30 Under 30 Spotlight: Asia Bloodworth
Get to know nail technician and content creator Asia Bloodworth (@asiathabird), and visit her business at Asiatic Bird.
Read our November/December 2022 digital magazine to see the complete list of 30 Under 30 winners.
Q&A
Nailpro 30 Under 30 winner Asia BloodworthAsia Bloodworth (AB): I started having an interest in nail art at the age of 14, around the time of high school. I remember watching my mom get her nails done at the nail salon, and I was so fascinated by how the nail techs would do her nails. I also remember times where I went to the hair salon to get my hair done, and my hairstylist at the time would give me nail pro books to take home, and I would look at the nail art section all the time! I would practice different nail art techniques, ranging from one stroke painting to water marbling. By the age of 15, the time I was in high school, I wrote to Nailpro Magazine as well as Nails Magazine expressing my love for nails, and I got featured in both magazines. Then, I took Cosmetology courses from sophomore year to senior year of high school, and I got my license before I got into art school. After high school, I went to Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and received a BFA in Illustration and a minor in fibers, which is textile design involving natural dyeing, crocheting and felting.
NP: What is the toughest part about your job as a nail technician/nail artist/salon owner?
AB: I think the toughest part of being a nail artist can be sometimes setting boundaries. You want to make everyone happy, but you can't. You have to be able to stand firm on what you do and what your morals are, especially when it comes down to pricing your services. Nail artists have a right to charge what they are worth for their work! Clients have to remember that nail services or press-on nails take time, work and an investment!
NP: What do you love about your job?
AB: The thing I love about being a nail artist is that the possibilities are so endless with creating nail art. During my time competing in nail competitions, such as Nails Magazine's Next Top Nail Artist and Nailympia, I got so inspired by everyone's creativity and what they bring to the forefront within the competition side of the industry. Also, I love highlighting other nail artists. I have an online talk show on YouTube called Nails and Beauty Talk where I interview nail artists from around the world. I wanted to provide a space for nail artists to not only share their perspective about the nail industry but to also share different styles of artistry. In my talk show, I cover topics such as art, beauty, fashion, NFTs, Web3 and Crypto. I have interviewed Co-Founder of CND Jan Arnold and world-renowned award winning nail artists, such as Viv Simmonds, Natalia Cukrowska and Ryoko Garcia.
Nail art by Asia Bloodworth
AB: I find inspiration mostly through nature. Nature is one of the biggest inspirations for color palettes and texture.
NP: What is a piece of advice you would give other nail technicians who are just getting started?
AB: I would say if this is something you want to do, go for it! Figure out what you like and what you want your niche to be. Also, having a unique style is something that can really help you stand out from the crowd, and when you give something different that no one has thought of, people become drawn to you!
NP: What is a tip you have about any technique, service, business, etc.?
AB: A very important tip I would give is to keep learning. Technology is evolving and nail education, trends and nail products are changing all the time. You don't have to follow everything, but it's good to stay in the know.
NP: What is your favorite nail trend right now?
AB: My favorite nail trend right now is conceptual nails and also the Y2K style nail art.
NP: What is your favorite service to offer?
AB: My favorite services to offer hands down is a gel manicure, gel pedicure and custom press on nails.
NP: Who is your role model?
AB: The role models that have inspired me to get into the nail industry are Catherine Wong, Sam Biddle and Lavette Cephus, of whom I've also had the amazing chance of interviewing for my Nails and Beauty Talk show. These are the women that have pushed the boundaries of nails and have shown me if you let your imagination flow, you can create something that no one has ever thought of.
NP: What is one of your proudest achievements as a nail tech?
AB: One of my proudest achievements was placing 3rd in Nailympia Online for the Flat Art Box category in Division 1. That was one of my very first nail competitions I've ever competed in. But also, I'm proud of how far I have come as a nail artist. I'm very proud of my evolution, and I've gained more confidence within my creativity.
NP: What do you love about the nail community/industry?
AB: What I love about this industry is that nail art is getting highlighted more and more, and it's showing you nail art is a fashion statement, just like wearing your favorite outfit. Nail art is featured in red carpets and fashion shows. Nail education, nail products and nail technology has come a long way. I also love how we are bringing awareness to self care and mental health because with what we do, finding balance and having a sense of self care is important. It's ok to take breaks, take a step back and provide yourself grace when times get tough.
NP: What are your top goals as a nail tech?
AB: My goal is not only to continue sharing my artistry with the world but also continue to use my platform to feature other nail artists and educate others about the industry.
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