Monday, November 17, 2014

The Nail School Chronicle: Introduction

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Hello Loves.  Today's post is a little different, but it is the start of something wonderful.  I generally don't post much about my personal life, but I feel like now is a great time to change that.  Why?  Well, because my personal life is about to do a complete 180!  After over 10 years in the field of database administration and marketing, I have decided to pursue my passion and am seeking my Nail Technology license.

I am now officially a full time Nail Technology Student at Georgia Career Institute.  Want to see some cheesy photos from Orientation on Friday?  lol  Our dress code is black on black with a blue apron that makes us easily recognizable as Nail Technology students.  I'm standing in front of the collage that all graduates sign on their way out of the school.  Seems like a great place to start my journey - in the same spot where I'll end it in 6 months.  :)
The Beginning of my Nail School Journey

That probably wasn't the best place to take a picture.  The overhead lighting shining on the board creates shadows.  I promise I don't have a mustache (even though it IS no shave November lol).  I guess I could have photoshopped it out, but "ain't nobody got time for that".  ;) 

Here's another shot that shows more of the board and my sexy apron.  I'm so awkward in photos.  I never know what to do with my hands.  I'll have to work on that so my graduation photo is fabulous. 
The Beginning of my Nail School Journey

The awkward pose kind of fits, I guess.  I look like I'm terrified.  In a way, I guess I am.  I'm both excited and terrified.  This will be a major career change for me.  After all, nails are a far cry from databases.  But that is only half of my nervousness.  GCI is 53 miles from home, meaning I'll be on the road for 2.5 hours a day.  That's not such a big deal, but it also means I'll be over an hour away from my children while I'm at school.  That freaks me out a little since my husband also commutes to work and is usually over an hour or more away too.  I keep telling myself it's only 6 months and my parents are local so they can step in and help if the kids need us, but its still very nerve racking.

So, why did I choose a school so far from home?  Two reasons.  First, there are no schools in my immediate area that offer Nail Technology.  There are two that do full cosmetology, but I just couldn't see going to school for a year when only 90 out of 1500 hours would focus on nails.  I want more training than that and I have no desire to do hair.  So I had to expand my search.  The closer you get to Atlanta, the more options you have.  There were a few schools that are a bit closer and certainly more that are cheaper, but GCI has a lot of qualities that drew my attention and enrollment.  Their reputation is outstanding and they cover the 600 hours required by the state of Georgia for licensing plus 20 additional hours on electric files.  Since so many techs destroy natural nails with electric files, I definitely want to get that training.  I was also completely blown away when I walked through the door.  I don't know what I was expecting, but I certainly didn't expect to walk into an upscale salon environment.  Check out the photos of the campus on GCI's Facebook page to see where I'll be studying four days a week for the next six months!  The photo below (borrowed from GCI's facebook page) shows the nail technology area where I'll be spending most of my time.
Nail Technology Area at GCI

So, what does this mean for my little slice of the internet here?  No worries.  I'll continue blogging just as I have for over a year now.  If I can blog while working full time, I can certainly blog while going to school for four days a week.  ;)  I am also starting a series - this series - The Nail School Chronicle.  I plan to post weekly updates on the topics we cover and my nail school experience.  I admit it, I have no clue what to expect.  So I figured I would share here so you might have a better idea if you're thinking of joining the nail technology field.  I hope you're as excited to read about it as I am to share it!

You may have noticed my nails in the head shot above.  Wanna see a closeup of what I wore to orientation?  I started with a base of Couture Gel Nail Polish in Runway and Ooh La La French.  I love this combination - both polishes apply beautifully.   I used three coats of each for this mani.  I topped the Ooh La La French nails with a thin layer of Couture Bubble Bath for the sparkle (the sparkle sadly got lost in the photo, but its very pretty in person).  I then stamped the middle and ring fingers with images from BM-619 from the new Bundle Monster CYO 2014 plate set.  I knew I had to have this set as soon as I saw these two images.  I mean, they're just perfect for the occasion!  The image for the "Keep Calm" nail has a nail polish bottle below the words, but it wouldn't fit since I recently filed my nails shorter.  I ended up with a crooked image that is slightly distorted, but I was able to cut the bottle off and just keep the words.  :)  I then used a thin detail brush to fill in the polish bottles with Runway.  What do you think?  Appropriate mani for the occasion?
Keep Calm and Polish on Manicure

~Michelle

*This post uses Amazon Affiliate Links.  Purchases through these links generate commissions that help fund this site.  The polishes used in the nail art were provided by Couture Gel Nail Polish for my honest review.


14 comments:

  1. Good luck...wishing you lots of success. I was in IT for 18 years until I quit 5 years ago to stay home with my kids. I often think of going to school to become a Nail Tech. I will watching your journey closely. :)

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  2. I am so excited for you. Good luck (not that you will need it) & have fun!

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  3. Kudoes for you - that is a bold move! I wish you all the very best. I personally (60+ yrs old here!) think that is quite a distance to travel, especially in winter, but I know you will take all appropriate care and measures. It is wonderful to have the support of your family in this new journey. I am looking forward to reading about your school experiences and your various lessons. So exciting! And your mani was so wonderful!

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  4. I'm really excited for this series and a chance to follow along with your new adventure! What a beautiful environment in which to go to school. Congrats!

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  5. Good for you! What a great new next step in your life. I check your site everyday and so I will enjoy your journey. Best, best of luck with your new adventure.

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  6. Congratulations on starting this new journey! Best of luck!

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  7. Best of luck to you in your new venture. I look forward to reading about your experience at school.

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  8. Congrats! You will be an amazing nail tech!

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  9. WOw! Good Luck!! I'll keep checking for updates!! You'll do great! ^_^

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  10. I look forward to reading about your experiences.

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  11. yay!!! I'm SO excited to read about your journey!

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  12. Congrats! I think it's awesome that you took the leap. Five years ago, I started a 6 YEAR degree program towards a new career (and I'm almost there!), so I can promise you that 6 months will absolutely FLY by...especially since you're doing what you love. I can't wait to see the beautiful results!

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  13. The little bottles are so cute! Good luck with your new studies!! :)

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  14. Wow, that is a huge move, but congratulations on making the decision and going for it. I hope it is all fun for you!

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