
Behind the Scenes: Tom Bachik


Our cover tech says, "The key to success in this business is to continually educate yourself so that you’re always abreast on new products and techniques in the nail industry.”

It’s not the first time Tom Bachik has immersed tiny objects in acrylic to produce a new art form. He’s sunk small dried flowers, beads, sand, and more into a few nails.

Matsushita says it’s study and practice that got her where she is—in this case, that’s doing the nails on our cover model.

To see the work of an award-winning nail technician, just take a look at NAILS' cover this month. It's the handiwork of 1998 Nail Technician of the Year Athena Elliott.

“Bad education is as detrimental as no education,” says Dianne D’Agnolo, this month’s cover tech.
Kim Paterson of For Professional Use Only (Farmington Hills, Mich.) used Pinnacle acrylic powder and liquid on this month's cover model.

When Lonardo, who is based out of North Providence, R.I., first embarked on her career in the beauty industry, she wanted to become a hairstylist, which required some training in nails.
Three years ago, when we interviewed Tom Bachik for his first NAILS cover, he was a nail technician, a part-time educator, and a globe-trotting competitor. Today, his career — and focus — has changed dramatically.

Cover tech Melinda Nelson has always been a nail junkie.

Brenda Bollard has what it takes to be a cover technician — superior technical skills — so this year her dream came true.

Award-winning salon owner Debbie Krakalovich was introduced to the nail industry when she herself was a nail-biting client.

Shari Finger, owner of Finger's Nail Studio in W. Dundee, Ill., did sculptured acrylic nails on this month's cover model.

Debra Shoaff’s strong commitment to the industry and gaining the respect of her peers and public were why she entered NAILS’ 1996 Nail Technician of the Year Award. And guess what? She won.