By now, you’ve probably seen these six faces in past issues of NAILS, but we know you can’t get enough of our AVA Nail Technician of the Year finalists. In October 2003, you had a chance to gain some insight on them in our Nail Technician of the Year awards coverage. This time, we thought we’d break out of the mold and ask our finalists fun questions — it’s a little like 20 questions. It’s a good way for you to get to know them even better. Don’t forget to check future issues of NAILS, where you’ll continue to see their faces and learn more about them.

Name Amy Becker, Nail Technician of the Year
Age 34
Years doing nails 15
Children Two, daughter Kelly is 10, son Christian is 8
If there were no nail jobs Would be pursuing a career in art or music
Life outside of doing nails Professionally trained vocalist and songwriter who loves to play the guitar. Also loves sports and has been a stained glass artist longer than a nail tech.
How much do you charge for pink-and-whites? $93
Full set acrylics? $93
Basic manicure? $30
Gels? $98
Wraps? $93
How do you wear your nails? Manicured. Avoids enhancements because they tear up her guitar strings.
You'd never guess Can do different types of construction, auto mechanics, and chainsaw sculpting
Favorite trade show Premiere Beauty Show/Orlando
Favorite polish color Red
How do you stay motivated? Constantly tries new things and learns as much as she can. "When I just don't have it, I ask for it from the one who can give it to me."
Best advice ever received? "Live now."

 

Name John Hauk, first runner-up
Age
33
Years doing nails
12
Children
Daughter, Nikki, 5
If there were no nail jobs
Would be a tennis star
Life outside of doing nails
Family, tennis, Corvettes
How much do you charge for pink-and-whites?
$75
Full set acrylics?
$75
Basic Manicure?
$25
Gels?
$75
Wraps?
$75
How do you wear your nails?
Buffed to a high shine.
You'd never guess
Has a 132 MPH tennis serve
Favorite trade show
Allied Beauty Association show in Calgary, Canada
Favorite polish color
Vamp
How do you stay motivated? Competitions, spending time with daughter
Best advice ever received? "Without your brain, you are just another pair of hands." (from fellow nail tech Jamie Schrabeck)

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Name Patricia Yankee-Williams, second runner-up
Age 42
Years doing nails 20
Children Son Devin, 10
If there were no nail jobs Would be teaching, either in a regular school setting or in a dance school
Life outside of doing nails Loves spending time with her son, attending church, and baking. She evens sells her baked goods at her salon.
How much do you charge for pink-and-whites? $75
Full set acrylics? $60
Basic manicure? $22
Gels? $60
Wraps? $60
How do you wear your nails? Natural.
You'd never guess Grew up on a farm with 11 brothers and sisters, bailing hay and caring for animals
Favorite trade show IBS New York
Favorite polish color Neutral shades, French manicure colors
How do you stay motivated? Prayer keeps her going, as well as reading and networking and talking to people
Best advice ever received? "Trust God first and build integrity by having open, honest communication and being truthful." (from her parents)

 

Name
Maise Dunbar, honorable mention
Age 36
Years doing nails 10
Children Son
If there were no nail jobs Would most likely work in the computer field
Life outside of doing nails Loves to spend time with family, attend church, and read and keep up-to-date with the beauty industry.
How much do you charge for pink-and-whites? $75 and up
Full set acrylics? $60 and up
Basic manicure? $25
Gels? doesn't offer them
Wraps? $80
How do you wear your nails? Natural.
You'd never guess Hails from Africa
Favorite trade show Premiere Beauty Show/Orlando
Favorite polish color Natural pink
How do you stay motivated? Education, prayer, and constant reinvention
Best advice you ever received? "Start small and watch the business grow." (from Creative's Jan Arnold)

 

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Name Darlene Feric, honorable mention
Age Age is in the mind
Years doing nails 16
Children Daughter Holly is 15, son Mat is 14, and daughter Cailey is 10
If there were no nail jobs Has always aspired to be an actress or model
Life outside of doing nails Full-time mom, volunteers, golfs, snowboards, loves to go dancing
How much do you charge for pink-and-whites? $60
Full set acrylics? $50
Basic manicure? $15
Gels? $65
Wraps? $60
How do you wear your nails? Mostly pink-and-white, sometimes likes to play with colored acrylic.
You'd never guess Although she may not show it, Darlene says she needs more self-confidence
Favorite trade show Chicago Midwest Beauty Show
Favorite polish color Red-orange and brown
How do you stay motivated? Talks to other nail techs, reads industry publications, attends trade shows, and her kids keep her going
Best advice ever received? "God never gives you anything you can't handle." (from her parents)

 

Name Mary Metscaviz, honorable mention
Age No Answer
Years doing nails 28
Children Three
If there were no nail jobs Would be doing hair or makeup
Life outside of doing nails "I really love this industry and cannot see myself in any other job." Full-time mom and wife.
How much do you charge for pink-and-whites? $65
Full set acrylics? $55
Basic manicure? $17
Gels? $55
Wraps? $55
How do you wear your nails? Always wears enhancements. Currently wears gels.
You'd never guess Loves to hunt, fish, and ride her motorcycle
Favorite trade show Chicago Midwest Beauty Show
Favorite polish color Essie's Waltz and Scarlett O'Hara
How do you stay motivated? Is a manufacturer's educator, attends trade shows, and listens to motivational tapes
Best advice ever received? "You can do anything if you set your mind to it." (from her parents)

 

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