Educator in Edmonton, AB
Scroll down to see Lesley's in-person training dates.
Hashtag: #xtremities_teamfuzion
Email: lpayne@nailfuzion.com
Instagram: @xtremities_teamfuzion
What lead you to become a Nail Tech?
Honestly I was a stay-at-home mom looking for a new career outside of administrative work. I love crafts and working with my hands. One day while getting my hair done – I saw a nail tech doing a set of nails – my hairdresser had to turn my chair around so I could watch. I was fascinated at the construction and the skill involved. After one day of playing with the ‘gel’ – I was hooked.
If you could do any other career, what would you do?
Teach psychiatric nursing.
What do you enjoy most about being a Educator for Fuzion?
Being able to share what I love doing! Learning from my students. The camaraderie with my fellow educators is at the top of my list as well.
How long have you been working on feet?
I've been certified in toenail reconstruction and advanced pedicures since 2005.
Who inspires you and why?
My Granny. She was 5 years old when she emigrated from Scotland to Canada with a step-mom and her siblings. Then she married, had three children and found herself a single mom to a 14 year old girl at age 55. She taught me to type at age 5 – so that I would have a marketable skill, and could start over anywhere if I needed to. I personally feel that nails are an equally marketable skill, and I hope that I inspire my students in the same way my Gram inspired me.
What is your ideal work environment?
This has changed over the years – at first it was working from home so that I may be a full-time mom. Now I absolutely love being in the classroom or the conference room sharing ideas with newbies, other nail technicians and educators.
What’s your philosophy towards your work?
I work hard – lots of hours in the day, which is easy to do, because I love what I do. It doesn’t really seem like work. Also continuing to educate myself. As an example, I have just started to branch out and try more free hand art – practice, practice, practice!
Proudest career moment?
When one of my students quit her ‘real’ job and was able to support her family doing nails full-time. She called to tell me and to thank me for improving her and her family’s quality of life. It still makes me well up just thinking about it
A sentence or quote that best describes you?
Dedicated and loyal.
What does being a role model mean to you?
Being a mentor is very important to me. It is something that I did not receive until my 6th year of being a Nail Technician, so I take it seriously. It is one of the first things I let my students know – I am there for them.
What advice would you give your 10 year old self?
That was a long time ago.. I guess it would never let anyone tell you that you can’t do or be what you want. It sounds trite – but I was told not to be involved in the beauty industry, because it is too hard of a life and not to teach, because I wasn’t smart enough. Well guess what, I am doing both of these now!
Favourite Beauty Product?
Vichy Wrinkly Cream
Favourite Colour?
Black
Hidden Talent?
I can organize a dinner or party on the fly and they are always a success! I love to entertain and feed people!
NanoFlex SILVER Training Dates: To be announced soon!
NanoFlex GOLD Training Dates:
July 19th | August 23rd | September 20th
Click here to book for one of these GOLD Training dates with Lesley.