Leonkowa nails

How did a wedding nail appointment turn into me gaining a Cool Auntie in Washington? 😂

Shona was born in America 🇺🇸 but came to Belfast with her mum when she was little. She grew up here, went to school here, met her best friend here and eventually moved back to the States. Years later, she came back for that same best friend’s wedding 💍, found me online and decided she wanted me to do her nails for the occasion. And honestly… I’m so glad she did.

I took one look at her and thought yep, Cool Auntie. She sat down and within about five minutes we were laughing, taking the p**s and talking absolute nonsense. There was just an instant vibe there. She normally doesn’t wear nails because she runs her restaurant, Shona’s Café in US 🇺🇸🍽️, and she originally wanted a regular Almond for the wedding. I asked if she’d consider a Russian Almond instead… and the second she heard the name, that was it. She didn’t need to know anything else. Russian Almond sounded good, so Russian Almond it was. 😂

Before she left, she told me she’d see me next year. Fast forward a bit and she’s now back in Washington sending me photos of her nails 🥹🌎

And honestly, I just really loved meeting this woman. You meet so many people through this job, but every now and then someone comes along who you just instantly click with. Different country, different life, completely random meeting… and somehow you spend a couple of hours acting like you’ve known each other forever.

So yes, Shona. I’ll see you next year. Your Cool Auntie status is officially secured 🖤