It takes an insane level of essentric to do, exceptionally well, something others have done averagely for so long. To so audaciously push the bounds of the accepted norm and reveal increasingly brilliant levels of creative ‘geniuses‘… it requires a level of madness.
That's what my short stint with a new nailtech left me with. This guy has taken the nail tech business to a whole new level, he's developed catalogues, has an academy, has started a clothing line to promote his authentic nail artistry and designs, he ONLY wears his brand, he is also an accomplished artist (I mean the paint on canvass type). He is into public speaking and has given talks and lectures in universities across Nigeria. He is well travelled and has gained commercial experience in nail artistry from other African and non -african countries. The way he put his thoughts together in great literary sequence in those catalogues drew me in.
Yet I met him at a nail studio in Yaba, with no airs about him. He did my nails and treated me like a customer; like a queen. I showed him pictures of 2 acrylic nails sets I loved and trusted him to curate a unique design from them... and I trusted him with the choice of colours and he wowed me….
Half way to finishing up my nails, he pulled out over 3 of his old cataloges and manuals and I saw ART 😍
While I was there, He had a client come all the way from chevron drive (after LEKKI, towards Eleganza) to his small studio in Yaba
The NailMaestro’s story reminds me of every one of us.
For some, you’ve let the ‘accepted standard’ put an artificial limit on your ‘geniusness’…
For some, you’ve dared to dream and act on some occasion but have been silenced by the majority who rather find joy in the camaraderie of band wagon membership
For some, you have experienced your genius but either haven't trusted in it enough or are unwilling to take responsibility for blowing your own trumpet, thinking someone else (a senior colleague, your line manager, your HR) will come along and give you permission to shine your light.
For me, the NailMaestro challenged me to stay grounded in my authenticity and continue to win the internal war against mediocrity and a mild desire to be loved by the majority. He challenged me, just by his expertise, art and commitment to his brand, to stay glued to my personal development and growth goals, to keep on being led by the light I carry within.
The NailMaestro & I exchanged contacts before I went on to get my lashes refilled from someone else just 2 blocs away from his studio.
I got back home and days later, I was seeing ‘evidences’ of everything he shared about him on his WhatsApp status and Instagram page. This reminds me of what we’ve been sounding for years about networking and connection… I encouraged an interesting exchange between the nail tech and I and, in turn, was hooked-up with eye-opening information & details about the nail art industry. Now, either I need to or not, I can contribute to a conversation on the topic anywhere it finds me. It's broadened my perspective to some degree. Now imagine what connections and networking with those within your choice of career field can do for you.
I now consider the NailMaestro and I friends. I paid him by transfer, have his full names... I feel like i’ve known him longer than some who have been connected to me for years. He is Yoruba, his names, instantly yet temporarily, appealed to some deep seated tribal shenanigans in me 😂 couldn't help it. I however quickly reminded myself that the world is too large to let stereotypic considerations like that influence my judgements on anything at all.
For naughty minds like me who are already wondering if he is my ‘spec’ and why exactly I am making a whole blog and LinkedIn post about a nail tech, y’all should focus, that's not the goal of this post.
Somewhere in between my lengthy post, there are nuggets we all should be reminded of. If you find it, your 2-3minutes hasn't been wasted. If you haven't found any nuggets here, try again next time 😂.
I wish you a productive time as we return to work from the year 2024 Easter break.
