Welcome to NAILPRO’s Nailed Down! where we “nail down” nail artists and technicians from our User Galleries and get to know them and their amazing work!
This week we visit Orlando, Florida.
Meet Paula Simmons:
Where do you work?
I own a small spa called “A Royal Pampering” that specializes in nails, massage and waxing.
How would you describe yourself?
Personable, driven, and artistic. I also love to cook and take impulsive weekend getaways with my two teenage boys. I can’t sit still for a minute. I’m always on the go.
How did you get started in the nail industry?
When I first moved to the states from England in 1991, I saw my first set of acrylic nails. I was very intrigued at how you could build a perfect length of even nails. After getting my own nails done and watching their technique, I started practicing on my own nails. I attended class soon afterwards and the rest is history.
What/Who inspires your work?
Definitely nature. I love being outdoors and always enjoy how it stimulates my senses.
Are there any tools you can’t live without?
I have a trusty pterygium pusher I purchased about 20 years ago. It’s stainless steel with a perfectly angeled head. Works wonders with dead cuticles and removing gel polish, too. Haven’t found one quite like it since.
What is your favorite technique/style?
I do love to do Ombre. But generally I would say my most popular service is gel nails. I’m a perfectionist and always try to top my last set done.
What is your craziest/funniest nail story?
One of my regular clients was sitting across from me while I was working on her nails. We were busy chatting away as we usually did. When she suddenly calls my attention: “Paula, Paula, your shoulder…” I turned my head and looked at my shoulder and there sat a roach the size of a grasshopper with long tentacles. I let out a scream, smacked my shoulder insanely, leapt back out of my chair and literally fell on the floor. My client immediately jumped up and stomped on it! We laughed hysterically for the remainder of her manicure, and yes, she still comes to see me. LOL
What tip can you offer other nail technicians?
Never lose focus of your goals. I never thought I could literally make a living, doing what I would do for free every day. I have pursued various degrees and jobs over the years, trying to find my career direction. When my future was there all along. I simply had to return to school to obtain my Massage license and Esthetician license to make myself more marketable. I now offer a simple menu of massage, waxing and nails with solid training and years of experience. I am now my own boss and have absolutely no regrets on my journey to get where I am today.
You can find Paula Simmons on the web:
In the NAILPRO User Gallery: A Royal Pampering
Website: www.aroyalpampering.com
Instagram: aroyalpampering
Pinterest: A royal pampering
Facebook: A Royal Pampering
Linked In: Paula Simmons
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Would you like to be featured in NAILED DOWN? Post images of your nail art to our User Gallery. We’ll be highlighting outstanding artists based on those submissions! (minimum six pictures to qualify for consideration) NAILPRO reserves the right to edit submissions for length, grammar and clarity.
