For those of you who didn’t get a chance to check out our intro blog post all about nails, be sure to do so, then head on back to this post to read on more!
Aside from that, we are back to give you more all things nail related.
This time around, we figured it was best to showcase a few nail techs that were recommended to us via our Instagram page (be sure to follow and be part of the Heights Tribe!) and/or those that felt compelled to share their stories as nail techs in this ever-growing field. Coming into this particular post, we didn’t want to give you a quick overview of talented nail techs. We ultimately wanted to showcase these particular nail techs/artists’ client work and delve a little deeper and give you, the readers, an opportunity to get to know them a little better.
So long and behold, we present: Nailed It! here Takemetotheheights.com. In this blog post, we decided to ask these nail techs a few questions each respectfully about their techniques/businesses, how they navigated through COVID-19 and more. Let’s read on more and meet one of the nail techs.
Let’s meet: Cephanie of Clawed by Ceph!
“My name is Cephanie and I am 19. Instead of going to college, last fall I took the year off so that I could go to beauty school. As a new nail technician, I (was) determined to make the cosmetic industry more diverse.”
Ever since I was young, I’ve only seen predominantly Asian owned nail salons and predominantly Asian and white-owned beauty supply stores. (My hope is) to one day open a Black-owned nail salon and a contributing beauty supply store in my hometown. From there, I want to open several salons in low and high-income areas.
Clawdxceph is a nail cosmetics business that specializes in an acrylic overlay.
Upon the arrival of COVID-19, the global pandemic did not impact my business as severely as I thought it would.
I began doing nails in February 2020. We didn’t really see the effects of the pandemic until quarantine measures were taken in late March.
Before businesses were shut down, I (grew) a small clientele. However, my clientele wasn’t big enough where I suffered dramatically from the lack of work. There was a period during quarantine (where) I was unable to do nails.
When I was finally able to promote myself again, the level of support I received was very unexpected. Within months (of me) doing nails, my clientele (grew) considerably.
(Aside from my supportive clientele) I consider myself to be well educated on nail care and nail anatomy. My methods ensure proper nail health and nail maintenance. I start off by asking every single one of my clients to wash their hands. After that is done, we proceed to remove the nail’s natural shine, any excess cuticle, and hangnails, and then prepping the surface with a dehydrator and a nail primer. Next, is applying false tips and then acrylic application. Last but not least is shaping, filing, and finishing touches. All of my clients also get a complimentary hand massage, which not many nail technicians offer.
I developed my artistry for about 5 months. Although I was unable to do nails for (about a few months) due to COVID-19, I devoted my time to learn more without being hands-on. Quarantine gave me time to further educate myself.
Despite (my beauty school’s closure) I was and still am only able to do online schoolwork. My education was no longer hands-on.
Instead, it consisted of textbook learning, reading, and taking online assessments about cosmetology. I took these past several months as an opportunity to really educate myself about nail care.
While I was doing my online work, I was also watching YouTube videos (dedicated to nail techniques and education)
Until I was able to secure a mannequin hand and more nails supplies, I was (consistently) watching nail videos. I was watching (nail techs) work and (keeping) mental notes on what I needed to do to (enhance my nail techniques and artistry)
(Above all else) my advice to those who want to become a nail tech is to practice and trust yourself. Creativity is unlimited. You can do anything you put your mind to. Five months ago, I did not think I would have 1,000 followers (on Instagram) Five months ago, I did not think I would (receive this) much support.
One thing I’ve learned is before you can get any of that support, you need to support yourself. Another useful piece of advice is to work in secrecy. Educate and build your craft first. You shouldn’t be too quick to show off your work until you are 100% sure that this is what you want to do. You shouldn’t be too quick to charge people either. Make sure your work looks presentable, otherwise your client might react negatively. One negative experience could jeopardize your entire image.
Thank you Cephanie for sharing your insights all things nail tech/artistry related.
Stay tuned to the next nail tech as we close out our nail tech series here at Takemetotheheights.com!
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