Nail technicians are the new rising stars in a world of self-made business. The trend of having your nails done has skyrocketed and so has the demand for nail technicians. Nail technicians are incredibly creative and motivated, and we are beyond lucky that right here at Franklin, we have such great nail artists.
Izzy Stine, 17, is a junior at Franklin High school and is already working to become a nail technician. She would describe her skill level as beginner to intermediate, and she has been doing nails for around three years. She first started when she was in ninth grade and has been doing nails ever since. At first, she started experimenting with nails on herself. “It progressed from me doing nails on myself to me doing other people’s nails,” says Stine.
As Stine grows her brand she learns more. One of her biggest challenges was finding clients. “It was hard at the beginning, but it’s starting to get a little easier … I think posting a lot more than when I first started my business definitely helped me gain more clients,” shares Stine. She started doing nails for friends and family and gathered more clients through word-of-mouth, as they recommended her to others. Her incredible work ethic and great communication skills are another reason she has built up a great clientele.
Stine specializes in Gel-X and acrylic nails, which are considered fake nails. Gel-X is a soft extension, which means it’s more flexible rather than being made of hard plastic. The difference between Gel-X and acrylic is that acrylic tends to be harder while Gel-X is softer. Gel-X nails are when a fake nail is attached to the natural nail, and gel is added over the top. The acrylic nail is a combination of liquid monomer and powder polymer, which are mixed to form a paste. The paste is then bonded onto the natural nail and quickly fashioned into the desired nail shape. The skills she learns by experimenting with different types of nails will help her accomplish her dream of having her own nail salon.
“Learning and being able to try new things” are what make being a nail tech so amazing, according to Stine.
Besides being a talented nail technician, Stine enjoys playing ultimate frisbee and hanging out with her family and friends. As she continues her journey to become a nail tech, you can support her by booking an appointment. If you are interested, you can find her on Instagram @izzys__nails.
Another amazing nail artist is 16-year-old Anahi Gonzalez-Martinez, a sophomore at Franklin High School. She started her nail career around the time of COVID-19, when she began painting nails with regular nail polish, and later on began experimenting with other nail techniques, such as acrylic. Her family and friends were very supportive of her nail journey. “My mom was always supportive,” she says, “and so was my sister, she lets me practice when she can.” When asked about something that motivates her, she responds, “My boyfriend is a barber and I saw how he started and took off, and now is usually getting fully booked.” His hard work was a big part of her motivation and inspiration. She sees herself one day having a nail business as a part-time job while she pursues another career as an ultrasound tech.
Something that changed the game for Gonzalez-Martinez was understanding that her finished product would be affected by the quality of the products. She says that using high-quality products is a must. “I don’t use poor quality [products] because that is going to affect the result.” The materials you have affect your ability to do nails, and your final product will only be as good as the products that you use.
One big challenge for her was not being upset with the lack of growth. She explains that it was hard to not get upset and impatient when not seeing progress, but she is always learning and becoming better.
She says that giving people confidence is one of her favorite things, along with seeing them enjoying the finished product. Gonzalez-Martinez’s main way to connect with clients is through Instagram. If you are interested in booking with Gonzalez-Martinez, you can find her on Instagram @nailss_by_anahi.
As the community of nail technicians grows, make sure to show some love to our peers who use their creativity and hard work to produce absolutely beautiful results. From intricate designs to flawless manicures, these talented artists never fail to impress. These dedicated individuals have truly shown a passion for nails, and take such pride in their work, and Franklin is proud to have them!
