Heya, it's been a while. There hasn't been a slow day for the last few months for me. In between the modules of my two little dragons, house chores, and clients coming in, this mother of 2 dragons barely find time to stop and think about what to write. Not that I don't have any stories to tell, I have a lot, I just have to train myself more in the art of writing.
I've been gone a bit long so I'd like to pick up where I left off. In my introduction post, I gave a glimpse of my passion: nail art. I'd like to share to you how I found the love of turning nails into a masterpiece.
Where it all started
My mother used to be a manicurist. She used to go around the community, doing home service for manicure and pedicure. When her tools are at home, I would tinker with her nipper, sometimes hurting myself in the process because I did not have the technical knowledge yet. I just watch my mom while she work, and try it on myself. Yes, this is all just because of the curiosity.
I learned how to clean and paint my own nails from that curiosity. I loved watching her work, I slowly learned the basics. This is despite her telling me not to "play" with her manicure set.
I studied at a Vocational High School and I was excited to get to my third year because that was when we get to choose the vocation we love. Obviously, I chose to study Cosmetology. This was where I learned more than just the basics. I thought I would have a headstart compared to my classmates. But it was actually difficult to work on another person's hands compared to my own. I would accidentally clip my model's fingers, causing me to start back to zero during demo.
Persistence is key
It was frustrating because I had high expectations for myself. It was also heartbreaking because I felt like I was failing at something that I love to do. Being that I love doing nails, I never gave up. As soon as I get home, I don't do my homeworks. Instead, I hijack my friends into having their nails done. At first, they'll fight it but after I tell them that I had a bad day at school especially in the Cosmetology class, they reluctantly agree into the manicure service I'm giving them. Despite the possibility of their fingernails getting clipped and hurt, they still do that just to cheer me up. That's why they're still my friends even as we grew older.
After almost a month of practice with my very much willing models, I finally got the hang of working on other people's nails. No more bloody nails from this nail artist from then on. That was years ago.
From On-call MUA to Nail Artist
I did not jump into nail art just right away. Not until I met my brother in law's girlfriend. I often do her hair for several events. Yes, I also do hair and make up. I've worked on debutants, brides, and JS proms. My friends often call me up to have their hair and make up done for events. My brother in law's girlfriend asked me if I can do nail extensions. I had no idea what she was talking about. She had to show me videos about nail extensions. I was so amazed that time. And that's how my love for nail arts started.
Yet again, I got curious. Thanks to Youtube, I learned a lot from the tutorials. Like before, I practiced on myself. I bought cheap materials at first. I did not use the exact materials shown in the videos, just the cheap alternatives. Of course, cheap often times means low quality. In the end, I realized I will really have to invest on quality tools and materials if I am to put this skill to good use. My husband's income is just enough for our daily expenses. Investing on nail art materials would mean that we will have to sacrifice a great deal on our necessities. With two daughters growing, we can't afford it. But still I know I had to do it.
Big sissy to the rescue!
I asked her to help me buy the tools I needed for my nail art. She thought it was outrageous. I had to explain to her, and show her how it works. She was reluctant at first but with a little bit more persuasion, she budged. And it's a good thing she did.
Months after, I finally got the courage to go full blast on my Nail Art business. My sister also helped me set up my Facebook page. At first, my clients were only friends. I gave them a friendly starting up price. Like any new business, I had to first work on my reputation in the field of nail arts. Good feedback from my clients helped me increase my market. I started accepting more client referrals, each of them referring me to their friends.
I am still a bit far from my dream nail art business but compared to when I started, I have come so far already. I am very thankful for my sister who never cease in supporting me all the way. She even referred me to her previous co-workers. I have dedicated myself into studying more about my passion. Right now, I am saving up for my license so I can soon have my very own Nail Hub.
Who knew that my curiosity and persistence will lead me into the joy and fulfillment of doing something I love and earning a living out of it? Thank you so much for taking the time in reading about my nail art journey. Soon, I'll share more about the designs I have made and learned so far. Til next time!