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 Joelle Rodriguez (@crownjewelnails). She is a 22-year-old nail tech at 10 Piece Nails in New York City.
Q&A:
Nailpro (NP): What is a fun fact about you?
Joelle Rodriguez (JR): I can learn the lyrics to just about any song in about three listens.
NP: How did you get started as a nail tech?
JR: My mom is the owner of a tattoo studio, and she’s always worked alongside a nail studio. I was always intrigued about the process of doing nails, not just the art but also the act of sculpting and creating extensions. Later, she took over management of a local nail studio, and the lovely women that worked there took me under their wing to teach me the basics of the art form.
NP: What do you love about your job?
JR: Meeting new people. Being a nail artist is such a beautiful career filled with creativity, but the artists and lovers of the art are some of the most welcoming and talented people I’ve met. I love meeting with new clients, transforming their hands and confidence; and meeting fellow artists, learning from and being a mentor to those in my community.
NP: Where do you find inspiration?
JR: Inspiration is everywhere, especially in NYC. From the subways to events, there’s no shortage of what you can bring to nail artistry. It helps to push the boundaries of your capabilities. Right now, I’ve been pulling inspo from different art forms: music, theatre, art, film and fashion.
NP: What is a piece of advice you would give other nail technicians who are just getting started?
JR: Get comfy in your craft! Not only learning the basics but getting comfortable with experimenting with materials, art styles, colors, etc. So many things can be done outside the norm. With that being said, learning the basics is essential. Not just laying acrylic but also working with regular polish and doing a clean simple manicure. That will never be outdated.
NP: What is your favorite nail trend right now?
JR: Korean and Japanese nail designs. The control and knowledge of your products are just unmatched, and the results are always gorgeous and unique. There’s so much room to play and so many products to play with.
NP: What is your favorite service to offer?
JR: Nail art over anything always, but a well-done gel manicure or extensions are my go to right now.
NP: What is one of your proudest achievements as a nail tech?
JR: Coming back to my craft. I took a year-long hiatus from doing nails to rediscover who I am as an artist and person, and since coming back, I’ve led with my heart and have achieved major strides in my career that were once dreams: Nailpro’s 30 Under 30, leading Fashion Week and multiple national campaigns.
NP: What do you love about the nail community/industry?
JR: It’s only just beginning! The nail industry is blowing up and becoming bigger than ever before. There’s so much room to grow, and all the OG’s are more than open and willing to share their knowledge of the industry and help spread the flame of their torch.
NP: What are your top goals as a nail tech?
JR: To be a resource for nail artists looking to be well rounded and successful in their careers. That and tour with a celebrity, work on a film set and release a collaboration product line.
