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A Love Poem to the Nail Artist
"Yeah, but..." is a short poem about embracing and loving ourselves, in all our perfect imperfection, written for nail technicians.
by Naja Dev
February 13, 2023
You've got my heart in your hands
2 min to read
Yeah But….
If you were perfect
I would not like you.
So why do you strive
For this perfection?
Your client’s praise your work
And you shoot down their verbal gift.
Unknowingly disrespecting their
Feelings. They feel the nail shape
Is lovely — exclaiming,
“Wow, I‘m back! I love the shape!”
You, all knowingly, with taught
Self-deprecation react,
“Yeah, but this one could be
Shaped better!”
What a slap in the face
To your client’s ideas.
Shutting down her views.
Closing her opinion.
Oh, but if you knew this
You wouldn’t keep doing it, right?
So, now you know.
Stop it!
Receive her opinion of you!
Is it because it’s praise
It’s hard to hear?
Can you see beyond yourself
To hear her?
To receive her?
Or will you continue your
Conversation with your own perfectionism
And not listen to her?
Her, your canvas.
Her, your supporter.
Her, your mirror.
Reflect today that all
“Yeah buts” are ways
To deny yourself freedom.
It’s you, not the other, that takes it from you.
If you were perfect
I would not like you.
In fact, I love you
N O W
Just as you are.
Love yourself...I do.
Naja, aka The Nail Guru is an award-winning nail artist, international educator and seasoned salon owner. A key-note speaker and published writer, her nail work has been seen on Lady Gaga, Mary J Blige, Nicki Minaj, Katy Perry, Kanye West, LL Cool J and many more. She holds a Guinness World Record for the most polish changes in an 8-hour period. (with 69 polish changes). Her passion is helping young entrepreneurs in the beauty field make consistent CASH from their CRAFT. She offers online classes, monthly workshops and coaching on the business side of the industry for beauty professionals.
Naja Dev
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