Welcome to the first of the Nail Tech Talks series, where we chat with incredible nail technicians, artists & all-round nail whizzes about their training, journey and experience in the industry! First up, we have the wonderful Brianna from Utah!
- Introduce yourself! Who are you, where are you from and what’s your job?
I am Brianna or also known as bmb_nails! I am originally from Los Angeles, California but I currently reside in Utah. I am a nail technician who creates fun nails in a fun environment.
- Why did you decide to become a nail tech/artist?
Nail art became popular in 2009/2010 and I was 13/14 at the time. It really intrigued me to see amazing things painted onto nails.
I played around with it for years, just painted the most absurd art and it’s been history ever since.
- How long have you been doing it for?
I don’t really count my first years of painting my own nails as my start to clientele/bmb_nails. 10 years is how long I’ve been taking clients for and working on real hands and not just my own!
- Where & how did you become a nail tech? Which school? How long was the course? Did you do it online/in-person? Was it worth it?
I went to school in California, it was in person. The school shut down a few years back due to legal issues the course was 3 ½ months long for full-time. School is worth it to learn about procedures and diseases… but I don’t feel like you actually learn application and good products until you are out on your own working.
- What kind of challenges did you face when training? Was it hard to find somewhere good?
Building clientele and having set policies was so incredibly difficult. It’s hard to find clients that take you seriously when you are in school/learning. They want the most for as little as possible!
- What advice do you give to people just starting out?
Take it easy on yourself. That first year can be really hard. Focus on your clients, give them 100% of your attention, remember the details! Make sure you have policies set in place and that clients agree to them upon booking. Lastly, you and clients won’t always be a good match. If you don’t feel at peace with a client, let them go!!
- What’s your favourite personal favourite nail look?
I lovvvvve doing character art! Especially on short/medium length nails!
- What’s your most-requested nail look?
It totally varies honestly. All my clients are so different! At the moment, chrome is most requested!
- What’s one nail look you never want to see again?
Acrylic on toes! Hahaha
- What’s one motto you live by?
“Focus on you and your business. Nail techs around you aren’t a competition. Befriend them, uplift them, hype them up. Your business will be more successful because of it!”