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Serious nail styling. Go extreme or go home!
Serious nail styling. Go extreme or go home!
Stepping into the world of nails at the tender age of 12, Michelle Soto was spoiled for a year as her aunty used her to hand model for practice purposes. Later, after moving to Puerto Rico, Michelle made a point of manicuring her nails, mimicking what she’d picked up from her aunt. “My nails became a talking point and people asked me to do theirs, but I always said, ‘No, I only do them for myself’,” Michelle reflects. “However, after some consideration, I accepted my father’s proposal of going to nail school. Getting certified before I would groom anyone’s nails was really important to me. At that time in my life, being certified yet still not thinking it would end up becoming my career, was my mindset.”
On deciding to train in nails, Michelle enrolled at the Pierrette Academy in Puerto Rico, which later changed its name to Ema’s Beauty Academy. “I was offered to work at a well-known salon from the owner of the academy herself,” smiles Michelle. “I agreed and worked in it for a year, then I made the bold move to open my own salon; I was just 16 at the time.” Michelle continued to run nail salons for a number of years before changing her path to work more recently full-time with V Beauty Pure LLC in the USA. “I’ve tried many products throughout the years and one of my favorites is V beauty Pure,” she asserts.
With the onset of the global pandemic changing Michelle’s career course, she highlights, “Not being able to work for some time pushed me in a different direction; I had so much time to think about what I was doing and if it was the right pathway for me. I then changed my life completely. I‘ve always wanted to dedicate myself to teaching full-time while helping others achieve their goals, but I was always too busy to commit. The pandemic gave me the opportunity to make the jump.”Living by the principle to always give any endeavor her best shot, no matter what the circumstances, Michelle instils, “One must always be reliable, consistent and never forget to be humble in this life. In these challenging times, take this opportunity to focus in on yourself and your craft. Get prepared with all the knowledge and tools that will help you grow for when you are able to start working again and most importantly, keep posting content on social media platforms, don’t give up!”
Citing her recipe for attaining great nail skills is to never stop practicing or getting educated, Michelle acknowledges that, “Consistency and knowledge are key!”
Appreciating that ‘Rome was not built in a day’, Michelle stays grounded and focused while optimistic about the future. “My advice to beginners is to keep an open mind, have lots of patience, make sure you practice and don’t give up! Always be reliable, consistent and never forget to be humble!” Moving onwards and upwards, Michelle is excited for a future with her goal being to coach students, “To hit the salon floor fully experienced and knowledgeable. Capable and ready to service!”
Michelle Soto takes you step by step through creating three unique butterfly looks. From simplistic painted techniques to challenging sulptured shapes, this masterclass will inspire creativity at all skill levels.
Extreme nail looks are becoming more popular in the competiiton arena as well as the salon. This beautiful butterfly inspired extreme shape created by Michelle Soto is unique and can be re-created by following this masterclass step by step.
Nail art is fun, but 3D nail art can bring a whole new level of fun and originality to your nail art looks. Practice along with Michelle Soto as she explains how to create tiny acrylic beads and place them perfectly to create this butterfly inspired 3D nail art.
Alex Fox asks Michelle Soto your questions on elevating your art for better salon styles and taking it to the next level for competitions or editorial work.
Michelle Soto, by 16 years of age in Puerto Rico, was already trained & had built up experience working in a salon. Now, over 20 years later, AKA chellys_nails is one of the inspiring brains & creatives behind the Valentino Beauty Pure nail brand, who is creating a social media nail storm.
Michele Soto takes you step by step through creating three unique butterfly looks. From simplistic painted techniques to challenging sulptured shapes, this masterclass will inspire creativity at all skill levels.
Do you have questions for the artist? GlossaryLive will present a LIVE interview with this artist. Email your questions to be featured during the Q&A session.
Michele Soto takes you step by step through creating three unique butterfly looks. From simplistic painted techniques to challenging sulptured shapes, this masterclass will inspire creativity at all skill levels.
Do you have questions for the artist? GlossaryLive will present a LIVE interview with this artist. Email your questions to be featured during the Q&A session.
Desperately unhappy in her career working at a university during her PhD in statistical analysis,” Gemma Dawson retrained in nails. “Whether painting my own and attempting some DIY nail art or having them done in salon, I soon discovered I loved nails,” smiles Gemma. “I’ve now found the competition circuit and Im fascinated by what can be created on nails. It merges two areas that I already love; craft and nails, so I’ve decided that my long-term goal is to compete, hence my love to busilding 3D figurines in nail products.”
Want to see your nail art featured on Tag That Trend? Our team is excited to see your work and get you published. Contact us for details.
What it is: Traditionally made from acrylic, aluminum or non-toxic polyester plastics, or more recently bio degradable eco options.
How to use: Suspended in nail polish, gel polish, gel paints, top coats, and mixed into polymer powders or used in loose form for nail art.
How to apply: Brush or sprinkle on the nail depending on the product used and the desired look.
How to remove: Soaked in acetone or filed away.
How to store: Store with lids tightly closed in a cool, dry place and keep away from heat and light.