Kari Evich, nail tech

In her other life: photographer and graphic artist

 

“When I’m not doing nails you can find me taking photos,” says Kari Evich, owner of Nails by Kari, located inside Merle Norman, in Covington, Va. With a partner, she also owns a graphic design and photography business called Tayvich Photography. “I do a lot of work for a variety of people — from families to tattoo shops,” she says. “I do promo work for bands and female impersonators and photo shoots for local ladies trying to get into modeling. I also do a lot of business card layouts and flier designs.” 

Evich also uses her photographic and graphic design skills to promote her nail business. “My photography and nails collide in the most beautiful way,” she says. “I’m able to keep a well-maintained portfolio and distribute new handouts locally. Almost everyone who has come into the shop has found me through some sort of self-promotional work I’ve done. I also involve local girls in modeling my nails.”

Evich has had no formal training; instead she learned by watching her friend and business partner Heather Taylor. “I started helping her with photo shoots, doing the makeup, and it just progressed from there,” she says. “I’d sit behind her and watch her edit photos and ask a lot of questions. Now we share the business.” The discerning eye of a nail tech has proved to be an advantage. “I always seem to catch minor things my partner may miss.”

The most challenging thing, she says, is that everyone has different taste. “Something you love could be hated by someone else. However, the greatest feeling is when you go outside of your box and try something and someone falls head over heels in love with it. I never limit myself and I don’t stay in one box. I’ll photograph anything and I’ll try any design I — or a client — can think of.”

 

 

 

 

 

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