Prim Improper

If you’re wondering why you’re seeing my face, especially if you’ve never seen it before, it’s because I had no choice…😅😂

There’s a new content roster for us Monaco Nail Academy Accredited Training Partners, and on account of I’d skived off to Alaska during the team meeting where it was decided – I missed my opportunity to object 💀🤣

So here I am. Getting right out of my comfort zone and delivering you up some of my fave highlights from last month....

I whipped up north to see my bestie (and brand ambassador) Riiana Hohaia – and because I’m a massive fan of hitting ALL the birds with one stone, we organised a wee content colab with one of my gorgeous online students, Kaylah Studio Kay , as well.

I can confirm, I did manage to successfully:
✅️ stockpile heaps of cool content (stay posted for a lil BTS reel)
✅️ hook Rii up with an insanely gorgeous Matariki set
✅️ meet Kaylah and clock in with her study progress
✅️give her the ultimate mini masterclass for Prim Improper Nail Foils (which she nailed like an absolute pro – as you can see)
✅️AND cash in on some high quality puppy snugs with the latest addition to Rii’s whānau, Taimana (Diamond).

✈️ I also whipped down to Welly and linked with another one of my fabulous online students Ariana's enrolled in the Intro to Nail Technology (aka the whole 9 yards).

She was feeling a bit nervous about sitting her first online assessment, so I popped in to do a lil practice run with her. She did an INCREDIBLE job, and was ready to roll after we went through the marking schedule together.

Ariana is a dreamboat student – a straight A girly. She'll settle for nothing short of top marks every single time. If she passes her assessments with anything less than flying colours, she’s back again for round two. Mad respect for that commitment to excellence 🥇

One of my fave things about studying with Monaco is that you can keep resitting the assessments, and only your highest mark is ever recorded.

That is also excellent news for me, because as a Bronze Mentor, I need 3 students to achieve scores of 95% or higher in practical assessments to get a promotion to Silver Mentor 😎🏆

Ariana also makes her own cuticle oils, which are absolutely divine. She gifted me both of them (French Vanilla and Sweet Pea). Rii is now the proud owner of the French Vanilla one, because she can’t have crusty cuticles while she’s repping Prim Improper – but I just couldn’t part with the Sweet Pea. It’s so gorgeous I’m actually oiling my cuticles! 😌

If you’re toying with the idea of joining the nail game, and you’re on the hunt for a mentor, I am ALWAYS available for a French toast date at the Ormiston Café. Perfect for a lazy in-person yarn if you prefer that to email or a phone call. But you’re always welcome to hit me up for either of those as well, my contact deets are available right here https://monaco.ac.nz/caitlin-hoet/

My final highlight is...I did my own nails! 🎉

Both hands.
With designs.
For the FIRST TIME EVER!

I’ve never been able to scrape together enough f* to actually finish my dominant hand myself – I just go to one of the local girlies or whack on some press-ons 🤭

But, clearly I've jumped timelines, because not only did I do it – I REALLY enjoyed it.

It’s giving Confetti Princess.

And I am officially THAT GIRL now 🥳✨️

Thanks for coming to my TED talk! 😇

A little Matariki gift from us 🎁✨️

This month, we're popping in a free Te Mauri Huna sample with every order.

If you've been curious about the collection but haven't had a chance to try it yet, this is your sign 😉

Check her out on two of my favourite sets we've created so far:
✨ I_AM_Mahara x APPOINTMENT ONLY ☆ MAXIMALIST STUDIO AND NAIL ART
✨ R I I A N A x KAYLAH ✨ NAIL ARTIST

Honestly, seeing this design brought to life by different artists has been such a vibe. You can really feel their energy infused into these masterpieces.

Te Mauri Huna is only here for Matariki, so once July is gone, she's gone too 🫶🏽

And if you've got your heart set on something from the new Toimaikuku (Māori Nail Art) collection... the waitlist is open now too 👀✨

✨ NGĀ WHETŪ O MATARIKI ✨

Some stories take years to find their next form.

Ten years ago,Terangi Roimata Kutia-Tataurangi began creating a series of hand-painted Toimaikuku (Māori nail art) designs inspired by the nine whetū of Matariki and Rehua, after being deeply moved by Professor Rangi Matamua's book, Matariki – The Star of the Year.

Over the years, these designs have been worn by many wāhine that have deeply resonated with them. Refined and personalised. Painted by hand. Shared through connection. Carried from one season to the next.

And now, this Matariki, they begin a new chapter.

For Terangi, seeing this collection evolve and take on a new life embodies everything that Matariki and this collection is about - reflection, celebration and looking to the future. As a ringatoi (artist) who has dedicated her career to specialising in this mahi, it’s also about the continuation and innovation of Toimaikuku (Māori nail art).

For me, helping to bring this collection to life has been an honour and a privilege. Transforming it into a new medium where it can reach even more wāhine, nail artists and creators throughout Aotearoa and beyond has been incredibly special.

It's not just about creating beautiful nail art products.

It's about helping our stories travel.

It's about creating space for Māori artists to share their gifts in new ways and impact even more people.

It's about honouring the kaupapa, while allowing it to evolve.

This collection truly embodies the essence of Matariki.

A reminder to honour those who came before us, celebrate where we stand today, and dream boldly about what comes next.

If you've ever wished you could wear Terangi's artwork, this is for you…

Our waitlist is now open for those who feel called to these whetū and the stories they carry.

Our waitlist whānau will receive early access to the collection, along with a little something special from us before public launch on 17th July 2026 🫶🏽

Mānawatia a Matariki ✨
Terangi & Caiti

My girl is on a roll with these bangin Matariki sets!!

Classy af 💯