In 2023, Sophie Vanderpol (she/her), 10, wanted to start a new hobby. She soon became interested in doing nails, not only for herself but for others as well.
“I started doing nails because I saw so many posts going around social media and I decided I wanted to try it out. It was easy to get started because there are so many kits you can buy, and [it was] a great opportunity to get me started as a beginner,” said Vanderpol.
Vanderpol isn’t the only Liberty student who enjoys doing nails for people. Alana Prahm (she/her), 12, found the hobby during her eighth-grade year.
“I started doing my own nails in eighth grade just because I thought it was fun and I enjoyed doing it. But my friends started to see my nails and would ask me to do theirs, which gave me more confidence in doing them for other people… After that, people just started seeing the nails and reached out to me,” stated Prahm.
Seeing their client’s satisfaction can be exciting for stylists. Vanderpol explained that seeing her clients leave her chair content can be refreshing.
“Whenever people leave my chair, I always feel so overwhelmed with joy. I know I love having a new set on, so when I see them leave happy, it returns the feeling to me, and I love it,” Vanderpol explained.
Prahm also expressed her gratitude for her customers and seeing them leave with fresh nails.
“It always makes me feel so good whenever people leave and they’re happy with their nails. It makes me feel so proud that I’m making them feel more confident,” Prahm expressed.
The experience of getting your nails done at a traditional salon can often feel impersonal and awkward. Prahm and Vanderpool, however, have found ways to eliminate the awkwardness and discomfort.
“It’s so easy to get to know someone, especially when you’re meeting someone new, and I have yet to know anything about their life. For me, I’m always just intrigued, and personally, I just get curious about simple things,” Vanderpol said.
Students may feel a change in their confidence and get a mood boost once they leave that chair at the end of their session. Typically, when a person sees their hands with neat, beautifully shaped nails, they feel more attractive and collected.
Both Vanderpol and Prahm have gained a following from many students around Liberty and continue to pursue their passions and make people smile.
