From the Editors

Guest Blog: Interview With BCL CND Winner Tiffany Williams

by Staff | July 26, 2018 | Bookmark +
Tiffany Williams and Pattie Yankee

Tiffany Williams and Pattie Yankee

You may have seen Tiffany Williams’ previous posts on the NAILS blog. A 2016 winner of the BCL CND Tippi Hedren Professional Nail Scholarship, Tiffany most recently won a CND Advanced scholarship. From landing her dream salon job to working behind the scenes at New York Fashion Week and brushing nails with Kim Kardashian, Tiffany’s career has flourished since winning a Beauty Changes Lives scholarship. Below, she addresses how her career has evolved in less than two years after winning the BCL CND scholarship.

What inspired your interest in nails?

Since I was a little girl, nails have been my passion. I wanted so badly to perfect my craft and become licensed. But I didn’t know how I would pay for cosmetology school until I found Beauty Changes Lives. I entered in 2016 and I won!

How has winning the scholarship changed your life?

Winning the BCL CND Scholarship has changed my career and my life drastically! I was able to start my career and get connected with people in the nail industry. I was invited to blog for NAILS while I was still attending class. I graduated at the top of my class, passed my state board exams on the first try and got started on my career.

Were there any challenges along the way?

At first it was hard being the new nail tech in salons. But I stayed confident and patient until I found the right salon for me. One day I saw a post put up by celebrity nail technician Pattie Yankee. She was   looking for New York City nail techs for New York Fashion Week and I had a feeling that I needed to contact her.

How did responding to that “feeling” help your career?

I booked 2 shows: Xuly bët and the Carolina Herrera’s fashion show. I loved every minute of it and I can’t wait to go back. It was amazing! Working on so many models alongside hairstylists and makeup artists with everyone running around was such a wonderful, energizing experience. Also, watching your model walk the runway is incredible!

Beyond Fashion Week, what other celebrity moments have you enjoyed?

I also helped Pattie Yankee do Met Gala Glam Prep for Priyanka Chopra and Kim Kardashian West! That experience still seems unbelievable.

What advice do you have for licensed nail professionals or people dreaming of joining the industry?

You never know what can happen if you just go after your dreams! If it wasn’t for the Beauty Changes Lives Foundation and CND awarding me the scholarship, I would not be living out my dream.

What are you working on now?

I’m working at Pattie Yankee’s ManiBar in NYC. A few months ago I entered the BCL CND Advanced Master Scholarship and I won! In a few months I will be a certified CND Master Sculptor, Master Painter & a Master Architect. I’m going for CND Grand Master Status! As a nail technician and professional in the beauty industry, I’m always willing to learn new techniques and try new things. As I learn, I keep nail time fun for my clients as they see there are unlimited options for nail art.

Any other thoughts you’d like to share?

Even if you do not want to be a nail technician but want to work in the beauty industry, you can still apply for a BCL Scholarship because there are so many scholarships offered. If you do want to be a nail technician, apply for the BCL CND Tippi Hedren Nail Scholarship. If you’re already licensed, go for the Master Scholarship! Push yourself and be fearless! Beauty Changes Lives has the perfect name. Because of the Foundation, I am able to live my dreams and my life is forever changed. I’m so grateful!

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