Beauty File: Interview With Celeb Manicurist Pattie Yankee

Pattie Yankee

Meet Pattie Yankee, celebrity nail designer in our Q&A!

NAILPRO: What was your first job in the industry?
Pattie Yankee: I was a hand model for a nail technician in Florida who later convinced me to go to nail school.

I am inspired by…
Almost everything I see and often while in prayer or at church.

My proudest accomplishment is…
My son Devin, of course, and the amazing young man he has grown to be! The first time Katy Perry tweeted the nails I did for her was a proud moment, too.

My most embarrassing moment was…
When one of my celebrity singer clients sent me home in the middle of her manicure because I had a cold and I sneezed. She was about to go on tour and couldn’t risk getting sick. I was in the green room of a popular morning television show and I will never forget the way I felt: It was awful! I cried the entire two hour ride home.

My favorite type of music is…
Contemporary Christian music, including Hillsong and Jesus Culture.

Are you a morning or night person?
Definitely night! My usual bedtime is 3 a.m. because I often leave my salon at midnight after working on clients.

My most treasured possession is…
My son, even though, technically, he isn’t a possession! Other than him, it’s my signature polish line that I have been blessed to use at New York Fashion Week.

My favorite food is…
I’m obsessed with Mexican food!

I am most afraid of…
Not being perfect at my craft and pleased with the finished product.

I can’t discuss nails without…
Examining everyone’s nails around me!

My favorite movie is…
An oldie but goodie, Coming to America. It makes me laugh every time I watch it!

Describe your perfect day…
A day when everything runs on time and smoothly because that rarely happens to me. I’m always racing against time!
 

Katy Perry NailsPattie’s work for Katy Perry!

[Images: Pattie Yankee]

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