What inspired you to pursue a career in beauty?

I was always attracted to the people in the beauty industry and how fast-paced it was. I love how each day is different and constantly changing. Plus, the opportunity to be creative every day, make people feel good, and be a positive part of someone’s day has always kept me drawn to this field.

What is your favourite aspect of working in the beauty industry?

It’s all about the variety and the chance to make a difference in someone’s day. Every day is unique, and that’s what keeps it exciting.

What is a memorable moment from your career that stands out to you?

There have been many memorable moments over the years, but one that had the most significant impact on my career was discovering Japanese-style nail artistry. It changed everything for me. That discovery truly shaped the direction of my career and brought new possibilities to my work.

How would you describe your teaching style?

My teaching style is all about balance—a yin and yang approach. I believe in setting high expectations for my students because it’s amazing to see how they rise to meet challenges. At the same time, it’s essential to balance those expectations with kindness and support. My goal is to make every individual the best they can be without creating stress or anxiety. I achieve this by supporting my students and believing in them—even when they don’t believe in themselves yet.

What do you enjoy most about working with students?

I love engaging with students and feeding off their energy and enthusiasm. My favourite part of teaching is watching them go out into the working world and seeing them thrive as professionals. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness their success.

What’s the most important lesson you hope your students take away from your classes?

I hope my students leave with passion, professionalism, confidence, and attention to detail. These qualities will not only help them succeed in their careers but also set them apart in the beauty industry.

How do you stay updated with the latest trends and techniques in the industry?

I’m always learning. These days, I stay updated mostly through online classes and tutorials. In the nail world, trends change every season, and new techniques are constantly emerging. I’d say I pick up something new or slightly different at least once a month, if not more.

What’s your favourite nail trend at the moment?

I’m really into bubble glass nails right now. It’s a Japanese trend where air is injected into the gel to create bubbles, giving a water-air effect inside the gel. It’s fascinating and so unique.

Who has been your biggest influence in the beauty industry?

As a teacher, my biggest influence has been my mother. She was a hairdressing instructor and taught me so much about teaching in our industry. As a nail tech, I’ve been deeply influenced by many top-ranking Japanese nail artists who have impacted my style and training.

What advice would you give to students starting out in the industry?

Don’t be too hard on yourself. What you don’t know right away will come with time. Trust the process and trust yourself. You’ll get there, and you’ll be awesome.

What is your proudest moment as an instructor at the Hair Design Centre?

There are so many moments I’m proud of, but my proudest moments are seeing my students out in the world carving a path for nail artistry in Halifax. They’re showing that there’s a market for it here and proving that nail artistry is a career choice that’s here to stay.