Project creators: Lorena Cruz and Jose Cordova; Nail tech: Jose Cordova; Makeup: Carmen Uria; Hair: Cecillia Martinez; Model: Marina Lugo; Photographer: Tara Lei
For some, summer may call for a tropical escape. While we do not all have the luxury or opportunity to travel, we may have access to a pool, which is almost as good as the ocean…Almost. Instead we can channel the refreshing atmosphere captured in these cover images from Jose Cordova and Lorena Cruz who are both based in Phoenix, Arizona.
Log in to view the full article
For some, summer may call for a tropical escape. While we do not all have the luxury or opportunity to travel, we may have access to a pool, which is almost as good as the ocean…Almost. Instead we can channel the refreshing atmosphere captured in these cover images from Jose Cordova and Lorena Cruz who are both based in Phoenix, Arizona.
“The inspiration behind this photo shoot came from entrepreneurship. We wanted to collab with our local artist from Phoenix, Arizona,” Cruz explains. “Being in the beauty industry, we see our connections and how much more we all benefit if we work together to create greatness. A perfect example of what doors we can open for one another when we work together. These photos were inspired by summer fun under the bright Arizona sun and an emphasis on the beauty industry with complete makeup, hair and nails. [We wanted to express] having fun and looking beautiful [at the same time].”
Nailpro: How long have you been a licensed nail tech?
Jose Cordova (JC): I have been a licensed cosmetologist for six years now.
Nailpro: Why did you become a nail tech?
JC: Growing up, my mom always got her nails done. She loved rhinestones and animal prints the most. One day, she suggested I learned how to do nails. By “suggested,” I mean she bought all the products along with a nail magazine from which I learned the application process. I did nails as a hobby on my family while living in Mexico. In 2016, I moved to Phoenix, Arizona. After struggling to find a stable job that I enjoyed, I decided to get licensed to do nails in the states. That is where the real journey began.
Nailpro: When did you get into nail art? For how long have you been creating?
JC: About four years ago, I was ready to give up on the nail industry. Then I noticed more and more people were creating actual art on their enhancements. Little by little, I started practicing. Soon after I moved to The Spot Beauty, the salon I now work at. There I was inspired by my friend and mentor, Lo, to create more elaborate designs. Each day, my passion for nail art kept growing and evolving.
Nailpro: What is your inspiration behind the cover?
JC: I had been seeing geometric nails a lot, usually ones with art inside the shapes (leaves, to be more specific). I combined those geometric shapes with bright colors and my newfound passion for tattoo art to create this set.
Nailpro: How do you conceptualize your nail art?
JC: My favorite thing to do is have a concept and allow the art to evolve as it wants to. I rarely have a vision of what I want the end product to look like. I allow the nail to speak to me and become what it wants.