Vicki Peters demonstrates a nail technique to students at the London School of Fashion during her recent trip to England.
Peters’ success came quickly. After obtaining her license to do nails in California in 1982, Peters threw herself into competing at nail shows. She began competing in 1985, and her wins are “too numerous to list,” she says.
The quick-thinking Peters maintains a rapport with people and never misses a networking opportunity’. The technicians she comes in contact with at the nail shows and competitions are frequently the source of class and seminar ideas. Peters helps them on their way if they want to judge or coordinate competitions. Some have asked to do the nails on the cover of NAILS Magazine and gotten the assignment. Many credit her with opening the door for them to job opportunities with manufacturers.
For the December cover, Peters applied liquid and powder with tips using medium-selling powder. “I don’t like using fast-selling acrylics when I’m doing nails for the camera or for competition because I need the extra time to sculpt them as perfect-looking as possible,” says Peters.
Peters has plenty of advice for nail technicians and nail competitors. To the nail technician, she says, “Look beyond the table. Be progressive. Be open to new products and new techniques. Attend tradeshows. This will result in an increased salary, will improve your salon nails, and will help you combat burnout.” Peters advises competitors not to focus on whether they win or lose but on what they learn.
“See competitions as opportunities. They are a chance for you to learn new techniques and catch up on trends. Competitions can open many doors. I’m a good example of how to make competitions work for you. You can achieve anything if you have a plan. Set your goals, and ‘just do it.’”