What type of person becomes a Nail Tech?

[redsadie]

I was just wondering why people decided that becoming a Nail technician would be their dream job.

I have been quite diverse in my career path and only decided to become a Nail Technician because I saw how it was done on me and thought 'This looks really interesting, I can do that!' I'd wanted to work for myself for some time and decided I could do this!

And so I saved for my CND course and the rest as they say is history!

What about everyone else? Did you see it being done like me? Were you unemployed? Did you do nails as a hobby before? Do intricate things interest you? What made you decide?

Like I said, just ponderin'

Sarah. xx

 

[angel fingers]

i was made redundant from my job teaching textile art .
i knew i wanted to do a job with creativity involved and something that i could do to fit in with my family comittments.
ive always loved intricate work. i find it extremely satisfying.

 

[deanosnana]

I've always loved nails, hair and make up! When I had my first baby (23+ years ago) I decided to quit my job to stay home and take care of him. By the time the second one came along (2 years later) I had decided to get a job that would allow me the flexibility to be a mom and bring in some extra $$$.

There was a hair/nail salon within walking distance from my kids' school. Perfect, right?

Little did I know that I'd be divorced and raising them on my own. Therefore, I've never done nails as a full time job.

Also, I feel I'm artistic. I have crafted since I was a child. My mom taught me to knit when I was 5. Now, I'm into jewelry making but I've done basketweaving, ceramics, counted cross stitch among other things.

Maybe I'm more crafty than artsy. LOL!

 

[brittone05]

I am not, in any way, a vanity person and would probably be the last person who you would visualise as a nail tech wannabe! The only part of my being that states I do actually " do " vanity, however, is my nails. I have always had something done ot them - be it enhancements, paint, art, decor etc

I have spent a fortune having my nails done in local salons and have never found one that I can happily say I would use over again - none disinfect or sanitse hands or files in any way, they are rough and I have never felt at ease there. So I got up one day and figured " I can do this myself".

I have always been into arts and crafts - I can sew ( I make gowns and corsets!), I enjoy photography and feel I have quite a good eye for detail and am desperate to share the benefits of a good nail tech with clients - I just have to raise the funds to get on a course and qualify

 

[geeg]

What type of person becomes a nail technician?

There is more to being a great nail technician than just being able to turn out good nails (although this is very important). Here are a few thing to think about.

:!: Doing nails is not for the timid personality or the faint hearted ... you need to be able to be strong and firm with people.

:!: Doing nails needs a person with an empathetic nature, one who cares for and about people.

:!: Doing nails is a business, and a good business head is essential if you want to be financially successful.

:!: Doing nails requires self sacrifice and a vocational attitude as you need to be there when and if your clients want you. Staying in late and going in early etc.

:!: Doing nails is not a fun little hobby ... it is a profession and should not be done by amateurs but only by professionals in the true sense of the word (look it up in the dictionary ... interesting).

:!: Doing nails requires a great sense of responsibility. We work on people's bodies. They trust us to work safely and to nurture and care for their natural nails while they are wearing nail enhancements.

:!: Doing nails requires integrity (as should everything) and good business ethics. Business ethics is something allot of newbie technicians know nothing about in the UK ... thinking they can use someone Else's good will ... work in a salon and then leave trying to poach business from the very salon that hired them and helped them in the first place.

:!: Doing nails is one of the greatest most fun and rewarding and satisfying businesses in the world. Enjoy your learning but realize that the learning process never stops ... you will know when you are ready because you will feel confident to make that start.

:!: Doing nails requires an atitude of Life Long Learning. Regular classes are not only necessary, they also increase your average earnings and keep you motivated.

 

[tigi]

Many years ago when i was 18 I went to my local college to join a beauty course (which included nails) and was told I was not pretty enough to be a beautician.

It took me a long time to get over that (am 39 now) but I always harboured a desire to do it. Then a few years ago I became seriously ill.

I was lucky to recover fully and from that day I decided that the kick up the bottom I had received and the recovery I made was what i needed to write a massive list of things I just HAD to do. Nail and beauty therapy was on the list.

I worked my way down the list and got to it, I got funding and used some savings and now I own my business ' 2 Dumb Blondes' and am looking to ticking more things off my list as a business owner.

I have always been creative (am a beadmaker and tiara maker) and I am also a qualified marketeer. I think my old jobs/careers will have helped me to build my business and am looking forward to taking things to the limit of my capabilities!

Owning your own business is about so many things, not just making beautiful nails, but the rewards are more than financial, it has set my soul free!

tigi

 

[angel fingers]

Many years ago when i was 18 I went to my local college to join a beauty course (which included nails) and was told I was not pretty enough to be a beautician.

It took me a long time to get over that (am 39 now) but I always harboured a desire to do it. Then a few years ago I became seriously ill.

I was lucky to recover fully and from that day I decided that the kick up the bottom I had received and the recovery I made was what i needed to write a massive list of things I just HAD to do. Nail and beauty therapy was on the list.

I worked my way down the list and got to it, I got funding and used some savings and now I own my business ' 2 Dumb Blondes' and am looking to ticking more things off my list as a business owner.

I have always been creative (am a beadmaker and tiara maker) and I am also a qualified marketeer. I think my old jobs/careers will have helped me to build my business and am looking forward to taking things to the limit of my capabilities!

Owning your own business is about so many things, not just making beautiful nails, but the rewards are more than financial, it has set my soul free!

tigi

omg they told you you were not pretty enough ! how cruel and unprofessional !

looks like youve had the last laugh though:hug:

 

[tigi]

Yes they really did, and it was a tough blow. But it goes to show that if the desire and ambition is there, then it doesnt matter what ANYONE says.

I did have the last laugh , its funny how things turn out eh?

 

[user 25446]

What type of person becomes a nail technician?

There is more to being a great nail technician than just being able to turn out good nails (although this is very important). Here are a few thing to think about.

:!: Doing nails is not for the timid personality or the faint hearted ... you need to be able to be strong and firm with people.

:!: Doing nails needs a person with an empathetic nature, one who cares for and about people.

:!: Doing nails is a business, and a good business head is essential if you want to be financially successful.

:!: Doing nails requires self sacrifice and a vocational attitude as you need to be there when and if your clients want you. Staying in late and going in early etc.

:!: Doing nails is not a fun little hobby ... it is a profession and should not be done by amateurs but only by professionals in the true sense of the word (look it up in the dictionary ... interesting).

:!: Doing nails requires a great sense of responsibility. We work on people's bodies. They trust us to work safely and to nurture and care for their natural nails while they are wearing nail enhancements.

:!: Doing nails requires integrity (as should everything) and good business ethics. Business ethics is something allot of newbie technicians know nothing about in the UK ... thinking they can use someone Else's good will ... work in a salon and then leave trying to poach business from the very salon that hired them and helped them in the first place.

:!: Doing nails is one of the greatest most fun and rewarding and satisfying businesses in the world. Enjoy your learning but realize that the learning process never stops ... you will know when you are ready because you will feel confident to make that start.

:!: Doing nails requires an atitude of Life Long Learning. Regular classes are not only necessary, they also increase your average earnings and keep you motivated.

Great post :hug:

 

[user 25446]

I agree with all Geeg said. I do think that it's especially important to remember it's a business and to learn some marketing and get some financial knowledge.

Why I love this industry is because of the people. Most nail techs are outgoing social monsters who help each other. Even those at the top of the industry are keen to help.

I don't know any other industry where the same level of kindness and generosity exists. I think that's what makes nail techs and this industry special.

 

[redsadie]

Wow girls! Thanks for the replies!

There is many a true word in what Wise Geeg says. It isn't about just being able to turn out good nails. I don't think creative people are naturally business like though, you have to work at that (especially the being strong and firm one!), but great post.

I think it should be printed out, laminated and kept by your nail station.

There seems to be a lot of jewellery makers here! I am one too as it happens, lol! I had my own little 'online empire' a few years ago, mainly Swarovski wedding jewellery and tiaras, but got more into flame and torch and more 'industrial' jewellery, rings, bangles, cuffs, that sort of thing. I got too busy with other stuff life throws at you to continue with it, so it's waiting, softly calling every now and then from my loft. I looked into beadmaking but for that I would've needed a dedicated workspace and our garden just isn't big enough for a workshop, so, it's on MY list of things to do before I lose the use of (insert body part (or brain function :lol here).

Tigi, I cannot believe someone would actually turn around and say such a thing! Honestly, this is the sort of comment that give the beauty industry a bad name. But I do know how comments like that hurt and stay with you, because something along those lines was said to me when I was 19 by an old boss of mine (I'm pushing 40 now, never forgotten it or told anyone. It's just harboured, you know?)

Anyways, I was interested in the nature of the people who go into this profession and it certainly looks like (apart from the jewellery thing) we cannot be pigeon-holed - which is a good thing

 

[pink sparkles]

Many years ago when i was 18 I went to my local college to join a beauty course (which included nails) and was told I was not pretty enough to be a beautician.

Unfortunately I think this happens a lot. I was told the same thing when I told the lecturer at my local college, on just the open evening, what course I was interested in. She just shook her head and said 'oh no im sorry but I like my girls to be petite and pretty - theyre the only ones who will go far in the beauty industry so I wouldnt want to waste your time. Maybe another course would be more suited to you.'

I was hardly a whale!- size 14 at the time and have never had problems with my looks before, always had boyfriends etc! I was so distraught that I ran out of there that night and its taken me 3 and a half years, and my very supportive fiance, to get over it and went to a private training course. Now I wish I had told the woman where to stick it and gone to another college but you live and learn eh!

 

[SmileNails]

For me, training to be a nail technician was something i decided after being unable to hold down a full time job (amongst other things!). This is due to my husband being in the RAF, so when hes away, or on akward shifts - i have no one to look after my daughter.
First step for me was training to be a beauty therapist, which i did successfully, and as much as i enjoyed it - there was something missing! Iv always had my nails done and was in awe of my technician, she was fab, but never thought id be able to do it. But the more i thought about it - the more i wanted to do it. So i trained, loved it, continually practising and hope to go mobile when my bumps born in november!

And i have to say, im one of the vainest person i know! I will not go out without my tan on or nails looking good, and im highly motivated so always fiddling with my nails, as theres always so much to learn! And continual learning is important being a nail technician as theres is always new tips and tricks to pick up on!!

I couldnt think of doing anything else now! Its a skill il hopefully always have, and when we move about a lot its something i can always take with me!!!!

 

[sarahnailz]

I have been cabin crew for years and have been getting my nails done for the same amount of time.

I thought about becoming a nail technician for about 4 years before eventually taking the plunge and fulfilling my ambition.

I think you have to have confidence, courage, and real ambition to succeed in this industry. I find it really rewarding to create a set of nails even if they are not that fantastic at the moment.

xxSarahxx

 

[Creative Cal]

I finally made the decision about a year ago. I have always had very stressful jobs very target driven and corporate and although the money was good I was MISERABLE!!! I have always enjoyed doing make up, nails, hair, tanning to myself and my friends before a night out and everyone said to meI would make a good job out of it!
So about a year ago I started saving up some money and managed to convince my boyfried to pay half for my Creative course and I am loving doing nails! At the mo I only do acrylic, minx and mani and pedi but it is proving popular and I am really enjoying it! PLan to do spraytan training this month and go back and do gel with cnd after christmas.

I really feel I have found the right profession for me at last (about time, being almost 29!!) but I also think some of the things I learnt in my previous jobs- business acumen, sales and customer service have helped me with my business ( I am mobile and self employed!)

It took me a while to get started, I was worried I had started too old, I was worried I couldnt afford to quit my job and go to college ( which has turned out to be a good thing training with companies like CND has been a better choice for me personally) and I was worried my plan was unrealistic! This site has helped me to be even more determined as there are so many succesful people on here, and I cannot wait to take on more training and develop myself!!!!!

XX

 

[deanosnana]

Great post :hug:

I AGREE! :hug:

 

[Vetty]

I decided to train as a Nail Tech when I was made redundant aged 34 after 16 years in Marketing for a Financial Services company. I had never had enhancements done but I was driven by having unattractive natural nails and realising there was a way to make them more beautiful:idea:.

I decided I wanted to work for myself and have a job that would bring more balance to my family life and give me greater satisfaction in what I do. What I didn't expect was to awaken an all-consuming passion that would take over my life :lol:!!!!

I didn't find doing nails easy to start with, and unlike a lot of you I am not an arty person at all. I see my nail skills as technical rather than creative! But I am driven by that elusive 'perfect set of nails' and a total love of what I do. Also, having spent 16 years in the corporate marketing world I have plenty of other skills which contribute to my quite successful little mobile business!!

 

[RedAdmiral]

Geeg You are amazing! :Love:

My Boyf thought I could make a few bob 'doing nails' to put me through uni 9 yrs later here I am.
I never thought I would have a profession like this, I'm not a slave to fashion prefer a classic style, I dont read celeb mags, I rarely have the make-up on etc, etc What I do have is an attention to detail, the need inside to give everyone a great set of nails and keep them great, I want people to feel good around me and I like that I help people feel at ease.
I have a desire to learn from my mentors and my peers and I always want to make things better.

I dont really know if a certain type of person does one thing but I do know the cream always rises to the top. The cream of this industry will always have the qualities that Geeg has said. I have given so much of my life to nails and in return it has given me rewards that cannot be measured.:hug: