I’ve been working in the beauty industry for more than 15 years. I knew right away that my real passion was nails. For over a dozen years, I’d dreamt about and had the concept for my studio. Like most, I didn’t have the money or experience to build my dream, but I loved what I did and knew I had to work hard and keep pushing. I feel fortunate to have some incredible people in my life who have assisted and encouraged me with almost every aspect of my business.

In the late ‘90s I met Arlene Rushworth with en Vogue Sculptured Nail Systems. She quickly became a mentor and the educator I needed to really push my skills. I have been an international educator for en Vogue since 2000, delivering seminars and training workshops throughout North America; I will continue to educate part time, but I’m really looking forward to spending most of my time in the new studio.

My business has had numerous expansions and moves over the years, each one a step closer to what I envisioned 12 years ago. I started with a single room in an older home in a fairly remote area, expanded at home, grew out of our home and hunted for commercial property before settling on a custom-built 900-sq.-ft. studio in a new home. I thought that was as close as I would get. I didn’t want to lease space and finding quality commercial property in Victoria is rare. Then it just happened…I saw the space and I knew it was perfect — and it was for sale.

It took more than a year to close the deal and build the studio but it is everything I dreamed of.

Talons Nail Evolution is a full-service studio that provides gel nail enhancements, pedicures, manicures, eyelash extensions, waxing, and basic esthetic services. It’s also the exclusive Vancouver Island Education and Distribution Center for en Vogue Sculptured Nail Systems and Essie.