Nails 101: A Student Blog

Week Nine: The Homestretch

by Tisha Allen | October 27, 2014 | Bookmark +
David Anthony and me.

David Anthony and me.

This week I completed the last of my services, and I can't believe that my very last manicure was given to Mr. David Anthony, president of Valentino Beauty Pure.

In April I attended a class given by Naja Rickette, Adam Tran, and David Anthony at the Atlanta Bronner Brothers hair show. The class taught students and professionals how to become a celebrity nail stylist. After gaining industry insight from Naja, Adam, and David, I did a bit more research on each of their backgrounds via their websites and social media, and I discovered David’s Valentino Beauty Pure air filtration system. From there, I followed Valentino Beauty Pure’s Facebook and Instagram accounts, and in the comments I pleaded for a demonstration of his filtration system at my school. Because the system is an air filtration system that works at the source to eliminate nail dust and odor from acrylic or gel enhancements, I thought it would be so awesome for my classmates and me to see that there are options for protecting ourselves from dust and chemicals other than just wearing dust masks while doing nails.

I still have yet to see the Valentino Beauty Pure filtration system in person; however, what was even better was the chance to give David a full manicure, and he even let me polish his nails to test out my polishing skills. I still really can't believe that he said that it was "the best manicure ever,” and I still think he was being kind because I was so nervous during his service.

I am so happy that David really came to my school! During his manicure I asked him a few questions on what direction I should take now that I’m completing school, and he offered me some great advice. Getting the chance to talk to David in person was perfect since I’ve wanted to sign up for his 90-day business mentor program, VBP International, yet the classes have been sold out for some time. VBP International stands for Value + Beauty = Profit. It was created by Naja Rickette and David Anthony, and their VBP 90 Challenge offers one-on-one guidance to “Bring your nail business game to the next level.”

The advice that David gave me, once I am done with school, is:

  1. Get into a nail salon and work on building my clientele.
  2. Continue my education by taking classes and learn all that I can.

He even suggested getting a space in a hair salon so that I could get referrals from the hairstylists. I am grateful for his guidance, as I was torn between starting out as a mobile tech or going straight into a nail salon. After our talk, I am now almost sure that I want to join Naja and David’s VBP International mentorship program. I’ve even signed up to win sessions via NAILS Magazine contests and giveaways. There is so much more that I’d like to do with my career, such as becoming an educator and possibly doing nails for fashion shows, editorial shoots, and maybe even commercials. I know that once I obtain my license, I will still be a novice in the nail industry, but hopefully Naja and David's program can set me on the right path to reaching these future goals.

With all of this preparation for my nail school farewell, I've finally completed my nail portfolio with pictures of my best work done in school to take along with me on my interviews.

Here I am giving David a manicure.

Here I am giving David a manicure.

Until next week,

— Tisha

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