We are spotlighting the winners of Nailpro’s 30 Under 30 competition for 2023, featuring 30 nail artists under 30 years of age.
Get to know Aigerim Kairdenova (@aiko_nails.atx). She is a 28-year-old nail tech at Aiko Nails LLC in Austin, TX.
Q&A:
Nailpro (NP): What is a fun fact about you?
Aigerim Kairdenova (AK): I can speak three languages fluently: English, Russian and Kazakh.
NP: How did you get started as a nail tech?
AK: When I first immigrated to the United States back in 2019, I couldn’t find a salon that offered quality e-file manicures. During the pandemic, while I was stuck in my home country Kazakhstan, I decided to learn how to do nails, so I can have a nail technician career in the U.S. I took individual intensive training classes and became very passionate about nails.
NP: What do you love about your job?
AK: My favorite thing about my job is seeing my clients happy and confident after a nail appointment. Literally, when people say things like “My nails never looked better” or “I love them so much,” it makes me very proud and fulfilled in my career. Another thing I love is that it gives me so many opportunities to grow and develop, like recently I became an owner of my individual nail studio, and I’m looking forward to seeing what other adventures are ahead.
NP: Where do you find inspiration?
AK: Continuing education is a major source of inspiration for me. It helps me stay updated with the latest nail art techniques and motivates me to provide the best services to my clients.
NP: What is a piece of advice you would give other nail technicians who are just getting started?
AK: I want to give two pieces of advice to beginner nail technicians: 1) Find your niche service - you don’t have to offer every possible nail service or art out there. If you don’t like doing pedicures or nail art, there’s no need to push yourself to do it. Right clientele will come to you for your specific service. 2) Know your numbers - no matter if you decide to work for someone or be an individual nail technician, knowing your gross and net income is the key to building a successful business.
NP: What is your favorite nail trend right now?
AK: I’ve been very into chrome powders and stamping lately - These two nail art trends can offer an endless variety of designs to create!
NP: What is your favorite service to offer?
AK: My favorite service to offer is structured e-file manicures and pedicures. I’m a very detail-oriented person, and this type of nail service helps me to provide flawless quality work!
NP: What is one of your proudest achievements as a nail tech?
AK: My proudest achievement so far is opening my own nail studio. As an immigrant and minority, it can be challenging at times to build a business in a new country - but my faith in myself and determination have helped me to keep growing.
NP: What do you love about the nail community/industry?
AK: I love that in this industry there are so many opportunities and possibilities. If you’re introverted and want to work by yourself, you can do that. If you have a very outgoing personality, you can work in a bigger salon setting. I also love seeing fellow nail technicians create art and inspiring each other for bigger achievements!
NP: What are your top goals as a nail tech?
AK: Currently, I’m pursuing a nail educator career, and my top goal is to share my knowledge and experience with other nail technicians, who are also passionate about their growth and careers!
You can see the full list of our winners by reading our digital magazine.
