Nail Tech Talk: Maja Bakic of Rose Nail Art

Scratch chats to Maja Bakic of Rose Nail Art about the creative process behind her nail designs and the importance of advancing skills as a tech…

“I studied sociology and have been working in fields of art and culture, but over time, my interest faded,” Maja recalls. “I felt the need to perform manual work in order to express myself, which matched with my desire to wear interesting nails.

“In my town, I couldn’t find anyone to create the nails I wanted. So, I decided to create them myself! I got my nail training with Crystal Nails educator in Montenegro and also completed a few online courses.”

“The sky’s the limit when it comes to nail designs. I notice that I have phases when it comes to creating nail art – sometimes I’ll be experimenting with blooming gel, sometimes with chrome, sometimes with a particular shade,” she reveals. “It really depends on my mood and the mood of my client. I always think of the designs as interactions.

“I must admit that French nails are definitely at the bottom of my list, I find it a bit boring. I strongly believe nails should be fun.”

“It is necessary to anticipate the client’s vibe and preferences for nail art, and at the same time, express yourself as a creator.”

“I find inspiration for nails everywhere,” Maja enthuses. “I’ll find it nature, patterns, art, and fashion. It can also be from a client’s dress or a ring, sometimes a mural or a painting, or even a book cover.

“Sometimes clients will bring their own nail inspo for me from Pinterest.”

“I want to advance in my career, I am my own biggest critic and always overthink my work.

“It can get me down that I live and work in a small country, and it’s hard to keep up with nail products, since often products are not even delivered here,” she shares. “I plan to take a nail art course with Vanity Projects, since I love everything they do.”

“My mentor noticed my struggle to create a perfect nail. She was wise and experienced enough to warn me that it’s not necessary in salon work. Small imperfections we nail techs see – they are not seen by clients.

“It’s good that we notice them, we can improve ourselves, but we don’t have time nor are we paid enough in the salon to make them perfect as they would be in a nail competition,” Maja notes. “Although I always do my best to make a perfect set, her words often cross my mind.”

“I enjoy the creative process that nails involve. I love to interact with my clients and see the satisfaction, and to come up with original ideas.

“During our sessions clients and I exchange energy, we talk, we laugh, listen to music, we share something genuine and that’s what really makes me fulfilled,” she beams. “It’s definitely not just nails, it’s the whole process.”

“My best advice to an aspiring tech would be to do your thing!” Maja smiles. “You don’t have to know all the techniques, and you don’t have to be liked or acknowledged by everyone.

“Just do what you love, find one area you can express yourself in, and don’t give up. Don’t give up if you had a bad day, even if there are clients who don’t like you.”

“You should always keep on pushing as a nail tech, and you will find the ones who like you and appreciate your work.”

“At some point as a nail tech, you naturally feel that you have to advance – you have reached your limit and you need something new.

“You don’t want to be stuck in the stone age,” she laughs. “There are constantly new things coming up, new nail equipment, new products, new techniques, trends – you want your clients to feel you’re improving your service, you’re offering new things, and you’re advancing your skills.”

Follow Maja on Instagram, here.