Educator in Edmonton, AB

Hashtag:  #xtremities_teamfuzion
Email: lpayne@nailfuzion.com

Instagram: @xtremities_teamfuzion

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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.

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!