Nailpro 30 Under 30 Winner Spotlight: Alice Nali
Alice Nali (@alynails.italianacademy) is a London-based nail tech and owner of AlyNails Italian Academy.
Read our November/December 2022 digital magazine to see the complete list of 30 Under 30 winners.
Q&A
Nailpro (NP): Tell me a little bit about yourself! How did you get started, and why did you choose to become a nail tech? 
AlyNails Italian Academy Owner Alice Nali
Alice Nali (AN): I’ve always been passionate about nails since I was really young. When I was around 10, my aunt took me with her to the nail tech… all those colors, glitters, products, the possibility to paint and make art over them! I fell in love.
NP: What is the toughest part about your job as a nail technician/nail artist/salon owner?
AN: I really love and enjoy my work as nail tech; I feel the toughest part is the “salon owner” one… the “owner duties” are not as fun as doing nails.
NP: What do you love about your job?
AN: I really love any part of my work, but what I enjoy the most is to make hand-painted nail art. I love when my clients bring me crazy ideas to challenge me, and I love to see their faces satisfied.
NP: Where do you find inspiration?
AN: Usually I like to take inspiration from “unusual” things for nails, like outfits, famous paintings, objects with designs, graphic arts, etc. I’m a very curious person, so in my free time, I’m always looking for new ideas to transform into nail art.
NP: What is a piece of advice you would give other nail technicians who are just getting started?
AN: Don’t underestimate the training and to grow your knowledge. The clients are always looking for something new to have and, nowadays, with the internet, they have access to all the nails around the world.
NP: What is a tip you have about any technique, service, business, etc.?
AN: When I use metallic powders, I apply a thin layer of acid-free primer under the top coat, so they last longer without peeling.
NP: What is your favorite nail trend right now?
AN: At the moment, I’m obsessed with Disney and cartoon nail art. I love making them!
NP: What is your favorite service to offer? 
Disney nail art by Alice Nali
AN: Sculpting extension using the nail forms. I love to see how all the hand looks completely different with the nails
NP: Who is your role model?
AN: At the moment I’m taking inspiration from masters such as Corinne Di Battista, Ketty Mangraviti, Irina Vrodenko and Krisztina and Barbara Ujvari.
NP: What is one of your proudest achievements as a nail tech?
AN: I have to say I’m so glad for all the opportunities I’ve had. One of my biggest achievements for sure is to be one of the 30 Under 30 nail tech. It's a big award for me, and I’m very happy. Also, opening my nail salon in London is one of the things that makes me proud of my work.
NP: What do you love about the nail community/industry?
AN: I really love to share and get inspiration from each other. Seeing the high level of some other techs helps me to put more commitment and effort to improve myself and my skills.
NP: What are your top goals as a nail tech?
AN: At the moment, my top goals as nail tech are: participate in new competitions to challenge myself and grow, keep training in order to make my clients happy, work to make a name for myself and be helpful and inspirational to other young techs.
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