As they work their way up, young up-and-coming beauty professionals are blazing trails and making waves. We scoured the country to find out who is doing what and how it all began. Here is our chat with up-and-coming beauty professional, Winnie Huang.
Salon Magazine: How did you get your start in nails? Why did you decide to be a part of this industry?
Winnie Huang: It all started when I was bored one day and decided to start blogging about nails, since I had always been obsessed with nail polish. Then as time went by, I started to venture into the world of nail art and became extremely fascinated with the possibilities it offered! Then shortly after, in 2013, I decided to attend nail school and get certified because I could definitely see nails as a career.
SM: What drives and motivates you as a nail artist?
WH: As a nail artist, seeing my goals accomplished is the biggest motivation. I strive every day to become a better artist and share my love for nail art. Seeing hard work come to life is a great feeling and it definitely keeps me going!
SM: What is your expertise? What do you specialize in or excel at?
WH: I absolutely love gel art. I love mimicking textures and creating organic art. I specialize in marbling.
SM: How did you develop your skill-set?
WH: Passion and curiosity. There are times that I would be terrified about trying something new, but I think at the end of the day, you just have to buckle up and jump right in!
SM: What is the one lesson you’ve learned throughout your education and career that you still keep in mind today?
WH: Never stop learning. As the nail industry is involving, it is crucial to continue education in nail technology.
SM: Who is your mentor or who do you look up to when it comes to nails? Anyone in particular on social media?
WH: I never really had mentors, but I have many nail friends in the industry that I learn from on the daily! They are all amazing and very helpful! I love the relationships I have been able to build.
SM: Who is your nail hero? Is there someone you want to work with?
WH: The first nail artist I ever followed was Steph at HAUSOFLACQUER, whom I had the pleasure to meet! She is local, extremely talented and really genuine! I had always called her my nail hero so it’s kind of funny that this question came up. As for someone I want to work with, can I say everyone? It’s always so exciting to meet someone new who shares the same passion.
SM: As a young artist, what has been the biggest challenge have you faced and how have you overcome that?
WH: Being insecure about my own work is something I am still battling. I have learned that in order to be loved, you have to love yourself first, so I am embracing my insecurities, learning to trust my instincts, and focus on what I love the most….nails!
SM: Who gave you the best advice as you embarked on your career and what was that advice?
WH: My nail “BFF” Ashley Gregory once said “to not gage your self-worth based on others opinions of you”. This sat deep within me, because as an artist, I often find myself over analyzing and overall feeling really insecure! I’m grateful to have amazing and supportive friends in the industry.
SM: What are your goals for the next 5 to 10 years? Where do you see yourself in the beauty industry?
WH: I would like to see my work in print and continue to work with fashion designers to create one-of-a-kind looks! I’d also love to travel more to share my knowledge!
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