Many times, the people that work behind the scenes making the scene rarely get recognized for their work. SociaLifeChicago will spotlight the amazing people that make you and your event look great.
Rashida B. is a fashion manicurist represented by Artists by Timothy Priano Chicago. Miami
How did you get started?
I’ve been in the beauty industry since 2001 as an Aesthetician, makeup artist & eyelash extensionist. I did that for 6 or 7 years then I began to notice a trend developing in nail art. Doing further research I came upon a magazine article about a nail design technique called Minx. I realized there wasn’t that much information about it and it was very exclusive, at that point in time it was Beyonce’s thing. So I enrolled in nail school in order to perfect that craft. My main focus there was to learn about minx.
What is Minx?
Minx is a solid nail coating alternative to polish. It’s a bit like shrinkwrap for your fingernails. Any pattern, design color you can think of for your nails, you can get it Minxed.
Nail Art will continue to dominate the industry
How did you get signed to your agency-Artists by Timothy Priano?
Minx is actually what got me signed to the agency-a lot of people didn’t know that. After nail school I was in search of an Agent. One day I was on twitter and Minx tweeted about a shoot that needed a minx specialist. It was an assignment for Elite models now Factor Women and they were preparing fashion week shoots for their models. It was a 2 day unpaid shoot but they covered my minx supply. The booking agents for Factor Women were also at the shoot and they put me in contact with one of their Talent Agent. Prior to meeting with her I didn’t have a full portfolio but I had photos from some of my recent work such as: the book launch for Celebrity hairstylist Keith Campbell where I had the opportunity to customize Minx for Adrienne Bailon, who was hosting the event. I had some pictures from that event along with the ones from the Minx shoot. After meeting with the Talent Agent, I was offered a contract.
What was your first assignment with the Agency?
My first assignment with Artists by Timothy Priano was an Instyle magazine cover shoot with Carrie Underwood for their Holiday issue. My second was to do the nails of models for an Oprah Winfrey Show segment featuring White by Vera Wang for David’s Bridal during the course of that day I was also asked to do Vera Wang’s nails-INSANE!
How does time management factor into your process on a photo shoot?
You get in there and you work. With nails you are one of the first people on set with the talent.
You don’t want to have anyone waiting on you. Usually you are doing nails while they are doing hair and makeup, your time management is to get the job done well and quick.
What is the preparation like prior to a shoot/event?
It depends on who/what you are shooting. If it’s a celebrity, you have very little or no say unless you are that celebrity’s personal manicurist. If they ask for your input, you give it. For a magazine cover prior to the shoot I will research past covers of that publication to make sure I have a better understanding of what to prepare. I also try and find recent photographs of that celebrity to get an idea of their nails.
If you are doing a creative shoot, there’s a bit more input you can give. They will show you what the wardrobe, lookboard, and makeup concept the day of the shoot. You make sure you are properly prepared with your kit.
What are some of the challenges you face working behind the scenes?
The challenge is usually booking the shoot, building your portfolio. Majority of the challenges I face occur prior to the shoot but I did have one recently during an assignment.
It was a large event for a store opening here in Chicago; we had 16 models, 13 of them were female who had to have their nails polished and 4 of those needed to have their toes painted as well. The client had a custom color they wanted to use on the models but they only had 1 bottle of polish. We made it work of course and the client was pleased.
If you were not in this industry, what would you be doing?
A chef! Either an interior decorator or a chef, definitely a chef. I love to cook. I don’t bake much except for my peach cobbler but I love to cook.
What dream publication would you want your work featured?
American Vogue, Vogue Italia and ELLE UK
Dream Photoshoot?
Naomi Campbell would be the model, Annie Leibovitz is the photographer and the shoot takes place at her new home on Cleopatra’s Island in Turkey, gifted to her by her Russian Billionaire boyfriend.
If you could do it over, what resources would you consider before venturing out to become a fashion manicurist?
I don’t think I would do anything differently. Each step I took to this point was what was meant to be. If I had moved to New York I might not have gotten the opportunities/gigs I’ve been fortunate to work on.
What are some of the perks of being in the industry?
It’s definitely not popping champagne and having fun backstage. Seeing my work credited in a magazine and being known for my work is the greatest reward.
What are some of your interest outside of work?
Chasing after my son, who just turned 1 and is walking now.
How do you keep up with the trends in your industry?
Trade publications, having good relationships with vendors and the brands, watching the fashion shows because they are a great indicator of what’s next to come. Pantone.
What are some things you are looking forward to this year?
New business, some new projects I am working on, traveling and partnerships.
There was a New York Times article about Vênsette, do you think Chicago is ready for this kind of service?
Although we have a great deal of well-heeled Chicagoans, the standards in New York are different from Chicago. However, I think Chicago is very close to being ready for it.
In fact, I’ve recently launched two projects that will change the way people look at events from the beauty/fashion perspective as well as how they perceive their personal beauty services and the service providers. The first project, The Fashion Manicurist, creates an interactive fashion forward way to include branding in beauty event services. It is more than showing up to a brand’s event and receiving a boring complimentary manicure that does very little to evoke any feelings about the brand. My beauty event branding concept will have the guests at the event thinking of the brand not only the next day but days to follow. In short my project will provide branding opportunities for a vast range of events not just beauty.
My second project Nip+Pluck is a luxe mobile beauty service will have you thinking twice before rushing off to a crowed salon for brow and nail services. In beauty, house and/or office call is the new black. I’ve been providing house call services for a discerning set of clients since 2005. It is very common in New York and Miami. It’s recently becoming requested more often in Chicago.
How can a new client reach you?
Most of my clients are referred by a current client or you can reach me via Nip+Pluck. For editorial gig,contact my agent 😉
What advice can you give someone looking to follow your path?
Hustle, hustle, do your research, align with brands that are aligned with your philosophy and get to know them inside and out.
pictures: Factor women,wireimage,popsugar
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