Today we’d like to introduce you to Paige McCartney.
Hi Paige, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I actually started my nail career by complete accident! After high school, I attended cosmetology school at The Aveda Institute, thinking I’d do hair.
After graduating and getting my license, I never felt comfortable in the hair salon setting. I ended up working at Ulta doing eyebrow waxes. After getting my first paycheck, I decided to treat myself to a manicure! The woman doing my nails asked me about myself, and the owner of the nail salon overheard me mention brow waxing.
“So you have a Cometology license? Have you ever thought of doing nails?” My soon-to-be boss asked me, along with a few other questions and then offered me an interview. I agreed to come in, however being 18 and nervous…I ghosted the interview. Just didn’t go. So a month later when i went back to the same nail salon for another manicure, she recognized me and said, “You never came to your interview!”. I told her, “I know, I’m sorry, but I just have no idea how to do nails…” And to my surprise, she didn’t care at all. “I told you I’d teach you!”.
So, I quit my job that same day, started working at the nail salon 24 hours later. Turned out I was pretty good at it and never looked back! A few salons later, I met my now best friend and boss. She was able to open the salon I now work at, Damn Glam, and I’ve been lucky enough to be with her since the beginning!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My main challenge was navigating my social skills. I’d never been naturally charismatic. Probably 6 months into doing nails, a client told me, ” You actually made eye contact with me today!” . Which not only totally embarrassed me, but made me realize that I really needed to work on my conversational skills.
My job was not only my source of income, but a form of exposure therapy. I was forced to get good at small talk, which led to me forming friendships with clients I’d never cross paths with otherwise.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in hand painted gel nail art! In 2020, with everyone being at home watching TV, anime was super popular. I got so many requests for anime characters on nails, which was super challenging but I love a good challenge.
I only work on natural nails, meaning I don’t add any length to the nails. So depending on the client, even the tiniest of pinky nails may require a significant amount of detail.
Do you love My Chemical Romance and want the album cover painted on your thumb?
Is it your birthday and you want your nails to look like miniature cakes with 3D frosting and cherries?
What about croissants on your nails because you’re getting married in France?
Or do you just love Coca-Cola and want a teeny tiny 3D Coke bottle painted on your nails?
I’ve got you!
I’m super proud of my ability to make my client’s ideas come to life! Usually we both end up speechless in the end.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I truly love doing what I do, but its not all that I am. Some of my clients, who turn into friends know, one of the things I talk about least is nails.
I talk about the art I make in other areas of my life, my pet chickens and turkey, my travels.
Pricing:
- Gel Manicure $80
- Hard Gel Overlay $110
- Simple nail art $15
- Moderate nail art $30
- Custom nail art $60
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.damnglam.cool/booking
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/s.paige.a/
