Meet the Nail Technician: Marina Balyan

If you have any doubt that a beauty school degree can open up a world of opportunity for you, a conversation with Marina Balyan is sure to cast your doubts away. Marina credits her 20-year career as a nail technician with having taught her perfect English, helped her to raise four daughters, exposed her to places she's never been, and led to dozens of wonderful friendships.

Nail Technician Schools: Getting Started

Q. How did you get started as a nail technician?

A. My entire family is in the beauty business. I come from Armenia which is where I went to beauty school. I earned my license there. When I came to the United States, 20 years ago, I spoke little English, but I thought I could manage in this career. I applied for a cosmetology license in the state of California (nowadays California confers a manicurist license as well). My training and skills were good. I had the required hours and I passed the exams, paid the license fee, and was able to continue working.

When I later moved with my family to Arizona, I applied for license reciprocity. Every state has different license requirements. In Arizona, you must submit certification of hours and proof of graduation or licensure in another state, and if they feel you have enough experience, you can get your license to work there.

Q. What led you to your specialty of nail technician?

A. I have a cosmetology license, which also covers nail care, and I chose nails. I just love nails more than hair. Nail products change, so I have a bit of learning to do here and there. For instance, no one was doing pink and white [French] nails when I started. Also, we didn't use drills before. Drills are good because you don't use your arm too much. So there is learning over time. But if you find products and techniques you love and your clients are happy, you are pretty well set.

Nail Technician Careers: A Family-Friendly Business

Q. What do you like best about your job?

A. I can't think of anything I don't like about it! It's been rewarding in every way. When I started out, I worked part-time because my kids were little. So I love the flexibility. It's wonderful. I can bend my time any way I want.

As a single mother of four daughters, working in a salon has big benefits. When my kids were little, they'd often come to work with me on Saturdays and they socialized a lot with my clients.

Also, it's amazing how much I've learned from my clients. You learn about everything from medical to social to business things. Even my English got better. It's just wonderful talking to so many people. I have a client who's a therapist, she has three degrees, and when she comes to me she says, "Now I'm getting my therapy." They get their therapy from me. Ninety percent of my clients have become my good friends.

Q. What is your typical day like?

A. I rent my own station at the Millennium Day Spa and Salon in Scottsdale, Arizona where I've been for 3 years. I do my own appointments, and make my own hours. Right now I'm working 6 days a week. Some days I put in long hours, from 8am to 8pm, but other days I may work only 5 hours. I can get as much work as I want, which in this economy, is a real blessing. And I don't feel like I'm working. I go to work with smiles. I'm having fun.

Q. What advice do you have for others who are considering nail technician school?

A. I can't recommend it enough! Three of my daughters have gone to beauty school, and they love it. My oldest daughter, Rita who's now 22, started while she was still in high school--she took evening classes at her high school. What I really like about the beauty school here is that you work on actual clients before you go out in the working world, and the teachers help you with every step.

I've done very well, I own my house, and with experience you can learn to do even better by adjusting your pricing and learning about new products and techniques. I've been very happy with my career and recommend beauty school and the opportunities it brings.