Nails 101: A Student Blog

Meet Susan

by NAILS Magazine | January 5, 2011 | Bookmark +

Editor’s Note: Karyn will continue to blog while she waits to take her state board exam. Since we planned for this blog to have more than one student blogger at a time, we’re happy to introduce you to Susan Yancura Acciari. She just started nail school this week, and she'll be offering her own perspective on what it's like to be a nail student.

 

I grew up in Washington, D.C., and learned at a young age that image was the most important thing. Even in high school I was named as best dressed, most unique and so forth, but was taught that I had to work in an office setting. I have been working in the legal industry as a paralegal for the past 12 years and hated it since I started. As soon as I graduated high school I was thrown into college and put into the world of office cubicles. My parents were so proud that I made it into a university but my heart was not there because I knew I wanted to be in the beauty industry. Even in college, I worked as a receptionist at a high-end beauty salon and didn’t want to leave after finishing school.

 

After, losing my job in 2010 I have been “soul searching” for something that I would love to do as a career. I had uprooted from my home of Washington, D.C., to Minneapolis, Minn., because of the job I had. So here I was in a new place with no job, and I decided it was my time to do what I wanted to do. I started my investigative work and found that I still had a passion for fashion, image, and beauty. I knew I wanted to do nails! I spoke with several people in the industry, including a high-profile nail tech named Nellie Neal who taught me to do something I love and that I would be perfect as a nail tech in a salon.

 

I was scared, I started calling schools and I finally found one that could cater to my schedule, work with me, and help me step-by-step. So, here I am enrolled at the Minnesota Nail Tech and Beauty School in Oakdale, Minn. I didn’t know what to think at first. But after talking to the owner and viewing the school, I had the feeling this could be my second home so I decided to enroll!

 

I found out that to become certified, you only need 350 hours. I could complete that in no time if I dedicate myself to school. I have a great support team both with my fiancée (We are getting married on January 17, 2011!) friends and school.

 

I am currently attending the nail program three days a week, while working in a fashion industry part time until I can get my feet in the door and work at a salon. I hope one day to have a strong clientele.

 

I believe that like many of you, the year 2011 will be a great year. I have a career change happening, getting married and trying to buy a house to settle down. By the end of my journey through nail school, I will show you that dreams can come true!

 

— Susan Yancura Acciari

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