Sometimes you think you know a person, but it turns out there is more than meets the eye. We gave our six AVA Nail Technician of the Year finalists a few questions for them to ponder. Some of their answers may surprise you.
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) |
