Dana Cecil on why entering a competition helped her nail career
By Sophie Nutt | 28 February 2020 | Expert Advice, Feature
A lifelong passion for nails, positive attitude and fearless nature has seen Dana Cecil open her own salon, Nail Junkie, and rank seventh and fifth in two Next Top Nail Artist (NTNA) competitions, run by Nails magazine. With an inspiring project in the pipeline, Dana sees the future as a chance to grow and continues to fully embrace every opportunity that comes her way.
When asked ‘why nails?‘, Dana admits to having no clear answer yet trusts it is her calling. “I truly believe that I am blessed enough to have been placed exactly where I’m supposed to be,” beams Dana. “Maybe ‘nails’ isn’t even the reason. Maybe it was for the relationships I have gained, and will gain. I love my clients and they are all such good friends to me now. I can’t imagine not doing this for a living: I am honestly hooked on doing nails. I look forward to Mondays when I can head back to work!”
It’s this enthusiasm and desire that has seen Dana continuously grow her Nail Junkie brand, placing twice in the esteemed Nails NTNA competition and open a new location for other techs similar to herself. Dubbing these moments as her greatest achievements, Dana exclaims, “All of these things have shown me what I am capable of and show me that I can do anything I put my mind to.”
“If you put yourself out there, only one of two things can happen: you get through, or you don’t. If you do, enjoy the rush, if you don’t, continue to work harder,” – Dana Cecil.
Dana competed and ranked top seven in season four of NTNA before returning to compete and rank top five the following series, crediting the competition for her growth in recent years. “If you are passionate about your career in the nail industry, and want to grow, you have got to get yourself out there,” urges Dana. “I have grown so much in five years – my favourite saying is, ‘don’t just put your foot in the door. Barge through the door!‘
Dana’s passion for nail competitions has in turn given her the opportunity to grow into a confident and talented technician, offering the opportunity to grow into a confident and talented technician, offering the platform to help and encourage fellow techs like herself to succeed. So, what is her top piece of advice to techs that ask her about competing? Dana reveals, “Just do it! What do you have to lost? If you put yourself out there, only one of two things can happen: you get through, or you don’t. If you do, enjoy the rush, if you don’t, continue to work harder. Your career won’t be over; it’ll just be the beginning.”
Check out Dana’s work here and here!
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