UMISSION

I went back to school at night to get my license to become a nail technician. I’ve had the opportunity to have some wonderful, wonderful people cross my path.  I love what I do.

1.  What led you to the mission of being a nail technician?

I wanted to be in the beauty field in some way. At first I thought I wanted to be a hair stylist. But I realized that being a hair stylist is really not in my nature.

I started off as a shampoo assistant. Then I thought to myself, “This is not what I want to do the rest of my life.” So, I went back to school at night to get my license to become a nail technician. That’s where I ended up. I love what I do.

I’ve had the opportunity to have some wonderful, wonderful people cross my path. I’ve been so very grateful and thankful for that.

2.  What does this mission mean to you?

I love what I do. I’ve been able to develop friendships with clients. I like people to bring me in an ugly hand and I send them out with a pretty one.

3.  What was your best day being a nail technician?

The best day is when I am busy. Any day when I am busy is the best day. Having a full day means having three or four or five clients in a day and maybe more. It means I’m able to laugh and chitchat, tell stories, and tell jokes – like I’ll have a client on occasion tell me, “Well, I want long nails like hers.” She’ll point to someone in the room. I don’t tell them what I am doing right away. I’ll pull out my pliers and say, “OK. I can do that.” Once they see the pliers come out and I tell them, “I’m going to make them long for ya,” we all have a good laugh. We all get a kick out of that.

4.  What was your worst day being a nail technician?

My worst day is when I was having a panic attack. It happened when I was at work. I didn’t know what was happening to me. I ended up having to leave and went to the hospital. That was the worst time in the business. I didn’t have a clue what was wrong with me. I didn’t like that feeling. But with the help of prayer and praying to God to give me the strength and help me understand what was going on, He answered my prayer. He sent me some place where I could get some help. I’m grateful that I am doing fine.

5.  How did you survive your worst day?

Quite honestly, with prayer. I go into a little corner by myself and pray. Sometimes I go in the Lady’s Room. That helps me. I pray every morning and ask Him to give me strength to get me through the day. I also thank God for giving me another day.

There are a lot of people who don’t get to be my age. I’m truly, truly grateful to have been able to have this life.

I do a lot of praying. I think prayer works and if you need prayer, ask someone to pray for you. I also think prayer works in a group. If there are lots of people praying for you and working for you, I think that works.

6.  What advice do you have for someone who would like to be a nail technician?

Be true to yourself. Be true to your own thoughts what ever you might have in mind. Don’t give up. Give it all you’ve got. Keep trying.