Nails
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

My Other Life: Crystal Rice, roller derby player

She’s been roller skating nearly all her life and she’s good at it. But for years when people asked if she was interested in roller derby, San Diego-based nail tech Crystal Rice didn’t give it a second thought.

September 12, 2013
My Other Life: Crystal Rice, roller derby player

I nail people on and off the track.

2 min to read


Crystal Rice, nail tech. In her other life: roller derby player.

She’s been roller skating nearly all her life and she’s good at it. But for years when people asked if she was interested in roller derby, San Diego-based nail tech Crystal Rice didn’t give it a second thought. “Back in the day, roller derby was about beating each other up. Who would want to do that? I didn’t want to lose teeth or break something,” Rice says. Finally, a few years ago, at the repeated urging of friends, she decided to look into it. “The sport has changed. There are actually rules!” says Rice, who works at Minx Nails in San Diego and is a Minx educator.

“San Diego has a couple of leagues to choose from. I decided to go with the San Diego Derby Dolls because they offered a structured boot camp.” And she fell in love with the sport. “I just love to skate,” she says. “I like how roller derby is a high level contact sport. It makes tough physical demands.”

Ad Loading...

I nail people on and off the track.

This year her focus in on blocking. “I came in knowing how to skate but was really overwhelmed with the game because it requires so much from you,” she says. “I started off as a jammer [the skater on the track who can score points]. I realized that position demanded a lot physically and I just wasn’t ready for that part of the game yet. I know in my future I will be a jammer again, but my goal this year is to master blocking.”

Rice began her derby career using the name Juwanna Asskikin, but later changed it when she discovered another player with the same name. Now she goes by the handle Juwanna GetNailed! “I figured I nail people on and off the track,” she says.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

More Business

A row of styling stations at JBW Jeffrey Ching Salon
Business|Articles|Mar 3, 2026

Precision, Passion, and the Business of Beauty

When Bowie Lau and Jeffrey Ching opened JBW Jeffrey Ching Salon in 2011, they weren’t just launching another luxury hair destination—they were building a business rooted in passion, artistry, and thoughtful growth.

Sponsored by Amex

Ad Loading...
Business|Articles|Nov 27, 2024

Prepare for Small Business Saturday® with American Express

The busy holiday season is here, and with it comes jam-packed days, last-minute client requests and booming retail sales. For many salon owners, the highlight of the season is Small Business Saturday® (SBS). This year on Saturday, November 30, consumers can take their shopping into the small businesses in their communities.

Sponsored by Amex

Ad Loading...
Business|Articles|Oct 22, 2024

Success at the Top: Thriving on Madison Ave.

Salon owner Nuri Yurt had a dream of owning a salon on New York City’s Madison Avenue. "Through perseverance, hard work and stellar customer service, he and partner John Kaygisiz founded Toka Salon in 2007.

Sponsored by Amex

Business|Articles|Sep 6, 2024

Vagaro’s New AI Features and Communication Tool Pave the Way for a More Efficient, Profitable Business

Vagaro has consistently been at the forefront of salon software technology, helping businesses be more efficient, create more effective communication, and even improve company culture. Now, Connect by Vagaro, the platform’s two-way communication capability, and Vagaro’s new generative AI tools are giving owners new opportunities to grow and expand.

Sponsored by Vagaro

Business|Articles|Aug 6, 2024

5 Things I Won't Do as a Nail Tech

This list of watch-outs from @jodydoesjels prompted us to reach out to her and learn more. We had already fallen for her hand-painted designs and now we wanted to know more about this list she created to help clients decide if she was the nail tech for them.

Ad Loading...