NAIL TECH TALK: Nailympia Orlando winner, Kierra White

By Rose Moggridge

A licenced cosmetologist since January 2019, Kierra White of Jacksonville, USA, slipped sideways into nail art and grooming after her passion for this beauty genre was ignited.

Captivated by the fact that a nail artist can express their own vision of art on a nail, Kierra chose to explore this avenue more acutely. Being further drawn in by childhood memories of time spent painting and manicuring her grandmother’s nails, Kierra knew she’d found her life path through nailcare and colour.

Excited to put her skills to the test early on, Kierra signed up to the first edition of Nailympia Orlando in June 2019 and was rewarded with two medals. Returning in June 2022 to the same arena, Kierra took home gold for Division 2 Runway Nails, silver in the Invent a Nail Shape and bronze in The Joy of Nails.

These accolades so early on in a nail career would make any nail tech smile, however a further career high was realised when R&B musician, Erykah Badu, noticed her Instagram content and commissioned Kierra for a set of press-on nails.

Affirming mustard yellow to be her favourite nail shade, the experimental and quirky Kierra lives to build, sculpt and create funky freestyle sets of nails, after inspiration jumps from the wings to bite her. “I find inspiration everywhere,” she cites. “From colours and textures to wall art, unique shapes and materials, then I put it all together to create something beautiful and unusual on the nail.”

A walking advertisement for her unique nail styling, Kierra keeps her own nails in funky, fun colours, almond shaped and mid-length, however all 10 fingers are rarely seen in the same colour. Freely admitting she feels nail trends have now moved into a groovy, long almond shaped era, sporting various shades of French tip and swirls, Kierra does believe it’s exciting times for nail artists the world over. Enthused by the colours and textures that hair and make-up also afford, Kierra relays, “If I was not in the nail industry, I’d be doing avant garde hairstyles for runway models or fashion designers. I just love to think, work and create outside the box when it comes to beauty and fashion.”

Embracing change in the nail industry with a positive attitude and creative flair, Kierra has noted a new career nail path that suits her soul and allows for her distinctive styling, in the form of press-on nails. Already retailing these nail sets around the world, Kierra is focusing on moving her direction down this path, and hoping to become a full-time session runway nail stylist.

As is true of many, the pandemic took its toll on Kierra’s loyal clientele and with some unable to now travel to her for regular services, she’s been forced to explore the concept of press-on nails as an addition to her repertoire. Quickly recognising the advantages of selling her nail designs far and wide, Kierra has since wholeheartedly embraced the idea and is growing her business in this direction.

Advising all aspiring nail artists to, “Always stay true to your passion and make time to improve by learning new skills,” self-taught nail artist, Kierra makes sure she watches and learns from industry veterans and trailblazers. One such industry figure is CND’s Jan Arnold, who she cites as an idol for her innovative and unique approach and demeanour. Just like Kierra, Jan’s one of a kind style, inspires Kierra to continue to ‘stand out from the crowd’.

Keen to break into the session world, Kierra is hoping her recent success at Nailympia Orlando will get her work noticed, help her move forward in her career goals and open new and exciting doors in the nail community. Balancing motherhood and a nail career is second nature and coupled with a deep sense of self, by starting each day with a meditation and gratitude session. “The thing that thrills me most about life is creating and evolving. Every day there’s a new opportunity to break more ground and set new goals to grow,” Kierra smiles. “The key to my success thus far has been originality and consistency; I don’t believe in giving up, I advise anyone in the nail field to keep going; the industry has so much to offer.”