a chinwag with three aussie nail artists
Ever wondered how nail techs manage to create such stellar and detailed art on such tiny canvases? (It sadly isn’t witchcraft, no matter how magical they make it look.) We sat down with three rad nail artists working here in Australia to chat about what goes into their work. Below, get to know Chanel Despinoudis from Late Night Nails, Bridget Langman from Bridget’s Nails and Bianca Mestrinho from ByBalenci as they tell us everything we need to know about working as a nail technician and artist.
Chanel Despinoudis, Late Night Nails
Hi Chanel! Tell us a bit about what you do. I’m Chanel Despinoudis, the owner and head nail tech of Late Night Nails. I’ve been doing nails for around five years and I’m currently doing a tattoo apprenticeship at the same time.
How did you get started in nail design? I became interested in nails from a very young age as my mother was a nail technician. It sounds silly but the smell of acrylic is nostalgic – it reminds me of being in my childhood house. What prompted me to start my career was that I was in a terrible job and one day I saw a post on Facebook about a nail course. I basically said "stuff it" and I did my first set. I was in shock because I was naturally good at it (if I do say so myself) and from there I just ran with it.
What’s something about your job you weren’t prepared for when you first started? I wasn’t prepared for the amount of money I would spend in order to feel like I was fully set up. It was not needed! I could’ve easily gotten by with half the things I had. (You do not need that much glitter, I promise you.)
What’s something about your job you weren’t prepared for when you first started? I wasn’t prepared for the amount of money I would spend in order to feel like I was fully set up. It was not needed! I could’ve easily gotten by with half the things I had. (You do not need that much glitter, I promise you.)
What’s a misconception about your job? People think that I don’t do my own nails, but I love doing my own – it’s like a little pamper session for myself (although sometimes it takes eight hours). A second misconception is that nails are cheap. A nail shop in a shopping centre may only charge you $60, but I bet that after a week, half of them are broken. Going to a home salon will mean longer-lasting nails and nine times out of 10 you’re probably paying the most for the unique nail art, not the extensions.
What's your favourite and least favourite aspect of your work? My favourite part is the intricate details I manage to fit on the world’s smallest canvas. I still shock myself with how much I’m able to create with such a tiny area! My least favourite part is doing refills and the actual extensions themselves. Filing and dusting is the bane of my existence, but you have to do the hard yards in order to do the fun art.
Do you have any advice for people wanting to start out in nail art? You’re never going to be perfect straight off the bat. Don’t be too hard on yourself – use your mistakes as a drive to become better and one day you could be in my position.
Bridget Langman, Bridget’s NailsHi Bridget! Tell us a bit about what you do. I’m 24 years old and living in Sydney. I’ve been doing nails for about three years and I’m currently specialising in BIAB (builder in a bottle), soft gel extensions and nail art.
How did you get started in nail design? I became interested in nails around the end of 2019 when I decided to start doing my own nails. I wasn’t enjoying going to the salon and getting SNS, so I bought a gel kit from Priceline and my hobby grew from there. I never thought I could do this as a career, but the industry boomed and I had enough clients keeping me busy, so it made sense to start prioritising my nails as a business.
What’s something about your job you weren’t prepared for when you first started? You need to have a strong head on your shoulders to run your own business. I started when I was 21 so I definitely didn’t have the confidence to charge what I was worth or to set boundaries with clients. Confidence in my skills and my business grew with time and practice.
What’s a misconception about your job? That French tips are quick and easy! No, but for real – maybe that I make a lot of money from what I charge, but the expenses are significant. Unfortunately, nail products don’t come wholesale and buying new products to keep up with the latest trends, as well as a lot of disposables, increases the costs. For each client I use one pair of gloves, a new file, sanding band and a cuticle pusher. Ultimately, you have to spend a lot of money on quality products if you’re offering quality nails.
What is your favourite and least favourite aspect of you work? My clients are my favourite part. I feel so happy when a client comes to an appointment with good news to share about their life. We share a lot at my nail appointments! My least favourite would be the admin work like replying to messages, emails and tax stuff. It’s hard to find the time to fit it in as the physical part of doing nails can be exhausting.
Do you have any advice for people wanting to start out in nail art? Start slow when buying supplies. Don’t be silly like me and get overexcited and buy absolutely everything, only to not use half of it. Do a workshop with an artist where they can recommend the best products to use.
Also, learning a new skill always takes time and practice. I found it was like learning to drive – really scary at first and mistakes were made, but now it’s like second nature.
Bianca Mestrinho, ByBalenciHi Bianca! Tell us a bit about what you do. I own and run ByBalenci as a qualified nail artist. I currently offer bespoke acrylic and gel nail services and tooth gems. I am situated in a private home studio which creates an intimate and relaxed environment for my clients.
How did you get started in nail design? I’ve expressed myself through nails for as long as I can remember. I was always that one friend with the outrageous nails! I couldn’t find anywhere that provided what I wanted so I decided to create a gentle, welcoming, intimate space where the whole experience can be something you look forward to each month. After doing friends' nails for fun, I thought, “You know what – this could become something." I went to nail school and got qualified a few years ago, and haven’t looked back since!
What’s something about your job you weren’t prepared for when you first started? I didn’t expect to play all the other roles along with running my own business. I am not just a nail artist but the admin, the photographer, the social media marketer, the accountant, the stock controller, the therapist (and trauma dumpee) and so on. It was also scary going from a full-time job with a secure salary to just hoping I can cover my weekly rent. But sometimes you need to take a risk and allow room to grow and flourish.
What’s a misconception about your job? That we charge what we do just because we feel like it. There are so many things that play into the service price – inflation, higher quality products, years of experience, rent costs, time and effort, a customised and intimate experience and much more. With higher quality and more complex art comes a higher price tag. This is a luxury service, it’s not for everyone and that’s OK! But the pros are that you have someone who is dedicated to nail health, you have nails that last at least four weeks, you have a comfortable space that caters to your needs and you have a nail tech bestie to debrief tea with!
What is your favourite and least favourite aspect of your work? My favourite aspect is that my clients let me freestyle. I love that they trust that I know their vibe enough to let me do my thing! My least favourite aspect is that it's quite hard to have a work/life balance. Although I am in control of my schedule and hours, I disrespect my own boundaries, work way too much and struggle to switch off.
Do you have advice for people wanting to start out in nail art? Consistency is key, as cliche as it sounds. Also, we all start from the bottom. In the first year you might do designs that you personally don’t resonate with, but you must push through this because the idea is to get loyal and returning clients. Your clients are your walking advertisements. Most of mine came from word of mouth. People notice nice nails, so the more nails you do the more exposure you’ll receive.
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