Women’s History Month is dedicated to recognizing and highlighting the contributions of women who have often been overlooked and challenged throughout time. Although it is commemorated for the whole month of March, International Women’s Day on March 8 focuses globally on women’s achievements. In honor of this celebration, Nailpro spoke with successful businesswomen and nail techs who have made strides in professional beauty.
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Women’s History Month is dedicated to recognizing and highlighting the contributions of women who have often been overlooked and challenged throughout time. Although it is commemorated for the whole month of March, International Women’s Day on March 8 focuses globally on women’s achievements. In honor of this celebration, Nailpro spoke with successful businesswomen and nail techs who have made strides in professional beauty.
Jan Arnold, CND Co-Founder
When and how did you get started in your career?
“Circa 1979, my dad said, ‘Look, I have a patent and the science behind it, so if any of you five kids want to do something with it, go for it, but I will not give you the money to do it. You will need to learn the industry, go to a banker and get a loan.’ We did, and the rest is history.
As a female leader/professional, what are some obstacles you experienced, and how did you overcome them? Have you confronted gender-related roadblocks in your career?
“I always felt being a female was to my advantage as I was a client of the service first. I understood best the advantages of the science and how it changed my life as a woman who inherited horrible ski-jump nails. I also believe that being a young, cute, energetic female gave me an advantage with the men who were my father’s age running professional distribution. They liked me, and I liked them, but everyone respected the boundaries, which started with me. I was crystal clear about the line and towed it confidently.”
What is one thing you know now you wish you would have known when you started in this business?
“Know when to fight, and know when to hold. There is a place for both as a strategic winner.”
Carol Ma, Aprés Nail Co-Founder and CEO
As a female leader/professional, what are some obstacles you experienced, and how did you overcome them? Have you confronted gender-related roadblocks in your career?
“Things that may seem trivial to others are important to me. Dressing well, wearing heels (so my height disparity will not be so obvious when I am standing in a sea of men), crafting an extremely tough exterior (on the inside, I have a very soft side), being well-educated and being able to speak eloquently, learning [how] to command a room, etc...I have had and continue to experience gender-related roadblocks in my career, but I believe we each have a part to play to change the narrative in 2022 and champion gender equality and fight back against gender bias in any industry...It is an exciting challenge for me to grow our business to one day becoming one of the largest women-led companies in the nail industry.“
How can women support other women in this industry?
“By setting aside petty differences and subjective judgements and exercising greater empathy toward anyone you may cross paths with. Knowledge is meant to be acquired and shared—not locked away for selfish gain. Do not be afraid to share experiences, advice and knowledge with those around you to uplift others.”
What other key learnings and practices do you wish to share with other professionals?
“The phrase ‘do what you love, and you will never work a day in your life’ is not very realistic. Pursuing something you truly love most likely will take you down a path in which you will find yourself working at an intense level or capacity than ever before...Find that sweet spot for yourself that properly balances your personal desires and dreams with your professional preferences and goals...Take pride in [your achivements]! Shout it from the rooftops! And then go inspire other individuals, no matter if they are female, male or [nonbinary]!”
Daisy Kalnina, The GelBottle Inc. Founder and CEO
When and how did you get started in your career?
“I have been an artist my whole life, and moving to the United Kingdom was a turning point for me; I had finally found a way to turn my passion into a career. Like many nail technicians, I started in the spare room of my home. I worked long hours and was raising three boys—it was a very difficult time in my life. After working hard and learning the ropes, I opened my salon in central Brighton. It was where the idea of The GelBottle Inc. was first born.”
As a female leader/professional, what are some obstacles you experienced, and how did you overcome them? Have you confronted gender-related roadblocks in your career?
“Being a female entrepreneur with three young sons and a business that keeps on growing is very challenging and energy consuming, but at the same time, I cannot imagine my life any other way. It is so important to do what you truly enjoy in life to celebrate the challenges you overcome.
“I have always been assertive and bold, but even to this day, I sometimes find it hard to get people to focus on my message rather than my appearance. To overcome something like this, we really need more women in leadership positions and more female role models and decision makers for the industry to flourish and become more diverse.”
What is one thing you know now you wish you would have known when you started in this business?
“How important and powerful social media is for business growth. I was [not] fully aware of its potential when I first set off. Today, social media allows our brand to be more expressive about who we are, giving us an opportunity to build our brand image organically so our customers can really get to know us. [And] I wish somebody had sat me down and said, ‘Daisy, consistency is key to success! Stick with something for at least six months to see a result.’ On a final note, never underestimate yourself, and never doubt your instincts. You got this always!”
Lezlie McConnell, Light Elegance Co-Founder
What inspired you to join the professional nail industry?
“When I owned my salon, gel nails were almost unheard of; acrylics dominated the market...Gels back then were considered weak and could not hold up to an acrylic product. I knew if I could introduce the nail world to a gel product that could compete with acrylics in durability without the odor, I could change and add a wonderful product to the nail world. Thankfully, I was married to a polymer chemist and shared my idea [of a durable gel without the acrylic odor] with him and asked if he could formulate me a gel that could do all the wonderful things I wanted and knew could add huge benefits to the nail industry...That is how Light Elegance was born.”
How can women support other women in this industry?
“Help them believe in themselves. Women, especially in the nail industry, [often] do not think of themselves as businesswomen. One of the best ways you can lead, teach or become a role model is to lead by example. It is extremely important to help young, mature women act and look professional.”
What other key learnings and practices do you wish to share with other professionals?
“Work hard, and have passion no matter what you do. Listen and watch leaders in your industry and other industries, allowing them to guide you. Learn from other business leaders’ mistakes. Believe in yourself, and be accountable for your decisions and actions, learning from the many mistakes you will make along the way. Love what you do!”
Casandra Carrillo, Founder of Opal Beauty Bar
What is one thing you know now you wish you would have known when you started in this business?
“It is nice to know how to do a little bit of everything, but you definitely do not have to offer every service under the sun. Find that thing you really love to do in nails, such as sculpting, hard gel, hand-painted art, Gel-X, etc., and specialize in it. You will attract your dream clients this way.”
What obstacles have you faced, and how did you overcome them?
“Finding that work/personal life/family balance. It is really hard to find that balance and not work all the time when you are a [salon owner] and one-person show...because you find yourself being pulled in different directions...Something that has helped is creating systems and setting boundaries with clients, team members, even with yourself: ‘From X-to-X time, I am clocked out and with my family. Please be respectful of that time, and I will reply when business hours resume.’ That alone really helps! Does it work all the time? No, but it is OK! It is a step in the right direction.”
What tips do you have for aspiring and budding nail techs?
“Get licensed; it makes people take you way more seriously and helps our nail industry become more respected...Your first year is going to be hard—you might get discouraged and want to quit, but don’t! Keep going. Growth does not come from comfort zones, and messy action is better than no action. Do not compare yourself to strangers on the internet; everyone has a different path and timeline. Invest some time in branding yourself, and experiment with social media to see what works and does not work for you. The most important tip: Stay consistent!”
Inspirations in the nail world:
“Natalie Minerva (@natalieminervanails), Fariha Ali (@nailjob), Yvette G. (@yvett_g), Katie Masters (@nailthoughts) and Julie Le (@nailartslanger). Each showed me I could accomplish what I had hoped, grow my following, open a salon, only do gel, etc.”
Mei Kawajiri, Nail Artist
Where do you find education, and how do you continue growing your skills and business?
“It is very important to be trained on nail health and safety in classes. My techniques were really developed out of the classroom—by collaborating with my clients who are all very creative. Together, we challenge each other to push boundaries.”
What obstacles have you faced, and how did you overcome them?
“In 2012, I moved from Japan to New York City to take my career internationally. At the time, I only spoke Japanese and did not know anyone! I taught myself English and used the nails I wore to communicate and meet new people. It was like a secret language. Being so passionate and not being afraid to stand out opened new doors for me—it led to the right people recognizing my talent. I am so thankful for those who took a chance on me.”
What tips do you have for aspiring and budding nail techs?
“Trust your own creativity, and try not to just follow trends!”
