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Catching Up With Starr: In The Beginning

When I started school at the end of 2011, my first day of school was nerve racking. It had been quite some time since I’d been in school and I didn’t know what to expect. Sure enough when I got there the other students were taking an exam and I just got thrown into the mix. I did learn that after you complete 15 hours you can begin working on clients, which meant that in two days I would be on the floor. I also learned that the school followed the public school system schedule, which means school is closed for the last two weeks of December. I had a big week ahead of me. When my 15 hours were up, I took the manicuring and pedicuring exams and received my kit.
Our kits came with Hand and Nail Harmony acrylic system, INM Wrapped in Glass fiberglass/silk wrap system, files, buffers, mannequin hand and fingers, #8 acrylic brush, dappen dishes and the polish trio (red polish and top and base coat). I was able to complete two manicures and two pedicures before Christmas break.
The state board arrived at the school in January with new rules. The biggest one: You now needed 60 hours to work on clients. So back to the classroom I go. I was so frustrated, especially since there was a party coming in with ladies who had booked spa manicures and pedicures. I had been practicing how to perform those services and now I had to watch the other students from the classroom. In the meantime, I kept practicing manicures and pedicures. I was struggling a little with filing. I’m always so afraid that I’ll mess it up or accidentally scratch someone.
I got my 60 hours finally and was able to get back out on the floor! I was excited and terrified. I was so scared about messing up that it was affecting my time. I got assigned a client who came in and requested a manicure with gel-polish. I smiled on the outside, but paniced on the inside. I hadn’t practiced with gel polish yet so it was my first time. Turns out it wasn’t as bad as I thought. I forgot to clean up a little before curing, but I knew better for the next time.
Rob the Nail Man from Nailogics, came and taught a gel class. I hadn’t worked with gel yet but he makes it look easy. The Nailogics gel is in a bottle instead of a pot. I think I like it better, but I’m still trying to learn how to work gel in a pot. Their -olish has a base/top coat and it lasts forever. I tried some in class and wore it for three weeks before I just had to take it off and try something new.
Manicure with gel-polish
Gel overlay with gel-polish
So far I have done manicures, pedicures, gel-polish, gel full sets, and gel overlays. Aside from on the mannequin hands I haven’t done a full set of acrylics yet but I can’t wait.
— Starr

posted @ Monday, May 14, 2012 8:23 AM | Comment (2)

Week 1: I Hope There's Still a Class Next Week

Well this was an odd day. The first and only day of class this week and there may not even be a next week. Each class has to have a minimum of 8 students and sadly our 8th did not show up. If she is still a no-show on Monday then the class could very well be canceled and tuition refunded (not on our kits though) and we will all be put on the waiting list for the following term. I think I would cry if this happens, but as I can’t do anything about it so I am putting it in God's hands and praying for the best. 
My teacher is Mrs. Brown and she is a very nice and personable lady with 15 years of nail experience and she has never once gone looking for a job. She has been headhunted for every position she has held, how cool is that? The students (the 6 so far not counting me) are all very bright and so far adorably pleasant people. A few are more outgoing then the others but as a group they are just so entertaining. The only temporary issue is all but one of them have had other courses together and already know each other and the teacher. The great news on that is you can see the respect and admiration they have for Mrs. Brown and that is a great sign of her teaching abilities. I am really looking forward to learning anything and everything she can teach me.
Now for my moment of embarrassment — as we were opening and stocking our kits (the box of wonder I have been itching to open for two weeks), I noticed my nail desk had a lot of trash and partially used cups of acrylic powder in the drawers and Mrs. Brown said to just trash it all as we have no way of knowing if it has been contaminated. Well...of course I stumbled and dropped every last one of those cups of powder on the way to the trash and as I started to vacuum it all up the vacuum starts emitting the most noxious burnt rubber smell and there are girls running in every direction. Kind of an auspicious start wouldn't you say? I could so see my husband’s face if I came home and upon learning I burnt down my school he would utter, "So, about normal for a first day for you then?"
Well, wish me luck that the class is still running and that hopefully I will not be known only for creating a smelly environment. That’s a photo of me in my brand new purple scrubs we have to wear to class. I didn't get a chance to get a shot of my desk, so you will just have to stay tuned and hope I am still around for that next week.
— Mary

posted @ Friday, May 11, 2012 3:13 PM | Comment (4)

Meet Starr

Hi, my name is Starr Rooks. I’m 30 years old and currently living in Charlotte, N.C. When I was 3 years old my mom took me to Woolworth to pick out my first nail polish. I chose a sparkly baby pink polish and this began my love for all things nails.
 
From that moment on, if it was nail-related I had to have it. Nail decals, stickers, rhinestones, glitter, yes please. I loved it all. As much as I loved being creative and trying different things with my nails, I didn’t realize I could turn it into a profession. That is until my 15th birthday when my mom (who is one awesome lady) surprised me with my first professional manicure. So there I was in Klip and Kurl hair salon sitting at Jada’s table full of excitement. While receiving my manicure I couldn’t help thinking how awesome Jada was and how great it was that she got to do nails everyday. Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, she pulled out these boards with decorated nails on them and offered me some nail art. I left the salon that day with a pearly polish and an airbrushed teddy bear with balloons on my left ring finger, my name on my right ring finger and a new career path.
 
But life as we know it doesn’t always go according to plan and I ended up going to college. After college I did what most people do — I got a job in my field. It didn’t make sense to still think about becoming a nail technician, right? Wrong. I couldn’t stand my job and I was unhappy. When I tried to express my feelings to some people, they thought I was crazy and that I was just trying to revive some childhood hobby. Instead of doing something about it, I pushed my real dreams to the side and kept working. I continued on this path until last year when I’d had enough. I was on the verge of severe burnout and just couldn’t keep working there. After much discussion with my hubby, we decided that now was the time for me to take some time off to finally pursue my dream.
 
I started looking for some schools to attend and realized, there weren’t that many. I chose the Academy of Nails and Esthetics. It’s one the few schools in Charlotte that offers a nail program. One perk that the school has is since there is no hair program at least 50% of the focus is on the nail program, unlike the other schools I visited. Another perk is that the school is very flexible with the program days since a majority of the students are older than 25. In order to receive a license in North Carolina you need 300 hours. Right now I have 133 hours. Since I’m going part time, I have a little over two months left. It hasn’t always been easy, but I wouldn’t change a thing. I am so grateful that I’m able to finally achieve my dream, and I’m equally grateful that I am able to share my journey with all of you.
 
— Starr
 

posted @ Friday, May 11, 2012 3:01 PM | Comment (6)

Meet Mary

Editor’s note: It’s been a few months since we had a new student blogger, but this month we’ll be introducing two new student bloggers. The first is Mary from Florida. Please join me in welcoming her to the blog.
Hi, my name is Mary Thompson and I am a 28-year-old wife and stay-at-home mommy to two very rowdy children. I have always lived in Pensacola, Fla., and I plan on staying here. Due to my son being born premature and having ongoing health issues I have chosen to stay home with him for the last five years. It has been more than two years since his last harrowing health scare and he is about to start kindergarten, and I am ready to do something for me.
This week I will be taking the first steps toward my dream of being a nail technician. I start Thursday evening and I am beyond terrified! First days of school are always scary, but here I am, a person who has been out of school for 10 years and out of the work force for five, and I’m starting at square one. Up until just recently, the only people I talked to were my husband, my kids, and my dog Max. And now I have to face the scariest thing in the world to me — strangers! 
Will I be the oldest person there? Other than a love of nails will I have anything in common with my fellow enthusiasts? There are a bunch of wonderful ladies out there in Internet land who are fighting the good fight of bringing nail techs closer together and to share the combined knowledge of the established with the newest oncoming generations (shout out to Robin Moses!). Will this kind and generous nature be mirrored in school or am I about to walk into a cat fight of everyone trying to be top dog?
I will be attending Pensacola State University, previously Pensacola Junior College, for nail technician school. It is an evening-only class that is full-time, Monday through Thursday. My projected completion is toward the end of October. The class size is just 10 people but I am not sure if all the spots have been filled yet, I will know on Thursday. 
I hope I get the chance to share with you all my journey through school and I pray that you will be able to take away from my experiences something that will encourage you to go out and reach for your dreams.
— Mary

posted @ Wednesday, May 09, 2012 9:04 AM | Comment (10)

“Springing” Forward

Ah, spring! It’s such a lovely season of new beginnings and growth that features beautiful displays of color and light. Now that I’ve finished school, I get to actually sit back and enjoy the beauty around me. My life has been so consumed with work and school that I’ve had no time to fully enjoy moments like these. Which I suppose is a good thing, considering that it’s been winter and there hasn’t been much to look at besides gray skies and lifeless trees.
Many of you may remember the post that found me venting my frustration at how I felt the nail program at my school left “more to be desired”, to put it nicely. Well, I must say that I’ve made peace with my experience. While it was not an ideal experience, I began to realize toward the end of my program that I needed to find a way to embrace the good, toss the bad, and not become so frustrated that I couldn’t learn the things I needed to learn… and I did. It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary, and it allowed me to finish school on a happy note, with nothing but hugs and well-wishes from and for my teacher and other staff at the school.
Now, as I sit nervously awaiting my appointment to take the written exam (this SATURDAY!! Eeeeek!), and the practical exam (in 2 weeks), I realize just how far I’ve come from Day 1 back in the Fall to this moment. I’ve completed my course with flying colors, I’ve already had a very successful job interview, and I’ve reevaluated and solidified my goals and dreams. And with the clock “springing forward” recently, I’ve also felt a bit of figurative “springing forward” in my own life, punctuating the fact that my life as a school student is over, and my life as a nail tech is just beginning.
My real world education will commence soon enough with securing my first job as a nail tech, and in attending the upcoming Premiere Orlando show and Nail Tech Networking Event. But in the interim, I will sit back, take in the beautiful spring weather here in DC, and enjoy the feeling of contentment and anticipation I have.
— LaTia

posted @ Thursday, March 15, 2012 10:59 AM | Comment (6)

LaTia Is Ready for 2012

Happy 2012!! My, what a crazy holiday season this was! Between school and the normal holiday madness, I feel like I haven’t been to sleep in ages. With the New Year comes new possibilities, and I’m so excited about that! School is winding down, and I should be finished with my program in about three more weeks. At this point it’s really just practice, practice, practice, (while focusing on timing) and study, study, study… all in preparation for the State Board Exam. Between practicing and studying, I try to find time to play around with my own nails, and here’s my latest “winter-inspired” soak-off gel manicure.
Now, as many of you may remember from *this* post, I haven’t had the easiest time with school. Now that I’m just about done, I can begin to focus on the future and continuing education. I’ll be attending several manufacturer classes, networking events, and trade shows this year (Hello, CND Master Painter!!), and I’m very much looking forward to the chance to really begin to learn the industry.
All in all, I truly believe that 2012 will be a banner year, and I am looking forward to what it will bring with wonderment and great anticipation.
— LaTia :)

posted @ Thursday, January 12, 2012 1:31 PM | Comment (6)

Marti Graduates and Passes Pre-State

Big hello to everyone! I have now graduated from the nail technician program at VOGUE dba Huntington Beauty College. I am now in the salon learning more and more and preparing for my state board exam. 
Time seemed to be just standing still or slowly ticking away during the last 23.5 hours. With all my projects and requirements already met, the last few days of school were boring. I just waited anxiously ready for my hours to be complete so I could take the pre-state test. Guidelines at my school state you have to have all hours complete, tuition paid in full, head shot, a live model, and $40 to take the pre-state exam. Believe it or not it’s hard to get a hand model (aka friend) to show up at 8 am sharp and sit quietly for 1 hour.
Here's the kicker. I finally met all requirements and was scheduled to take my pre-state exam. I was nervous about the questions on the exam because that part of the test was verbal (no multiple choice) on pre-state. I arrived one hour early to take my exam and my model didn’t show up. If your model does not show up you have to reschedule. I was ready to be done and get that diploma. My friend did not show but another friend came and endured the hour of pain for him. Yes I had to use a male hand model. He did well and I'm grateful he was willing. The deal is you need a live hand to do your work on. Work included one sculptured, one acrylic overlay, one tip enhancement, and finish off with the basic manicure and paint them red! Meanwhile you are being asked about diseases, disorders, and basic questions about sanitation, station set-up, tools, cosmetics, etc. I GOT A 96%! Passed with flying colors and got the diploma! SNAP 
I'm now in the salon GET NAILED watching and learning so much. I'll be back to let everyone know just how difficult the state board exam is, because the pre state was nerve racking but a breeze. Well, if your model shows up. I can't stress to all of you enough to find your model and give her ample notice. The model can make or break you. Without one you do not receive a diploma. 
Also, I wanted to share this painting I did on canvas with nail lacquer. Look at all the pretty things you can do with lacquer.
— Marti

posted @ Tuesday, January 10, 2012 10:24 AM | Comment (10)

Shopping! (On a Budget)

 
I have a confession... I'm a bit of a product junkie. Hair products, makeup, bath products, you name it. So, it's no real surprise that I'm a bit obsessed with nail products, as well. It's also no surprise that school can be expensive, and as a student, it can be difficult to budget in costs for products needed for school, not to mention the cost of *insert-name-of-hot-new-product-taking-the-industry-by-storm-here*.
Well, I'm here to tell the fiscally challenged students (and working techs) of the world that there is HOPE! You CAN get professional products and minimize the hit to your bank account without having to spend endless days trolling dollar stores, hoping to score SOMETHING useable that can be repackaged into a pretty container and won't cause your client to break out into a horrible rash. "No! It can't be done!", you say.
I say, please see Exhibit A: The lovely, product-y goodness in this picture represents only about $60 of my hard-earned cash, only a fraction of what it should, and every item in this picture was found on a clearance rack at a professional supply house. Please note the CND Brisa kit in the right corner, for which I paid a whopping $13. It includes a 0.5-oz. jar of pink gel, a 0.5-oz. jar of white gel, a full-sized Finishing Gloss, a full-sized Liquid Bond, a 2-oz. bottle of Scrub Fresh, 25 Performance Forms, and a CND gel brush. I'm pretty sure just one of the jars of Brisa gel is worth more than $13.
Pictured items range from about 20 cents (the mini CND base and top coats), to $13 (the Brisa). The OPI scrubs, soaks, and masks were about $1.50 each, the boxes of tips (OPI and CND) were about $5-$6, and the forms (CND Performance Forms and another CND form) were about $5 for each roll of 300.
For the student on a budget (and, let's face it, what student ISN'T?!?), clearance racks at professional beauty supply stores (bring proof of student status) are an invaluable resource. Several of the items pictured will be going in my state board kit (OPI Clarite, OPI brush, forms, tips, dappen dish), which gives me peace of mind knowing that there are a few less things I will need to get for the exam.
So, product junkies of the world unite!! And meet me at the clearance racks! :)
— LaTia

posted @ Wednesday, December 14, 2011 7:46 AM | Comment (2)

Frustrated Nail Student Ahead

The fact that the nail program at my school only has two students enrolled (myself and another awesome woman) should have been my first clue that I would eventually hit what I’ve affectionately termed “the wall of frustration”. It seems that as I get closer and closer to finishing my program, I get more and more frustrated with the “educational model” being used by my school. By “model” I mean that I’m being taught by a long-retired cosmetologist who is, by her own admission, quite stubborn and does not take well to being asked questions, and prefers strict adherence to her instruction over allowing for personal preference and comfort (i.e.  gripping an acrylic brush a certain way).
Even those things could be easily overlooked if she actually had knowledge of current trends and products being used in the industry today. I had to explain to her that there were other kinds of “gel polish” outside of Shellac, that “hard” gel should be buffed off as opposed to soaked as she said, and that her notion that “hard” gel cannot be used for sculpting is not true — beautiful sets of enhancements are sculpted with gel everyday (though she says not to call them enhancements, to call them “artificial nails”). I’m scared that I will be woefully unprepared once I’m actually licensed, and unable to even do a proper manicure. Which, given the fact that my teacher has stated that the school is not working to get clients in the door for us nail students since our program is so much shorter than the cosmetology students, I may not master until well after finishing school.
I am just really, REALLY over this experience, and ready to be finished. I’ve just revamped my schedule to allow for getting in more school hours per week, with the hope of finishing a little earlier than originally anticipated — with my goal being the first week of Janaury.
The plus side to all of this is that it has prompted me to investigate other avenues for education, such as classes and trainings offered by manufacturers. I’ve already taken the CND Shellac Attack class, and I’m looking at taking a class with BioSculpture in January or February. I’ve also been more determined to go into education. It’s not fair that so many nail techs are being taught by hairstylists who have rarely (if ever) done nails. I would love to affect change by not only helping to keep the industry alive and fresh, but passing that on to and energizing a new crop of nail techs, ensuring they are prepared not only for passing their state board exam, but have a handle on practical, “everyday” situations as well.
Whew! I think that was a much needed vent! Thanks for listening…er… reading. Anyone have any encouragement for a frustrated nail student? Anyone in the DC Metro area open to a mentorship?
— LaTia

posted @ Thursday, December 01, 2011 10:48 AM | Comment (19)

Already Attending Continuing Education

The hours are still just slowly dwindling — or should I say approaching my 450-hour mark. Lately I have been studying for the state board examination. I think, I hope, I know I have this in the bag!
I would like to share an awesome workshop experience with all of you. It’s about CND Shellac services, application, cost analysis, and protocol. I was lucky enough to be invited to the workshop held in the back room of a local Cosmo Prof. Shonelle from Girlfriends Nail Shoppe out of Louisville, Ky., was the CND ambassador for our workshop. She gave us many tips, tricks, and suggestions for the perfect Shellac application according to protocol.
I won't go through my every note I took but I encourage you all to attend a CND Shellac workshop. They ROCK! Thank you to CND Ambassador Shonelle Haggard-Grant. You were great and helped inspire me in my decision to try to educate for CND! You made it seem like a breeze. Please look for CND workshops in your area if you can find one. Once again snap to CND Shellac and Shonelle.  
I did the above nail following all of the CND protocols I learned in the class. I added texture by laying two colors of Shellac and then pressing lace into the tacky layer before applying top coat. It was tricky. But fun.
— Marti

posted @ Monday, November 14, 2011 10:55 AM | Comment (1)
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