Photo by Madison Seto
From a hobby turned into an opportunity, three BYU-Hawaii students said nail art has given them a way to pursue their goals and a chance to express themselves.
A talent turned into a business
Abesh Dawn Jamon, a sophomore from Iligan, Philippines, majoring in political science and anthropology, said her interest in nail art began when she was around 6 years old. She said her aunt, who lives with her family, always calls for home-service nail arts. Jamon would sneak and grab a nail polish and color her own nails, she continued.
“I did my nails until I was in high school, but when the nail extensions became a trend, that’s when I really went all out with the designs and charms,” said Jamon. She said when she began working, she was able to use her own money to buy materials for her nail care and art. She also said she used to practice her skills by making nail art for her friends until one of her friends, who was working as an assistant at a salon, told her to start a home-based studio.
Jamon said she did not consider doing a home-based studio because she was already working and it would be tiring for her. “Long story short, I did start a nail studio at home in a small storage room,” she continued.
Erdenechimeg Erkhemjargal, a senior from Mongolia majoring in graphic design, said when she graduated from high school in 2017, she began preparing to go on a mission. She said while preparing, although her parents were not members, they wanted Erkhemjargal to do something to improve her skills. “I had two choices, nails or hair. I chose nails, but it did not matter to me if I chose nails or hair because I am creative,” she said.
Erkhemjargal said she owned a small business that offered nail services back in Mongolia. She said she rents three small salons with her older sisters. She added this helped her save money for her mission and even her expenses for coming to Hawaii.
A style for a purpose
“I have always been an artistic person. I love art. I love jewelry. I love that I can just express myself,” said Madison Seto, a junior from Seattle, Washington, majoring in graphic design.
She said getting her nails done is expensive, and the designs she wanted do not turn out the way she wanted them to.
“Taking care of your nails can be difficult, but it saves you money,” Jamon added. She said she could just learn how to do it herself. “I feel like I am a DIY kind of person. Anything I can learn, I just do it,” she continued.
Seto said she started doing her nails during the COVID-19 lockdown and her designs are based on inspiration she sees on Pinterest. “Sometimes, I use references of actual nails, but sometimes, it’s just something that I find very pretty or something that I love,” said Seto. She said her favorite nail set was a 3D koi fish. “Those were so fun because I have always loved koi fish, and I don’t really know why,” she added.
Jamon also said celebrities and Vietnamese nail art mostly inspire her designs because they do a lot of pinks and Hello Kitty. Her designs are also inspired by goth cosplayers because they do long nails and they use many charms, she added. “For other people, it may seem different and weird, but it is what I like… I like it over the top,” she continued.
Erkhemjargal also said her preferred designs are the ones that are challenging to create.
When she finishes a challenging design, what she feels is similar to what one would feel when they accomplish a goal, she continued. Jamon also said creating designs unleashes her creativity. She added it is what she does when she feels empty. “It keeps the sadness away,” she continued.
Erkhemjargal also said designing nails helps her mentally because drawing on a nail is different from drawing on paper. She said every line she draws and every color she mixes makes her feel relaxed.
“When I do my nails I automatically feel so excited, and I feel put together,” said Seto. When she does other people’s nails, she said she is excited to see their personalities through their nails and see their reactions. Seto said her family is very supportive of what she does. She said, “Once I started doing it in high school, my dad would advertise it on Facebook, inviting people to book with me.” Whenever they went out together, his dad would show photos of her designs to people. “I think he is my biggest supporter and it’s so sweet,” she added.
Seto said she brings a nail file with her all the time. She said applying cuticle oil and keeping your hands moisturized and clean can help keep your nails looking good. “Taking care of your nails can be difficult, but it saves you money,” Jamon added.
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