NAIL TECH TALK: Anna-Lena Pickel of Ena
By Callie Iley | 17 July 2021 | Feature, Tech Talk
Scratch chats to Anna-Lena Pickel of Ena about expressing herself through nail art and mental health…
My training is the typical pandemic nail tech story. In Winter 2020, I got my certificate for manicure and gel manicure at Nails Pro Academy. It also started to become my therapy, my creative output. I’ve struggled with my mental health since mid 2018. I was out of work and was worried about what job I could do, until I started doing nails. I had to pause between January to April 2021, because I went to a special clinic in that time, but I started to realise that I can see a future as a nail tech for myself.
I would say that I’m really versatile in my own style. I’m always open to create a simple and delicate flower design, but I also love to create a loaded 3d design. I love to create designs that relate to how I feel. Abstract designs are always a good way to express myself.
I try to stay open minded and let myself get inspired by everything. I find inspiration in fashion, jewellery, patterns – everything. Instagram is one of the best sources for inspiration, because of all the amazing artists in the nail industry. I follow a lot of awesome artists from all around the world and each and every one of them inspire me in some form.
If I had to describe myself as a colour, I think it would be green, because it relates to balance and harmony. From a colour psychology perspective, it’s the great balancer of the heart and the emotions, creating equilibrium between the head and the heart. I’m still learning to get my head and heart to work together but I do my best. Green is also the colour of growth, Spring and renewal. It’s the sanctuary away from the stresses of modern living, restoring us back to a sense of well being. Green is an emotionally positive colour, giving us the ability to love and nurture ourselves and others unconditionally. It’s a natural peacemaker. Not only does green resemble my personality the best, it’s also one of my favourite colours.
“Since I struggle with mental health problems, I always have to be aware of my stress level and always try to recharge as much as my body and mind needs.”
The most exciting thing about the nail industry to me is that there isn’t any limits to what you can create. There are so many different techniques. Nail art is a whole universe – everybody has their own style. In my opinion, Germany is a little behind in terms of tools and openness to new nail trends trends.
If I wasn’t doing nails, I think I would do another creative job – but I’m really sure what exactly, because nails are definitely my thing! I’d also love to do more for mental health awareness.