We’re always happy to hear from our readers, but it’s not that often we get an unsolicited testimonial from one nail tech about another. Nancy Dodd sent us one such e-mail — subject line “awesome nail tech” — a few months ago, singing the praises of S. Maria Chheo-Shen, who has influenced her life via YouTube tutorials and Facebook nail giveaways. Here’s Dodd’s e-mail, plus more information on Chheo-Shen’s own inspiration.

Dodd

Dodd

From Nancy Dodd, Riverton, Ill.

I am sending you this e-mail because I read NAILS Magazine. I read about all of these amazing nail techs and the great art they do. So I thought you might be ­interested in a friend of mine, S. Maria Chheo-Shen. I am a licensed nail tech also but I don’t do nails for a profession. I have a full-time job working for a medical facility, and I have three kids and a husband. I haven’t ever really liked acrylics…I guess you could say I’ve never acquired the knack for them. I am a fan of natural nails. My passion is nail polish and nail art. My collection of nail polish consists of around 400 bottles.

Chheo-Shen’s YouTube channel features more than 80 nail art tutorials.

Chheo-Shen’s YouTube channel features more than 80 nail art tutorials.

I had watched Maria’s tutorials on YouTube (www.youtube.com/nail­nation3000), and I couldn’t get over how helpful she was and the tips she gave viewers — not to mention the cool nail art ideas she came up with. Then I found Maria had made a fan page on Facebook (www.facebook.com/nailnation3000) for her YouTube channel — a page for all of us who are addicted to nail polish, licensed and unlicensed. On her page she is open to letting people post ­pictures, answers questions, has contests, trades polish, and comes up with these colors of polish with glitter in them like a mad scientist. She will randomly send someone “nail mail” (i.e., maybe a package of a polish you said you wished you had) just for the heck of it.

Nail Nation 3000’s Facebook page is another way for nail techs to reach Chheo-Shen, plus to connect with other fans.

Nail Nation 3000’s Facebook page is another way for nail techs to reach Chheo-Shen, plus to connect with other fans.

Maria’s nail page on Facebook is where we became friends, through lots of conversations about polish applications and nail stamping questions. Come to find out we even both have a son with the same name. We Skype, talk on the phone, and text. Even though I have never met Maria face-to-face, I consider her a good friend.


Watch Chheo-Shen’s video of this fun design that takes a little help from a nail stamp on NAILStv: www.nailsmag.com/video/ShenStamp.

Watch Chheo-Shen’s video of this fun design that takes a little help from a nail stamp on NAILStv: www.nailsmag.com/video/ShenStamp.


But our friendship isn’t really what I’m writing to you about. It’s more about Maria. Take a look at some of her tutorials on YouTube and you will see what I mean. Find her on Facebook and sit and watch the news feeds and you will see what I mean.


Dodd was inspired to create these nails after watching one of Chheo-Shen’s videos.

Dodd was inspired to create these nails after watching one of Chheo-Shen’s videos.

Take a look at some of the nail art that she’s done. She is a fantastic artist. She isn’t just limited to natural nails like I am; she does acrylics also. Thank you for your time.


Chheo-Shen

Chheo-Shen

From S. Maria Chheo-Shen, Chandler, Ariz.


Watch Chheo-Shen’s video of this easy magnetic polish design on NAILStv:  www.nailsmag.com/video/ShenMagnet.

Watch Chheo-Shen’s video of this easy magnetic polish design on NAILStv:
www.nailsmag.com/video/ShenMagnet.

I began making YouTube videos for a few friends who were in cosmetology school (for hair), and they felt they were not getting enough information on artistry and procedures in nails. Plus I wanted non-nail professionals to have an easy-to-follow set of tutorials to help them realize creating their own nail art can be made simple! I continue creating them due to the overwhelming response and requests for more. I have been so busy these last few months. After this move from New Jersey to Arizona in late September there will be lots of new videos and tutorials made better than my originals!
I would say the best contest to date would have to be my most recent one. It’s called “Walking in Memphis.” I feel that creating interest in other topics and places while creating nail art is the best. I am from Memphis, Tenn. And since I was going there before my big move to Arizona, I challenged my friends to look up things about Memphis and create two designs inspired by Memphis and what they found most interesting: one fun and classy, and one sexy and sassy. They all did so great and found that Memphis was interesting. The prize: a complete OPI Germany collection with display. I love to ­inspire DIY nail artists as well as professionals to challenge themselves and go further with their ideas!

Have you connected with an “awesome nail tech” via online social networking? Let us know. E-mail editor[at]nailsmag.com with your story. Be sure to include links to the nail tech’s social networking page(s) (YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, etc.) that have influenced you. 

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