My name is Marti Bishir and I’m 34-years-old living in Peru, Indiana. Nails have been a part of me since birth. Art is something that always seemed like a pipe dream to me as it wasn’t considered a career by the people I looked up to until now. I am a stay-at-home mother of a little beauty named Bella. A month after she turned three, I began to pray for a career path that would include art, the public, and most importantly still allow me to spend quality time with my daughter. I believe this will help her to gain more independence while I gain my self-worth back.

A good friend, whom had practiced on me since 1991 and conveniently owns a nail shop called Get Nailed in Wabash, Indiana, sent me a text asking me to consider the nail tech program and come to work for her. I was elated and got right on it. I found a school that would work with my schedule and was within my traveling distance. The only downfall I found came in the form of the price of school and the fact that the nail technician programs do not qualify for financial assistance. But they do offer payment plans that are quite flexible. I opted for this school because they offer part-time classes and 450 hours of study — getting me out of the classroom and into the field at a faster pace. Vogue School of Beauty (formerly known as Huntington Beauty College) offers full and part-time classes and I attend Tuesday through Friday from 12 p.m.-4:30 p.m. and Saturday from 12 p.m.-4 p.m. This gives me time for my education while not taking away from family time.

Art is my passion — to project my art on a small canvas is no longer a pipe dream. It’s real and exactly what I am inspired to be! Follow me through my highs and lows of the nail tech certification process, and passing my state board exam. I promise this will be great! I won't leave anything out — good or bad my blog will cover the experience I am about to have. Watch, read, comment, and ask questions as this girl from small town Wabash, Indiana prepares to paint the town.

— Marti