Even without her extracurricular activities, nail technician Debbie Alford's life sounds full. In addition to working 30 hours a week at Rocci's Hair Design in Jackson, Mich., and competing in nail events, she tends to a husband, two kids, and a whole slew of animals. In her "spare time," you'll find her painting.

"I do it for extra money and my own pleasure. I paint clothes, furniture, walls, you name it," she says. Right now, Alford is working on an old Tudor-style house, repainting the raised plaster ceilings and walls.

"It's hard work, but I love it," she says.

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