New as she is to the business, nail tech Yuko Jarowicz earns more as an actor, extra, and model than she does as a tech. The owner of Attitude Nails in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, Jarowicz mailed in a head shot at the urging of a friend who wanted company as she sought work as a background player. “I got a call right after I sent the headshot,” she says. “Then a casting director asked me to model for a shopping center mall campaign. That’s when it occurred to me that I might fit into this industry.”

Since then, she’s appeared as an extra in numerous movies, TV shows, and commercials, and finds the work interesting despite the long hours. “Call time is 6 or 7 a.m. and we don’t finish until 10 or 11 p.m.” she says. “But you meet new people, exchange information, and get to see how the shows are made. What teamwork!”

Jarowicz has even taken a few acting workshops. “I discovered that acting is really hard and requires lots of practice and patience,” she says. She was featured in a program airing on the Hallmark Channel and will soon be seen as a well-known Disney princess.

She’s been modeling for the past year as well. “I was featured in Chatelaine magazine’s September issue in a full-page ad. When I was selected, I was over the moon,” she says. She’s even walked a catwalk. “Wearing high-end designer clothes and gorgeous makeup is any girl’s dream,” she says. “But the six-inch high heels — my feet are in so much pain!”

Still, the long hours and foot pain are worth it. “I’ve met amazing, passionate people. I’ve met famous actors on set and I realize they are just like us. I thought they would be different, but they are friendly, humble, and caring toward everybody. It’s an amazing environment to work in.”

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