MENU
SEARCHSometimes you think you know a person, but it turns out there is more than meets the eye. We gave our six AVA Nail Technician of the Year finalists a few questions for them to ponder. Some of their answers may surprise you.
By now, you’ve probably seen these six faces in past issues of NAILS, but we know you can’t get enough of our AVA Nail Technician of the Year finalists. In October 2003, you had a chance to gain some insight on them in our Nail Technician of the Year awards coverage. This time, we thought we’d break out of the mold and ask our finalists fun questions — it’s a little like 20 questions. It’s a good way for you to get to know them even better. Don’t forget to check future issues of NAILS, where you’ll continue to see their faces and learn more about them.
Name | Amy Becker, Nail Technician of the Year |
Age | 34 |
Years doing nails | 15 |
Children | Two, daughter Kelly is 10, son Christian is 8 |
If there were no nail jobs | Would be pursuing a career in art or music |
Life outside of doing nails | Professionally trained vocalist and songwriter who loves to play the guitar. Also loves sports and has been a stained glass artist longer than a nail tech. |
How much do you charge for pink-and-whites? | $93 |
Full set acrylics? | $93 |
Basic manicure? | $30 |
Gels? | $98 |
Wraps? | $93 |
How do you wear your nails? | Manicured. Avoids enhancements because they tear up her guitar strings. |
You'd never guess | Can do different types of construction, auto mechanics, and chainsaw sculpting |
Favorite trade show | Premiere Beauty Show/Orlando |
Favorite polish color | Red |
How do you stay motivated? | Constantly tries new things and learns as much as she can. "When I just don't have it, I ask for it from the one who can give it to me." |
Best advice ever received? | "Live now." |
Name | John Hauk, first runner-up |
Age | 33 |
Years doing nails | 12 |
Children | Daughter, Nikki, 5 |
If there were no nail jobs | Would be a tennis star |
Life outside of doing nails | Family, tennis, Corvettes |
How much do you charge for pink-and-whites? | $75 |
Full set acrylics? | $75 |
Basic Manicure? | $25 |
Gels? | $75 |
Wraps? | $75 |
How do you wear your nails? | Buffed to a high shine. |
You'd never guess | Has a 132 MPH tennis serve |
Favorite trade show | Allied Beauty Association show in Calgary, Canada |
Favorite polish color | Vamp |
How do you stay motivated? | Competitions, spending time with daughter |
Best advice ever received? | "Without your brain, you are just another pair of hands." (from fellow nail tech Jamie Schrabeck) |
[PAGEBREAK]
Name | Patricia Yankee-Williams, second runner-up |
Age | 42 |
Years doing nails | 20 |
Children | Son Devin, 10 |
If there were no nail jobs | Would be teaching, either in a regular school setting or in a dance school |
Life outside of doing nails | Loves spending time with her son, attending church, and baking. She evens sells her baked goods at her salon. |
How much do you charge for pink-and-whites? | $75 |
Full set acrylics? | $60 |
Basic manicure? | $22 |
Gels? | $60 |
Wraps? | $60 |
How do you wear your nails? | Natural. |
You'd never guess | Grew up on a farm with 11 brothers and sisters, bailing hay and caring for animals |
Favorite trade show | IBS New York |
Favorite polish color | Neutral shades, French manicure colors |
How do you stay motivated? | Prayer keeps her going, as well as reading and networking and talking to people |
Best advice ever received? | "Trust God first and build integrity by having open, honest communication and being truthful." (from her parents) |
Name | Maise Dunbar, honorable mention |
Age | 36 |
Years doing nails | 10 |
Children | Son |
If there were no nail jobs | Would most likely work in the computer field |
Life outside of doing nails | Loves to spend time with family, attend church, and read and keep up-to-date with the beauty industry. |
How much do you charge for pink-and-whites? | $75 and up |
Full set acrylics? | $60 and up |
Basic manicure? | $25 |
Gels? | doesn't offer them |
Wraps? | $80 |
How do you wear your nails? | Natural. |
You'd never guess | Hails from Africa |
Favorite trade show | Premiere Beauty Show/Orlando |
Favorite polish color | Natural pink |
How do you stay motivated? | Education, prayer, and constant reinvention |
Best advice you ever received? | "Start small and watch the business grow." (from Creative's Jan Arnold) |
[PAGEBREAK]
Name | Darlene Feric, honorable mention |
Age | Age is in the mind |
Years doing nails | 16 |
Children | Daughter Holly is 15, son Mat is 14, and daughter Cailey is 10 |
If there were no nail jobs | Has always aspired to be an actress or model |
Life outside of doing nails | Full-time mom, volunteers, golfs, snowboards, loves to go dancing |
How much do you charge for pink-and-whites? | $60 |
Full set acrylics? | $50 |
Basic manicure? | $15 |
Gels? | $65 |
Wraps? | $60 |
How do you wear your nails? | Mostly pink-and-white, sometimes likes to play with colored acrylic. |
You'd never guess | Although she may not show it, Darlene says she needs more self-confidence |
Favorite trade show | Chicago Midwest Beauty Show |
Favorite polish color | Red-orange and brown |
How do you stay motivated? | Talks to other nail techs, reads industry publications, attends trade shows, and her kids keep her going |
Best advice ever received? | "God never gives you anything you can't handle." (from her parents) |
Name | Mary Metscaviz, honorable mention |
Age | No Answer |
Years doing nails | 28 |
Children | Three |
If there were no nail jobs | Would be doing hair or makeup |
Life outside of doing nails | "I really love this industry and cannot see myself in any other job." Full-time mom and wife. |
How much do you charge for pink-and-whites? | $65 |
Full set acrylics? | $55 |
Basic manicure? | $17 |
Gels? | $55 |
Wraps? | $55 |
How do you wear your nails? | Always wears enhancements. Currently wears gels. |
You'd never guess | Loves to hunt, fish, and ride her motorcycle |
Favorite trade show | Chicago Midwest Beauty Show |
Favorite polish color | Essie's Waltz and Scarlett O'Hara |
How do you stay motivated? | Is a manufacturer's educator, attends trade shows, and listens to motivational tapes |
Best advice ever received? | "You can do anything if you set your mind to it." (from her parents) |
Square data shows that regular customers tip 11% higher and are shared across 32% of businesses in the same ZIP code, driving thousands of dollars in additional revenue per connection.
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
Inside the Systems That Power an Elevated Salon Experience From seamless online booking to a team-first culture, J Gold Salon in Atlanta offers more than great hair—it delivers consistent, high-touch service with the help of partners like Boulevard and American Express.
Sponsored by Amex
Want to grow your career as a beauty professional? K18 Sales Manager Sabrina Sanborn shares advice on networking, mentorship, and self-advocacy—from attending hair shows to finding the right guidance to reach your goals.
A combination of clear policies, effective communication, and strong client relationships has helped me create a more reliable and efficient booking system.
Founded by Cleveland serial entrepreneur Shaura Rodgers, Nailtorious has grown to include a nail supply megastore, training facilities, and retail line for nail techs.
This period after the holidays can bring on a huge lull for hairstylists. We asked Cosmo Prof's team of professionals to offer their best advice on how to deal with the January-February slow period.
Key highlights include a push toward inclusive spaces for all abilities, an emphasis on maximizing livable square footage, and a continued love for modern farmhouse exteriors.
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
Want to become savvy about your personal finances, but don't quite know where to start? Anna Manukyan identifies six important concepts for building a strong financial foundation.
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
This guide is your one-stop shop for a plethora of technology tools, software and services created to keep your salon or spa thriving.
Anna Manukyan shares a breakdown of what different types of financial accounts should be used for.
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
Young Nails' Greg, Habib, and Tracey discuss whether getting too close to clients can damage your business.
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.
Education is necessary for beauty professionals to maintain their cosmetology licenses, and paying for that education can be burdensome, but it doesn't have to be. Understand which education tax credits can help you offset those costs.
