So I feel like it's changed so much.

[B]

So much. It's a whole different thing. The sad part is I see a lot of salons where like, there's really good people, but people sometimes don't give them the chance. But then I also noticed this is the thing where I guess it depends on what importance, what's important to you. You know, for example, as, as you know, are you going to get your. Some people, it's their hair, they're willing to spend all this money on their hair and that's like the essential.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Other people, it's their, their, their dance. Right. Other people, it could be their lashes. Like you can't catch them at it without their lashes. So I think it just depends. And people, I could tell people like, oh, I pay 250 for lashes. They're like, oh my God, you're crazy. I would never. I'll pay 150. Oh, okay. You know, I think it just depends on what. So if somebody appreciates the nail artistry, like the art and they, they're like more about the artistry. Then you go to like those dope nail artists who like can paint faces on nails and stuff like that. But that should be a fortune because you're paying for art. That's not just nails, that's art.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Which is different.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So people are like, I just want a nice little shape, a nice crisp little color. As long as it looks nice and neat. I care about the art. It's beautiful, but it's not for me. I just want nice, clean, beautiful nails.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Then you go to that person.

[A]

Yeah. Do you charge a lot for nails?

[B]

Yes.

[A]

I want to know your pricing. I need to know your pricing. Cuz I'm like itching. Okay. See for me, let me tell you, typically I used to get, I used to go to this one artist, she's known for long blinged nails. I used to get that But I wax. I can't.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I can't be poking them. Okay. I. I really can. She goes, I can't. I do men, too.

[B]

Oh.

[A]

So I can't poke them.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

But I started going shout out to Gio, and he knows what I like.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So I get the cute almond set, but for my birthday, I go all out. So I want to know if I want a long, extra long, acrylic, sculpted, whatever, diamond set. How much it.

[B]

See, that's. I usually don't talk about. It just depends, you know what I mean? It just depends on, like, the time and stuff, and I think it depends. No, I don't. I'm not gonna say. I just don't like to say the number because then a lot of people will be like, you watch. You're gonna be like, oh, my God, that's crazy. Why would you pay it? Just because she does so and so. Like, yeah, that's exactly.

[A]

Exactly why. So shout that. I would be like, yeah, that's why I charge what I charge.

[B]

You don't have to come to me. Like, nobody's forcing you to come to me. Yes.

[A]

So tell me. Give me. Just give me a little number. I'm trying to get it out of her.

[B]

So y'all know. So.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Really not like the blings and stuff? Like. Well, let's just say, like, you know, like, it depends on. Yeah, it'll be in the few hundreds. Few hundreds?

[A]

Yeah. Does anyone ever complain about the pricing?

[B]

No, because they know that.

[A]

They know.

[B]

Yeah. Because even my regular clients, like, when it's like, something extra, like, you said you have your regulars, and then you have your, like, little bling. Right. So I had, like, a client. It's like, oh, she want these. Like, okay, these. This is gonna be a little more pricey. Like, not because I know they could pay it, but. So I don't know if they're budgeting. I don't know if they got, like, plans or that, you know, I don't know.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Some people are like, oh, it's my birthday.

[A]

Is.

[B]

I don't care. Okay, bet. Let's. Let's go.

[A]

We got to run up thousand dollars.

[B]

You know what I mean?

[A]

How long do you take on nails?

[B]

Like, I do take a while. So I used to. That's one thing that has kind of changed because I have been doing nails for 20 years. Yeah. This year is going to be 20 years.

[A]

That's crazy.

[B]

Yeah, I've been doing. But I protected my hands. Like, that's one thing I always tell people, like, I see girls with, like, carpal. They've been doing nails for, like, four years. I'm like, girl, I've been 20 years. Thank God. Knock on wood. Oh, it's not what. Damn it. I was like. But I'm like, my hands, like, they hurt my elbow. You know, little things, but not that level. Not really. I think for me, my biggest thing is, like, my elbow. I have, like, that tennis elbow because, like, the way positioned.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And sometimes my thumb. So I've had to slow down because when I'm doing really, really fast, that's when I'm putting more pressure and I'm extra. And then that's when I start getting pains. But if I, like, kind of slow down, then I'm like, I can work and I don't need to do. So my goal was, now I'm at the point where I can do. Do less, but I make the same or more.

[A]

See? Because I'm thinking, like, maybe you'll take one client and make what you make. Some people make. If they do four clients. You make that in one day with one client and you. But you take longer because.

[B]

Yeah, because I can.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Yeah. Unless my client was really like, hey, I need to get out.

[A]

How about new clients? Do you tell them the price? If they send you a picture, say, hey, I want this?

[B]

Yeah. They usually kind of. Because I feel like if people are reaching out, they kind of expect, like, okay, she's going to be kind of expensive.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Then I'll give them, like, my base price. Okay. Like, this is my base price. And then it just depends on, you know, because mostly people would want, like, the crazy bling and stuff like that. And also, like, stones right now are like, all the crystals are so expensive, even for us. I just. It's got to a point where I don't even want to waste crystals on me because it's like, how. Like, I haven't done a blank set in a minute because it's like, oh, my God, there's so much money on my nails right now.

[A]

One set. It's silver, it's stiletto, it's long. It's on your page. A diamond out. I've seen it. That one is crazy. It's all Swarovski's. Yeah.

[B]

Most of my stuff was like, Swarovski.

[A]

Yeah. It was freaking beautiful. And it was. See it for me, I'm like, I don't know. Does that. Should not get stuck in your hair.

[B]

Well, if you do like a. If you do like a full. Like a full. Usually it doesn't like, if you do, like, kind of like, if you do, like, big stones in the center, you kind of, like, fill it up with stones around.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

It kind of seals them in. So it doesn't. When you do the big, chunky ones. Those do. Yeah.

[A]

Because I'm like, one day, girl. I'm gonna do it one day.

[B]

Yeah. A lot of those blingy, crazy ones usually are, like, house calls. So those are, like, a few, you know, you pay, you charge for, like, the day, like, the trip or, like, whatever.

[A]

Yeah. So do you do any house calls for, like, clients or just celebrities or.

[B]

I don't. I mean, I don't pick, like, celebrities. I like regular clients. Like, I like my every date more than I really want to kind of steer away sometimes from the celebrities because, like, it's. It takes up a lot of time because then they're, like, getting up to do things because, you know, you understand they have stuff to do.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You know, like, I just did one. Like, it was at a hotel, and she was getting ready for, like, a war show or something, and she's getting her hair, makeup done, everything done, and she had to be out like this. So. No, she. She was pretty good, but she had her hand out. But the entire time, had to go to the restroom. She had to go eat real quick. So all that. An appointment that could take you, you know, if it was like a regular. It was literally just a French manny. And it literally took hours because you have to kind of pause or you're kind of like. You have to do one hand first and then move over to the other hand.

[A]

Yeah. That's crazy, because I'm like, I know that there's so much going on that, you know, just for me. For example, my shout out to Geo again, He hates when he does my nails. Okay. I'm probably the worst nail client ever. Once. Because I hate when he files my nails too hard. I got sucky nail beds, I think, or something. Because it hurts.

[B]

And yes, I'm one of those. I was like.

[A]

And he's like.

[B]

I was like, girl, if you don't stay.

[A]

He's like, like. She's like, girl, if you just don't calm down, like. And I'm just like, dude, it just hurts. Like, I don't know what it is. So I don't know.

[B]

So you're cancer. You're sensitive.

[A]

Yeah, just my nails and my lashes.

[B]

Whatever.

[A]

Okay. I am a bad lash client anyways. That's besides the point.

[B]

Do you. She just outed herself all the way.

[A]

Do you work with like a certain nail brand? I know, I've seen Kiss, right? You did a commercial.

[B]

I mean, I did that. That was before, obviously. Now I'm with Pink Friday. So that's like opposite. I don't, I don't. I honestly, I used to work with certain brands. I used to like certain brands. I know everybody is like super hyped up on certain brands. I'm not a fan because they're overhyped.

[A]

See, that's why I'm asking, because I know that there's certain brands out there that have certain contracts in that contract and I just get all the cheeseman. You know what I mean?

[B]

I'm like, yeah, there's a lot of tea in this, this, this world. That's the advantages of being around for so long. Like, I worked with, with a lot of brands and then even if you don't, you get the tea from other brands and then you realize, like, where are these products coming from? And that's another thing. Like, now that I got into like the man, I got to see the manufacturing side of stuff. I mean, yes, it was for press ons, but it's, it's, it's. You learn so much. You're like, so a lot of these things that you think are like, amazing or these people that are like, oh, we make them in house or we do it. No, it's all just bought bulk. It's all from the same stuff and they just kind of, they maybe can custom the colors and stuff like that, but it's a lot of. It's very much the same. Or they start off really good, but then once they get everybody hooked, then things start changing. You're like, but why are you changing? Yeah, and there's brands that I worked with for years and I like, loved. And I'm like, why?

[A]

Is it because they're over selling it or is it because.

[B]

That's one question I still haven't really figured out. You know, right now, me personally, I use this brand. The brand's called Charisma. It's such a tiny little brand. And I personally know her. And it works like, it works for me. But then that's another thing. It depends on how you work. Everybody works differently. The way that I work, the way that acrylic, that I wear, my acrylic, I like that acrylic. It works for the way that I apply it. Some people apply it differently, different techniques. I don't like my stuff to be running. I don't like the whole like, blob Like, I don't like that because me doesn't cold. Like, it doesn't have structure. But. Yeah, like, I just kind of tried a bunch of products, and that's one of the ones that I like right now.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

But it's, like, not a popular. Oh, my God. Whatever. But it's the. The lady that owns a brand, she's very well known and she's been in the industry. So she put her. Like, she knows what she did. So I was like, okay.

[A]

Yeah. And I feel like, too, a lot of nail techs now, all they want to do is get sponsored by this brand.

[B]

That's a very different dynamic. They're very different. What do you call it? Like, world or different. I forgot, like, I don't know how to the word. Like, the industry, the industries in general, it's just. It's just very different. Like, how things work now. Like, people get into the nails to do that.

[A]

Yeah. They literally, specifically say, hey, I just. I'm gonna get a buck because I'm about to post this.

[B]

Get your money, though.

[A]

I know.

[B]

Get your money. I'm not hating.

[A]

Trust me, I'm not.

[B]

Listen. Get your money. Am I gonna do it? No, because I don't like the. I'm not going to sell something that I personally don't believe in.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

But I also realize that I'm in a point where I have the luxury to do that.

[A]

Yeah, because you've been in the industry for.

[B]

Yes. And I don't necessarily need to, but if you're. I don't hate people for, like, girl, you do your money now. There's brands where I'm like, girl, you know, that completely sucks. Like, come on. Like, there's certain things where I'm like, don't do, you know? So I remember I worked with another brand, which I can't mention, and they wanted me to sell something, and I was like, I don't like that, but I'll promote this because this I like. This I don't like. Because it was crap.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So I was like, I'll promote this for you, but not that.

[A]

So do you. You only work with this one brand? You only use their products, or do you kind of.

[B]

Oh, no, I work with, like, I do everything. Like, I try. I'm constantly trying new stuff. Like, that's like, one of my favorite things. Like, I'm trying different things. Whatever. I'm just saying, like, right now, so far, for the way that I work and how I work, that's like, I found. She was like, I want to Try myself, like, yeah, sure. And she gave me like a little bag. I loved it.

[A]

I was like, yeah.

[B]

So then I just. Now I just get it directly from her. It's like one of my favorites. And I'm still trying other ones.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You know, to see if I like something because I always like to discover new stuff.

[A]

Yeah. Do they send you, like, stuff to.

[B]

Try and say, hey, I think a lot of brands already kind of sent them to me. And then I. I'm not one to like, post it just because. And I think they kind of stopped because I'm not. You know what I mean? That's what happened to me too. Yeah. And I was like, I'm not gonna. Thank you. But like, I'm not gonna post. Just. Yeah, free. Like now. I'm not trying to be one of those, like, oh, no, my page, you gotta pay me. No, no, no. I just like, I have to try it and if I don't like it, I'm not going to promote something that I don't think is good.

[A]

Yeah. And I've gotten like email after email after email. Hey, did you like the product? Hey, we haven't got a video from you yet.

[B]

And I'm like, I don't. Yeah, no, I can't do that.

[A]

I can't just.

[B]

I can't do that, dude.

[A]

I just, I really just didn't like it.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You know, and I get PR from brands and I always, My assistant always says, oh, you got this, you got this. And I'm like, yeah, I already tried that before. Like, I don't. I know that. I just don't like it, you know, but I know that people, like, I see constant sponsors that people do. And you know.

[B]

Yeah, we all know what it's for. Exactly. And it's like. And then you. The problem is that you. I think one other thing is there's so many new. Like the newer, younger. The newer nail techs are really young. This new generation is young. Like, most of us were like 20s, you know, 20 something. Well, I mean, I started 15, so that's. But that wasn't the norm. That was like, oh, my God. Now a lot of nail techs are 16, 17, 18. So they're very, very, very like. And it's all about tick tock and it's all about Instagram. So they're very easy to influence. So you have a brand like Valentino, not saying it's a bad brand, but it's everywhere. So they're gonna immediately think that's the tap and that's the only one. And that's like the goal to get which shout out to them for their marketing. They put themselves on top, you know. But then the US nail techs that we've been around be like, okay, cool, I like this product. And like, for me, are there certain products that I like do? I like the whole line? No.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

But everybody like, oh, my God, I want everything Valentino. And they strive to have everything Valentino because aesthetic. The aesthetic. And that was a word. Everything's about aesthetics.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

It bugs me so much.

[A]

I feel like it is about for everyone. You know, it's like they have a certain aesthetic they. They're trying to achieve. They do their tick tocks a certain way because it's such a trend.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You know what I mean? And I feel like because you're such an og, you're like, dude, this shit is just so fudgeing. Like, you know what I mean? You started when it was, there is nothing to promote. And now you're like around Tick Tock Instagram and you're just. It's like, I don't even know.

[B]

Like my.

[A]

For example, my facialist, she's been around. She's been in free facials for 30 years. She's like, dude, I don't know how to record myself doing nails. Yeah. But she still has that same consistent clientele without even having to post.

[B]

Yeah, that's the. That's one thing that I will say. Like, I think I did another part where they asked me stuff like, oh, how do you. Whatever. How do you get your clients? Or I think try to get them as organically as you can. It's okay to depend on social media and help that. Like, that's a good tool. Like, let's use.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Instagram as a tool. But let's see, how do those followers translate into actual clients? So do I think a lot of the old school stuff of like, okay, if I do your nails, Abram, your friend. Give that girl a little discount because she brought you a friend. Doesn't have to be all the time. You don't have to promote it. Just. Just yourself. Be like, you know what, girl, I'm not gonna charge you the. The design this time.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Because you brought me your cousin. Thank you. Little things like that. You know what I mean? It's like, all those things are gonna like people. Because another thing I realize is people come to nail techs because of also their personality. You're sitting there with that person for a while. You're sitting there for. With at least what, two Hours, right? Yeah, an hour and a half. Let's say some of the super fast ones. An hour. But still, that's a long time to sit there and just, you know, some people like to be in silent. Like, I'm not gonna. You know, it's like, I think there was a trend right now. People like the silent appointment. I'm not the person to do that with.

[A]

I'm not either.

[B]

But I know so many girls that are introverted nail techs. That's perfect for them. So they find themselves an introverted client and they're just sitting there in silence and you're just like, it works.

[A]

Oh, wow. I've never seen it works.

[B]

And it works for them. And it's like, okay, cool. But you have to find your people. I think that's the problem with social media. People want to compare. It's like, no, work on you. Work on your. Probably your people are going to come to you.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And they're going to stick to you.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And when they get rid of TikTok or when Instagram, you're still going to have your people, you're still going to make your money.

[A]

Yeah. And that's such a good advice because, you know, a lot of people ask me to, like, how did you, you know, get from where you were to here? Like, how are you staying consistent? Because people try opening up storefronts and they realize how hard it is.

[B]

Storefronts are no joke, you know, And I've.

[A]

I've had someone that works here currently that she tried opening a storefront. She said, I don't know. I don't know how you did it. She had to come back and work here because it was really hard for her, you know? And I just, honestly, it's my personality. Like, it really is. Like, I just, I always tell people, if you don't like to talk in your appointment, then I'm not the girl for you.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Or if you don't like someone funny and you don't like someone to joke around a lot.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I'm really not the girl for you. We're not gonna get along, you know, And I feel like if I'm with you for that long, I have to like you too. You can't. You can't just like me. I gotta like you too, because you know what I mean?

[B]

People talk about, like, prices and flex. I was like, I think my biggest flex is that, like, I don't do people that I don't. I don't work on people. I don't want to. Like, if I don't like you. I'm gonna do it. I don't care. Yeah, you don't care. And that includes celebrity. I've said no to people. I'm like, nope.

[A]

For celebrities, too.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Hell yeah.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

That's how you know.

[B]

No, because. Because it's like, why? And then obviously celebrities and those type of things, it gets very. There's like egos, and people want to talk to you a certain way, and it's just like, no. If you don't set your boundary, then it's. People can literally walk all over you.

[A]

Yeah. Have you ever had a celebrity that you worked and you were like, you worked with them and you just did not work with them ever again because of that one interaction?

[B]

Yeah. Oh, yeah. Yeah, there was one. And it's so funny because there's, like, drama with that person now because of who they were with. And I. Oh, my God. It was like, I literally called my. Because I was like, agency job. And I was like, never. And I've never done that. I've always been professional. Like, it is what it is. I just, you know, whatever. But that one. I literally made it a point that as soon as I got into my car, I was like, I've never again put me with this person. Never again. Don't you, like, never. He was like, what happened? I'm told him, like, the disrespect. Like, that person didn't even acknowledge me. Like, literally, like, first of all, waited on the lobby for hours.

[A]

Hours.

[B]

Yeah, for, like, I think it was almost two hours. Like, and I was about to leave. I was like, hey, you know, I got another appointment, which I didn't. But I was like, I have another one. I gotta go. And I was like. And when we wait, once I got up there, there was people in the room. I don't know. I grew up with manners. I grew up with common decency.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

And hello, how are you? Thank you.

[A]

Whatever.

[B]

You don't. You don't have to talk to me the entire time. Because also, a lot of these nail tech. I mean, a lot of these celebrities are overwhelmed because there's really so many people. So a lot of them are very quiet and very. Just doesn't mean they're rude. They're just. They're quiet, they're overwhelmed. There's always constantly having to do so they save their energy for when the cameras turn on, which I get. But this person did not even acknowledge me. She's. First of all, when I get there, I'm setting up and I can hear on the phone, talking to somebody. Like, yeah, girl. Like, man, I'll text you. And then the. Whoever it was were like, yeah, girl, who care. Them. Make them wait. Who cares? Like, yeah. And I'm just like, okay. So I'm setting up, doing my thing. And then I was just like, it is. It's just like, no, no. And I did. I did the nails that. It was fine. It wasn't anything, like, crazy. She liked the nails, whatever. But she just like. I was like, oh, you're good. You know, whatever. She's like, yeah, whatever. And I was like, oh, okay.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So, yeah, never once said hi or thank you, and then just got up left. That was it. There was no acknowledgement of me as, like, a person or like. Or. You're there.

[A]

So rude.

[B]

It was so rude.

[A]

I'm still human, and I've heard that. And.

[B]

And I hadn't had that. I was like, I didn't even have that when I started.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I was like, you know what I mean? I don't even have that type of situation. Like, I do. There's certain clients that I work with. It was funny because for a while, there had a lot of controversial clients that are like, other me. No here. But to me, I never had that experience, so I'm like, hey, I. Personally, to me, they're nice. They're respectful to me, you know, so I'm not ever. You know what I mean? Like, yeah, certain people can be difficult or whatever, but to me, I hadn't experienced that. So I was like, as long as they're not disrespectful to me, I'm good.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

That was always, like, the thing.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And so that's what I'm saying. Like, even until that person, I was like, oh, no.

[A]

They just want to join a bandwagon. Like, if you hit. If that person hates that person, everyone's gonna say, oh, actually, I had an experience like that. But they really actually never probably did, you know, Or.

[B]

Or it also. That. Because I also experienced that where certain people that are, like, known to not be the easiest to work with.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

They'll be like, oh, my God. Like, I do it, like, rude. And then to me, like, I. And I'm like, okay. Like, everybody just looked at me, like, white. What? I. They like me. I don't know.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Because also, one big thing is when you do those type of clients, you cannot be a fan.

[A]

Oh, yeah.

[B]

I don't even.

[A]

A fangirl. When I see them out. If I see them, like, I'm just like, okay.

[B]

Yeah. You can't be a fan. A lot of people are like, oh, my God, I want to do so and so, so bad. Oh, my God. Oh, my God. No.

[A]

Maybe just scream on the inside, but you cannot show it if you really are.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Because honestly, I'm not even gonna lie. If I ever met Nicki Minaj in my head, I'd probably start crying, but I would never show that.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Because I'm just so professional. I'm so. You know what I mean? Yeah. I'm just like, yeah. My mind is screaming. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[B]

It happened to me once. It was a. It was a male client, which now I'm like, But in that moment, I like them. It was cool. And I was like, oh, yeah, it's cool. Yeah. And it was. It was actually at Nikki's house and she was like, oh, yeah, okay, I'm gonna go get ready to go. Just, he needs a Medicare. Do his Medicare. And I was like, okay. So I'm just like, oh, hey. And he was just like talking to me like, so. Hey, like, so long you've been doing this. And I'm like, just normal. Right. The moment I left, I literally called the friend. I was like, like, yep.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I think the security heard me screaming, but the security guard outside was like, I think he heard me screaming for sure.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

But yeah, that moment, he. Oh, yeah, you're another person. I'm like, you bite your nails. Why are you biting your nails? So, like, you know, I'm over here.

[A]

Like, making a fucking rat. If it's like a real, real, like, at home client just trying to make that face, you know?

[B]

Yeah, you can't fangirl, you can't. You can't fan it. You have to, like you said, keep your composure, whatever, you know, or like these people that are reach out to other people because, like, like, oh, my God, let me do your nose. Like, no.

[A]

So do you think someone should do that? Do you think that people like now.

[B]

That are in the industry do, get your money, do whatever you want to do.

[A]

You know what I mean?

[B]

Do whatever you want to do, Whatever. But I think too many people are too hyped up on. On the names and on the titles, on the egos, on all that type of stuff, or, like, how many followers. It's not even about the money anymore. If it was about the money, I'd be like, hey, girl, get your money. But it's not about the money.

[A]

Sure.

[B]

Yeah. It's like exposure with exposure to. I can't go to my house, be like, hey, so I don't have money but I have exposure. Like, what if I, what if I post it online? Like, like I live at this apartment building. Like, can I get a free month and tell people that I love my apartment?

[A]

Like, yeah, what is it gonna get you?

[B]

Yeah, yeah. Or my car note. Like, hey, go tell the May brand. Like, hey, so like I can't pay my car, my car note. But like, you know, I tell people that I really love your car and yeah, it was really nice.

[A]

But you know what? I really think a lot of nail people or people in the nail industry, they do that, but they really want to be an influencer. Low key.

[B]

No, it's not lowkey. It's very high key. It's not lowkey and it's fine. It's not. But again, what is the purpose? Do you want to be an influencer so you can make real money? Because just because you have certain things you post doesn't necessarily mean it's going to be money. Because there's so many nail techs nowadays. There's so many people that are streaming, there's so many people that are podcast things like that. Like you have to, has to have an eventual. Like I think that's another talent. Like can you translate that into money?

[A]

We were just talking about that too. We're like, we need, we do this because eventually we know it's going to turn the outcome of money. Yes, we know that what's going to happen. And my by me doing this, I know what the outcome is going to be, you know.

[B]

But in this case, I think it's also because it's this type of thing is needed because it's also a way of educating. And that's why I like to do these type of things. Like people ask me whenever it has to do to like beauty stuff. I'm like, yeah, like that's when like drove like mile and got stopped. But you know, I guess.

[A]

She messaged me, she's like, girl, I'm about to be a little late. I said, it's okay. She's like, I got pulled over. I said, girl, take your time, take it. She dead ass got pulled up.

[B]

I'll show you the ticket right now. I really did. I was like, oh God. He was nice too. At least he didn't get, he was like, hey, you know, you were going, yeah, you were going 80 when you slowed down. I was, you were slowing down. I was like, don't do that. I was just trying to get here, you know. But yeah, what was I Saying so. Yeah. Educating education. But that's what I'm saying. Like, you. Things like this are. Are needed.

[A]

Yeah. And I feel like a lot of people have podcasts for, like, different reasons, like just to talk, you know, or just to, you know. But I feel like this one, I really came up with the concept because I wanted to know, interview people about the industry and what really goes on behind the scenes and what a lot of people don't talk about. And from every industry, not just one, because there could be the. Just an esthetician industry, you know, so this one is all around every industry.

[B]

Yeah. And it's crazy because then you listen to things and you're like, it's. It's so different, but it's also so much the same.

[A]

Yes. Yeah, it could be.

[B]

You know, a lot of things is very similar, and they could talk about.

[A]

Like, the same thing. But that's why I wanted to incorporate, seeing how it is all how, like, someone that's a nail tech can relate to someone that's, you know, completely like what I interview. What did she do? She. What's Bertha? She's a trainer. You know, she's a workout trainer.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So, like, how does that. How do we relate to her?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You know what I mean?

[B]

Yeah. Because at the end of the day, beauty or all that is. Oh, it's. We could do our own thing, estheticians, nails, hair, whatever. But we're all dependent on each other.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

It's a whole. It's a big industry. So, like, right now, you know, we see a lot of people. You know, you saw the thing about, like, last text, you know, canceling, getting canceled. Getting canceled, or like lash techs just kind of like going down because people are doing their own thing. Like, things like that. The same things happen in the nail industry where people can. Now they do their Jellex or now they do press on. So the press on industry has gone up. So then as a nail tech, you could also shift and do custom press ons. You know what I mean? Like, now and then, like, we had a little bit of backlash with, you know, Pink Friday where people were like, oh, you know, we could do. It was like, no, you could still get your press. Custom press ons. We. We can never match that. But this is just like a nice little middle because we were noticing that the press ons back then, like, the process that were in the thing were like just janky little plasticky.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And ours are, like, nice. Like, I'm gonna get. I brought you some extra. So you can like try some, but they're like thick. They feel like, like a gel X, for example. They feel sturdy. Like you can either, you can if you have. If they're a clear base, you can gel X them onto. If you like a gel or. But that's separate. That's only like if you know what you're doing. But if not, you can glue them. You could say. And then we had to fill that in and obviously. But there's still those nail techs who are still going to do the custom press ons because people want a specific design. There's still the people who are like unique. So my point to this is saying like, you have to, you have to adapt with the times as, as nail tech says, lash text. Okay. So like lash text. If you guys can't do that, well, maybe create your own line or something, you know, so that you could still. Or create your own strips. I don't know, like, figure out a way to like adapt. So I think all of us clicking in with each other, we were kind of. We get to know where the economy's at because you know, where we all know we're headed to. Yeah, we're headed to tough times. Like, let's be honest. And a lot of these things we started noticing in our industry before other industries.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

It was the strippers in the beauty industry. Like, you know what I mean? Like, people stop going to strip club, people stop getting, you know, that's how you know that the economy is bad.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And we make a joke. But it's true. It's true. So I think that's, you know, you have to be able to, you have to hear from different people. So if you start noticing that hair is going down, lashes going down, noses down, that's just one thing. You're like, wait a minute, what's going on?

[A]

Yeah, that's so true.

[B]

So we need those multiple sources and.

[A]

I feel like that's such a good thing because not a lot of people say, hey, I can't afford to go get my nails right now. But I do have these press ons and I feel like that's why they're huge.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And they want to change it for each event. So they're like, I can't get my nails done every two weeks. So this is, I found a really good brand that is.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Makes press ons and it's easy.

[B]

Yeah. You know, and I think the coolest thing right now is that the. By speaking to my back to just nails, there's so many options now. There's so many options. Like, I still like when Jellics came out. Like, a lot of my clients tried gelix, but they're like, I don't like this. I don't like having to take the off every time. Like, I don't like it. I don't got time for this. Like, I don't want this having to take it off. Because my clients, which is like, how is it more healthy? You have to take it off every time. And I'm like, acetones also dries out your nose, but that's besides the point, you know? But they don't like it. They like their acrylic because they get the same shape, so everything works. So there's going to be the girls who are going to be true to their acrylic. We're just like, I'd rather get a feel because I get the same shape all the time. What's the point of me taking it off? I'm getting the same shape every time. Yeah, I feel so much faster than taking off and putting on. But then there's the girls that like that they're softer, that they're bendy Angelics. But then you got the classic girls, like, the hard gel that are, like, tend to be like the nurses. The more classy, the simple nails. You know, we love hard gel. But then people forgot about hard gel. Now, it's funny because I saw another one where it's like the. The. The mold ones, the. At the name, but it's like they've been around forever. But they're like, people are like, coming it up because, yeah, like, oh, it's new. And I'm like, it's not. It's. Nothing is new, you guys. Nothing. The gel X did come in new. That was like the newest thing. But everything after before, like, it's all the same.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Just recycled as people. Just like a Jo Mani. I saw a lot of people. Now I've noticed a lot of people going back to natural nails and polish. Like, I noticed that the regular polishes is also booming.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And it's like, who would have thought?

[A]

The dip, too.

[B]

We don't talk about that. We don't encourage someone. Like, that's just acrylic with glue.

[A]

For real.

[B]

Yeah, it's just acrylic with glue.

[A]

I've never gotten it.

[B]

Don't do it. I'm not a fan. And that's one of those things where I worked a brand and they were like, april, I'm not promoting that because it's not true. I never gonna do that. I'm not gonna use that. I'm. You know.

[A]

But I seen that started coming up all of a sudden, too.

[B]

I think people are catching on that it's a. It's literally glue and acrylic. That's all it is. It's. It's just some finely milled, like a little bit different, but it's still just acrylic and glue. So you basically do glue and then you put acrylic, and it's basically the same thing. But then even that works for certain people.

[A]

Not for me. Thank you for telling me.

[B]

Some people, but. And then there's the people who want to do their nose at home because it's fun and it distresses them. And. Yeah, you know, I had clients who were like, you know, they're literally once. After the whole Covid thing, we're like, okay, I bought all these things. You can have them. And I'm like, okay. I literally had, like, three or four clients.

[A]

Wanted to be a nail tech once in my life.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Gel X, though. Okay.

[B]

Yeah. It was mostly Jetlex, because Jellex is easy to kind of do. But see, even that there's certain things that now we're starting to see, like people with, like, dermatitis and things like that because they're using the products wrong, because everybody thinks they could do at home. And there's rules because he got overexposure or on cure gels, things like that. And there's, like. Then there's, like, deeper issues.

[A]

So this is going to cause a little bit of contra. Do you think someone should be licensed before even starting nails or they. You should. They should do, like, a course to see if they like the nail industry or say, hey, I'm going to go straight into getting my manicures licensing.

[B]

I think there's nothing wrong because this is kind of it where if, like, you're just doing, like. If you're just doing, like, your family's nails, if you're just doing, like, your friends and family, and you're not, like, charging, you're just doing it to see if you truly like it. That's a very different thing as to, like, actually going out there and, like.

[A]

But they want to make money from it, though.

[B]

That's where it gets a little, like.

[A]

There'S that, oh, I want to take on. I want to start doing clients, but. But I'm not sure if I like it. So I'm going to see.

[B]

I mean, I say get licensed because, you know, all of us that are licensed, it's kind of like, yo, like, we're licensed, but at the same time, if we really think about it, the. The licensing format is so random. It's so, so, so random. Like, no state is the same. So is. Is it even worth it? Like, I feel like what would have to be done if it more of like a federally. Like some type of federal. Not federal, but like the same throughout all the states to where. All the states require the same amount of hours. All the states require the same amount thing. And it's mostly. I think the biggest thing and the reason why we should be licensed is because of things like that people don't learn or what. I see these people doing pedicures and they're like green. You're not supposed to do any. Like, I get it. You got an ugly nail toenail, and you want to fix it, but you're not supposed to put acrylic over it.

[A]

And I see people do that all the time.

[B]

Like, you're technically not supposed to put acrylic over toes, but that's the whole thing. But like, that's teach tr. You want to mess up your. Your toenails and make them thinner.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

But like now you're putting over like, that's some. That's like a fungus. That's not a green spot. That's a fungus. Like, you could tell. Cuz it's like black and gold. You could tell it's like breaking down low. Green spot. That's different. And that's. They became a thing and of like fixing all these sonas. I mean, we just blatantly telling people it's okay to put nails on funguses and you're using a brush that you're going to use on somebody else. And you're touching that like, primer. You dipped it in there. Like, you could tell that there's no like. And that's the things you learn in school. Yeah, they don't teach those in the courses because, like, when I do classes, I'm not teaching that because I'm expecting that most of these already know that.

[A]

No, you're just teaching.

[B]

I'm doing you. Yeah, I'm teaching you my techniques. Ms. Sculpted, whatever.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

But that's why I feel like we should have licensing. But I think it needs to be better regulated because it's so arbitrary throughout the whole country and the world. Like, some countries don't even have it. Like Mexico, for example, they don't have it. So they do whatever they want. So I feel like there has to be something or at least take some type. Of course or some type of certificate to where it says at least you understand the, like, the concept of like certain nail diseases or certain, you know, obviously the basic fundamentals.

[A]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[B]

But that all is the same.

[A]

Yeah. And I think that's true. I feel like someone should take a course maybe to see. But get licensed no matter what. Obviously. But you're right. Completely right. I didn't know they did that for the towns. That's. I've seen it.

[B]

You've seen the videos. You've seen.

[A]

I've seen the videos.

[B]

I mean, it's kind of satisfying to watch them peel that and stuff off. Like, I'm one of those, like, pimple popping. Yeah, but like, like that stuff.

[A]

Yeah, but I didn't know that you weren't supposed to put.

[B]

No, see, I didn't.

[A]

I'm not a nail tech girl, but I learned something.

[B]

And then you see girls and clients and there you go, and they're doing that. Or like. Yeah, going back to the jealous. When they're doing their own nails, you see, and the gels, like, over the hands will make. Eventually you're gonna get a reaction.

[A]

Yeah. And I get. I'm telling you, I. I see Instagram videos and I feel like I get educated on that. But then when someone says something else and you're telling me, I'm like, okay, you're not doing it right.

[B]

Yeah. And that's another thing with the whole social media is like, people will just throw out stuff just so they could get a view. And it's like, that's not even true. But you just. Yeah, you know it's true. No, it's true.

[A]

Okay, well, thank you so much for being on my. Thank you, guys.

[B]

Thank you so much for having me.

[A]

You're literally the best.

[B]

Such an honor.

[A]

I was like. So I was scared shitless. I was like, you guys, because I love Nikki. I've been a fan of her. Girl, let me just tell you, I don't even want to get into it, but I love her. So when I was like, I was messaging, I was like, I just found girly. But in my head, you know, so.

[B]

You'Re like, see, there you go. You kept it professional.

[A]

I kept it professional, but inside I was freaking out. I was like, oh, my gosh. Because. Because I come, I see people all the time. I interview people all the time. But I'm like, I get nervous too.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And you know, look at cameras, lights. I still get nervous.

[B]

Yeah, me too. Yeah. It's like I was telling a friend, I'm Gonna go do this today. And then she was like. Somebody was like, oh, you. I was like, I'm nervous. She's like, girl, stop acting. I'm like, I still get nervous at first. Okay.

[A]

Yes. First five minutes I'm nervous, Then I get over it.

[B]

Yeah. Yeah.

[A]

So we always end this podcast with a quote. Do you have a quote in mind?

[B]

I think the biggest thing that I always say is everything happens for a reason. And I literally have that tattooed because it's just, like, one of those things where I've learned it, and every time I doubt it, it happens like there's a reason things didn't work out a certain way. So when it comes to, like, nails and stuff, if certain things aren't working, that means maybe you have to shift another way or maybe you're too comfortable or whatever. But, like, things are happening for a reason. You just have to pay attention and try to figure out the reason sometimes.

[A]

But that's a good one, because everything that's happened to you really did happen for a reason.

[B]

And it's funny, because I had that attitude before, and it was just like, yep, yep, yep. And we're here now. You know what I mean? Like, if I had a salon or I had whatever, I wouldn't have been able to do all these things. I wouldn't have been able to freaking travel and do all these amazing things I've gotten to do.

[A]

Yeah. So it really does happen for a reason.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Well, thank you so much for joining.

[B]

Thank you for having me.

[A]

Thank you for getting a ticket for me.

[B]

I want to. My Van Mountain is getting.

[A]

We'll answer it right here.

[B]

I'm just kidding.

[A]

Thank you so much, and I hope to see you back again for the next one.

[B]

Yeah, let me know. It was fun.

[A]

We'll do this again. Yeah.

[B]

Thank you so much.

[A]

All right, bye.