Joanne Sorbello (@StoneRidgeSalon), a licensed nail artist of 20 years, owns a private, appointment only salon suite in the mid-hudson valley region of upstate New York. She considers herself a “Nomadic Freelance Nail Artist”, and can be found traveling to share her talent, on celebrities at New York Fashion Week and on various editorial shoots. 

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We caught up with Sorbello to learn more:

Born and raised: in Stone Ridge, NY (about 90 miles north of NYC)

I am known for: I would love to work on: Dolly Parton or Barbra Streisand. To me, they are the original style icons in the nail industry (living). 

Favorite item in my wardrobe: My Kangol bucket hat

Favorite accessory: my tattoos! 

My guilty pleasure: Reality tv. (slightly ashamed to admit it)

For inspiration I: I study the fashions/trends of different decades

My “nail dream”: Each country has its own beauty style. I’m a bit obsessed with the Russian and Japanese nail art trends. I would love to travel & study abroad.

Every beauty professional should: Continue to take new classes annually

I relax by: Cooking & dancing like nobody’s watching (sometimes at the same time)

My goal as a professional: I set new professional goals all the time. That way, I’m always evolving. 

I became a salon professional because: I had a nail experience where they cut my finger pretty badly. I knew immediately that there had to be a safer & more sanitary way to do nails. 

For fun I: (I consider myself a car gal.) nothing beats driving fast on a sunny day with the moonroof open & the music loud.

My favorite nail products: Gel polish & cuticle oil

The one tool or product I use most often: my favorite tool is my electric file. I’d be lost without it.

My motto: Go for it! What’s the worst that could happen?

Advice for nail artists starting out: You don’t need to accel at every aspect of the nail industry. You can very easily specialize. 

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Originally posted on Modern Salon