Nailed by Stef

Spring polka dots ⚫️⚪️
…seeing this is the ‘26 spring trend. Pinterest inspired.
& seen .sarah wearing them for Coachella this weekend 👀

Had to do @323.cherry clown set that was featured on last year 🤡 love this set!

Brown set for fall 🤎🍁
Nails ready for fall but Toronto weather ain’t

Man, what the hell of a year it’s been…

August 27th marked year 2️⃣ that I’ve been a licensed nail tech/artist. This year personally and in business has been tough. I had many goals and ideas for my business at year 2, but life decided I needed to remember time is precious. I had a lot of loss, my studio lost love. My creativity was lost, my motivation depleted. Months I couldn’t sit at my desk, I missed my Bun 🐰 watching me as I did nails and I missed *him* supporting me to do something different. I thought many times I should just give up, stop doing nails. “No one wants me to do their nails, what would it matter?” Full transparency, I made less than $300 in profit this year. Marketing myself was impossible when my heart was broken. But now as I’m healing and changing into a new person…

🚫NO! I won’t quit. I started doing my own nails when I was 18, when my money went to college and making memories. At age 33, I decided in this economy now, making passive income is important - it was time for me to finally get into the service/beauty industry after a decade thinking about it. My first year, I did free sets to practice. Second year, I realized the free sets I gave didn’t lead to paid business. I’ve realizing now, that I shouldn’t be begging for support. I shouldn’t accept being compared to full-time salons and their experience in being quick. I’m still learning! This isn’t my day job - it’s a hobby I love. Those who support you will support you. Those who care about your growth will provide you with feedback. I will find a community that wouldn’t hesitate to understand I’m learning and give me an opportunity.

Special thanks to for always finding a way for me to get in my desk and being my #1 supporter❤️ There is still a lot I’m learning as a new entrepreneur. I will continue working at my new business ideas and continue education. The picture reflects Year 2️⃣, healing my heart and pushing myself to not give up in my business. Also gel polishes that I love and meeting 🥰

This isn’t the end of nailed_bystef
(& yes, I’m a left-handed nail tech)

Happy Pride Month!
…rocking these nails this year 🌈🧿

Blue bubbles 🫧
…also luck for the Leafs playing tonight

Go Leafs Go!

Wedding season is around the corner 💍
…to all the brides, have you booked your nail appt for the big day yet?

How cute is this set?

Grapefruit + flower set 🌸
…been awhile since I did 3D fruit art

I had to do my fav colour 💜🦋

Been into blue lately 🩵

Pastel ombré French tips for Easter 🐥💐
…Happy Easter everyone! Enjoy the long weekend