With over 276 thousand followers on Instagram Sarah Elmaz is a nail tech sensation.  We caught up with her with some quick fire questions to find out how to make waves in the business of nails on social media and beyond.

 

 What are your go to nail products?

GellyFit Gel polish, Glitter Heaven glitter and acrylic for the base nails.

Which nail products can you not live without and why?

Gel polish and glitter, I use them in every single set.

If you were on a desert island and you could only take 1 nail product what would it be and why?

Hmmm.. Maybe cuticle oil.. At least I would have my natural nails in good condition.

 Gel or Polish?

Gel polish!

What advice would you give for anyone starting out in the business of nails?

Always keep learning! Watch other people, you never know what tips you can pick up from someone else. Also try to have a thick skin, not everyone is going to like the nails you do, and that’s ok.

 

Where do you go for inspiration, to make sure you’re always on top of the latest trends?

Instagram and Google are fabulous for looking up new fashions, I try to keep an eye on what the celebrities are wearing, but also try to think of new and different ways to create art on nails, if I can I like to do things a little differently to everyone else to set myself apart.

What do you love most about your job?

I love creating a beautiful set of nails individually suited to that one person.. Knowing my regular clients well, I can imagine straight away what designs they will love! It makes me feel great to make them a customised set, just for them.

 How have you seen nail trends evolving over the years? Where do you think they will go next?

Nail trends have changed so much! From the simple coloured French tips, to miniature portraits on a nail. I feel like nail art is taking a more simplistic and sophisticated turn right now, I feel as though people are liking the natural stone and marble kind of looks.. Although some of these designs may look simplistic, they can be the most difficult to achieve.

 

How has Instagram / social media helped build your brand / showcase your work?

Instagram and social media changed everything for me. I do still work from a room in my home, but my work is seen and shared globally! Which is insane, there is no other way I would have been able to achieve that kind of reach without social media, and in a relatively short span of time.

Tell us something that our readers might not know about regarding the nail industry?

The nail industry is tough. Similarly to all of the beauty industries, it takes a long time to perfect your craft, and it is hard work! we rarely make the kind of wages that matches the outlay, of money and time . Every nail tech/artist I know including myself has a true passion for nails, otherwise they would not continue.

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Other posts in the Salon Management series: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT OPENING YOUR OWN SALON | HOW TO BUILD LOYALTY WITH YOUR CUSTOMERS