#NowTrending: White crystal nails by Ashleigh Rene Owens
By Callie Iley | 16 February 2021 | Feature, Tech Talk
Scratch chats to Ashleigh Rene Owens of Nails With Ashleigh, Denver, USA, about the nail art planning process & how she created this striking crystal design…
“In 2011, I began doing manicures for my family and friends. What started as a hobby became my career after I realised that I needed to do something I love in order to thrive in life. I have been a qualified nail tech since 2018, and I have loved every moment of it – even the most challenging times.
“I chose the artistic path of doing nails because it’s fun and fulfilling. I love nail art and I tend to think outside of the box when I plan my designs.”
“I don’t have a signature style yet. I have created a wide range of designs but I haven’t centred in on one type of style to call my own. My favourite products to use are thermal colour paint, the Apres Gel-X system, and I especially love the Clear Jelly Stamper. I like that you can create layered designs with it. I even use the stamps to guide my hand-drawn art.
“The design below came to fruition after scanning the aisles at a craft store, looking for something unique to display online. I was going for simple yet memorable. Many of my designs are solely for show, and are not intended to wear during everyday tasks. For example, I once attached a piece of incense to the back of my nail so it would look like my nails were smoking in a recorded video. I think of many of my designs as pieces you would see in an art gallery.
“I love planning designs because I get so excited when I’m buying supplies and collaborating with clients. When we combine our ideas, the client is sure to leave with a really fun set. Buying products is definitely one of the best bits, I feel like a kid in a toy store!
“The highlight of my career so far was last October when there was an article in a local magazine called ‘How Denver Artist Ashleigh Owens Made Her Artistic Dream a Reality’. I was so happy about being featured in the article because I have worked so hard over the past few years, and it feels good to be recognised by the amazing people in my city.
“In the future, I hope to build a community among nail techs in my city and beyond. There are enough clients, money and success for all of us, and we are better when we work together.”