NAIL TECH TALK: Nathalia Baker of Nat Baker Nails
By Callie Iley | 20 November 2021 | Feature, Tech Talk
Scratch chats to Nathalia Baker of Nat Baker Nails about finding inspiration for nail art and her best advice for aspiring techs…
I always loved the beauty industry and really enjoyed painting my nails, for me this was the most therapeutic part of the day. In 2019, I had the opportunity to make this hobby my job and I don’t have any regrets. I love how you are able to express yourself with your nails. Whatever design the client asks for tells me a little bit about their personality. You can create so many different things and make someone feel good about themselves. It’s priceless!
I’m in love with the whole creation process. I want to be known as someone who can do classic designs as well as quirky ones. I’m in love with the abstract designs, which are unique every time you create them.
Over the past months I think we’ve all started to show more love for our hands, and for me, cuticle oil is a must! I love all the different scents from NAF! Stuff. Since I moved from my home country, Brazil, I noticed a big change in my skin as the weather is so different here, so I’ve been trying different hand creams which is a big help. I’m also loving a good hand scrub – my hands feel so soft and my skin loves it, too!
Over the past four years, I’ve been helping my husband with his wedding photography business. If I wasn’t doing nails, I would probably be spending more time looking into that. This actually helped a lot when I was building my portfolio, as taking detailed shots is the best way to show off your work.
My best tip for aspiring techs is very cliche but I’d say to focus on yourself and don’t compare yourself to others. Everyone’s circumstances are different, work hard and always give your best, put your heart into it. Do not focus on numbers, I know they can be important but keep creating and they will come. Social media is one of the most important tools, so take good photos. You don’t need an expensive camera to be able to do it – a good light and a good set up will be enough.
“It’s so important to learn from others. If they are able to have views, likes and followers it’s usually because they are doing something right.”
Don’t just copy, be creative even if you didn’t fall in love with what you designed at first, this will help you to improve. Keep practicing as much as you can.
I find inspiration everywhere. From patterns I see on plates and cushions, to simple shapes in nature. I love scribbling designs in my sketch book and bringing them to life. I hope people can use my work as inspiration and continue developing my brand to set new trends. I’d also love to be able to teach some of the techniques I have learned in the UK to other nail techs in Brazil.