Courtesy of Dreamstime
We hope you have been inspired by all the women in the nail industry who we have highlighted every weekday for this Women's History Month. Although Women's History Month has come to an end, recognizing women and their achievements extends beyond March, and we would like to share an additional question and answer from the inspiring professionals featured in our March 2022 issue.
Jan Arnold, CND Co-Founder
- What other key learnings and practices do you wish you to share with other professionals?
“Find your passion, and work hard as hell. Nothing comes to those who sit back. Every day is a new one, and every day, you must prove yourself and do something great to win over time.”
Carol Ma, Aprés Nail Co-Founder and CEO
- What is one thing you know now that you wish you could have known when you started in this business?
“I wish I had known just how FAST the nail industry’s product cycles and trends move! I thought coming from the fashion industry that fast fashion cycles were quick—the nail industry definitely takes the cake!”
Daisy Kalnina, The GelBottle Inc. Founder and CEO
- How can women support other women in this industry?
“It is important we celebrate each other’s successes and acknowledge each other’s accomplishments through social media, and most importantly, in person when possible. I do truly believe that we rise by lifting others, and I wish more people would live by that motto. In addition to that, supporting women-owned businesses is equally important and impactful. I would not be where I am today if it were not for the people who believed in me and supported my dream.”
Lezlie McConnell, Light Elegance Co-Founder
- What is one thing you know now you wish you would have known when you started in this business?
“That every failure and insecurity you encounter leads you in a new direction to your next success!”
Casandra Carrillo, Founder of Opal Beauty Bar
- What other key learnings and practices do you wish you to share with other professionals?
“It is very, very important to set boundaries and expectations from your clients early on and to stick to them. People will try to test you and what they can get away with, especially if you are a newer nail tech. It is hard to enforce certain things sometimes, but I can guarantee people will take you more seriously this way, and again, it will help you attract more of your dream clients who value you and your work.”
Mei Kawajiri, Nail Artist
- When and why did you become a nail tech?
“2003! It was so amazing to become a nail artist during the beginning of Y2K. I wanted to become a nail artist because I love wearing my own art as an accessory. Nails are the perfect canvas to express my every mood.”
These five women share more of their insights in the March 2022 issue of Nailpro magazine.
