Pattie and I came up with the name Subrosa for the full-coverage chrome silver nail with a rose appliqué under the free edge and skinny appliqués of lace rose on top. Nails by Pattie Yankee. Model: Marti Bishir.

Hello all. It's been so long since I wrote my last blog entry and it's all because of the Big State Board Exam on the computer at an offsite certified testing center. I was working in the salon (Get Nailed) on a temporary state manicurist license and my temp license expired so I had to take the exam quickly so I could be there for the clientele. I was so afraid I was not going to be prepared I read the whole book twice.

Test day I was going on three hours of sleep. I walked in and, SNAP, I got a 96%! I PASSED! I was so scared and as soon as I let fear go I just had to take it. I did well and all of you will as well as long as you really understand what nails are about and exactly what to and not to do without them. One hundred questions covering more than 20 chapters. Make sure you are aware of the rules and regulations for your state because some are very weird but it's still a rule law or regulation. Don't get all stressed because the questions are very general. My best advice is to know the information in the small Milady’s exam book, and sign up to take your test as soon as you can. Do not procrastinate. I basically procrastinated and was out of work for some time.

Here’s a picture of the Get Nailed Crew at ABS 2012.

You have to pay a fee just to schedule to take the test. It's all multiple choice so be prepared and don't stress — just do it with no fear. Think “I'm going to pass!” You will. And then your career really begins. I'm in the salon five days a week and two nights I work late. But it's great to receive cash for your work rather than in school where you pay a tuition and work for free. Effective listening and networking are the key to your success!

I was fortunate enough to be a part of the trade show in Chicago hand modeling for Dashing Diva. This is where I met Pattie Yankee. She works for the company and prepared our nails for the small fashion show they put on to display the different products they offer. Pattie was so nice and then I found out she gets to work with movie stars and jobs like that are really possible if you just try and ask how you can get there. I did this with Pattie and now have built a contact in the industry that can offer me a lot of great experiences and knowledge. I got an invite to help do the model’s nails in NYC Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week 2013! So just know dreams can come true, you just have to believe. I'll be back to blog about it along with some pics from behind the scenes. Wish me luck. I hear it's very fast paced!  

— Marti Bishir