Week Ten: I Made It!

Nail school happened so fast — the experiences I’ve had while obtaining my licenses have been completely amazing, but it’s been a whirlwind! I am so sad to say I am finally done. I've taken and passed my final, which is also considered my state board for my licenses, I’ve sent off all of my documents to the state professional licenses commission to obtain my official licenses, and now I just have to wait for the physical licenses to arrive in the mail.

As I reflect back on my first day, I really can’t believe that I have reached so many of my short-term goals. I’ve had the opportunity to share my experience in becoming a nail technician with NAILS Magazine; I won a BCL| CND| Tippi Hedren Nail Technician Scholarship; I’ve met industry professionals from well-known companies and entities like Tammy Taylor, Valentino Beauty Pure, and Nail Talk Radio; and I’ve learned so much about nail care and the nail industry in such a short length of time. I have to say — I am so proud of myself.

I have also competed in my very first nail art competition at school, and my team and I won first place for all categories, including hair, costume, makeup, and nails. I was so surprised that we actually won because we were grouped together on the very day of the competition after all of our own teammates had dropped out. We were all introduced, then we quickly brainstormed an idea for the theme: one of the five elements. We then asked an instructor if we could use her as a model, and we were given six hours to execute our idea. We won the competition! Luckily, the school had supplies and makeup for us to use. We created our Water Ice Queen with actual hand-sculpted ice cubes made out of glitter and acrylic.

In addition to winning the competition at school, I am happy to say that I’ve obtained a nail artist/nail technician position at a chic nail salon, in downtown West Palm Beach, Fla. I will begin once I receive my licenses. Finding a job at a clean, professional nail salon after school was something I was really concerned about. After first giving the owner a full gel-polish manicure that she actually complimented me on, my interview was nerve wracking. I then came in the following day and gave one of the other nail technicians a French pedicure. Might I add that it was a complete disaster? My hands would not stop shaking when it came time to do the cuticles. I was so nervous and became completely blank when trying to remember the steps for a French pedicure. Something that became second nature over the past eight weeks at that moment became something I could not seem to get right while being overwhelmed with nervousness. I thought for sure I’d failed; however, a few days after interviewing with J&D Nail Lounge, I was contacted by the salon manager and offered a nail stylist position, and I am so excited to begin.

As I wait to begin my new Job, I am creating an entirely new list of goals, including attending a few professional continuing courses to perfect my pink-and-white, and acrylic application; attending and maybe even volunteering at Premiere Orlando in the summer; and finding a mentor who is willing to mentor and assist me as I grow within the nail care industry.

Until we meet again,

— Tisha

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