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 Maddi Harris (@nails_bymaddi). She is a 22-year-old nail tech based in Virginia Beach, VA.
Q&A:
Nailpro (NP): What is a fun fact about you?
Maddi Harris (MH): I’m really into raves and getting dressed up in wild outfits while head-banging to earthquaking music.
NP: How did you get your start as a nail tech?
MH: I started at 15 dabbling into everything cosmetology. I became obsessive with acrylics even though I was awful. I’d go home after school every day, change my nail art and take a picture of them. At 16, I started doing nails for school dances. By the time I graduated high-school, I was booked a month in advance making great money.
NP: What do you love about your job?
MH: The reason I adore my job so much is my beautiful clients. Many of them I’ve become best friends with and connected with on a personal level. They’re my therapist as much as I am theirs. Life would be much duller without my girlies, and I cherish them everyday. I get excited to see them, and they get excited to hear what shenanigans I’m up to next.
NP: Where do you find inspiration?
MH: I get really inspired around the holiday season to draw characters and themed nail art I haven’t seen yet. Halloween is when I started doing nail art, and it will always inspire me to be more creative.
NP: What is a piece of advice you would give other nail technicians who are just getting started?
MH: Learn business! Be findable on social media, Google, Yelp and other business platforms. Encourage clients to book their appointments in advance and to tell their friends about you. Be bold and make sure you’re booked and paid. Don’t imagine your dream career and not meet the requirements to get there. When you see ANYBODY with nails on, give them a business card and a smile. Be that confident in yourself that you do it and do it well.
NP: What is your current favorite nail trend?
MH: Letting your nail tech do a freestyle is my favorite trend because most of the time I know my clients’ dream nails before they do. They’ll look for hours to find a picture they like, but I know what nail art is gonna match their personality perfectly and make them excited.
NP: What is your favorite service to offer?
MH: I really don’t have a favorite. I'd hate it if I did long or short nails all day, dramatic nails, basic nails, etc. Being able to do a balance of easy and mind stimulating nail sets makes every client exciting to service.
NP: What is your proudest accomplishment?
MH: I’m 22 years old with no debt, no boss to abide by and no restrictions on how much I want to put in and get out monetarily. If I want to relax, I relax. If I want to hustle, I hustle and branch out into other businesses.
NP: What are your top goals as a nail tech?
MH: Provide my clients the high-end service they deserve while speaking light into each other's lives and supporting one another. I want to provide the welcoming environment they might need to escape to for a bit while they get their nails done.
