First Job:

My first job, fresh out of nail school, was as a manicurist in a hair salon. I quickly realized that I wanted to provide more than just basic manicures. I was only there about a year before I moved to a nail salon where they provided all types of nail services.

Favorite Nail Style:

Currently, it’s an oval shape nail finished with matte top coat. I love all colors but I’m addicted to matte. My most worn color is Girl Meets Joy, a dark charcoal gray with micro shimmer in blue and purple — but still with a matte finish, of course!

Go-To Product:

It’s hard to choose just one! I’ll always be an acrylic baby; that was the “it” product when I was in nail school. I still love how versatile it is, that you can sculpt with it, it comes in a rainbow of colors and you can build 3-D designs with it (my favorite). I also really like Foundation Flex, which utilizes biotin for adhesion. Of course, gel polish really changed the nail game, specifically when clients couldn’t mess up their polish any more, plus the nail art possibilities are endless! For myself, though, my go-to is the Gelish Soft Gel Tips. They make application to my non-dominant hand so much more time efficient.

Proudest Career Moment:

I have two: The first is winning the Nails magazine Nail Tech of the Year award. I was up against industry leaders that I had admired for so long, and having a panel of judges recognize the qualities that allowed me to win was incredibly humbling. The second is when one of my educators and friend Sandy Borges was promoted to the Director of Education for Artistic Nail Design. I could not have been prouder. I’ve always felt that there is no better accolade than when someone you mentor surpasses you in the industry.

Favorite Movie:

The 2005 version of Pride & Prejudice. There’s just something about that time period that’s so mesmerizing to me, with the over-the-top stuffiness, opulence and romance. The sets and costumes are just beautiful from that time period. And then there’s Mr. Darcy. … Need I say more?

Favorite Summer Vacation Spot:

I rarely vacation in the summer; it’s too stinking hot! Instead, I trade cold and bleak winters for bright sunshine and warm sand, usually in January or February when I can’t take the Ohio gray anymore. My favorite beach is Divi Little Bay in Sint Maarten. It’s not only great for the beaches, but it’s also a dual country — Dutch on one side and French on the other — so you get a great variety of people, cultures and cuisines, especially the French food and wine!